Word Revolution

Revolution, the Bible is a total revolution to human thinking. Everything we read directs us to think and act in a way that seems alien to our natural way of viewing life. It is a radical shift to accept and practice Christianity, especially in an affluent and comfortable society such as ours in the UK. To put God at the centre of everything and to focus on His plan and will for our lives is a revolution in thinking. That the death of one man could change the destiny of anyone who would dare to believe in Him. That a God so perfect and pure (Holy) would choose to reach out to a people so broken and imperfect. To give up our own plans, our view of what is best for us and to trust Jesus for the destiny and outcome of our life journey would for many seem alien. However that is the core message of the bible, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. What a challenge, is it any wonder that so many believers in our nation struggle to fully surrender their lives to Jesus. It is a very different kind of challenge to those faced by poverty and physical safety who depend on God for their daily well being. For so many who find themselves better off the challenge is not to give in to the temptation of spiritual apathy and lethargy which result from comfortable living and abundance.

The idea that some how our belief, our faith in Jesus can change the physical world around us, can cause situations and circumstances to change, not by our efforts but by the merit of God’s grace and favour, now that is revolutionary. The idea that we don’t need to be trapped as prisoners of negative thoughts and self beliefs, we don’t have to be caught in fear but rather we can be completely free because the Son (Jesus) sets us free. This then is the real revolution that as God becomes the centre of our focus the very thoughts we think are transformed as He renews our minds, transforms our lives and shapes our destiny for our future and His glory. Now that is revolution, spiritual revolution as we change our priorities to those of the Kingdom of Heaven. Join the revolution, put your faith in Jesus.

Authority in His Word

There is a powerful relationship between ‘the Word’ (Scripture) and God. After all we are told that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” II Timothy 3 verse 16

Naturally if the Word of Scripture has been provided by His inspiration through men then it doubtless contains something of the essence and nature of God Himself. A word that has come from God will also reveal God. Jesus was referred to by John as being the living embodiment of that Word. We are told that Jesus said if anyone has seen Me he has seen the Father (John 14 verse 9), a ‘here I am in the flesh’ statement. The more we read, contemplate and study this dynamic book of Scripture (the Bible) the more we come to see and know the very One who inspired it’s content, who embodied it’s teaching and lived on earth so that men might see the Word in living reality. What a remarkable thought. It is why once we know Him we come to see His Word as living and powerful (Hebrews 4 verse 12). I believe it is also why Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would not speak on His own authority (John 16 verse 13,14) just as He also said that He did not speak on His own authority (John 14 verse 10), both then speak with the Fathers authority. The same authority that is contained in His Word (Scripture). So whether we pray or whether we are making spiritual proclamation it should be with God’s word. When we do this it releases that written word of authority into action. In prayer we remind God of His promises and in proclamation we speak God’s promises into being (by faith). Why? Because the word is full of living, dynamic, power and God given authority to accomplish His will, reveal who He is and glorify His name.

When we live by, apply, and organise our lives around the authority of God's Word we release the power and authority of that word into our lives. It is from there that we can begin to experience supernatural living as we release the authority of the kingdom, God's authority, into our every day living.

Clarity

Finding clarity and direction can be difficult in the busy hustle and bustle of modern life. There are so many things that compete for our time it can overwhelming trying to fit them all in to one short life time. How do we manage to juggle everything and still have personal time for God and for church? This is where God’s word brings clarity and direction. The bible is full of good counsel on how to prioritise life in such a way that our relationship with God and those around us can thrive rather than strive. We read that putting God’s agenda for our lives first is the key to living a balanced and fulfilling life. It’s that old ‘God first’ mindset that helps put everything into a right perspective. In a world of so many distractions offering to fulfil every desire and temptation we need the clarity of God’s guidance. It is not that we are denied social and personal moments but that they are shaped by the relationship we have with God. It is when He becomes of greatest importance in our thinking that everything else finds it’s proper place in our lives. After all Solomon wrote, “ To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3v1. I have found over the years that it is no good trying to find time for God, for Bible reading, for prayer, instead it is far better to make time. How do you make time? A better phrase might be to take time, we stop everything, put it all on pause whilst we spend quality time with our Heavenly Father. When we do it becomes a wellspring of peace, blessing, clarity and comfort through all of life. Take time to spend with God, put off all the distractions and you will see just how beneficial it can be.