How much is the Word of God, the bible, a part of your spiritual life? Seems like a crazy question to ask someone who has a spiritual life, but I had to question myself on this, and I am not real comfortable with the honest answer.
When I stop and really think about this book that sits beside me, that I pick up and read daily, what it really is...I do not give it anywhere the need and attention I should. It is the WORD of God. His words, sitting here beside me. I read it. I carry it to church and I turn to the scripture and even take notes on it. But do I spend the time and devotion I should? Do I study it, learn it, meditate on it?
Sadly, the answer is no.
I spend more time listening to others speak their words about the scripture, through lessons and sermons. I spend more time thinking about the characters of the bible, and not what it means to me and my life. I wander around in this dark world with the light at my fingertips. I wander down paths trying to find my way with a map unopened. I should have hunger for this book, it is my spiritual food.
The only thing I can imagine stands in the way would be the deceiver. He lies to me and makes me think those daily readings, and taking notes has been enough. But tonight, the Spirit speaks to me. Tonight I am praying for a hunger for the word. I am praying that this reality that hits me this evening, grabs me throughout the day.
I want to read the word, as it is, the WORDS of my heavenly father, his love letter to me and you. I want to see what he wants for my life, the light to be shining and the road signs to direct me. I want to meditate on it, and learn from it. I want the words of scripture to have more power in my life than the words of men. I want the Spirit to speak to me directly. I want to know it so well, that I can share the treasures with others.
What about you? How important is the Word of God in your life?
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet, and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105
May God use His words to be light and salt to you. May He bless my words to compliment His words.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Love By Choice
Last night a question was asked in our youth group...why did God create Satan? They asked if He knew the outcome, why did he continue?
So many of us ask questions like this...wondering why God does as He does. But sometimes we can answer our questions by looking at ourselves...we are made in His image. We have many of his characteristics and ways.
So...think about love. If you had the ability to MAKE everyone love you, would that feel like love? Of course, when we feel love for someone and it is not returned, it hurts. We know God hurts. I am sure when God looks at many faces of his creation, the lack of love, the lack of obedience, the lack of faith, the lack of acknowledegment....it all must hurt. But...the alternative was to create beings without a choice. He could have had all creation love him, obey him, and sing praises to him all day long. But he would also know, that it is not real....without the choice, it is a created love, not a chosen love.
How much more it must mean to him, when we turn away from the world, turn away from sin, turn from the temptation and look towards him, choosing to love him, choosing to follow him. This is the love I would want. I want to be loved by choice. How much more must our heavenly father want this same kind of love?
Are you choosing to love him today?
May you find salt and light in my words.
So many of us ask questions like this...wondering why God does as He does. But sometimes we can answer our questions by looking at ourselves...we are made in His image. We have many of his characteristics and ways.
So...think about love. If you had the ability to MAKE everyone love you, would that feel like love? Of course, when we feel love for someone and it is not returned, it hurts. We know God hurts. I am sure when God looks at many faces of his creation, the lack of love, the lack of obedience, the lack of faith, the lack of acknowledegment....it all must hurt. But...the alternative was to create beings without a choice. He could have had all creation love him, obey him, and sing praises to him all day long. But he would also know, that it is not real....without the choice, it is a created love, not a chosen love.
How much more it must mean to him, when we turn away from the world, turn away from sin, turn from the temptation and look towards him, choosing to love him, choosing to follow him. This is the love I would want. I want to be loved by choice. How much more must our heavenly father want this same kind of love?
Are you choosing to love him today?
May you find salt and light in my words.
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