Bible Discussion Thread

The Word as a weapon of God

As an instructional guide; this is as much a message that I need to hear myself as it is for anyone else. There are endless devotionals with some being superior to others; and of course we should have a time set apart for scripture reading and prayer on a daily basis. I find it much like a tool box; I can familiarize myself with the size and function of every piece in it and what it's use is but not really comprehend from a practical viewpoint how it is used during actual work on a project. (reality check: I once got a 30 percent on a test on my mechanical aptitude and abillity so even my premise is spurious in my case).

Preaching "in and out of season" ( 2 Tim. 4:2) seems to apply in context mainly to those in the church; but surely laboring to witness to others in fulfilling the Great Commission is another example of when certain scriptures should be memorized and others available should certain questions be asked.

Other than the Gospels; Psalms are probably the most common scriptures which devotionals contain for meditation. We can as I have brought out in other posts look at the type of Psalm as well as endless applications; but if we can't relate to David and the other authors in the thick of personal battles and develop the same reliance on the Word where God's covenant promises and other attributes are proclaimed for our own lives then it leaves things rather empty. Of course true worship begins with praise.

That is something that I have attempted to voice in personal and corporate prayer but sadly much of the time it seems out of obligation rather than overflow in my spirit. I know the Lord has saved me as I can recognize His work in others but the hardness of my own heart is appalling. Worries; fears; and other things of this life constantly try to choke out the Word and keep us from rejoicing in the Lord.

I'll keep this as a sort of open forum for any suggestions for improvement. Let us sharpen each other.

Hello Richard, I am glad you pointed out the devotional aspects of Psalms. David wrote these under inspiration in times that were very real and that caused him to cry out to God when in anguish and praise God when exhilarated what he had in God and what God had done in his life. They are genuine to his life experience. But for us, the psalms speak to our souls in similar circumstances and help us because they are "God-breathed" and therefore "life" as Jesus said that His Words are spirit and life.

I think it is important to remember what God has spoken about His Word being alive and active. It is not mere words and sentiments of other men. It is meant to help us, inspire us, and teach us in God's way by the working of the holy Spirit.

Richard, We all have ways we need to grow in the Lord. We can continue to pray for each other when we share things such as you have in your post. We are in this life together with God and He intends for us to build each other up by making use of His Words to us and also in the words He prompts us to share with each other.

Have a good night's rest.