Bible – Bible Society of Zimbabwe

Get ready to mark your calendars with colorful crayons because April 2nd isn’t just any ordinary day – it’s International Children’s Book Day! This day is all about diving into the charming world of children’s literature. It’s like a giant hug for books and a high-five for reading, inspiring kids everywhere to embark on grand adventures through the pages of their favorite stories. This special day aims to promote children’s books and reading, as well as to inspire a love of literature among children worldwide. So grab your favorite cozy spot, your trusty bookmark, and let’s journey together through the wonderful land of books!

As you celebrate International Children’s Book Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the profound impact of Bible stories in the lives of your little ones. The Bible itself is a rich source of storytelling, filled with narratives that have captivated hearts and minds for generations. The stories within the Bible speak to the core of human experience and offer guidance for living a life of faith and virtue.

Bible Story books hold significant importance as books for children for several reasons:

Guidance on what is right and wrong: The Bible contains timeless stories that teach important moral and ethical lessons, such as kindness, compassion, honesty, and forgiveness. These stories provide children with a foundation for understanding right from wrong and help shape their character and values. An example is the story of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10 v 25-37).
Spiritual and Religious Education: The Bible serves as a fundamental tool for teaching children about faith, spirituality, and the principles of Christianity. It helps children develop a sense of connection God and understand their place within their respective communities. An example is the story of Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6).
Value in literature: Many stories in the Bible are beautifully crafted narratives with rich imagery, symbolism, and poetic language. Introducing children to these stories can foster an appreciation for literature and storytelling, enhancing their language skills and imagination. An example is the Creation story (Genesis 1 -2).
Source of Comfort and Guidance: The Bible offers comfort and reassurance to children during difficult times. Its stories of hope, perseverance, and divine love can provide comfort and guidance when children face challenges or uncertainties in their lives. The story of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5 v 21-43).
Family and Community Bonding: Reading and discussing Bible stories together as a family or within a religious community can strengthen familial bonds and create a sense of belonging and shared identity. It provides opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections between generations. Story of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37-50).
Critical Thinking and Reflection: Encouraging children to engage critically with the stories and teachings of the Bible fosters their ability to think analytically, ask questions, and reflect on their own beliefs and values. This critical thinking skill is essential for their intellectual and spiritual development. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

It is very important that you take part in this celebration (Established by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)) by making Bible story books a priority in your children’s reading materials, educational settings, and households. You must focus not only on developing their intellect but also on shaping their character, preparing them to face life’s trials with integrity and determination. Let’s unite in embracing the wisdom found in these stories, planting the seeds for a future marked by compassion and enlightenment for all.

Introduction

Have you ever wondered what’s the buzz about fasting? The Lenten season is here and fasting takes centre stage in conversations. It’s the talk of the town during these days of reflection and spiritual dedication. Lent provides a 40-day period for fasting and prayer (Sundays are excluded), in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting in the wilderness before he began his public ministry.

Fasting might sound like a complicated idea, but let’s break it down in simple terms and see how this ancient practice can be relevant and meaningful for you today.

Understanding Biblical Fasting

What exactly is fasting? Well, it’s not about giving up your favourite snacks or skipping meals for the sake of a diet. In the Bible, fasting is a spiritual discipline where people would voluntarily abstain from certain foods or activities for a specific period. It’s not just about going without; it’s about seeking a deeper connection with God through prayer and meditation.

Examples from the Bible

If you’re curious about how people in the Bible practiced fasting, let’s take a look at a couple of examples. Remember the story of Jesus spending 40 days and nights in the desert (Matthew 4 v 1-11)? That’s a form of fasting! Another example is found in the book of Daniel 10 v 2-3, where he chose to eat only vegetables and drink water for a set period, the Ninevah fast (Jonah 3 v 5-9) and Esther’s fast (Esther 4).

Benefits of Fasting

Why would anyone willingly give up food or certain activities? Well, there are a few reasons. Fasting allows you to:

Draw Closer to God: By setting aside time for prayer and reflection, fasting helps strengthen your spiritual connection with God.
Develop Self-Discipline: Fasting requires self-control and discipline. It’s a great way to practice saying ‘no’ to immediate desires for a greater purpose.
Seek Guidance: In times of confusion or decision-making, fasting can be a way to seek God’s guidance and wisdom.
Express Repentance: Fasting can also be a way to express sorrow for mistakes and seek forgiveness.

Now, how can you, incorporate fasting into your life in a practical way?

Start Small: Instead of jumping into a lengthy fast, begin with a shorter period and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
Digital Detox: In a world where screens dominate our attention, a digital fast can be equally transformative. Dedicate a specific time each day or week to disconnect from technology and focus on prayer, meditation, or reading Scripture.
Choose Wisely: Decide what you want to fast from – it could be a particular type of food, social media, or any activity that distracts you from having a quiet time with God.
Set Goals: Clearly define your goals for fasting. Whether it’s seeking guidance, deepening your relationship with God, or developing self-discipline, having a purpose will make the experience more meaningful.
Stay Connected: Engage in prayer and spend quality time meditating on the Word of God.
Corporate Fasting: Engage in fasting as a community. Whether it’s a family, church group, or online community, coming together in a shared fast can enhance the experience and foster a sense of unity.

