TRANSFORMING POWER

TRANSFORMING POWER

READ:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

These words which I

command you today

shall be in your heart.

-Deuteronomy 6:6

Many people love to play games that test their knowledge.  Recently, a colleague and I were testing a Bible-knowledge game.  Since we were seated in an open area of our office, those nearby could hear our conversation.  Soon questions ranging from Noah’s ark to the woman at the well were being answered by those within earshot of us.  It was a delight to hear various staff members volunteering responses to Bible questions.

A knowledge of the Bible is important, but Gut desires us to be saturated with His Word and to internalize it so we can grow in our relationship with Him.  The Holy Spirit uses the Word to make us more like Christ (Ephesians 4:20-24).  Consider these benefits of internalizing the Bible:  joy and rejoicing (Jeremiah 15:16); spiritual success (Joshua 1:18), a tool in spiritual warfare (Matthew 4:1-11); correction (2 Timothy 3:15-16); light for our path (Psalm 119:105); wisdom with problem solving (Proverbs 1:1-2); and stimulating faith (Romans 10:17).

Learning about the Bible just to increase our knowledge can lead to spiritual pride (1 Corinthian 8:1).  But allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us by the Word helps us navigate through life’s twists and turns and respond in love to God and to each other. –Dennis Fisher

My hunger for the truth He satisfies;

Upon the Word, the Living Bread, I feed:

No parching thirst I know, because His grace,

A pool of endless depth, supplies my need. – Sanders

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Many books can inform,

But only the Bible can transform.

INSIGHT

There is no record in the Bible of God speaking to anyone in any form-including dreams, oracles, or visions-from the time of Joseph to the time of Moses.  When the people of Israel were led out into the wilderness, it is likely that they had little knowledge of the God who had delivered them and was leading them to a new home.  The commands given through Moses were meant to reintroduce God to them and to help them to be people who would be a light to others (cf. Isaiah 49:3).  By keeping God’s words always in front of them (Deuteronomy 6:6-9), they could live by those words and be transformed into people who showed God to the world.

Have a blessed day and weekend.

God Our Creator’s Love Always

Unity & Peace