I was just thinking..

March 16, 2010

A seasoned preacher was recently asked to preach at a neighboring church. He quickly declined saying he, “Didn’t have a “word” for that church.” Thinking on that I felt a bit indignant. He does have a “word.” We all do. In fact, we have 66 books filled with “words” for that church. We’re told to be ready “in season and out of season.” To me that means having a steady diet of God’s Word, daily. Getting away from the demands of the day and the schedules that weigh us down to “withdraw to lonely places to pray” like Jesus Himself often did. I want to ready my heart, to always be able to give an account of the Hope that dwells within me. His Word is alive! His word truly is sharper than any two-edged sword. With one edge it takes out the enemy and his legions in one blow. The other edge He carefully uses as a scalpel, cutting away the deadly areas of my heart. He is a good and gracious God!

I’ve recently received some amazing revelation in reference to the Word of God. In John 1:1 we read, “In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word WAS God.” (emphasis mine). That really hit me. I’ve always known this verse, even memorized it as a child. It wasn’t until recently that it finally took shape and form for me. The Word WAS God. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, like we believe Him to be, then this is not a past tense claim. The “Word was God” is then, “The Word IS God!” That means anytime we include the Word of God in our discussions, in our sermons and lessons, in our writings or work, we are breathing the breath of God into them. Think about that… When we include God’s Word in our lives or speak it over and into whatever it is that we’re praying about, we’re not just including a “thing.” We are releasing the Living God, the breath of God. The breath that creates and brings all things to life, that restores and makes all things new. When we release the Living God into the spiritual atmosphere of whatever it is that we’re praying about, the Devil has to flee! He can not stand in the presence of the Living God. Darkness hates Light.Wow!

This revelation has brought such deeper impact and understanding to my prayer life. How much more powerful it is for me to pray the Word of God over my family, work, friends, ministry,etc. My words may sound nice and may even be sincere. But, His word tears down demonic strongholds, sets the captives free, brings healing, transfers people from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light, increases faith, and restores our hope. His Words are “Yes and Amen!”

Praying the Word of God has been a wonderful road of rediscovering the power and majesty of God. He has increased my faith and grown me in confidence..not in myself but in who He is. When I put my hope in my Eternal Savior and trust in Him.. the “One who guides us into all truth..” I am NEVER disappointed. The Word..His Word truly becomes alive! He IS the Living God. His Word is powerful and life changing. Just as my prayer life has been transformed, my life has been transformed. Now my challenge is, etching out time to read and become well acquainted with my Sword. It is a matter of priorities, isn’t it? If I want to impact my family, my ministry, the world around me, I must first make time for the Lord to impact me. I can not offer what I do not possess. It’s “Out of the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks.” I must become before I can do. This therefore requires disciplined and intentional carving out of time to spend with the Shepherd of my soul, allowing Him to speak His living Word into me. I know when that happens, I am filled. When we “hunger and thirst after righteousness we are filled.” How true! So, I come hungry and leave filled. Sounds good to me! I think I’ll go feast right now!