Lisa Worthey Smith, author, writing and speaking coach/consultant: Deborah Haddix, Engaging the Scripture: Encountering God in the Pages of His Word

Engaging the Scripture:

Encountering God in the Pages of His Word

by Deborah Haddix

The Bible is one of God's greatest gifts to His people. It's a gift that is vital to the health of our soul. Yet many of us are missing out on many of the benefits of this amazing gift because we don't feel that we know how to read it for understanding. Engaging the Scripture explores 5 ways a reader can learn to interact with the text of the Bible, encountering God.

What will readers gain from this?

Engaging the Scripture was written as a resource for helping to equip and encourage women to read the Bible for themselves.

Who will benefit from Engaging the Scripture?

Anyone of any age or experience can benefit from Engaging the Scripture. It will be particularly beneficial to those who feel ill-equipped to read the Bible on their own or tend to read it on a surface level and to all who wish to know God more intimately.

Sample

The words of the Bible are living and active:

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12-13

Scripture revives our soul and makes the truth known:

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7

It equips us for service:

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The words of Scripture form us into one who can stand strong in the battle:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

The Bible instructs us, encourages us, and helps us endure.

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

It helps us come to know God:

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3

Spend some additional time in Psalm 119, a chapter replete with the benefits of Scripture! In this one chapter alone, you will find that Scripture nourishes the soul (v. 25), convicts (v. 29), redirects our wayward gaze (v. 37), fills us with hope (v. 49), comforts (v. 50), prompts our praise (v. 62), reassures (v. 75), fosters love (v. 97), leads to wisdom (v. 100), feeds the hungry soul (v. 103), strengthens the weary (v. 107), guards and protects (v. 115), assures us of our inheritance (v. 123), lifts the discouraged (v. 147), and offers peace (v. 165).

All this and more are true of this precious gift of Scripture. Yet perhaps the chief reason the Bible is crucial to the nourishing of our soul is that when we spend time in Scripture, we encounter God. In fact, every time we come to the Bible, we can meet God; we can come to know Him more.

Spending time in the Bible is like stepping into God’s house; we can learn so much about Him by visiting his “home.” Similarly, if you were to step into my house, you would learn much about me from what you notice there. For instance, the many books on the shelves would tell you that I enjoy reading. Toys and sippy cups would be indicators that young children are frequently in my home, and all the photos of my family on display would speak of their value to me. It is the same with the Bible. Everything is there, within its pages, because God desires it to be.

The Importance of Scripture to Jesus

Not only is Scripture of utmost importance to us today, God’s Word tells us of its significance to Jesus as He walked this earth:

“But he answered, ‘It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by

every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

In essence, Scripture provided His life mission statement. Through it, He was strengthened to resist Satan’s temptations and taught to compose the Lord’s Prayer. Scripture inspired His wisdom and helped Him to endure the agony of the cross. It was Jesus’ intimacy with God’s words that empowered Him to overcome by the love of the Father and the power of the Spirit.

Just as Scripture was of most importance to Jesus as He walked the earth, it is vital to the health of our soul today. Whether we truly understand just how vital, most of us desire to spend time in God’s Word. As children of the King, we want to know His will and to have His Word inform our lives. We want to know Him and to live transformed lives. Yet, we struggle.

Book Trailer

About the Author

As a writer, speaker, and Christian life coach, Deborah Haddix helps empower women to embrace God’s design for their life. Her newly published Engaging the Scripture: Encountering God in the Pages of His Word as well as her previous books: Journaling for the Soul, Praying with Purpose, and Soul Nourishment are all examples of how Deborah comes alongside women to encourage them with practical ideas and ready resources as they carry out their God-designed roles.

Deborah is passionate about encouraging and equipping Christian women to live more joyful and abundant lives in a world turned upside down. She writes, blogs, speaks, and coaches on topics of specific interest to today’s busy woman. In conjunction with those topics, she endeavors to provide relevant, easy-to-navigate resources and to deliver stimulating and engaging events.