The Power of The Book – God’s Word

 The Power of The Book – God’s Word           

Can you imagine becoming a king at the age of eight? I cannot fathom being a king (queen), much less as a child.

Well, that’s what happened to a boy named Josiah. His father and grandfather, who preceded him on the throne of ancient Judah were not good examples for this boy-king. In fact, they were a couple of the wickedest kings the nation ever had. Second Kings 21 and Second Chronicles 34-35 give an account of their evil reigns. 

But then came Josiah—a breath of fresh air.

We’re told, “And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2 NKJV*).

What do you suppose caused Josiah to depart from the leadership philosophies of his predecessors? The answer to that question is simple, yet profound.

In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah instructed his scribe, Shaphan, to take care of some administrative business with the high priest, Hilkiah, regarding repairs to the house of the Lord. While there, Hilkiah said to Shaphan, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan and he read it” (2 Kings 22:8).

“Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read it before the king. Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes” (2 Kings 22:10-11).

In those days, the tearing of one’s clothes represented humbling oneself in despair over some occurrence. Here, King Josiah repented for the years of sins his nation committed against Jehovah God. Many of those sins included the worship of false gods. Josiah’s grandfather had even sacrificed his own son to the god, Molech. (2 Kings 21:6)

Josiah then instructed his spiritual leaders to go and inquire of the Lord on behalf of himself and the nation. God responded to their genuine repentance and promised peace in the land for all the days of Josiah. 

“Then the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant” (2 Kings 23:3).

King Josiah then took action to uphold his part of the covenant. He ordered that all the pagan gods and articles of worship be destroyed, along with the priests of these gods and those who practiced witchcraft. (2 Kings 23:4-20, 24)

“Then the king commanded all the people saying, ‘Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as is written in the Book of the Covenant.’ Such a Passover surely had never been held since the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was held before the LORD in Jerusalem. … Now before him (Josiah) there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him” (2 Kings 23:21-23, 25).

Scholars tell us that the reforms of King Josiah launched the greatest revival throughout the kingdom in Old Testament history.

The days we live in are filled with sin, fear, and unrest. Many people in distress are turning to God, discovering His Word, and uncovering the hope that’s found in Christ. We hear reports of increased retail sales of Bibles and many are digging out Bibles they haven’t touched for years.

Because of a renewed interest in God and Jesus, many spiritual leaders and modern-day prophets predict that a new Great Awakening and Last Days Revival is right around the corner. How thrilling to think we might be a part of that! Repeatedly we hear, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

God’s Word is certainly powerful—giving life, strength, and hope for the future. Like Josiah, lets read The Book and allow God to revolutionize our spirits.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:11). 

After Josiah read the Book he repented of national sin and took action. If repentance is in order, we need to go before God and repent. He loves each of us more than we can imagine and desires for us to be in right relationship with Him. He is quick to forgive when we sincerely repent for our sins.

Through Jesus, God’s Son, and with the help of His Spirit we can live our days in harmony with our Creator. He put us on His planet at this time in history to give us abundant life and to help Him build His kingdom.

Let’s pray: Father God, these are amazing days I’m living in. It’s also amazing to think you placed me here to serve Your own purpose in this time in history. Help me to know You better through Your Word, to hear You as You teach and guide me, and to serve you according to your plan for me as I join You in the building of Your kingdom. I want to glorify You with my life. In Jesus name—amen.

* All Scripture quotes are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Maybe you should rethink that.

Maybe you should rethink that.

 

Good morning! 

Do you tune in to Facebook

  before you tune in to God’s Word?

Maybe you should rethink that.

 

Do you check in on Instagram

   before you check in with God in prayer?

Maybe you should rethink that.

 

Do you check out the news

   before you check out your spiritual circumstance?

Maybe you should rethink that. 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

–Philippians 4:8-9, 13, 19-20

 

©Connie Wohlford 2016

Part 2. A Lamp –The Light that Shows the Way (7)

Part 2. A Lamp –The Light that Shows the Way (7)          
We continue with RiSiKiLi−

              God’s Word − Read it, Study it, Know it, Live it.     

In my blog post last week we continued to look at the value of learning God’s Word and allowing it to illuminate our paths through life. The quote from Pastor Jack Hayford reiterated the point.

Today, let’s look at words of wisdom from Proverbs 3. As you read this passage take notice of how God’s Word is lighting life’s path with right-living instructions. This is so rich I’ve included a large portion of the chapter.

My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words. ² For they will add to you many days and years of life and peace. ³ Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart. ⁴ So you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. ⁶ Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. ⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. ⁸ It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones.

¹³ Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding. ¹⁴ For it is better than getting silver and fine gold. ¹⁵ She is worth more than stones of great worth. Nothing you can wish for compares with her. ¹⁶ Long life is in her right hand. Riches and honor are in her left hand. ¹⁷ Her ways are pleasing, and all her paths are peace. ¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Happy are all who hold her near.

²¹ My son, do not allow them to leave your eyes. Keep perfect wisdom and careful thinking. ²² And they will be life to your soul and a chain of beauty to your neck. ²³ Then you will be safe as you walk on your way, and your foot will not trip. ²⁴ You will not be afraid when you lie down. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

²⁵ Do not be afraid of fear that comes all at once. And do not be afraid of the storm of the sinful when it comes. ²⁶ For the Lord will be your trust. He will keep your foot from being caught.

²⁷ Do not keep good from those who should have it, when it is in your power to do it.

³⁰ Do not fight with a man for no reason, when he has done you no wrong. ³¹ Do not be jealous of a man who hurts others, and do not choose any of his ways (Proverbs 3:1-6; 5-6; 13-14; 21-27; 30-31 NLV).

