You don’t have to be a biblical scholar or preacher in order to have the Bible speak to you.
Phew! That’s great news, because I’m neither!
And chances are, neither are you. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want God to speak to us, and we don’t want to experience personal transformation in our heart and soul.
What’s so amazing and incredible about the nature of God is that He desires to know us, to be in relationship with us, and to transform us through his son, Jesus Christ.
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 17:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
That’s what we want!
But let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t really feel like we’ve been transformed, even after accepting Christ into our hearts or even after being a Christian for many years. And let me tell you, the length of time you’ve been a Christian does not determine your level of spiritual maturity. It’s a process, and one that you need to be actively engaged and involved in.
So HOW can we experience these things? How can we experience the transformation process that the Bible talks about?
I was reading my Bible last night, reading about the life of King David. I know he was not always a king, so I wanted to learn more about his history and how he lived in order to be considered as a ‘man after God’s own heart’ (see 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:16-41).
And as I was reading I kept coming across scenarios and situations in the text that I felt God speaking to my heart about. It was so fascinating to me that while I was initially desiring to read about the life of David, purely to know more about how he grew up and how it came to pass for him to become King. But there were side stories and comments in the text that were actually speaking to my heart about completely different issues.
And that’s when it hit me.
God, in His infinite wisdom and power, can reach you in any way He likes.
It may be through a person, something you read, something you see on tv, a comment someone makes to you, a dream — it’s endless. But in your heart and soul, you know you’ve been given a message and you know that it’s God trying to speak to you and get a message through. It’s hard to explain, but you just have an innate knowing that that message was for you. And that’s what happened last night when God gave me these ‘4 Steps to Transformation.’
So regardless of what your needs are, and what your questions and desires to learn and grow may be, simply start with reading the Bible. Start anywhere. And through that, God will begin to show you, speak to your heart, and guide you where to look next.
The Bible is the living, breathing, active and life-giving inspired word of God.
And what’s so incredible about this book is that God uses it to speak directly to you, more than just what’s written on the pages. It’s a key to your heart and an open channel of communicating with God — your Creator. The one who has loved you before the beginning of time and ‘knit you together in your mother’s womb’ (Psalm 139:14)
So here are the 4 steps He revealed to me last night:
I. Acknowledge
Acknowledge that God is God, and we are not. That His ways are above our ways and there are things we cannot fully comprehend (Isaiah 55:8-9). That is why we require faith. Hebrews 11.
II. Receive
Open your heart and mind to actually receive communication, connection, love and forgiveness. So often we feel unworthy of the good things in life that God wants to give us, because we don’t feel we’ve measured up or we are lacking the faith to believe that a holy God could actually love us as we are. But until we open ourselves to receive His blessings (grace, love, mercy, joy, abundance, forgiveness etc.) we actually hold ourselves back from it. Matthew 7:8, Matthew 10:8, Matthew 21:22, Mark 10:15.
III. Repent
Which is why we need to repent (ask for forgiveness). Even for the things we didn’t realize we needed to repent from. But when God places it upon your heart, or you have a new awakening and understanding of something that requires your repentance, you must humble yourself and ask. Yes, we have to ask for forgiveness. God knows all, sees all, and knows our hearts, but He still wants us to acknowledge Him and enter into a relationship where we are recognizing our need for Him and voicing our desire to be with Him.
It is when we humble ourselves before Him, ask for forgiveness of our wrongdoings or whatever else He has revealed to you, that He sees if our heart and motives are pure. If they are, He then forgives us and washes us white as snow. That means He remembers our transgressions no more! So when He looks at us, He no longer sees our sins, He sees His perfect son in our place — Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:7, 2 Cor. 5:17, 1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19, Eph. 4:31-32, Matthew 6:14-15, Colossians 3:13.
IV. Act
The final step of the transformation process is not complete until we ACT upon what we’ve learned. The actions we take would flow from what it is we’ve just learned or been shown. How would you act after you’ve just had the realization that whatever sins or transgressions you’ve repented of are now COMPLETELY FORGIVEN? What types of actions would flow from that place? Love. Grace. Mercy. Happiness. Delight. Servitude. The list goes on. But if you keep your new revelations and peace to yourself, how can it help and serve others? They need to know what you’ve just experienced.
Just as God had revealed things to you in your heart while you were reading His Word, He will do the same for anyone you share it with! As I said before, His Word, the Bible, is the living and breathing, active word of God. Simply by opening it and beginning to read. Be curious, ask questions, find answers, seek counsel. You will begin a deeper path of knowledge, understanding, wisdom and spiritual maturity that your transformation requires of you. Isaiah 55, James 1:22-26
For further reading, here’s another great article on How to Act on God’s Word.
I hope these simple 4 steps have helped you to step further into the transformation you’re seeking and desiring in your life.
We serve an amazing God, and the best way to truly experience the freedom and peace He offers us, after receiving His son Jesus Christ into our hearts, is to be an active participant in learning and growing. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’ve been a Christian for many years, yet are still finding areas you need to grow, expand and mature.
