Bummer Buster Friday - Power of God's Word

Good morning!

I am not quite sure when I stumbled on this but really liked it and wanted to share it with you this morning. This sharing speaks to the power of scripture, of the Word of God. Of course we know this from John 1:1- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John is talking about Jesus here and Jesus is the Word become flesh.
 
A Biblical commentator shares a long list of ways God’s Word impacts us. It begins with “the ministry of the Word, because God meets us in His Word and the Holy Spirit works powerfully through the word of God. This spiritual work of God’s Word goes far beyond the basic educational value of learning the Bible.

• God’s Word brings true health, fruitfulness, prosperity and success to what we do (Psalm 1:3).
• The Word of God has healing power and the power to deliver from oppression (Psalm 107:20, Matthew 8:8, Matthew 8:16).
• God’s Word cleans us. If we take heed according to God’s word, our way will be cleansed (Psalm 119:9, John 15:3, Ephesians 5:26).
• The Word of God, hidden in our hearts, keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11).
• God’s Word is a counselor. When we delight in God’s word, it becomes a rich source of counsel and guidance for us (Psalm 119:24).
• God’s Word is a source of strength (Psalm 119:28).
• God’s Word imparts life. It is a continual source of life (Psalm 119:93 and Matthew 4:4).
• God’s Word is a source of illumination and guidance. When God’s word comes in, light comes in. It makes the simple wise and understanding (Psalm 119:105 and Psalm 119:130).
• God’s Word gives peace to those who love it. They are secure, standing in a safe place (Psalm 119:165).
• When the Word of God is heard and understood, it bears fruit (Matthew 13:23).
• The Word of God has inherent power and authority against demonic powers (Luke 4:36).
• Jesus Himself – His eternal person – is described as the Word. When we are into the word of God, we are into Jesus (John 1:1).
• Hearing God’s Word is essential to eternal life. One cannot pass from death into life unless they hear the Word of God (John 5:24, James 1:21, 1 Peter 1:23).
• Abiding – living in – God’s Word is evidence of true discipleship (John 8:31).
• God’s Word is the means to sanctification (John 17:17).
• The Holy Spirit can work with great power as the Word of God is preached (Acts 10:44).
• Hearing God’s Word builds faith (Romans 10:17).
• Holding fast to the Word of God gives assurance of salvation (1 Corinthians 15:2).
• The faithful handling of the Word of God gives the ministers of the word a clear conscience. They know that they did all they could before God (2 Corinthians 4:2 and Philippians 2:16).
• The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. It is equipment for spiritual battle, especially in the idea of an offensive weapon (Ephesians 6:17).
• The Word of God comes with the power of the Holy Spirit, with “much assurance” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
• The Word of God works effectively in those who believe (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
• The Word of God sanctifies the very food we eat! (1 Timothy 4:5).
• The Word of God is not dead; it is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword. The Word of God can probe us like a surgeon’s expert scalpel, cutting away what needs to be cut and keeping what needs to be kept (Hebrews 4:12).
• The Word of God is the Christian’s source of spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2 and 1 Corinthians 2:1-5).”

 
The references are hyperlink so you can look at the actual Word as you read each bullet point. I challenge you to go and read each one as you meditate on what this commentator shares about each reference. Let God speak to you, as He does, through His Word.
 
Lord Jesus, my prayer for each of us as we enter this weekend is that we keep ourselves fully open to hear, really hear, understand and live God’s Word out in our lives! Amen!
 
Have a weekend filled with the Peace that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
 
Patrick