His Word

I have been asked, “What does the Word of God do for you, you personally?”  As a Bible teacher, it is a sturdy textbook in my hand, I cannot shake the desire to grab a principle, dissect a word, or research the historical background. But my first gut response is Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:16  “All scripture is God-breathed and good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”  And this is why?  (v17)  ”… so that the man (woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (Emphasis mine)

When I read the amazing stories, the Word CONFIRMS.  Confirms that I too am human, just as the characters in the bible, I read about Peter and sure enough, I can relate to his ambitious outbursts, not that I would actually crawl out of a boat and attempt walking on water – but I’d do something like swinging that sword and getting the ear or with all good intentions ask Jesus if we can build forts for the visitors (See Mark 9).  Yep… confirms.

God’s Word also gives me COURAGE.  I read David’s story, I see the longing of his heart.  His running at full speed towards his God at times – he loved and lived.  I see also the stupid mistakes (I so appreciate God does not cover up the faults of His heroes) REGARDLESS, he is forever etched in history as ‘the man after Gods own heart.’ THIS gives me courage.  In the same breath, it encourages me, taking another’s experience, hearing, observing and learning from it, folding it into my own, and giving me the courage to walk in the same direction.

God’s Word CONFRONTS. I have literally had His word stand in front of me… BOLDLY.  I know that sounds weird, but I know that resonates with some of us.  If I am behaving in such a way that is not …um… honorable, His word stands against that behavior like a blockade in the road.  God’s Word CORRECTS. Since His word is living and active and we are Spirit indwelled, we are to interact with the Word of God.  And by golly, if we truly listen at times, it DOES cut to the very marrow (Hebrews 4:12)  The Bible is our manual, our guide, God inspired those who penned it, so it’s God’s personal letter to us. He will tell us through His word, where we don’t align, give us detailed instruction AND how we are LOVED.

For me, His Word CALLS.  It beckons, like when God called out Samuel’s name over and over. It wasn’t man calling – it was God. I’m not speaking about some creepy native drumming sound coming from the corner that we run from,  but He calls because His Word COMFORTS.   When reading words like “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him, do not fret…” (David, Psalm 37:7) life can be stressful, overwhelming, but His Word waits for us to reach for it and when we do, His Spirit uses it to calm us.

God’s Word confirms, gives courage, it confronts, corrects, comforts and calls.  But when all is said and done, it CAPTIVATES me.  I am fascinated with the stories, the triumphs, war cries, the bush a flame, mud in the eyes, violent storms, and the unrestrained, uninhibited and abandoned “My Lord and my God!” declaration.  HIS Word!

Now, I present the question to YOU.  What does God’s Word do for YOU?  If your response is a shrug of the shoulder, ask God to grow your passion, He will!

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24)