Why God Speaks

23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:23-25 NIV

God is not one to speak in generalities. When He whispers from the pages of Scripture or confronts through a friend's words, the Father directly addresses issues in His children's lives. With that in mind, let's look at His three goals for communicating with believers—namely, for us to:

1. Comprehend the truth. God wants us to learn His ways and principles, to recognize our own frailty, and to identify the needs of others. He does more than offer this as head knowledge—He makes truth applicable to our lives. For example, the Lord assured Paul that His strength was sufficient to carry the apostle through anything (2 Cor. 12:9). Circumstances taught the apostle that God's Word was true.

2. Conform to the truth. Our lives are shaped by our belief system. What we hold as true influences our thinking. In turn, how we think affects our character, conduct, and conversation. God is determined to mold His children into Christlikeness so that they reflect His gospel to the world.

3. Communicate the truth. Every child of God is called to make disciples (Matt. 28:19). Believers can know the Lord and walk in His light but still fall short of this expectation. We must share the gospel by sharing God's truth with others and explaining how His words played out in our lives.

Notice that each goal builds on the one preceding it. Christians are a light reflecting God's glory to this world. We shine brightly by being attentive to God's voice and following His will. And when someone takes an interest in the source of our light, we are prepared to share the good news of Christ.

From Dr. Charles Stanley & www.intouch.org.

 

 

Today's Bible Verse...

I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.—Mark 9:41 

 

Thoughts on Today's Verse...
This simple and clear passage cuts two ways: First, we are blessed when we bless God's children, even if the blessing is simple. Second, we can rejoice when others do the simplest things to bless us in Jesus' name, because we receive the kindness and grace of others and because God blesses that kindness with his overwhelming grace. Bottom line — let's live to be a blessing! When we do, God is blessed. We are blessed. We bless others. In addition, when others are gracious to us, God has also promised to bless them. God pours his blessings out on all of us. In God's miraculous economy, the more we bless each other, the more blessings there are for everyone!

My Prayer...
Gracious and loving Father, please use me this week to be a blessing to everyone around me. But this week, dear Father, please lead me into the life of someone who desperately needs your grace. Please give me discernment to see them when you bring them across my path. Give me courage to reach out and bless them. Keep them on my heart and help me as I seek to be a long-term blessing to them. In Jesus' name I ask for your help and grace to use this opportunity for your glory. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...
 

 

Pastoral Comparison 

by Erik Johnson

 

 

 

Editor's Note:

What started out as a ROUGH DAY,

SOMEHOW ended up an even WORSE DAY...

THEN I REALIZED WHOM I WORKED FOR,

AND satan lost his grip on me once again...

Whistling Hymn for the past hour:

"I NEED THE EVERY HOUR"

1

I need Thee every hour,

Most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine

Can peace afford.

    I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;

    Every hour I need Thee;

    Oh, bless me now, my Savior!

    I come to Thee.

2

I need Thee every hour,

Stay Thou near by;

Temptations lose their power

When Thou art nigh.

3

I need Thee every hour,

In joy or pain;

Come quickly and abide,

Or life is vain.

4

I need Thee every hour,

Teach me Thy will;

And Thy rich promises

In me fulfill.

5

I need Thee every hour,

Most Holy One;

Oh, make me Thine indeed,

Thou blessed Son.

 

HAVE A BLESSED DAY....