“The Bible is changing me,” observed our dear friend. Exploring God through weekly study and discussion had led her to experience Him also through prayer and reflection, and the change from the inside out was clear. We share her joy. Hers is a relatable story, for isn’t it true that the more we delve into the pages of Scripture—sensing its truth, absorbing its wisdom, and drawing nearer to the God who speaks it—the more it changes us? Peace uproots fear, and meaning supplants futility. Despair withers beneath blossoming hope, and truth liberates us to love. How is it that the Word penetrates layers of opinions and worldviews to reach and change the very core of our being?
Through the Word, the Spirit speaks truth into our soul. On the night of his betrayal, Jesus prayed to the Father on our behalf, “Sanctify them [make them holy] by the truth; your Word is truth.”1 He promised his followers, “when . . . the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears.”2
Through the Word, the Spirit speaks life into our soul. “The Spirit gives life,” wrote Peter, “for you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”3 As Jesus taught, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh provides no benefit; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit, and are life.”4
Through the Word, the Spirit speaks guidance into our soul. “The word of God is alive and active”—we sense its accuracy and precision as it “penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit . . . ; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”5 The Spirit exposes our sin,6 not to leave us there in hopelessness, rather He lovingly meets us wherever we are to turn us and guide us in His ways and for His purposes, for “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”7
“The Word of God . . . is indeed at work in you who believe,”8 wrote Paul. For the Spirit of God speaks to us through the Word of God. Then may this be our living testimony every day: “the Bible is changing me.”
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11.
Father, open your Word to us that we may hear You; open our hearts and minds to Your way, Your truth, and Your life. In Christ the living Word we pray. Amen.
1 John 17:17
2 John 16:13
3 1 Peter 1:23
4 John 6:63 (NASB)
5 Hebrews 4:12
6 John 16:8
7 2 Timothy 3:16-17
8 1 Thessalonians 2:13
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Paul Nordman—Author 
5 replies on “The Bible Is Changing Me”
So true. If we listen to the word of God and shut out the Devil and his evil, we will flourish.
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Agreed! That’s exactly what Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness — cite the Word of God and shut out the devil and his temptations.
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So true. I’m learning the Bible is my life study not casual reading. .
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