Women's Ministries Programs

June - Worship 2006

The Word of God

By

Tammy Ray – Western Territory

Carol World – Southern Territory

Devotions

God’s Word

On a visit through the garden section of a discount store, I noticed that stepping stones have become works of art. Some contained flowers, dragon flies or special sayings. It is interesting how something that serves a utilitarian purpose in a garden has changed. Stepping stones are used to provide a path through the garden to keep our feet from getting wet and dirty and to keep us focused on the right path. The Bible is like a stepping stone. It keeps us from walking into the muck and mire of life and guides us in the way of Christ. The Christian life doesn’t mean that we won’t face trials, but the Scriptures will guide us in making wise decisions and will also provide comfort or conviction as we need it.

Pay attention to the Word. Read Psalm 119:9. When we want our children to really hear us, we tell them to pay attention or listen. It is vitally important that we pay attention to the Word of God if we want to keep our way pure. This verse could be interpreted for the young, but also for the young in faith. Eugene Peterson in The Message referred to the Word of God as a map. We use maps to determine the most expedient path or the most scenic path to reach our destination. We can use the Word of God for the same purpose. Discuss how the Bible has helped you grow in your faith. How has Scripture guided you in choices you’ve made?

Study the Word. Read Psalm 119:10. In order for us to understand the Word of God, we must take time to study it. Verse 10 in The Message says, “I am single minded in pursuit of You; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted.” The more detailed our directions are, the easier it is to find the destination. If we have only sketchy directions, we have to do a lot of guesswork and chances are that we will make a lot of wrong turns. Discuss: Have you scheduled time with the Lord? When have you found it easiest for you to pray and read the Bible? What have you learned from the Bible this week that you didn’t know before?

Learn the Word. Read Psalm 119:11. There are many stories of Christians who have been in a difficult situation and had to rely on their memory of Scripture for comfort. Discuss: Do you recall a time when you were desperate for a message from God and a Scripture verse came to mind? What Scripture are you going to memorize this week?

Apply the Word. Read Psalm 119:12. In order for us to truly understand the path that God has chosen for us, we must apply the Word to our lives. When I was a little girl, I saw a bee on the ground. I knew that bees sting, but I touched it anyway. I had  knowledge, but I did not apply it to the situation and I got stung. If we have knowledge of

what the Word says but never use it, then it’s just words. Read Matthew 7:24–29. Discuss: How can you apply God’s Word to your life this week?

Speak the Word. Read Psalm 119:13. Often speaking Scripture out loud is beneficial. We can offer a verse of comfort to a hurting friend or witness to others about God’s love. Often we struggle with what to say when we pray. Praying the Scripture can be helpful. The following are beneficial verses: 2 Timothy 4:2, 2 Corinthians 1:17, 23 and Isaiah 61:1. Discuss: Whose responsibility is it to speak God’sWord?

Praise God with the Word. Read Psalm 119:14. A good way of praising the Lord is to sing the Scriptures. There are wonderful praise and worship choruses and hymns taken directly from Scriptures. Sing some of your favorites from memory.

Put your faith in the Word. Read Psalm 119:15. Faith is the foundation of our Christian beliefs. We believe that God is the creator, preserver and governor of all things. We cannot see God physically, but we know that He is there because we have faith. Read Hebrews 11:1. Discuss: Do you have faith in God’s words? How has the Bible changed you life? 

Live the Word. Read Psalm 119:16. Have you heard the saying, “preach the gospel all the time and when all else fails, use words?” This means that everything in your life should reflect the knowledge that you have applied to your heart. People should see Jesus in your actions, words and life. The best compliment that any Christian can receive is for someone to ask why they are different.  In what ways do you live the Word in your life? Spend the next few moments in prayer as you ponder how the Scriptures have affected you.