Good morning my friends! What a beautiful day! This morning I was reflecting back on the last several years of my life, and I realized the ONE fundamental change that God made in my life.
Almost five years ago, on June 23, 2014, God gave me the desire to read the Word of God every single day.
I was on summer break from my college classes, and God laid it on my heart to read every page of the bible from beginning to end and date each time accordingly in His book. God stirred something powerful in me from that moment on, I couldn’t get enough of His Word!
I have done this several times since then, and I love to reflect back on the different dates in each book (from several translations), notes /prayers I wrote on those days, and I am SO thankful to God for giving me this desire.
Let me say this was purely a gift from God and obedience on my part. Praise be to God for the work HE is doing in me. I am eternally grateful!
This is the revelation I had today:
Reading the bible every day and applying its principles and Truths is similar to the fountain of youth, in my opinion. Let me explain when looking at pictures of myself now and from years ago, I look remarkably different!
There is a sparkle and lightness to my eyes, and a “softness” to my features. My smile is deeper and more inviting. My heart is lighter, yet more full of love and compassion. I sleep better, no longer carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I have a spring in my step, knowing the God I read about daily is walking beside me and holding me by my right hand. He is my Creator and I trust Him with every day of my life.
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Don’t get me wrong, I’ve read the bible throughout my life in a sporadic pattern until that beautiful June day when God told me He wanted more of me. He changed me that day, in every way.
I believe there is definitely a strong correlation between a well-worn and read bible and a more youthful, less stressed person! I know, because I see it in myself!
Reading the bible every day has become a necessary part of my morning routine, and it keeps me healthy, much like brushing my teeth does. 🙂
I encourage you to start reading your bible every day. God wants more of You!! He wants all of you!! It’s your spiritual vitamins! When used and applied daily, it will reduce anxiety, calm your mind, and change your life from the inside out like only God can!! Amen!!
All the Glory to God,
Shanon
Image of the well-worn bible by His Truth, my voice
Looking back over those trials, I know that in spite of what I was FEELING, God was always with me. I was treading lightly and feeble in my walk with Jesus in those early days, but He was there! It is in those darkest moments that God can really move mountains, break strongholds, perform miracles, and reveal Himself to us. Complete surrender allows the Holy Spirit to do only what He can do.
I don’t know about you, but I have read the Beatitudes several times and have been inspired and encouraged by the blessings listed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ message, to a large group of potential followers, is what it really means to follow Him and be a part of God’s kingdom. Of course, living up to these standards is possible only through faith in Jesus, the son of God, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Do not let any set of circumstances intimidate you. The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal. I know what each of your days will contain, and I empower you accordingly. Look to Me for all that you need, and watch to see what I will do. As your day, so shall your strength be” (Young, Sarah 330).
Several people I know have had challenging, fearful situations lately. Job loss, health problems, disabilities, and family emergencies are some of the difficulties they have faced. Fear can easily take root when we are dealing with a case of the “unknowns”. “What if I can’t find another job?” “What if I need surgery?” “What if…?” One of the things fear forces us to do is to decide to either put our faith in action according to God’s promises or regard the scripture as simply words on paper, “simply repeating what God says” (Chambers, June 4th).
hen the spirit moves me! So, if you ever see me bopping around my house, singing loudly to Casting Crowns, you know the Holy Spirit is coming alive in me to conquer the fear that the enemy is trying to have taken root in me.
Jesus, take the wheel
All 
ar. Here is an excerpt from his page on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial website:
I cannot think of “Some Gave All” without thinking first of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “And if you ever think of me, think of all your liberties and recall, some gave all.” Jesus died and gave all to show His own love for us (John 3:16; John 15:13), to reconcile us to God (1 Peter 3:18), and to give eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 3:36). There IS glorious, awesome freedom in Christ Jesus.
Heaven Sent Sentiments 