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

Part 2. A Lamp –The Light Shines in Darkness (6)

Part 2. A Lamp –The Light Shines in Darkness (6)          

We continue with RiSiKiLi−

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

Today I want to resume looking at the value of God’s Word, picking up where I left of in my October 27, 2015 post. Today’s post is part 6 as we consider our Bibles being like a lamp, helping us find our way through a dark and treacherous world.

We ended Part 5 looking at Paul’s instructions to his young protégé, Timothy. As you read the following passage, imagine that Paul is talking to you and me. Here we have a good example of God’s Word instructing us through everyday life—as a lamp lighting the way. Also, take note of the term “word of truth.” We can think of our Bibles as The Word of Truth. Paul said,

¹⁵ Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

¹⁶ Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. ¹⁷ This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. ¹⁸ They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

¹⁹ But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” 2 Timothy 2:15-19 NLT

 

This passage, verse 15 in particular, should be especially meaningful to anyone God calls to be a teacher. For the teacher, this verse contains the heart of his or her ministry gift. All believers are to study and understand God’s Word, but the teacher will be held to a higher level of accountability in this regard. Teaching the Holy Scriptures to others is a high privilege and a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly.

But this does not let those, without the teacher gift/calling, off the hook, because every person has a teacher type influence on someone−our own family members as well as those we encounter in the market place.

Continuing at verse 16, Paul instructs that we should “avoid worthless, foolish talk.” The New International Version says, “Avoid godless chatter” –the New King James Version, “profane and idle babblings.” Instead we should adhere to the Word of Truth. 

How can we do so if we don’t know what is the Word of Truth? Here’s a simplistic example: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” It seems that a number of people have been told, and believe, that those words are Scripture.  Though good hygiene is a desirable thing, this is not a quote from the Bible. Believing that it is, reflects ignorance of God’s Word.

Here are Jack Hayford comments on 2 Timothy 2:15: “The Bible−God’s inspired Word−is the only conclusive source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding concerning ultimate realities. It is a fountainhead of freeing truth (John 8:32) and a gold mine of practical principles (Ps. 19:10), waiting to liberate and/or enrich the person who will pursue its truth and wealth.  Thus, Paul’s instruction to “be diligent … a worker” has been applied by serious Christians through the centuries as a directive to study the Word of God. The only way to healthy, balanced living is through the ‘rightly dividing’ (Greek orthotomounta, literally, ‘cutting straight’) of God’s Word. Such correct, straight-on application of God’s Word is the result of diligent study. The test calls us beyond casual approaches to the Scriptures, telling us to refuse to suit the Bible to our own convenience or ideology.”

“In his earlier words (I Tim. 4:13) Paul also told Timothy, ‘Give attention to reading [God’s Word],’ but now he emphasizes studying like a ‘worker’ (from Greek ergon—‘toil, effort’).  Ps. 119:11 urges memorizing of the Word of God as a mighty deterrent against sin. Memorizing the Scripture also provides an immediate availability of God’s ‘words’ as a sword, ready in witnessing and effective in spiritual warfare (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). (Is. 55:10, 11/ 2 Tim.3:16).”  Jack Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Bible, Kingdom Dynamics, p 1854.

 

In writing his epistle to Timothy, Paul was keenly aware that Timothy needed to study and know God’s Word in order to minister to others and to stand firm against unrighteous temptations and behaviors (2 Timothy 2:22-26). It was imperative that Timothy have this divine illumination guiding his personal life and his ministry. He needed to teach these same principles to others and set a good example, even as a young man. Paul instructed Timothy in effective servant leadership, knowing that this was the example set by Christ, Himself.

   

Truth is found in the Word of God and knowledge of God’s Word will help us stay on God’s virtuous path, illuminating the way, helping us recognize and avoid snares of the devil. As I said in an earlier post the devil, has a plan, or we may call it a plot, for our lives. But following the ways of our Lord, as clearly defined in His Word, will help us avoid his snares and even captivity.    

 

Have you devised a Bible reading/study plan for this New Year? If you want to do so and don’t know where to start, you might learn Jesus. Begin reading the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—then on to Acts. In addition to that, try to read through the book of Proverbs. It has 31 chapters. If you read a chapter a day, you’ve read the whole thing in a month. You might find it stimulating to repeat that each month or every other month.

