Thinking
In His Word- 7-22-13
As our
days get busy with activity we can easily forget that the Word of God
has been given to us for a purpose. It is not just to read through in
90 days as I am enjoying the challenges ups and downs. Nor is it to
carry around and use as a physical shield against people who would
talk to us; it really works to keep people at bay if you are 'reading
the Bible' someplace.
No, it
is much more than that it is given to us that we may study to show
ourselves approved.
Approved
by whom? By God.
And do
not be conformed to this world, but be transformed y the renewing of
your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
We are
to study the Word of God so that when we go through each day we will
be not only knowledgeable in His words but that we will be able to
exude scriptural behavior in everything we do. We are to be thinking
the Word of God when trouble comes at us; in this we will find hope,
peace and joy to continue in dire circumstances.
He is
our peace who has broken down every wall! When God is for us nothing
can stand against us! No thing can stand against us; not even our
own doubts or feelings of failure.
Remind
them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive
about words to no profit to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to
present yourself approve to God a worker who does not need to be
ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle
babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 2 Timothy
2:14-16
When we
take the time to study the word we still need to couple it in prayer,
this is the best way to absorb it. If all I did was sit down and read
the Word each day I would gain a ton of information, but I may not
know how to use it to the best ability that God has planned for me to
use it.
Its not
just a book to sit on the shelf and take off for a 'good read',
although it is fun to do this challenge I think I will enjoy my daily
digs just as well, or maybe more because in my challenge to zoom
through the Word I am finding that I want to stop off in certain
'towns' of the scripture and visit its characters a bit more.
I have
to move on though, just because I am on a schedule, but I am taking
note so that I will go back and revisit my 'friends' in the Word.
Who
would have thought that daily reads at rapid speed would replenish
the joy of reading His Words in me? I read it all the time; I will be
honest it gets boring some days, but with a challenge before me God
has brought out a hunger and thirst for the people in the pages
again!
I want
to be as elastic as David, who fights for God's people and wants so
to walk in His purpose though he makes a few mistakes that we would
consider horrible God is still there walking with Him.
When we
make mistakes we can remember David messed up big time and yet God
loves him as a man after His own heart!
I'd like
to be like Esther and be able to walk into the presence of of the
King, no matter if I may be killed; to save the life of my people.
What an amazing woman, strong and pure of heart no doubt to give of
herself in such a way.
There
are so many people in the Word we could try to be like but most of
all we are told to be like Christ. To put on the mind of Christ we
must study the Word of God.
This
means find out the context of the scripture you read in a devotional,
find out where it came from, who spoke it, or wrote it and why where
they so into this topic or that one. These are the things we do when
we get hungry for the Word, and from them we will grow strong and
gain more scope for the vision of God in our lives. We will truly
know our purpose, not just a pipe dream as they say but the true
purpose of God for each of us. But it does not come easily, it takes
our time. It takes our focus, setting aside the things that surround
us. Putting aside the things that bind us or bring us down.
Be still
and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be
honored through out the world.” Psalm 46:10
There is
so much to be encouraged about when you dig in His Word.
There is
also a lot of instruction in how to live a righteous life. Its fairly
easy if we do as the Lord says and obey the Father.
Trust in
the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and
prosper. Psalm 37:2
Whatever
you do to day, this summer, this year; do it with your mind on Him.
I have
hidden your word I my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm
119:11
Dear
heavenly Father, help us to hide your word in our hearts today that
we will walk in your presence and do as you say.
Suggested
reading: Psalm 37 1-40, 2 Timothy 2:1-26 ,Romans 12:1-22,Romans
9:1-30