PDL 24 – Transformed by Truth – The Peanut Gallery

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55.11 ESV

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” John 6.63 ESV

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3.16-17 ESV

Day 24 of 40: “The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the Son of God.”

God’s Word and Spirit work together to accomplish God’s purpose in creation, in history, and in me. God’s Word is True and Powerful… I’ve bet my life on it and I have not been disappointed. I like this quote from Warren:

God’s Word generates life, creates faith, produces change, frightens the Devil, causes miracles, heals hurts, builds character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, overcomes adversity, defeats temptation, infuses hope, releases power, cleanses our minds, brings things into being, and guarantees our future forever.

For 40 years I’ve used the various methods described in this chapter of abiding in God’s Word. It’s been my life’s work… and I’ve personally experienced the variety of effects described above. But still… I’ve only scratched the surface. There’s so much to learn… so much I don’t understand – after all, the Bible spans over 4000 years of recorded history… different times, cultures, languages, and life experiences.

But through it all, it addresses God’s relationship with His people… with the human heart… with people made in His image, with people made for His purpose. God doesn’t change and His Word and Spirit are as applicable to me today as they were to a guy in a tent in Iraq 4000 years ago (Abraham). He never stopped learning (100 plus years) and neither am I.

But the honest truth of the matter is, not that I need to study/learn more, I need to put into practice what I already know. I need to allow God’s Spirit to produce God’s Purpose through the Truth of His Word in me. So how do I do that?

I think I’ll try this approach: Read one of the descriptions of Christlike character listed below each day on a rotation schedule… and ask God a simple question: “Lord, what do you want to do with me today?” When the Spirit brings something to mind, I’ll try to do it. I expect some wrestling and false starts but that’s nothing new. With God’s help, on balance, we’ll make some progress together.

Here’s my daily reading list from Day 22: