Monday, January 5, 2015
The Living Word: Eat This Book
The Living Word
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart"
It is altogether impossible for me, to introduce a blog regarding the "faithful sayings" of the Word of God, without speaking specifically about The Word himself. And, NO, you did not read that last sentence incorrectly.
The Word of God is the most powerful entity we have available to us on planet earth. The word quick comes from the Greek word zao which means to live, breathe, be among the living (Blue Letter Bible). This means that the Word of God, The Bible, is ALIVE! He is dynamic, living, breathing and relevant to our daily life.
Now for those of you who are avid readers, you may understand that concept of the words leaping off the page to become vivid actions scenes in your minds eye, engaging all of your senses, and leaving you feeling as though you have just left a portion of yourself in the story. But, have you ever applied that concept to the Word of God? Or considered, how that might be the case?
The reason why The Word is Alive, is because it is not really an it! The Word is not an inanimate object, or an abstract entity. John 1:1 tells us "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God". This reveals to us that the same dynamic spirit that hovered on the face of the waters, in the confusion and void of Genesis before even light was created, that same omnipotent God, exists in written form within the pages of the Bible.
Furthermore, John 1:14 tells us,"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" John is further revealing that Jesus, the Christ- the anointed one, he is the physical embodiment of that same Word, and therefore that same God that has existed since before time even began.
Therefore, within the pages of the Bible, the Word of God, I have access to the same life giving power, and the same miracle working power, that was demonstrated in the dawn of Creation, and in the life of Jesus Christ. That is an amazing amount of power!!!
However, beyond the life giving power of Genesis, and the miracle working power demonstrated in the life of Jesus, the most amazing aspect of the Word of God is it's transformational power. The ability of the Word of God to change us from the inside out, and make us more like Him. It is through engaging with his Word that sin is revealed to us, that we are able to know when we do wrong, It is through engaging with his Word that the path to redemption and reconciliation from that sin is revealed. It is through the Word that we discover principles for HOW to approach and interact with him through praise, prayer, and holiness. It is through his Word, that we find encouragement, peace, joy, and direction in times of confusion, distress, and sorrow. And, it is through His Word that we capture a glimpse of our eternal destination for which every moment of this life on earth is preparing us for.
All of this out of a little book with black and red letters....rather incredible, don't you think?
Which brings me to the second part of my title. It was just around a year ago that I embarked on a journey that changed my life. I began to encounter the Living Word, more diligently and intentionally than I had before. This is in part due to a Bible Study series entitled Eat This Book developed by Melani Shock from the Pentecostals of Alexandria. (If you haven't ever walked through this study...I encourage you to do so! It truly is life changing). This study transforms your approach to Bible Study, beyond simply checking off passages, and underlining verses that 'speak to you', but getting intimately acquainted with the Word. Searching out the original definitions, applying principles to your life, and allowing the Word to read you. Revealing, Challenging, and Encouraging you into a closer walk with Him. This is where you develop a RELATIONSHIP with the Word, and therefore with God, you get to know him, and he gets to know you...personally. It is where the Spirit of God, manifested in written form, resonates with your spirit in a way that promotes powerful change.
Many individuals attempt to prove, or disprove the validity Word of God. There are worldviews and groups of people that have dedicated their entire lives analyzing the history and facts contained in the Bible to determine its accuracy. And, while I stand on the fact that the Bible is the Word of God and it is TRUTH, I also understand that one cannot be persuaded of its accuracy simply by intellectual or academic means. One of the most beautiful attributes of the Word of God is simply that it is validated by experience. Once an individual begins to read, to ingest, and apply the principles contained in the Bible to his or her own life, they will discover that the Word confirms himself. Concepts and principles that were once abstract and confusing are now pristine and clear. Not because one was convinced, educated or persuaded of this fact, but because one has experienced it for themselves. And no one can argue with experience.
Jeremiah 15:16 "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD of hosts."
Exploring the Word of God is a precious, priceless, personal journey. It is not for the faint of heart because opening yourself up to the Word of God involves opening yourself up TO God, and inviting him to change you. But, once you embark on this journey, you will never be the same, and you will never want to go back! It is an adventure well worth the investment.
So...Go Ahead, I dare you....Eat this Book.
Living Word- Jeremy Camp
The Living Word- Fred Hammond
Blessings!
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