Tag: bible

God…As Friend

Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

“Someone with a bible which is falling apart, lives a life which is not.” A direct quote from a recent sermon of which I had the privilege to listen.

God’s Word can come to us in many ways. As American’s, we are blessed to freely hold in our possession God’s book of wisdom, truth and light.  Personally, I have become somewhat of a bible hoarder!  A sentimental fool of sorts, I have a new passion for leafing through bibles at antique shops. I look for hand written notes in the margin, while inhaling the scent of the aged paper. I often wonder and think about the number of blessed tears that have graced its pages. In these moments, all of these subtleties create an encounter with God.

  • Italian New Testament belonging to my grandfather, Joseph Abate

Perhaps, the one who held the bible before had only opened it once or twice. On the other hand, it could be the opposite. Sometimes the pages are too fragile to turn and other times they are crisp and clean. Those are the times when I wonder, and ask myself, “What does God want my bible to look like?”   

“I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13) a verse echoing in my heart today and bringing about thoughts of friendship.  I am going to date myself here, but when I think of God as my friend, images come to mind of somewhat historical friendships. Take for instance, Tom and Jerry; Laverne and Shirley; Laura Wilder and her lovely dog Bandit. 

These relationships portray the best of friendships however, not always glamourous or warm and fuzzy. Each also contained many instances of miscommunication, sadness, and periods of silence.  Yet, at the end of every episode, tensions were released, fences mended and their love for one another outweighed any of the turmoil.

So, now you are wondering what does all of this have to do with God and the bible, right?  Today I invite you to begin a new friendship with God. Choose one of your favorite historical friendships as a model and re-invent how you spend each day, and every moment with God. 

I invite you to begin today and ware down that bible of yours. Dust it off, pray in it.  Let your tears stain the pages. Allow your heart to feel God’s word in and through you. Don’t be afraid to write your thoughts in the margins; the space is there for a reason!

Hand Written note on Psalm 103. Written in Italian, feel free to comment if you know what it says!

Reflection moment: What does God want my bible to look like? What does my friendship with God look like? How can I strengthen my walk with God?

Are you praying with a worn out bible or have a family heirloom? I would love to hear your comments in the section below.

Many Blessings,

Kimberly

Courageous Butterfly

Belief over Doubt

Published on by Kimberly NovakLeave a comment

Oh Ye of little faith! It’s very easy to doubt, even one or more of the disciples had their moments. That’s when and where your faith comes in, and it must come above all else.

For just a moment, let’s go back to kindergarten and have a little lesson in the alphabet. The letter B comes before D. In the same way, belief will overcome doubt; try as you might, there will be days when the alphabet seems backwards.

If you do find yourself in a season of doubt, ask the Holy Spirit to come and put clarity on your heart. Immerse yourself in ways that lift your faith and that in turn will help to restore your belief in God and in His will for your life.

Romans 12:1 Tells us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Engaging in prayer and practices of faith are one way to renew your mind spiritually. Other ways are community groups, bible studies, and a commitment to consistent time for personal prayer.

Feed your belief and let your doubt starve; God will be there to lift you up and love you in a way you never dreamed!

Courageous Butterfly/Kimberly

Have a story to share about how you let go of your doubt, share in the comments.