Most of us would agree that if followers of Jesus would read and heed these and other similar passages on a regular basis, we’d live daily lives as better examples of Christ. Our value systems would reflect Jesus’ values. We’d have a true Christian world view and would actually behave different from non-believers. 

This is talking about having and using wisdom and understanding that comes from God. Wisdom is knowing truth and then using it appropriately in given situations. Understanding is knowing truth and having proper insight that enables one to use it wisely.

 

What a difference it would make in the world if all, or at least most, believers would heed the words in Proverbs! 

Imagine the benefits of diligently teaching God’s principles to our children, starting at the earliest possible age. Then consider the effects of living the life of faith and godly integrity before them in every arena of life. I know a lot of parents who do this and it’s gratifying to witness. 

What a difference this would make in households and the effects would flow like “rivers of living waters” out into the marketplace. Teaching the Word, and the value of it, to children should not be left to Sunday School or children’s church teachers alone. Certainly though, the formal training of these institutions is of great benefit in reinforcing and expanding the teachings of the home.

But day to day teaching and the living before them, of the parents especially, and also of grandparents, older siblings, extended family and friends, is the way to get the Word and its practical application into the hearts and minds of children.

This is the best way to anchor them in Truth and set them up to come into their own faith in Christ that will not only get them into Heaven for eternity, but will get them onto the path of God’s glorious plan−for his or her own abundant life.  

Let's be pro-active in training up children in the Word of God and lets exemplify its illuminating power in our own lives. 

©Connie Wohlford 2016

“He Went Out Not Knowing”             

These 5 words, “He went out not knowing...,” are found in the Bible. Do you know who said them and of whom they were said?

Speaking of Abraham, the writer of the Book of Hebrews said, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. ⁹ By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; (Heb. 11:8-9 KJV).”

Tomorrow we begin a new year. Like Abraham, we go out not knowing what lies ahead. We don’t know what awaits around the bend. It might hold abundant joys and really cool adventures−or perhaps even great sorrows and trials.  

When God called Abraham, (named Abram at the time) he obeyed, without hesitation. When he went out not knowing, he was taking a huge step of faith. God had called him to leave his home and kin. He didn’t have a reference point, or much of a family history with God. He was living in Haran, a pagan place. He couldn’t sing a song like Faith of Our Fathers to build his faith or boost his confidence. He took his wife, servants, Lot, his newhew, and their livestock and went out totally not knowing anything except that God had told him to do so.

So here we are, entering into a new year and we go out, not knowing what will befall us in 2016. We anticipate, hoping and expecting good things. Some among us are expecting a baby, planning a wedding, going to graduate, building a new house, and on and on.

Those of us who are in Christ, do NOT need to worry as we step into the new year. God told us very clearly in Luke 12:22 not to worry about anything. In other words, we are not to worry about things that concern us as we go out, not knowing what lies ahead. We don’t need to worry because God knows!

There are two 2-word sentences that give me great comfort as I face the unknown. The first is “I AM,” which God said about Himself to Moses through the burning bush. He was letting Moses know that Jehovah God was anything and everything Moses and the children of Israel would need for any trial or situation they’d faced.

My other 2-word sentence is, “God knows.”  When I encounter a trial, especially when I see no good ending, I remind myself, “God knows.” I know it is truth; He is good; He loves me with unfailing love; and He knows what’s best for me in any situation.

Granted, when January 1^st rolls around each year, we don’t know what lies ahead of us, or for any of our loved ones. Fear of the unknown can have a profound effect on an individual.

What does fear do to us? Fear keeps us focused on the past & constantly worried about the future. It creates desperation and indecision that paralyzes our logic, thinking, and actions. Fear causes us to be hesitant in exploring new concepts and embracing new possibilities. We can't live freely when we live in fear of the unknown.

Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on (Luke 12:22).”

Let’s consider things that we DO know, as we embark on a New Year−for that matter, as we embark on any new day:

1.  Jesus said, “Don’t worry about anything.”  Let’s take Him at His word. “For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day (2 Timothy 1:12).”

2.  Always remember, God loves us with unfailing love.

3.  God knows our end before our beginning. He said so! −Isaiah 46:10

4.  God created each of us, and knows each of us better than we know ourselves. He knows what’s best for us. Therefore, we can rest assured that He has our best interest in mind in all matters.

5.  Yes, we might miss God and mess up along the way but He knows our heart and can always get us straightened out when we cooperate with Him.

6.  God gives us principles and precepts to guide us and we can trust His Word. Of course we must read and study His Word in order to know these things.

7.  We have His presence at all times. When we’re in His family, His Holy Spirit dwells in us. He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5).”

As we go out in complete surrender to our Creator, we shouldn’t be surprised at marvelous things He will do in us and through us.

“Be an Abraham. Leave everything, and if you do this in faith, verily ye shall not lack your reward. He is able, and he has promised to give you in this life ten times more than you lose for him, and in the world to come life everlasting.”

“Let us … put the most implicit trust in our wonder-working God; when we recollect what he has already done for us.”

“I can only hold up my hands and exclaim, ‘What hath God wrought!’ And shall we doubt for the future? No; mariner, hoist the sail; loose the rudder bands; drag up the anchor; once again to sea we go, with the flag of faith at the masthead, with Jehovah at the helm, to a sure port the vessel shall be guided, though the storm may howl, and hell beneath shall be stirred; for God is with us, and the God of Abraham is our refuge. God give to every one of you the firmest trust in his providence, that you may go forth not knowing whither you go.”
“As for you that believe not in God, may you be led to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as in your Redeemer, and afterwards to trust your God, and leave all your concerns in his hands.” -Charles Spurgeon-  http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0261.htm 

©Connie Wohlford 2015