“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15).
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Timothy 3:16-17)
Paul knew what Timothy needed, if he was going to be effective in the service to which the Lord had called him. The word, ministered through the Spirit, is God agent of change in the lives of all His children who desire to serve in His kingdom. God’s word reveals who God is and what He desires for each of us. It is the standard to which we constantly aspire.
What do we have to give others, if we don’t have His word? Jesus taught His disciples that we are to labor, not for the food that perishes, but for that food which endures to everlasting life (John 6:26-27). He challenged them to partake of His flesh and blood, which repulsed many who followed Him. But He was speaking metaphorically of His word. Later, He plainly told them, “My words are spirit and they are life.”
We must have the word in abundance in our lives to affect the transformation God is looking for in us, but that same spiritual food is medium by which we bless those whom we serve.
We may never preach from a pulpit in a church, but we are all called to manifest God's word to a dying world. St. Francis of Assisi was quoted as saying, “preach the word always, and use words when necessary.” Our example and testimony are the most powerful manifestations of the word of God that the world will ever know.
Thank the Lord for the transforming power of His word in your life as it renews your mind and enlightens you like sun breaking at dawn. Ask Him to make you strong in the word and bold to live it and give it freely to others.
Consider: John 1:1, 14; Acts 18:24; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:16; II Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 4:12; I John 2:14
2 comments:
Faith starts in your heart and is released by your words. God spoke the world into existence, Jesus said I speak what the Father has said. I do what the Father does. This transformation, is going from a flesh driven man to a spiritual one. Everything done in the flesh is done for self. Everything done in the spirit, is to glorify God. Gods' power is released when in faith we speak His Word. God has given everyone who believes in Jesus this gift of faith. This faith can transform your life. We know faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. They go hand in hand. God cannot lie, so whatever He has said in His Word is Truth and He honors it. His Word also says there is Joy in believing. God has left no loose ends.
We continue to go deeper in prayer. It is amazing how God's winds blow freshness into our hearts every day.
Some of the themes may be repeated, but they come as if it were the first time we heard them. There is hunger in the house and we are eating daily at the King's table. There is enough for all; He promised abundant life.
Today God challenged us to "take it all", to not be satisfied with one little corner of the promised land that is before us.
But He also encouraged us that we have to leave the city (our place of comfort) and go out to meet Him where he is, even if it leads us to the wilderness. There, in the wilderness, He will prepare us to cross the sea and enter the land on His command.
May we be ready!
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