God said.... (Part 1)

What comes to mind when you hear the words, “God said”? How do the words, “God said” affect you? These two questions got me to thinking during a recent meditation. The bible says that God’s word is alive, powerful, and 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

“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.”²

When God speaks, it is unlike any words I could utter; there is a vast difference between what God says and what I say. God’s words are spiritual and life-giving words.

“Every word I've spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making.”³

God’s word contains the elemental qualities of creativity; giving and sustaining life where none existed. We recognize great works of art, music and literature, yet none of those we recognize have the inherent ability to infuse life where none existed. Science and researchers are making tremendous strides in biotech research, yet what they discover and produce is not life-making; they have simply discovered how to manipulate properties at a cellular level that already have life.

God’s word is Alive: Recognizing that God’s word is alive ought to cause me to seek more of His word in my life, causing me to think, say and do that which affirms and glorifies Him. The fact that God’s word is alive is what propels me forward. His word is alive to the extent that as I store His word in me, I am renewed, invigorated, and refreshed. The sad truth is that I often find myself bogged down by my own words that continually try to shape my view of the world I live in. I keep thinking about a post written by Joan (Reflections) called The Right Perspective ~ Choosing Thankfulness, in which she expresses that we need to look carefully at 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to see that it says, give thanks in all circumstances, not thanks for all circumstances. It has helped me tremendously to appreciate the grace of God that sustains me in every aspect of my life. Having the properties of life, God’s word sustains me with patience and endurance. I’m learning to thank God no matter what the circumstance (all things) may be. I remind myself of His word, what God said so that my spirit is renewed with the life-giving, sustaining properties of God’s word; enabling me to endure and get through my circumstances.

God’s word is powerful: Men and women make powerful decisions in government and business that affect the lives of many, yet they lack the ability to say one word that is truly creative and sustaining. Who is there that can oppose God? The bible recounts numerous instances when those with power assumed they were above God only to come face to face with the God whose power they had not imagined possible. The bible asks the question in Revelation:

“…who shall be able to stand?”⁴

God’s word is alive and powerful. Combining these two elements tells me that God has the ability to make and shape who, what, when, where, why, and how He speaks His word. Touring a nuclear power facility gives one an idea of the awesome power of nuclear energy and yet nuclear energy pales in comparison to the power of God’s word.

Who but God can speak a word that changes my life?

I remember a commercial in which a group of investors were discussing the volatility of the stock market. One investor asks a question of a representative of this prestigious investment company and as the man begins to answer, the entire room of investors turns silent and attentive to what is about to be spoken. The slogan of the commercial was:

When E.F. Hutton talks, people listen.

Questions to answer:

1. Am I attentive to what God says?
2. Do I thirst for more of His word?
3. Do I see His word as a lamp to my feet and a light to my path?
4. Do I believe that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is able to resurrect my life?

People with influence have an audience but there are times when even influential people are at a loss for words, or are unable to change the overall attitudes of others. Throughout history, there have been notable people with charisma, but even charismatic people lose the power of their charisma. You can be a person of influence, charisma or some other quality that enables you to affect others, but you can always be identified by some other trait. A person of influence can also be insensitive. A charismatic person can also be a liar. Who you are is distinguished by what you do.

The power of God’s word finds no obstacle too hard, no mountain too high, no valley too low, and no river too deep that cannot be overcome by what God says. God’s word represents Him by representing His power. We have seen the destructive power of explosives and machinery that can demolish a building, but that power has no ability to oppose the power God. God’s word has no peer; nothing can stand up to the awesome power of God. What God says cannot be revoked or invalidated by anyone.

I will continue this discussion in my next post.

Father God,

Thank you for the joy You give, and what You have said regarding Your word. I want to rely on Your word because You renew, refresh and invigorate my life. I want to count it all joy, no matter what circumstances I find myself in; I know You are with me in all things. I can trust You because Your word is representative of You. Your word is truth, lacking nothing. Your word never fails. I pray not for myself, but for family and friends, I pray for those reading these words as well. Speak to them as only the Sovereign God speaks. Shower your grace upon their lives. No matter what circumstance they may find themselves in, without a job, without a home, without family, without food, or whatever those circumstances are, speak the words that will illuminate their life, directing them what to do. You are the God who cares, loves and guides our steps. We can do nothing without You Lord. I pray Your favor upon them Lord, Your grace is sufficient. I want to always praise You, for who You are. Thank You Lord. Amen.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte and Ginger). You will find that the blogs linked there are filled with a love for Christ, and a passion to share. I encourage you to visit. You won't be disappointed.

Footnotes:

1. Hebrews 4:12, NLTB
2. Hebrews 4:12, The Amplified Bible
3. John 6:63, The Message Bible
4. Revelation 6:17, KJV

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