Chapter 7: Created for the Word

Thank you for your patience this week. I had a few days to be at a beautiful cabin on a lake without internet access, so I apologize for getting this posted later in the week than usual.

One of my passions in life is getting others to fall in love with reading the Word of God. Along with knowing and loving God, I always want to know Him better, and I can do that as I study, read and meditate on His Word. In God’s Word we see the character of Jesus, and learn not only what Jesus would do, but why He did what He did. I know that reading God’s Word has been a lifeline for me, and it is the way for us to have a closer relationship with God. If I really am His sheep, I really want to know His voice. He speaks to me through His Word. He wants to speak to you through His Word too. His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Ps 119:105) If we want to know where to place our next step, we need to use the illumination of God’s Word. His Word directs us to His will for us.

The words in the Word are just ink on pages unless they become rhema to us. The word rhema means freshly spoken. The Word becomes rhema to us when it is fresh revelation in our life. Because God’s word is living and active, the Word comes alive to us as we read, meditate and study it. The Word is our blueprint for life. Don’t build without it.

The Word is our source for truth. In a world where truth changes constantly, it is great to have a foundation that is ROCK SOLID. Our lives become firmly established with consistent time with the Word made flesh. Even when storms come, we will not be shaken.

It does take discipline to study the Word. But as Christians, we are disciples, which means disciplined ones. So as a daily discipline we get to savor the Word, like a delicious meal. Disciples talk to their master….we get to as well as we spend time talking to the author of the Word. Most of all we get to ingest it, and make it a part of who we are. As we believe what we read, and put it into practice, and become a doer of the Word, (James 1:22) we will gain a greater appreciation for God’s love letter to us.

So true- Statement
“If you are in need of a heart cleanup, the best place to start is with the Word. Take the time you need to spend with God each day. Study His Word and memorize it so you can take it with you wherever you go. Savor His love for you and remember that you are indeed created for the Word. It is our only true road map that will show us where to go next.” (page 133)

Highlight Scripture
· Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.

Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. How much priority do you give to God’s Word? Is your Bible open in church on Sunday and closed the rest of the week? Did this chapter make you realize that you were created for the Word? I hope you were challenged to make your life revolve around God’s love letter to you. Why not write a “love note” back to God thanking Him for sending you a love letter.
2. How do these words apply to the Bible? Provocative, relevant, creative, honest. Think of a scripture or passage that is an example of each of these words.
3. What is your favorite version of the Bible? Mix up what translation or paraphrase you read from and try another. If you want to read through the Bible quickly, or just want to get a quick overview, purchase a Children’s Bible for elementary kids, and use it in your devotional time.
(If you don’t own a Message Bible, I know you’d enjoy it. Costco even has them)
4. How can you apply Martin Luther’s approach for reading and studying the Word on page 127.
5. I like to think of reading God’s Word as my daily bread for healthy living. It’s not just a survival manual for emergencies. To live a healthy balanced life, and live the abundant life that God has for us, the Word is vital to us and one reason why consistent Bible Study is so important. Study it on your own, with friends, with your spouse, even your kids. Find a way to dig deeper and be prepared live life from the overflow!

Knit Together Challenge
Reserve is a word that shows we have placed a priority on something. We make reservations at a restaurant, or a hotel, in advance. Why not reserve some time for you and God in advance, and keep your reservation. Whether you are an early bird like Debbie and I am, or you thrive in the evening hours, make your appointment with God and keep it. In a few short weeks of doing it day after day, it will become a habit, and then you’ll create a lifestyle of reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God.

My Prayer for you:
Father, we thank you for your Word. We know that each word in the Bible is God breathed and good for us. We appreciate the men wrote it, and appreciate that you gave us something we can hold on to and can read and study to know you more. We are created for your pleasure and purpose, and thank you for creating the Word for our pleasure and so we can know our purpose. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!