GOD'S WORD. DO YOU KNOW IT ? DO YOU LIVE IT ?

5/15/2020

Every once in a while, we all hear something that really seems to hit home. Something that makes us sit back and contemplate what it means in respect to who we are, and how we are living our lives. It is that quintessential moment when a real truth reveals itself, and you know you have to do something with it. As I have matured in my walk with God I find myself moving deeper and deeper into the Word Of God. What I continually find is a deeper and deeper truth of who God is; how God interacts with mankind; and how God requires me to think, to act, and most importantly, to be in relationship with Him. It comes down to the simplicity of two very basic truths. “ God requires us to Know His Word “, and “ God gives us the power to Live according to His Word through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. God’s Word shows us the ins and outs of a righteous life through the deep meaning of all we read in scripture. He shows us the completeness of life from the Genesis of creation, to the Revelation of Jesus returning to rule this world. At the center of it all is the Gospel. Jesus bringing us salvation and a rebirth into a life of abiding in Him. Understanding His journey to overcoming death, being resurrected and ascending into Heaven to be at the right hand of the Father. Giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us. His word showing us truths and patterns that we might incorporate them into the way we live ! Psalm 119 gives us not only a clear picture of what the Word of God is, but also what it means to us.

LORD, YOUR WORD IS FOREVER; IT IS FIRMLY FIXED IN HEAVEN. YOUR FAITHFULNESS IS FOR ALL GENERATIONS; YOU ESTABLISHED THE EARTH AND IT STANDS FIRM. … I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR PRECEPTS, FOR YOU HAVE GIVEN ME LIFE THROUGH THEM. Psalm 119: 89-93

YOUR WORD IS A LAMP FOR MY FEET AND A LIGHT ON MY PATH. I HAVE SOLEMNLY SWORN TO KEEP YOUR RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENTS. Psalm 119: 105-106

YOUR DECREES ARE RIGHTEOUS FOREVER. GIVE ME UNDERSTANDING AND I WILL LIVE. I CALL WITH ALL MY HEART; ANSWER ME LORD, I WILL OBEY YOUR STATUTES. Psalm 119: 144-145

It is interesting that the church today in many places likes to divide the word of God and define it as the “The Past”, and “The Present”; dividing the Word of God into relevance according to points in time, how it relates to where we are in culture today, or even between Judaism vs. Christianity. I implore you to not be fooled by the many ways God’s Word is redefined, interpreted, and in some cases changed. Strive to see the purity and truth in the entire BIBLE, and ask for the Lord to guide you through the Holy Spirit. The more time you spend in the word, the more you will realize that God has a goal of bringing all of those who seek Him together into His Kingdom. We are all grafted into the same vine, and that Vine is Jesus ! God wants everyone to find Him through the gift of Jesus, and His Word shows us the true path. Every religion has a story and a guide for living and a picture of the future….and a way to enlightenment. As Christians however, we stand alone in the strength of Jesus. We find our Salvation and path thru Him, not our own actions, or a series of steps to a higher level of consciousness or being in self. We strive to abide in our God and Him in us.

“ I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH ME. John 14:6

TRULY, TRULY, I SAY TO YOU, WHOEVER BELIEVES IN ME WILL ALSO DO THE WORKS THAT I DO, BECAUSE I M GOING TO THE FATHER. WHATEVER YOU ASK IN MY NAME, THIS I WILL DO, THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON. IF YOU ASK ME ANYTHING IN MY NAME I WILL DO IT. John 14: 12-14

The amazing thing about getting deep in the Word of God is that it has an incredible ability to change you. It opens your heart to different desires and allows you to slowly embrace the many characteristics of God. It is not just a path to get to a place or a specific reward ( enlightenment, pleasure, and knowledge ). It is a journey to embrace a new way of living. A life that cares more for others than oneself. A life that moves you away from worldly pursuits to the pursuit of God and His Kingdom. The Word of God is incredible knowledge, but it must be reflected in how we live ! We are called to be a light unto the world and pierce the darkness by our lives bearing witness to who our God is. Our lives and actions must reflect His Righteousness and Glory. Our lives should make people pause and take notice of a life that is different than most other people. To live this way is not always easy, but that is where the Empowerment of the Holy Spirit becomes so real and truly powerful. When God appeared to Moses, He came as a fire that burned brightly and eternally and gave the Jewish people the Commandments to show them how they should live. After Jesus had died and risen, God again appeared as fire, Holy Spirit Fire entering the disciples as they gathered together (Pentecost), to fill them with the power and authority and guidance that Jesus had promised them ( Acts 2). A template of loving instruction, and a helper/guide to give us a life worthy of living to the fullest. Our God is worth Knowing, and Pursuing, and Abiding In. Open the Word. Drink it in. Seek the Lord to open your heart….and then start living….for Him :) BE BLESSED/JAA