 

 

On the Internet, Bible Gateway has several Bible reading plans you can take a look at> https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/?version=NIV

 

No matter the plan you choose, start now. It’s okay to start small, but let it be today. One more thing, PRAY—ask God to help you focus and lead you in His Book. You will be causing Him to smile. Go ahead, smile back.

I pray God will bless you richly as you get to know Him better through His Word.

Part 2.  A Lamp – Let there be light. (2)   
                          We continue with RiSiKiLi−

                       You know− Read it, Study it, Know it, Live it.  

The writer of II Samuel saw God as the light for our way. As we read this Passage, keep in mind that God and His Word are one. 

For You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord shall enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God: God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer. He sets me on my high places.  II Samuel 22:29–34  

Before I write another word, I’ve just got to tell you−This morning, as I prayed for my grandchildren, part of my prayer was that God would help them to choose to walk the high road. Then when I read the above Passage, I had to smile. I believe God was smiling too.    

 
The Old Testament writer of II Samuel recognized that God lights our way. He illuminates the darkness along our way and it is perfect. God’s Word is proven. In other words it is tested and sure. It is dependable.

 

 

 The writer goes on to say that God is a shield to all who trust Him and He puts our feet securely on the high path. When we struggle along our path of life, in the dark, we’re not sure footed. But God sees clearly every detail of everything that’s before us, behind us, around us.

One could say. “I’m not struggling in life. All is well.”

We all know that can change in a heartbeat. A storehouse of God’s Word in our hearts shields our vitals and helps us keep our balance when adversity suddenly strikes.

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, Psalm 119:105.

For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life, Proverbs 6:23 states (NIV).

Let’s look at the definition of word. It means “speech; word or words; commandment; dictum; answer; saying.” Word comes from the root word Amar and occurs approximately 5,000 times in the Old Testament.* 

My favorite of those definitions is answer.
My Bible, His Word to me—His child—contains all the answers. We have the questions and problems. He has the answers and solutions. Every morning when I open this inspired Word of God, He speaks into my very life, Let there be light.

Is it your habit to allow God to speak into your life on a regular basis? If not, today is the best time to start. A path that is illuminated by the light of God and His Word is a path that leads to abundant life—by God’s definition. NO-thing could be better. God bless you abundantly today.

 

*Spirit Filled Life Bible, “Word Wealth,” at II Samuel 22:31, p.473.

©Connie Wohlford

 

A Lamp – Let there be light. (1)

Part 2.  A Lamp – Let there be light. (1)                               

                                

We continue with RiSiKiLi−

                       You know− Read it, study it, know it, live it.  

In my previous post, we looked at hearing God speak through His Word, continuing the greater theme of knowing God’s plan for one’s life. Now today let’s consider God’s provision of light so we can find our way through the plan He called us to follow. 

Psalm 119:105 states, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. NASV

When was the last time you walked somewhere in total darkness with only a flashlight? That flashlight would light up the area where you put your feet. If you’re a wilderness camper you know this experience well. This is like the lamp in the psalm.

Have you walked through darkness with only the light from a lantern? It illuminates the immediate area around you. This is like the light in the psalm.

We need both kinds of light along our path of life and God’s Word provides this. The lamp and light don’t show much of what’s ahead or around us. In the same way we can’t see the thoughts and motives of a person sitting right next to us. That’s where trust comes in. Faith in God and confidence that He has our best interest in mind is essential. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that faith pleases God. Let’s make Him smile today by trusting the light and lamp of His Word to show us the way. 

The truth of Psalm 119:105 should cause each of us, who’s a follower of Jesus, to immerse ourselves into the Words of our Creator.   

Do we really believe the Word of God will light our way along this path of life? How do our actions answer this question? For most of us our actions will answer, “Sometimes I believe that and sometimes I don’t.” 

We need to know for a fact, in the very depths of our being (that is in our spirits), that this passage of Scripture is Truth, and allow it to change our lives. I’m talking again about revelation understanding—the knowing that this passage is true for each of us every minute of every day of our lives. 

The first recorded words spoken by God Himself are found in the third verse of Genesis 1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. ³ Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. ⁴ And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:1-5 NKJV

 

SO—God’s very first recorded words were, Let there be light. Of course, He was referring natural light. But how interesting this is, in relation to our topic today, that these were our Creator’s first words.

Every believer can walk daily in God’s light. That is, God’s spiritual illumination. When we’re in darkness, it’s difficult to find our way.

