As some of you know I am an unapologetic Christ follower. I grew in a Christian household and went to a Christian school. I know the Bible in the since that I know all of the stories and can tell you about all of the major Bible stories, but there is a difference between reading the Bible and knowing Jesus. I completely became aware of this during my undergrad years (one day I will write a memoir and people can learn from my many, many mistakes). This is where the concept relationship over religion comes from. Right now I am basking and loving my relationship with Jesus. This life isn’t perfect. I mean I have bad days, but you give it Jesus it makes the bad days feel less bad.
I decided I care more about my relationship with Jesus than anything else. I decided to sit down and actual read the Bible. Not just do a devotional but studying entire the Bible. Word over World. I ordered an amazing journal from Well Watered women. It has revolutionized the way I am studying the Bible. The name of the journal is called “Give me Jesus”. It has difference sections that assist in understanding and learning from the passages you’ve read. I highly recommend it. It can transform your devotional time especially if you are not sure where to actually start. I have linked it here. I will also be a giveaway. More details on that will at the bottom of this post.
With this being said, I want to say I am not a Bible student. I am not pastor or in ministry. I am not trained nor have I taken any formal education in this realm. I am have decided to study the Bible for myself. I know a lot of stories, parables, and just basic facts, but now I have decided to sit down and learn from what I am reading. The Bible is really exciting. I want to share my thoughts and excitement about what I have read. I want to talk about it and have an open dialogue with anyone who wants to discuss. I can admit I am not perfect so do not take my perspective as God’s word. So read this entire post before you comment below.
I just finished up reading the book of Esther. I read a chapter a day and wrote in my journal about the lessons I learned. Man, Esther has for sure taught me so much. I loved her story even as a kid. I liked the Veggie Tales movie about her. She was always my favorite Bible character. I loved that she became a queen. When asked what I wanted to be when I grow up I used to say a princess well into my double digit years (I really thought I could be). So the story of Esther was my jam. But reading now as an adult and seeing that she was more than just a pretty girl who wore a crown made this story so much better.
What resonated with me and I cannot get out of my head when she said, “…if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16, ESV)”. I mean I can’t get that out of my head. She said this in the face of death. Not a mean talking to, not a little bit of scolding, but actual death. She knew that she could not die, but said “if I perish, I perish.” That’s true bravery and courage. I want to say I would do this. There are so many things I want to do in my career that would truly require bravery. I am grateful Esther and the example she has set for me and others like me. Reading these stories reminds that when I am following God He is with me. And I know God does not change so if he was with Esther He can be with me.
If you have been watching my social media then you would see I went to a conference in my industry. Esther was referenced a lot during the conference. I don’t believe in coincidence. I believe in God’s Providence, therefore, everything happens for a reason. It was just confirmation that I am going in the right direction with life and purpose.
I am all about purpose. I mean I am in my final year of grad school so it’s something that’s always on my mind. Soon I will be in the real world and I want to make sure I’m walking in the purpose and plan God has for me. During my studying I would occasionally refer to a devotional plan in the Bible app (I highly recommend it even though I am a big proponent of a physically Bible) it was called the Esther Challenge. I was reading the Day Four Devotional section and the writer of the challenge wrote “Esther had a purpose, she was aware of her purposes, and behaved according to her purpose.” And man that has stuck with me. I have known my “purpose” for many years. Sometimes I get distracted and do things that I know don’t go with my purpose. How would our lives change we were just purpose minded?
Giveaway:
So I will be getting someone a Give Me Jesus journal from Well Watered women. All you have to do is tag a friend under the picture on the social media account @lifeasmalpal on Instagram or under this picture on Life as Mal Pal page on facebook. The more friends you tag under the more entries you get. The contest begins now and ends Oct 1st at midnight.
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