A Book that Affects Me

As I mentioned in my previous post, I planned to enter Tessa Emily Hall's giveaway. One of the ways you can enter is to write a post about "a time when a book greatly affected me." Since I've been wanting to write a post like that, I decided to write one.

There are many books that have greatly affected me, but I think I only have time to write about a few. Of course, if you've seen my blog title and have been following me, you know I am a Christian. I believe the Bible is the truest, most life-changing thing you could ever read. Sometimes Satan tempts me. A tiny voice in my mind whispers, "How do you know this is true? What if you're whole life purpose... is for nothing?"

For a minute, I listen. But then God remind of this: I see Jesus everyday. Okay, I don't see him physically.  I see Him in the world. I read his stories. I see how He works in people's lives, not just in the Bible but today. I see him through other people's testimonies, music, and art. . I see Him in biology too. The only I would be able to see him, or even try to look for him, is through His Word. That's why I thank God for His book. Ultimately, I see him when he refuses to give up on him, even I rebel against him. He loves me.... the mess I am.

My parents have always strived to teach me about God. The Bible has always affected me for my whole life. Being a sinner, I don't always take the words to heart. More than often, I could have read something and forgotten about it minutes later. The wonderful thing about God is that because Jesus died, He doesn't count that sin against me. With him, I can find peace.

When I rededicated my life to Christ more than a year ago (about the time I started this blog), I remember reading these verses that have always stuck with me. Like a lyric to a song, only much more than that.

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ---by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4

Do you realize what this verse means? It means that God loved us first, not before we had asked for forgiveness, but while we were still sinning. It never fails to blow my mind.

And now, this one. It's so unique and wonderful. I just love it.

"And I will have mercy on No Mercy. And I will say to Not My People, "You are my people." And they shall say to me, "You are my God."  Hosea 2: 23b.

God is talking to the Israelites who rebelled against him time and time again. But He still was willing to call them "His" again.

I am affected by the Bible every day. I must confess, I don't run to it like I should. I constantly fail.  Nearly everything in life is inconsistent. We all make mistakes. Things change. But the Bible stays the same. God stays the same. That's what's amazing. So if you don't have a relationship with Jesus, I encourage you to look into it. Life is never full without him. There is no hope without Jesus.

So can you tell me how the Bible affects you? I'd love to hear it! Thanks for reading!:)