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Be A Receiver
By Bunny | February 12, 2010
What attitude brings the greatest benefit when hearing or reading God’s Word? Receive it as God’s Word — not man’s. Receive it as God speaking directly to you. The Word is shared by us, but originated by Him. “When you received the Word of God…from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is…the word of God.” (I Thess. 2:13 NKJV).
Here are four things you must always remember about your Bible: (a) It’s authoritative. “They were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority…they were all amazed…saying, What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” (Lk 4:32-36 NKJV) The forces of darkness around us must recognize and submit to God’s authoritative Word. So stand on it! (b) It’s creative. “By God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed.” (2 Pe 3:5 NIV) His Word alone was enough to create all that exists. He doesn’t have to strive or sweat, He just has to say it and it’s done. So speak God’s Word in prayer and throughout times in your day when you need to be reminded that He is in you and that there isn’t anything that you cannot do or overcome without His awesome power that resides in you. (c) It’s effective. “My word…will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isa 55:11 NIV) Every Word God speaks is on a mission and is guaranteed to accomplish it in accordance with His will, His strategy and His timing. So put God’s Word to work! (d) It’s dynamic. “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (Jn 6:63 NIV) When you receive it as the Word of God, it produces life-changing results. It can’t just sit there and do nothing, it must generate, for it is “…the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (1 Th 2:13 NKJV)
How can you make God’s Word more personal and effective in your life? By receiving it as a practical and relevant Word. The Bible is not God’s attempt to offer illumination insights, interesting theories or good advice for our consideration. No, it’s an authoritative, indisputable statement of eternal truth for us to live by. It’s intended for real-world application. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock.” (Mt 7:24 NKJV) The obedient builder’s rock-solid foundation withstood the storm’s violence. Conversely, “Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them,” Jesus says, “is a fool, and the storms will erode his foundation.” (vv. 26-27) Now, Jesus didn’t condemn this man for building an inadequate structure, or failing to hear, understand and believe His words, but for failing to act on them. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says…the man who looks intently into the perfect law…not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.” (Jas 1:22 NIV) If we think reading, knowing, and even believing God’s Word fulfills our obligation to it, we’re self-deceived. Because it’s God’s Word, His intention for it must be fulfilled. That requires not just believing, but doing the Word. James didn’t say, “He will be blessed in what he believes,” but “he will be blessed in what he does!” When Moses read God’s Word to the Israelites, they said, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” (Ex 24:7 NKJV)
Let me encourage you at this season of love, Valentine’s Day, that you receive the greatest gift of love that anyone could receive, and that’s the gift of God’s love. His love is sweeter than any box of candy that you may get from your sweetheart, or more precious than any diamond that you may receive. His love is eternal. His love is unconditional. His love never changes with the seasons. Receive His love today so that you may experience Valentine’s Day all year round. I love you!!!
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