Hey ya! Thanks for joining our discussion this week on “God, you have my attention; Now what?” Today, we will be speaking about the beginning steps of our walk with God. Does anyone have any ideas on what that might look like? What are some ways one might grow an interest in the Lord?
Whether its through a parent, church or some other source, one’s introduction to God usually comes from hearing about Him. Can any of you remember when was the first time you heard about the Lord? What did you hear that sparked a desire to keep listening? Maybe it was about His ability to make miracles happen? Or perhaps about how He was crucified for our sins? Whatever it may have been, HEARING of Him was the start.
For many of us, reading His word just seemed to be the next obvious step in our growing interest. After all, what better source then HIS word to feed our desire and quench our thirst for knowledge of His greatness, no? Does anyone remember what that was like? What was the first scripture you ever read? How did it make you feel?
According to the bible, the word of God is alive and full of power [Hebrews 4:12]; producing faith [Romans 10:17] and building character [Matthew 7:24]. It has the ability to change not only one’s outlook on the world [John 8:47], but also their actions IN the world [James 1:25], bringing forth favor [Luke 11:28] and salvation [Isaiah 55:3].
**Below you will find the referenced scripture from above.**
“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.” –Hebrews 4:12
“So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.” -Romans 10:17
“So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man [a farsighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock.” -Matthew 7:24
“Whoever is of God and belongs to Him hears [the truth of] God’s words; for this reason you do not hear them; because you are not of God and you are not in fellowship with Him.” -John 8:47
“But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience].” -James 1:25
“But He said, “On the contrary, blessed (happy, favored by God) are those who hear the word of God and continually observe it.” -Luke 11:28
“Incline your ear [to listen] and come to Me; Hear, so that your soul may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies [promised and] shown to David.” -Isaiah 55:3
Take a moment to reflect…has immersing yourself in the word of God changed you? If so, how? Is it safe to infer that the scripture is correct…the word IS in fact alive and transformative…as is GOD?
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