Monday, December 20, 2010

God said...(Part 2)

In my last post, I talked about the first two characteristics of God's word. The bible declares that God's word is:
  1. Alive
  2. Powerful, and
  3. Revelational
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.1

God’s word is revelational: God’s word reveals His will, purpose and acts, but God’s word also reveals my thoughts, intents, and condition. God’s word opens my life before Him, revealing to me the truth of who I am, where I am, and what I need. God has revealed Himself through His spoken word, His written word, and His Son, Jesus Christ, The Living Word.

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son,2

Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.'”3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.4

When God speaks, His words go beyond influence and charisma, God infuses his words with His Spirit and His life so that what He says is indistinguishable from who He is. God’s word is alive and full of power! There is never an instance when what God says is differentiated from who God is.

Who you are is distinguished by what you say and do. By this I mean that we have the ability to perceive the difference between what someone says from what they do. As a child, I heard adults say, "Don't do as I do, do as I say." It was as if I was expected to ignore what my eyes were seeing. The beauty of Almighty God is that you cannot distinguish God from His word. Where does God end and His word begin? God is indistinguishable from His word.

"And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power..."5

God’s word extends beyond the revelation of who He is, His word reveals who I am. I can stand before a mirror and see a reflection of myself, but what I see is only a reflection, not a revelation. My reflection is viewed by my own perception of who I am. A woman looks in the mirror and sees herself as too fat. A man looks in the mirror and sees himself as too bald. A boy looks in the mirror and sees himself as too short. A girl looks in the mirror and sees herself as too plain. A reflection can never show what God’s word reveals. God’s word cuts through the reflection of what I see and exposes the true condition of my life.

It is only when I discover the revelation of who God is that I finally see who I am.

What God says, is upheld, reinforced and sustained by who God is; a revelation of real truth that I can always rely upon what God says. This got me to thinking of what God said in creation.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.6

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.7

God spoke light where none had existed. Why? So that we in this world having eyes, might see the illumination, beauty and glory of Him who has always existed. It wasn’t just God saying, I allow light to now be a reality, God sent forth His word as Light in a world filled with darkness.

The bible often speaks about the fear experienced by those who are in the presence of God. The common thread in those instances is God saying, Don’t be afraid.

He said, 'I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.'”8

When God says, do not be afraid, He is sending forth His word as courage to a person overcome with fear. When God says the word Peace, He sends forth His word as peace to silence conflict. Whatever God says, is representative of who God is. God is honorable, so His word must be honored; God honors and upholds His word.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.9

…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.10

God’s word has purpose, direction, and fulfillment. I think about things I’ve faced in life and how God sent His word, and as a result, my life changed. In some instances, it didn’t happen overnight, but it happened. There were times when I didn’t understand how, but it happened. God said it, and my life was changed. God takes what I lack and strengthens me by His word. It’s what Joshua needed to hear after Moses died.

Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.11

God wasn’t just saying the words, “Be strong and courageous…” to Joshua. God spoke strength and courage into Joshua’s life so that what Joshua saw was not a reflection, but a revelation. Joshua saw the strength and courage of God saying, I swore to their fathers that I would give them possession of the land.

For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,12

This is the certainty of God’s word! In a courtroom, a person swears to tell the truth; they commit themselves to speaking the truth based on someone being greater than them. Since there is none greater than God, God binds what He says with who He is.

Whatever we face in this life, God says a word appropriate to our circumstances. Whatever it is, God has spoken to that circumstance; in order for His word to stand above and beyond my thoughts, fears, hurts, pain, afflictions, hunger, death or anything I face. God has spoken to it already; there is nothing in my life greater than God.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.13

No matter what you may find yourself up against, remember that God said…

Let God’s word take hold of you and strengthen you to face your fears, hurts, pain, hunger, death or whatever you may be going through. When you feel like you can’t go on, listen to God speak to you, strengthening you with the word of endurance.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.14

Father God,

Thank you that Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light on my path. Thank You that Your word is alive: in me! O Lord, create in me a clean heart that I would worship You with joy and gladness. You strengthen me by Your word. Your word reveals to me how much I need you every moment in my life; I rely on You Lord. What joy Your word gives me. Regardless of my circumstances I know You are here with me; I'm not afraid. I can trust Your word just as I trust You, Your word represents You. I ask You Lord, to speak to those crying out for Your word, for a revelation of You, of Your truth. Speak to that need, that lack, that hurt, whatever cries out from our heart to You O Lord. Your word can never fail. May Your grace shower down upon our lives. No matter what circumstance we face, we're not alone, encourage us Lord. Reveal Your word to us, in us, and Your plan and purpose for our lives. You are the God who loves us, O God, we can do nothing without You. Your grace is always sufficient, that's why I shall praise You always. Thank You Lord. Amen.


Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte and Ginger). You'll find blogs openly professing a love for Christ, and a passion to share. I encourage you to visit. You won't be disappointed.Spiritual Sunday's

Footnotes:
  1. Hebrews 4:12, NLTB
  2. Hebrews 1:1-2, NASB
  3. Exodus 34:27, NASB
  4. John 1:1, NIV
  5. Hebrews 1:3, NASB
  6. Genesis 1:3, KJV
  7. 1 John 1:5, NASB
  8. Genesis 46:3, NASB
  9. Matthew 24:35, NASB
  10. Isaiah 55:11, NIV
  11. Joshua 1:6, NASB
  12. Hebrews 6:13, NASB
  13. Romans 8:38-39, NASB
  14. Philippians 4:13, NKJV
References:
  1. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
  2. The Amplified Bible, by The Lockman Foundation, Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan, ISBN-13: 978-0310951414
  3. King James Version, The Crusade Analytical Study Edition, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., PO Box 90011, Nashville, Tennessee 37209
  4. The Message Bible, by Eugene H. Peterson, NavPress Publishing Group, Colorado Springs, CO, ISBN-13: 978-1600060250
  5. New King James Version, by Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc., PO Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee, ISBN-13: 978-0840713704
  6. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA
  7. The New Living Translation Bible, by Tyndale Charitable Trust, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois, ISBN-13: 978-0842384896

17 comments:

dunlizzie said...

Yes! There is so much here, each paragraph could be elaborated into more, but such is the depth of the Word.

The beauty of Almighty God is that you cannot distinguish God from His word. Where does God end and His word begin? God is indistinguishable from His word.

Oh hallelujah!

I love how you connected all the talk of reflections and how God's Word cuts through all that, revealing truth. When looking for answers to those broken places, we cannot go on feelings which change like the wind or other folk's assessments which vary from person to person. Rather we go to God's Word and see what He says. His Word is true; it never changes, and it is spoken by the one who knows us best.

Blessings to you MTJ :)

dunlizzie

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

Such and inspiration message and well written MTJ. The Word of God will never return void. God's blessings and a Merry CHRISTmas to you and your family. Lloyd

Mari Nuñez said...

It sure is, alive, powerful, and revelational. God's words always fit to whatever circumstance we may be facing. It lives with us as we grow in faith. So powerful that it has transform millions of people a so revelational that we could all testify all that has been revealed throughout history and in every day of our lives.

Thanks MTJ for such a beautiful prayer and post. Thanks for reading my blog and supporting me through with your comments.

Lot of blessing for you and your family throughout this holiday season. May the love of Christ our Savior reign in our home and hearts.

Mari

Sharon said...

MTJ - Truly a "word" from you (given by God) to minister to me today! I was fascinated by the juxtaposition of God's character and His Word - how what God SAYS, is who God IS. A new shade of meaning for me. And how God's Word is a revelation to us - lighting the way to spiritual illumination - that was powerful! It occurs to me that the more He reveals to us, the better we can reflect Him.

I liked this line especially: "God has spoken to that circumstance; in order for His word to stand above and beyond my thoughts, fears, hurts, pain, afflictions, hunger, death or anything I face."

Reminded me of Jesus SPEAKING to the storm, and it was instantly stilled. In each circumstance of my life, God speaks and His will is done - whether the storm stills, or He guides me through it.

Such comfort...

GOD BLESS!

Judy said...

Hello MTJ,

I've finally had a few moments to take a breather and begin blogging again. Been super busy with work and Christmas preparations.

What a thought-provoking post! God's word is all powerful. It reveals who we are and what we are. It exposes our thoughts, attitudes and our sinful nature to its very core. Ouch! But it also reveals who we are in Christ because we have Christ. We are holy, righteous, blameless, and virtuous.

Amen,
Judy

My Mad World said...

Hello MTJ

What a beautiful post, as always!

I love that God's Word is so great, it truly is the Living Word. He is always there and His words will always fit any situation and will teach you how to live. As long as you follow it. One day a verse won't really fit but then the next time you read it you totally get it!

His words let you know what He wants and how He wants you to live. It is very hard but the more we continue to study His words and work on being who He wants us to be, that is when we are closer to Him. To what He wants us to all be.

His word is the truth, very comforting and will help you with any situation! God and His Son are the best teachers there are! Finally learning to let Him have control, let Him lead me through everything has been the best experience! Our Lord is so Amazing!

Anonymous said...

Wow! There is so much here that I wish everyone could understand, especially the living movement of the Bible.

The Bible is not merely a historical book -- it is a power source that changes us from within!

I love the image of the reflection. Our reflections tell very little about us. We find our meaning and worth outside of ourselves. We discover who we are through Christ.