Life is an incredible journey that doesn’t end when we die — it actually gets better as we move into eternal life with God in Heaven! But God understands our spiritual maturity is a process, and desires to have us be a part of His divine plan for our lives and in the world.
Blessings to you,
~Dr. Melody
P.S. Would love to connect further with you on social media and/or via email. Feel free to contact me with any questions or prayer requests. Comment below, or message me through Facebook, Instagram or email me @ melody@fitplusfaith.com
P.P.S. Here are some other articles I’ve written that might also help you on this topic:
When God is at work and you feel CRAZY! (You’re not alone)
When Lack of Gratitude is stealing your Joy — and how to get it back!
God is working all around us — 3 questions to ask if it seems like He’s not there
Whew! A very historic Election Day is over! But did it rob your peace?
More specifically, have you ALLOWED it to rob your peace? Big difference.
Regardless of who you voted for or how you feel about the current state of the U.S. or our uncertain future, it is imperative that you find peace. And here’s how:
1) Meditate on these verses. Allow God to speak to you and bring the peace you seek.
- John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
2) Make quiet time to pray and give your worries, anxieties and fears to God. God is not scared or intimidated by your raw feelings! Be honest and express your deepest concerns. You’ll find peace at the end of your raw honesty.
3) Let go. When you stew and fret and doubt and worry, you not only make your own brain a battle ground and breeding ground for seeds of life-stealing fear, you only grow that which you are afraid of or don’t want.
- Luke 12:25 “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
4) Your mind is IMMENSELY powerful. Be very diligent what you allow to enter, live and exit.
Be purposeful and wise in choosing your thoughts.
- Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
>> Final thought: Whether you’re in jubilation or dread about the results of the election and the future of our country, remember, God is in control. Rest in His peace, follow His will for your life, and no other outside governments can steal your peace.
How strong is your faith in the God of the Universe?
Do you need to do some faith-building and grow your trust in our Creator?
Take the time to do the inner work to seek the peace you need. 
~Dr. Melody
P.S. Searching for peace? Needing to find your joy again? My Journaling into Joy 14 day journey kicks off TOMORROW, Thursday, Nov. 10th! I’ll show you how to use the power of journaling to look within and use certain strategies and techniques to reconnect with your true joy and fulfillment.
Life is too short to not be living joyfully!
Start your #joyjourney here–> fitplusfaith.com/reclaim-your-joy
#DrMelody #healthandhopmotivator #Godisincontrol #Christcenteredcoaching #spreadlovenothate
I love technology. I love books. I love my Kindle. I love my phone apps. But above all else, I love my Bible.
Ever heard this children’s song?
The B-I-B-L-E. Yes that’s the book for me!
I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E!
So funny to reminisce when that song just popped into my head! But as much as technology has advanced with e-readers, reading articles on your computer or with apps on your phone, there’s just nothing like a good printed book…especially THE “Good Book.”
Over the years I’ve lost touch with reading my physical Bible, and although I see it almost every day on my nightstand next to my bed, picking it up and reading in it instead of my Bible app on my phone, is almost foreign!
Btw, I LOVE my Bible app, and if you don’t have one, I recommend the YouVersion app. It’s so incredible with countless translations and reading plans and so easy to use. (just a little side endorsement for a second) 😉
But something feels like it’s missing when you can’t run your fingers over a page. Bibles seems to have the thinnest, most unique paper. I wonder what the weight is…but I digress. I’m sure it has to be thin to fit over 2500 pages in one manageable size, but there’s just nothing like it.
When I picked up my Bible tonight (confession: haven’t physically opened it for over a year maybe?) and flipped it open, it’s like 15 years of memories came flooding back across the pages.
Actually, I’ve had this Bible for almost exactly 15 years, as this one was a High School graduation gift from my church. In the picture, notice the engraved name…my maiden name now. Lol
I’ve had this beauty through my college years at Point Loma Nazarene Univ. in San Diego, through getting married and moving all over southern California, through grad school and eventually moving back to San Diego to open my own business.
I might not pick it up and read from it on a daily basis like I might like, but it’s always been there. A steadfast reminder of God’s presence in my daily life – all of ours.
As I leaf through it’s a crazy time warp with highlights and notes from various speakers, sermons, teachers, events, classes and personal insights. What a treasure and a special trip down memory lane!
If you don’t have a physical paperback or hard cover version of a Bible in your possession, then treat yourself ASAP! There are so many themed Bible’s nowadays for any age group, gender specific, study Bible’s, commentaries, various translations to suit your reading style and the list goes on.
Why not grab a piece of 2000+ year old history to have in your home. Let alone the only book that lives and breaths truth into our lives even to this day, and all the days to come until Jesus returns.
But if you don’t have an actual Bible in possession, then a Bible app on your phone or tablet is the next best thing. 🙂
Whatever way works best for you to start digging in, learning, reading, questioning, growing and LIVING daily in the Word of God. Get to it! 😉
~Melody
