Sunday, January 5, 2014    Know the Word  by Bethany Chroniger

Scripture: Psalm 119:9-18

       We all can agree that the Bible is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So many times scripture says that we should know the Word and it gives us many reasons why we should hide God’s Word in our hearts (John 8:31-32; Matthew 4:4; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; John 1:1; John 15:7; Matthew 24:35; Matthew 22:29).

       In our day, many unbelievers say that “truth is relative.” The only way we can combat lies is with the Truth. How are we going to do so, if we don’t know how to discern between the Truth and a lie? This is the mark of a mature Christian: being able to discern right from wrong, truth from falsehood (Hebrews 5:14).

       The only way to be free from deception is to know the Truth (John 8:32). The Bible also states that in order to do battle, we need to have on the full armor of God which includes the weapon of the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-17).

       In John 1:1 we find that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus is the Word. Ultimately, if we know the scriptures, but we do not know the One who breathed the scriptures, what is the point? We would be like the Pharisees who knew the scriptures, but did not know God as He stared them in the face. All of the scriptures—and I would argue, all of history—point to Jesus (Luke 24:27).  

Reflection: 

Do I know the Word (Jesus) and the Word of God (the Bible) so that I may grow up in maturity, being able to discern right from wrong?

Prayer:

Father, Give me the desire for Your Word. I want it to be like honey on my lips. Help me to combat lies with the Truth of Your Word and bring to mind those scriptures that were hidden in my heart at a young age. Thank You for Jesus, the Word who became flesh. Help me to see Him rightly. Amen

Pray for our brethren in Africa: 

Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and all other new fields in that region.

For a pdf of the full-color prayer booklet (written this year by Bethany Chroniger of the USA) contact media@seventhdaybaptist.org