Midweek Message from the Archive
Word of God, Speak
Part Three
OK, you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ve been reminded of some vital truths for your life, and you’ve even heard some good Christian doctrine. How do you make it real in your life? How do you make it work for you?
I think a good place to start is your understanding of the influence of what you read or listen to on a daily basis. Some of you may remember the Sunday School song, “Oh, be careful little eyes what you see…” Well, it’s true. Because of the power of this influence I take writing very seriously. I’ve developed each message around several scripture passages so that I am assured you’d be reading, not just my words, but His Words. I pray over each message that it would minister life to my readers.
The prophet Jeremiah wrote (23:29) that God’s Word was like fire in his bones, purifying him. He said it was like a hammer breaking up the rocks in his life that cause him to stumble (my interpretation). Do you have any rocks or obstacles trying to trip you up in your walk with Christ? Reading His Word and taking that influence seriously opens the door for Jesus to speak to you, giving you direction to break up those rocks into gravel.
Moses wrote that we need His Word in order to be alive every day (Dt. 8:3); he compared it to the necessity of food. Our bodies were created needing food several times a day to be revitalized; God’s Word has the same principle. It’s influence will strengthen and infuse you with life.
Stephen, the first martyr for Christ, repeated the same passage from Moses and God’s Word (Acts 7:37&38) shortly before his execution; he understood the power of that influence. The writer of the book of Hebrews explained it this way,
For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12, 13 NLT
Don’t let that verse scare you. God not only knows you on your worst day, but He loves you enough to expose your sin and forgive when you repent. He is a good God and not a taskmaster. Do you want the good life? Do you want to go the next level of kingdom living? Get a contemporary version of the Bible, sit down with God, and let His Word gain influence in your life. His words will throw out a lifeline and give you the energy, just like your breakfast this morning, to walk closer to Him. There’s divine, Holy Spirit power in the Word of God waiting for you.