1/11/13- Word Bearing Fruit

¹³ And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. (1 Thess. 2:13)

Thoughts: The word of human beings may inspire us and encourage us.  But the Word of God is able to transform us and lift us beyond ourselves- and this has proven true over many languages, many cultures, and many times.  The Word of God does not return to God empty but like the rain falls and bears fruit  (Isaiah 55:10,11).  

Prayer: Lord, let me receive your Word with grace, and may it bear fruit in my life.  

I. God’s Word: The Authority for Our Confession
The clearest declaration of God’s glory is found in His Word,
both incarnate and written. The Son eternally proceeds from
the Father as His Word, the full expression of the Father’s
nature, and since in the incarnation the Word became flesh all
the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are offered to His disciples
The written Word grants us those treasures, proclaims
the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, and graciously teaches all that
is necessary for faith and life. We glorify God by recognizing
and receiving His authoritative self-revelation, both in
the infallible Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
and also in the incarnation of God the Son. We affirm that
the same Holy Spirit who overshadowed the virgin Mary also
inspired the writing and preservation of the Scriptures. The
Holy Spirit testifies to the authority of God’s Word and illumines
our hearts and minds so that we might receive both the
Scriptures and Christ Himself aright.

11/1/12- Dry vs. Living

All Saints Day

As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 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. (Isaiah 55:10,11)

Thoughts: The Word of God achieves God's purposes, and bears fruit. None of us plan to be spiritually dry or fruitless. We slowly drift, and die spiritually. But like water poured on dry, dying grass, God's Word brings vitality, hope, strength, and fruit.  There have been so many I have known who have gone before us and born fruitful lives:  dedicated Sunday School teachers, elders, ministers, loving volunteers.  If you too want your life to be fruitful for eternity- for God- then, look to His Word which energizes us and accomplishes His purpose.  Today is not just the day after "All Hallow's Eve'n" (Halloween), it is All Saints Day- remembering the every day people who went before us.  The gospel does not just spread by the heroes- like Billy Graham, or St. Patrick- but mainly by everyday people energized and growing- zealous to serve and love God.

Prayer: Today, Lord, help me not to live an empty life, but a fruitful life for you.

Thoughts go along with 40 Days in the Word- day 30