Sunday, January 11, 2015

How Do I Live

How Do I Live

What does it take to survive in this world? One could argue that all we really need is water, food and the proper clothing to protect us from the elements. But the Bible teaches us that, as important as these things are, our most fundamental need is the Word of God! And if we trust in God and seek Him above all else, He will provide what we need (according to His plan for our life on earth and for eternity in Heaven).
  • Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
  • Matthew 6:31-33 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
  • Psalm 119:116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

To demonstrate this point further, as a follower of Jesus Christ, consider the following:

How Do You:
  • Learn about God, His love for you, His character, His attributes and His expectations of you?
  • Discover the truth about your sin nature and its earthly and eternal consequences?
  • Come to understand the gospel message of Jesus Christ?
  • Know how, what and when to pray?
  • Get informed about your adversary the devil and learn about his objectives and methods?
  • Increase your knowledge of what the church is and what it supposed to do?
  • Evaluate the doctrine, ordinances, preaching, service ministries and heart of a local body of believers when seeking a church home?
  • Learn from the successes and failures of the people of God who came before you?
  • Gain strength and encouragement from the long line of faith heroes who are your ancestors?
  • Assess and apply the advice given by Christian brothers and sisters?
  • Know how to properly interpret circumstances and make choices?
  • Identify which paths in life to walk on?
  • Stand firm and fight for your faith in the midst of spiritual attacks?
  • Resist temptation?
  • Learn what true love is?
  • Discover how to live the Christian life that saints of God are called and commanded to live?
  • Realize that God will provide for, protect and prepare you?
  • Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
  • Understand your purpose in life?
There is only one answer – to read, study, contemplate, memorize and personally apply the Word of God!! Yes, we learn from pastors, teachers, authors, experiences and by the example of mature Christians. But reading the Word of God for ourselves is how we test, confirm, learn, believe and live out what we see and hear from others about God and living a Godly life.

As much as I would love to continue on about the Word of God, here is a small sampling of what the Word of God has to say about the Word of God!
  • John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
  • John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
  • 2 Peter 1:20-21 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
  • John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
  • Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
  • Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.
  • 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
  • Hebrews 4:12 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.
  • Psalm 119:98-99 You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.
  • Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
  • 2 Peter 1:19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;
  • Psalm 119:130 The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.
  • Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
  • Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

How Do I Live? I live by the mercy, grace, love and Word of God!
  • Luke 11:28 But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

How Do You Live?

I believe there is nothing more essential for any Christian to grow in their faith than to daily spend time studying, contemplating and memorizing the Word of God!!
  • Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

The more you learn, believe and apply God’s Word,
the more you will become like Jesus Christ –
loving, serving and sharing His truth!!!


Prayer

My God, my King, my Lord and my Savior, I praise You and thank You for giving us Your Holy Word! I pray that Your indwelling Spirit will prompt and encourage every believer in Jesus Christ that has access to Your Word to daily search Your Scriptures for Your truth. Use Your church to provide Bibles or other means of access to Your Word to those who need it. I beg you to bless, protect and use those serving as missionaries and evangelists all around the world. May Your Word change and mold and guide and convict every believer. May Your Word convert the lost and sanctify Your saints. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.