New Life-In
His Word 12-30-13
Each time
we read the Word of God we need to read it as if it were the first time we ever
cracked open the Book. We need to devour its pages as if it were the very
lifeline to Jesus we knew when we first began our life in Christ; in His Word.
Think for
a moment about when you first found out that the Bible was truly the Word of
God…Did you look at it on the table, or desk , or dusty book shelf and think to
your self, “I really should make some time to read today but—I am running so
late this morning, noon, night?” or did you long for the moment when you could
steal away to get really deep into your relationship with Jesus delving into
the inspiring, encouraging up lifting pages of the Bible?
One more
question; when was the last time you really felt full when you were done with
your ‘daily read’?
I want you
to know that it okay if you have forgotten to read for a few days, weeks, even months
because the words are still there, God is waiting right where you left Him. He
wants to embrace you with His Word today.
Why?
Because He has called you to ministry in the Word.
I know you probably do not see yourself as a Pastor, and maybe God doesn't either but maybe you are called to read the Word so that when the homeless man or woman asks for money you can be a Peter and give what you have in the way of the Bread of Life?
Or maybe
you are called to put life into your neighbor’s garden by watering her plants
that are not getting enough attention because no one is ever home to water?
Or maybe
you are called to share with the person standing in line behind you that Christ
loves them?
Is it time
to put new life to your Walk in the Word?
Therefore, since we have this
ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking
in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of
the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who
are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not
believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image
of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord,
and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of
darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the
light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
Even if you do not know what
to say, and are afraid to admit that the Holy Spirit will use you and remind
you of what to say; trust God to allow your small beginnings to bring about an
outward growth of Christ in you.
Don’t give up if people don’t
seem interested, pray for them. Provide the truth of who God is, and keep on
providing, do not loose heart, God is with you.
Therefore we do not lose
heart. Even though our outward man is
perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a
moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are
seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary,
but the things which are not seen are eternal.2 Corinthians 4: 16-18
Even when you are tired out, God is still at work in your
life. Even when you can’t figure out what on earth He is doing… God is with
you.
Even Jesus on the cross called out asking God “why?” when the
Father left Him hanging. Literally hanging on the cross, suffering for our
pain, our sin, our disobedience and yet; God did not forsake Jesus, and He will
not forsake us today.
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice,
saying," Eli Eli la ma sabachthani?" that is, “My God, My God, why
have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:16
After Jesus called out He gave up the Ghost, or died to his
flesh self and became our Savior completely.
He gave His disciples a plan to carry out; a newness of Life
was upon them in the name of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. This was new to
them and gave them big time power from on high. They went about telling
everyone they knew that Christ was Lord, also that He was alive!
This new beginning for man kind was given to each of us at
salvation. We had a new start on life old things being passed away and all of
that.
Remember?
On the television and even in churches around the world;
people are taking time this week to remember their past. I usually let the past
go, but this week I want you to think back to your new birth. Think about when
you got saved and write it out, if you have done it before, do it again! Or go
read it over again. Think on the things that God gave you then and ask Him to
restore the joy of your salvation that you may share the newness of life with
others around you.
Humble yourself and admit you have relaxed in the excitement
you felt when you were first on fire for God! Make this New Year a time of
jumpstarting, rebuilding, encouraging yourself then others to read the Word of
God more and more, at least daily scripture reads. If you have ever read any of
my books you can tell that I love to get things started with a thought or idea
from a few scriptures and then pray about it. I love to see what God can do
with a simple verse from His Word, my Bible.
I love journaling, I admit I do not do so much anymore but as
I read over past notes, journals and notebooks hold I find so much excitement
in my heart and what used to be my life. I can’t wait to get back to it, like
any other good book.
So look back to a time when you were on fire and test
yourself, ask and see what God can do with that fire to rekindle it in you
today. Keep up the momentum this year!
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to fall in love with Your Word
again and again. Bring it alive in our hearts, minds and lives this week and
cause us to bubble over with Your Truths. Cause us to be renewed in Your Spirit
this day in Jesus name, amen.
Suggested Reading