Also, wanted to add that I always enjoy your comments on my blog. You always add insight to the topic that God has been revealing to me. I pray that your Christmas is filled with God's peace!

Sharon said...

Hi again MTJ - just wanted you to know that I appreciated your comment on my blog (Monday's post) so much. I left a response for you - if you get the chance, please read it. You gave me much to think about...as you always do!

GOD BLESS!

Teresa said...

Wow!!!!!! Wow!!!!!! I am going to read this again...
"The beauty of Almighty God is that you cannot distinguish God from His word. Where does God end and His word begin? God is indistinguishable from His word." This is so powerful and praise God that He is Truth and what you have declared is TRUTH...HIM! Wow! It is like trying to comprehend eternity...I fall off the cliff into the vanishing point...there is no way to comprehend such amazing truth...Beautiful my friend...just beautiful!
~Teresa

lioneagle said...

Hi MTJ -

This is superbly expressed - potent in truth.

Nothing comes close to the Words of GOD as you expressed in such an excellent and thorough manner.

Thank you!

Short Poems said...

Very good read, enjoyed it!

Carolyn said...

Hi MTJ!

What a beautiful post...as always!! I enjoy reading your thoughts and perceptions as I always come away with so much to think about it and meditate on! I have not been in blogland for awhile and I have missed your posts regarding our wonderful Lord!!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

Blessings to you!
Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Merry CHRISTmas MTJ...
Oh my what a powerful and thought provoking post today. I so enjoyed this one.

Especially what we see when we look into the mirror. In May, when I got sick and spent 10 days in ICU, and losing most of my speaking voice permanently has SO changed what I see in the mirror. (I spent almost 5 months recovering.) God has given me this new voice for a reason, and instead of remaining silent most of the time, I intend to speak more in 2011, and figure out the path that God has chosen for me. I am to teach someone somewhere, I just don't know where yet. You have inspired me my friend. I thank you for this post. I am the same person I see in the mirror, just a new voice to be heard.

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year. Many hugs and blessings to you, Sherry

Jane said...

Just dropping by to say hi, and wishing you and family a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! :)

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I want to wish you His absolute best over the holidays MTJ. Your teachings always hit home and your comments make me feel so good. Thanks for being you MTJ...thanks for always sharing your heart. Sarah

Glory to God said...

MTJ -

You have done an amazing job of writing on God's Word. I particularly take note where you say that, "God is indistinguishable from His word." I understood this as God can never go against His own character. So this to me makes perfect sense.

I also was intrigued when you pointed out that when God said, "Let there be light," that God is light. The "beauty and glory of Him" is the Light that He sent out into the world!

This was very well written. It definitely speaks to me about how great and awesome our God is.

I hope you and yours have a very Merry CHRISTmas!

God bless brother,
Dean

Peggy said...

Blessings MTJ... No, I did not forget
this post (as I noticed another new one pop up in this New Year, I decided I'd better take time out of prayer and reading to respond before I'm too far behind in your well written thoughts)!!!

As Part 1 God said...GOD'S WORD is clearly speaking through your words. This is such a full post and per many comments here and last time, you have imparted great wisdom and thought to the Word.
Very in depth and well written.

God's WORD is MIGHTY and truly ALIVE, POWERFUL and REVELATIONAL!
Amen! I love how you wrote "God infuses His Word(s) with His Spirit" and your point on "God is INDISTINGUISHABLE from HIS WORD".

I thought on this as I was reading in His Word, and how His Word was magnified by this truth.

Then the part that I have been soaking in and pondering the most was when you wrote "His Word reveals who I am"... Of course, we know that His Word reveals who He is but I needed this Word to reflect on to realize the great magnitude of this when I confess His Word from my mouth as truth.

I started last year with the affirmations of God's Word(as I share on the bottom of my posts, Identity in Christ, and the Bell)
who I am in Christ. So your words pierced these beyond just speaking them but believing them as truth because they come from God's Word!
I am accepted, chosen, victorious,
etc. Hallelujah! Truly His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path! Amen...and I clearly could go on with each well developed point after the above...
but it was here that I stopped last year and paused to allow this awesome truth of His Word is ALIVE in me... not just in Jesus Christ. So as we are created in His image and cleansed by His blood, He is revealed more and more in us as we surrender more and more of our flesh to being recreated by His Spirit anew in us...morning by morning... this is an awesome reality, not just your thoughts but part of His Word and plan for us!

Glory! Beautiful closing prayer as always... so in essence this did not take me away from reading God's Word, Billy Graham's devotion or time in prayer...it just completed it more perfectly!!! Thank you MTJ!

Peace and joy,
Peggy
(finally) now let's move forward into 2011 Thought filled Journey...