The Word That Lasts Part 3 - Martin Wiles

For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLT

Like my parents before me, I attempted to instill in my children a love for God’s Word. Our nightly devotions weren’t as regular as when I was growing up. Life was hectic and busy at the time. Fitting in a nightly devotion was a challenge, but we read Bible stories often.

I carried on the same tradition with my firstborn grandson. Obviously, the need to digest God’s Word stuck despite my less-than-best efforts. Like me, my daughter and son both had their periods of rebellion. Both stopped attending church and involved themselves in questionable activities. Despite their wanderings, they still knew God’s Word and the right path—whether or not they chose it. 

Some question the validity of God’s Word.

They discount the traditionally agreed-upon authors, the miracles, the scientific and historical accounts, and even Jesus’ divinity. Rather than avoiding discussions with those who doubt, we can use the occasion to share our faith and why we believe God’s Word is profitable and accurate.

Some use God’s Word to teach legalism.

In addition to moral laws, the Old Testament contains ceremonial and civil laws. Both related to the nation of Israel and God’s interaction with the Jewish people. Some attempt to bind us by what Christ has freed us from. Grace brings liberty. Legalism majors on the things we can’t do rather than on the things we can do because of our newfound liberty in Christ. It repeats the mistakes Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for. We’re bound only by the moral laws the New Testament reiterates. We don’t have to keep bringing the old sacrifices.

God’s Word has the power to change lives.

Believing it changed me from a condemned sinner to a forgiven sinner. By reading it, we learn doctrine—the “whats” we need to believe as Christ's followers. We’re encouraged by the promises and corrected by the commandments. Like a knife, God’s Word slices into our consciousness. God’s Spirit then gives us the power to make the necessary changes.

Is God’s Word having a lasting effect on your life?

Father, turn me toward Your Word so I can follow Your path with joy and confidence. 

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The Word That Lasts Part 2 - Martin Wiles

Anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19 NLT

Doing it is a lifetime habit I don’t intend to break.

I’ve been reading the Bible daily since I was a small tike. I suppose my family instilled in me the importance of doing so. With rare exceptions, we had daily Bible readings. I can remember as an elementary-age child, sitting on the top bunk with my Bible in hand. I didn’t always understand it—in part because of the translation I was using—but Dad was glad to explain the words I couldn’t define. Memorizing it was also a part of my young life. The church my father pastored encouraged children to participate in sword drills and other Bible memorization exercises. Even during my periods of rebellion, I still read God’s Word daily. I still do.

Jesus said obeying God’s Word was important. I’ve found that to be true.

Disregarding God’s Word will lead to leaving God out of daily affairs.

God wants to be involved in every detail of our lives—the small and the large, the important and the not-so important. He wants to give wisdom for the decisions we make and guidance that will see us successfully through life. When we don’t meditate on His Word, we’ll easily forget that God is right beside us during our life’s journey.

God’s Word is more than the Bible itself.

We don’t worship the book—even though all parts of it are true and crucial to believe. Nor do we worship a particular translation. We worship the one the Book points to, and we can use various translations to help us better understand what God says. Loving Him is the greatest commandment. When we do, we’ll obey His commands by fleshing them out in our actions.

Spiritual maturity is built on a lifetime of studying God’s Word.

Surveys continue to demonstrate the lack of discipleship among believers. At one time, I was there myself. Though I’ve grown, I still have a long way to travel. God’s Word gives us the beliefs we need, and His Spirit gives us the power to put them into practice.

How can you spend more time in God’s Word and see the difference it will make.

Father, may I always see the importance of Your Word in my life. 

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The Word That Lasts Part 1 - Martin Wiles

I assure you, until heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God’s law will remain. Matthew 5:18 NLT

“Do we have to read the genealogical records, too?”

Daily devotional readings were common in my childhood home. And not from a Bible storybook. Our readings came straight from the Bible. I loved them, but I hated knowing the next night’s reading would be nothing but the descendants of so and so. Evidently, my mother didn’t enjoy them either. When she huffed and said to my dad, “Do we have to read that,” he always answered, “Yes.” Whether it bored us or not, every part of God’s Word was important.

Jesus was of the same mindset as good ole Dad. Though only the Old Testament had been written in His time, every portion was significant. I’ve learned a few things about the Bible.

Our opinion of God’s Word doesn’t matter. My father didn’t care whether or not I wanted to hear genealogical lists. I listened because he made the rules, put a roof over my head, and fed me. And sitting through nightly Bible readings was one of his rules. God didn’t consult me when He made His rules and gave the commands. They are for our spiritual, physical, and emotional good—whether we think so or not. And God holds us accountable for obeying them even if we disagree.

Our opinion of God’s Word affects our lifestyle. If we believe it’s God’s Word for us, we’ll obey and teach others to obey. But if we disregard it as nothing more than myths, fables, folktales, and great literature, we’ll adhere to its teachings if it suits us but neglect them if it doesn’t.

A low opinion of God’s Word leads to a low opinion of sin and a reckless lifestyle. What we think about sin affects how we live. If we redefine sin as a mistake, slip-up, or human error, we won’t beat ourselves too much when committing one. We also won’t worry too much about whether our lifestyles match what God says it should be.

A high opinion of God’s Word changes our opinion of sin and leads to a spiritually healthy lifestyle. Jesus said if we loved Him, we would obey His commands. His commands involve what we shouldn’t do or think. Sin. When we choose not to practice sin, we’ll live the abundant life He offers.

What effect is God’s Word having on your life?

Father, may I view the Bible as Your Word to me. 

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