Conclusion

Fasting is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It’s a personal journey that allows you to grow spiritually, develop self-discipline, and seek God’s guidance. So, if you’re curious about building up your faith in a new way, consider giving fasting a try. It might just be the key to unlocking a deeper connection with God.

1 In the third yeere of Cyrus King of Persia, a thing was reueiled vnto Daniel (whose name was called Belteshazzar) and the worde was true, but the time appointed was long, and he vnderstood the thing, and had vnderstanding of the vision. 2 At the same time I Daniel was in heauines for three weekes of dayes. 3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint my selfe at all, till three weekes of dayes were fulfilled. 4 And in the foure and twentieth day of the first moneth, as I was by the side of that great riuer, euen Hiddekel, 5 And I lift vp mine eyes, and looked, and beholde, there was a man clothed in linnen, whose loynes were girded with fine golde of Vphaz. 6 His body also was like the Chrysolite, and his face (to looke vpon) like the lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his armes and his feete were like in colour to polished brasse, and the voyce of his wordes was like the voyce of a multitude. 7 And I Daniel alone sawe the vision: for the men that were with me, sawe not the vision: but a great feare fell vpon them, so that they fled away and hid themselues. 8 Therefore I was left alone, and sawe this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my strength was turned in me into corruption, and I reteined no power. 9 Yet heard I the voyce of his wordes: and when I heard the voyce of his wordes, I slept on my face: and my face was toward the ground. 10 And behold, an hand touched me, which set me vp vpon my knees and vpon the palmes of mine hands. 11 And he sayde vnto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloued, vnderstand the wordes that I speake vnto thee, and stand in thy place: for vnto thee am I nowe sent. And when hee had sayde this worde vnto me, I stood trembling. 12 Then sayd he vnto me, Feare not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou diddest set thine heart to vnderstand, and to humble thy selfe before thy God, thy wordes were heard, and I am come for thy wordes. 13 But the prince of the kingdome of Persia withstoode me one and twentie dayes: but loe, Michael one of the chiefe princes, came to helpe me, and I remained there by the Kings of Persia. 14 Nowe I am come to shewe thee what shall come to thy people in the latter dayes: for yet the vision is for many dayes. 15 And when he spake these wordes vnto me, I set my face towarde the grounde, and helde my tongue. 16 And beholde, one like the similitude of the sonnes of man touched my lippes: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said vnto him that stoode before me, O my Lord, by the vision my sorowes are returned vpon me, and I haue reteined no strength. 17 For howe can the seruant of this my Lord talke with my Lord being such one? for as for me, straight way there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. 18 Then there came againe, and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, 19 And said, O man, greatly beloued, feare not: peace be vnto thee: be strong and of good courage. And when he had spoken vnto me, I was strengthened, and saide, Let my Lord speake: for thou hast strengthened me. 20 Then saide he, Knowest thou wherefore I am come vnto thee? but nowe will I returne to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, loe, the prince of Grecia shall come. 21 But I will shew thee that which is decreeed in the Scripture of trueth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

Daniel's Vision by the Tigris River

1 In the third year that Cyrus was emperor of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel, who is also called Belteshazzar. The message was true but extremely hard to understand. It was explained to him in a vision.

2 At that time I was mourning for three weeks. 3 I did not eat any rich food or any meat, drink any wine, or comb my hair until the three weeks were past.

4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month of the year I was standing on the bank of the mighty Tigris River. 5 I looked up and saw someone who was wearing linen clothes and a belt of fine gold. 6 His body shone like a jewel. His face was as bright as a flash of lightning, and his eyes blazed like fire. His arms and legs shone like polished bronze, and his voice sounded like the roar of a great crowd.

7 I was the only one who saw the vision. Those who were with me did not see anything, but they were terrified and ran and hid. 8 I was left there alone, watching this amazing vision. I had no strength left, and my face was so changed that no one could have recognized me. 9 When I heard his voice, I fell to the ground unconscious and lay there face downward. 10 Then a hand took hold of me and raised me to my hands and knees; I was still trembling.

11 The angel said to me, “Daniel, God loves you. Stand up and listen carefully to what I am going to say. I have been sent to you.” When he had said this, I stood up, still trembling.

12 Then he said, “Daniel, don't be afraid. God has heard your prayers ever since the first day you decided to humble yourself in order to gain understanding. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 The angel prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief angels, came to help me, because I had been left there alone in Persia. 14 I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the future. This is a vision about the future.”

15 When he said this, I stared at the ground, speechless. 16 Then the angel, who looked like a human being, reached out and touched my lips. I said to him, “Sir, this vision makes me so weak that I can't stop trembling. 17 I am like a slave standing before his master. How can I talk to you? I have no strength or breath left in me.”

18 Once more he took hold of me, and I felt stronger. 19 He said, “God loves you, so don't let anything worry you or frighten you.”

When he had said this, I felt even stronger and said, “Sir, tell me what you have to say. You have made me feel better.”

20-21 He said, “Do you know why I came to you? It is to reveal to you what is written in the Book of Truth. Now I have to go back and fight the guardian angel of Persia. After that the guardian angel of Greece will appear. There is no one to help me except Michael, Israel's guardian angel.