When was the last time you stumbled on something unexpected while walking through a dark room? Every morning we wake up to a new day, not knowing what it will hold. Without God’s illumination it would be like waking up in a dark, unfamiliar place, unable to see obstacles that may cause us to stumble or pits into which we might plunge.

God knew from the beginning that mankind would need physical light in order to make it in the world. And He knew we’d need spiritual light in order to live in relationship with Him, walking out abundant life on earth and then on into eternity. 

Speaking of eternity—we who are in Christ will then experience the most splendid light of all. In John’s description of the New Jerusalem, he says, But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.  Revelation 21: 22 – 24 NKJV   

WOW—does that not make us just plum homesick!?   

But for now, let’s walk in the light of God’s Word. We’ll certainly have fewer bloody knees and sprained wrists. 

© Connie Wohlford

Scripture passages from: https://www.biblegateway.com/

Can you trust your Bible? (2)

“Risikili” – Part 5 – Can you trust your Bible? (2)

We continue with RiSiKiLi−

                       You know− Read it, study it, know it, live it.

As we continue with the theme of the value of God’s Word and figuring out the plan of God for ourselves, I’m posting the remaining Bible attributes listed by Bible Scholar/Pastor/Teacher Jack Hayford.

We must be able to trust God and His Word if we want to know His design for our lives and be able to verify that the plan in fact does line up with His Word, the Bible. Here is the rest of Pastor Hayford’s list extolling the truth and value of Scripture. (If you missed 1-5, just take a look at my last post – June 25, 2015.)

Pastor Hayford continued: 

THE ESSENTIAL PLACE AND POWER OF GOD’S WORD*

6.  The Regenerating Power of God’s Word

The Word of God regenerates new spiritual life where man has, by nature, died spiritually.  

For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:23 NASV).

7.  The Authority of God’s Word over Our Lives

As ‘spiritual’ people we are to refuse the ‘natural’ inclinations of fallen man, giving place instead to hearing and yielding to the authority of God’s own Word. 

Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. ⁹⁰ Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands. ⁹¹ They stand this day according to Your ordinances, For all things are Your servants (Psalm 119:89-91 NASV).

8.  God’s Word and Our Soul’s Nourishment

Spiritual survival is not possible for long without feeding upon the Word of God. 

So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV).

9.  God’s Word and Practical, Fruitful Living    

The regular application of the Word of God is the pathway to success and prosperity in living.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105 NKJV).

10. True Spiritual Growth Requires God’s Word 

True spiritual growth requires the Word of God, which makes spiritual maturity genuine.

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. ² I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; ³ for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? ⁴ For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? ⁵ Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? (1 Cor. 3: 1-5 NKJV). 

11. Loving God’s Word As Jesus Follower

To follow Jesus and to know God, a continuing requirement of steadfast commitment to hearing, heeding, and studying the Bible is necessary.  

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him (John 14:21 NKJV).

12. God’s Word: Purifier unto Holy Living

The Bible shows us Christ’s likeness so that we can be ordered and shaped into that image.

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; ²⁴ for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. ²⁵ But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does (James 1:23-25).

13. God’s Word, Evangelism, and Expansion

The spreading of God’s Word and the fulfillment of our personal potential come by the Word of God.     

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater (Isaiah 55:10-11 NKJV).

14. God’s Word: Read It! Study it! Memorize it! 

God’s Word is the only conclusive source of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding concerning ultimate realities waiting to liberate and enrich those who will pursue its wealth.    

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15 NKJV).  

 

 

 

 

 

If you do not have revelation of these things, I implore you to ask God to help you receive this truth into your spirit− that it will be Ramah Word to you.  And ask Him to put into your spiritual belly a hunger for God’s Word that cannot be satisfied. He wants to do that and you will benefit in ways you could never have imagined.  

As said by Pastor Hayford, “There is no such thing as health or growth in Christian living apart from a clear priority on the place of the Bible in the life of the individual or the group. The Scriptures are the conclusive standard for our faith, morals, and practical living and are the nourishment for our rising to strength in faith, holiness in living, and effectiveness in service. The Holy Spirit who comes to fill us is the same Person who has given us the Book to guide and sustain us.”* 

*Spirit Filled Life Bible, Thomas Nelson, Page xii 

Note to readers: As you consider the points mentioned by Pastor Hayford, other readers and I would love for you to comment on how you’ve experienced having one of the 14 Bible attributes help you personally. Feel free to comment below. God bless you as you glean many blessings from the Word of God. Thanks for stopping by.