Feeding on the Word

"When we feed on the Bible--which is still very much alive and powerful--

the voice of God simmers and stirs within us."

Chris Tiegreen, Hearing His Voice, July 16th

I like the above words. Especially "the voice of God simmers and stirs within us." Hebrews 4:12: "For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." 

Continuing from Tiegreen's devotion: 

"God breathed His words through human beings. That's what inspired means: 'breathed into,' So the Bible is a mysterious mix of the divine and human, with the divine guiding the thoughts and expressions of humans who encountered Him and spoke and wrote what they experienced and learned . . . He is working even now, causing specific messages to jump off the page into our hearts, provoking our minds to encounter truth and wrestle with it, encouraging our hearts to believe and grow, and imparting truth and wisdom into our spirits."

Letting God simmer and stir us with what we have read in His Word is a good practice to have. The word we normally hear is "meditate." The need to focus our mind on something we have heard or read.

Sometimes you can hear or read something in a different way that makes you stop and consider. That's what "simmer and stir" did for me. It brought a new light to the word "meditate."

It reminds me a little of my post last week titled "Master of Words" and how listening to words of wisdom from someone or reading words in a devotion can be God's voice answering you.

"He speaks through human mouthpieces. He fills hearts with truth. He inspires thoughts and messages and even specific words. We're fond of seeing ourselves as His hands and feet in this world, so it's only logical that we can hear ourselves and others as His voice. That voice must always be measured by His previously revealed truth, but if it's from God, it will measure up well. We can accept the proven words of His servants." Chris Tiegreen

Being a "word" person I like finding new ways to suggest doing things. Something catches my eye and it brings about a different meaning than what I would normally think. Simmer says smelling the soup cooking on top of the stove causing a deep breathe and calm feeling that all is right. Stir says having a strong feeling about something and being excited about it. God's Word can bring the feeling that all is right and being excited to read it!

Feed on your Bible and let it calm you with good thoughts. Afterall, God wrote it for you. And He knows you perfectly! Let it "simmer and stir!"

By His Grace . . .

 

 

Master of Words

Good morning to you too!

"God is the master of timely words. He knows the seating order of a group before they sit down and read. He knows years in advance which Bible passages and which devotionals will be read on a certain day, and He has a supernatural ability to coordinate them to speak directly into the events and issues of the reader's life. He knows how to direct us out of our normal patterns to listen to a message, read a passage of a book, or even overhear a casual comment that speaks profoundly into our hearts' desperate needs. He knows how to time His voice to get our attention and fit our circumstances."

Chris Tiegreen, Hearing His Voice, July 7th

How many of you are shaking your heard and saying, Yes! It is true! It has happened to me! It is amazing how at just the right moment God does something to answer your prayer in a most unusual way. 

This just happened to me last week. Once again I had been pondering a concern for a week or two as to what God wanted me to do. That morning I specifically prayed for an answer from God. After that, in my daily morning to a friend, I told her of my concern. She is one of three women who have been blessed abundantly with His wisdom. Her advice was good.

I pondered her advice the rest of the day. That evening, as I normally do, I began reading a few devotion books, not even thinking of my concern. I immediately stopped when I realized a devotion I was reading for that day provided me with the same advice I received earlier from my friend.

I continued reading in another devotion book, and I was stopped once again when the devotion for that day provided me with the same advice my friend gave and the other devotion I had read.

Times like these make me stop and thank God. It is amazing how He uses people, books, radio, studies to answer questions we have approached Him about. 

Proverbs 15:23

"A person finds joy in giving an apt reply; and how good is a timely word!"

Godsbless.ing: "This verse highlights the importance of not only choosing our words wisely but also ensuring that we speak at the right time. Our words can bring joy or sadness in our interactions with others. Therefore, it is crucial to be intentional about the words we use and the timing of our communication . . . They serve as a poignant reminder of the significance of our communication and the power it holds in shaping relationships and interactions. When we pause to consider the weight of our words and choose them wisely, we pave the way for positive outcomes and meaningful connections."

My heart has now settled. I am confidant of how God wants me to go forward. All because He knew a very long time ago that I would be asking a question at this time, asking for advice from my friend, and reading those books that evening. 

"God is the master of timely words." 

By His Grace . . . 

Readings

 A new devotion posted today on: Timely Words from Saints of Old: John Donne. You can find the blog site on the right side of this blog.

Checkout my other blog sites on the right side of this blog for new devotions to encourage and inspire your heart. Devotions to choose from: Hymn Studies with Scripture, Hymn Line Devotions, Scripture Verse Devotions and Timely Words from Saints of Old.