| | | | Receiving the Word of God - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13
There's a huge difference in hearing something, and receiving it. All day we're bombarded by messages through, TV, the internet, billboards, and all of them send a message: Buy this item, wear it, etc, and you'll be better, or healthier, or more appealing. I don't know about you, but I don't believe those messages. They go into my mind and are promptly filed into the "I could care less" category. I hear the message, but most times I don't receive it.
Did you know its possible to do the same with the word of God? We might hear a message, or read a passage from the word, and thus we're presented with a truth, but it goes in one ear and out the other. We file it under the "I'm not going to deal with that right now" category. When that happens we've effectively disarmed the word of God, rendering it powerless in our lives.
But if we'll do what Paul suggests, receive the word of God as truth that can be applied to our lives today, we'll experience not only an increase in knowledge, but the power of God working in our lives on a daily basis! I have a pattern when I read God's word, I ask myself:
- What is God saying to me through His word?
- What am I going to do about it?
These two questions help me to not only read those truths, but to receive those truths into my life, and allow them to change me.
Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonicans is one we should all take to heart:
...receive the word of God, welcome it not as truth, and it will effectively work in us who believe!
"Lord, help me to receive your word today, welcoming it into my heart, and let it effectively work in my life today."
Pastor Clay | | | | | | | |
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