How to Use the Word of God

This week's message in church was based on Revelation 1:9-20.  It is part of a series called Symptoms of a Healthy Church.  Revelation chapter 1 describes a vision of Jesus by John. It is similar to the vision of the Father described in Daniel 7.  Pastor's main point this week was that a church cannot go further than their view of Jesus.

It is overwhelming to think that God can see us at all times, even when we think we are "hiding" certain behaviors in secret. In truth, God knows what we will do before we do it and He already knows all that we have done.  That is sometimes scary.  I think we all have done, or continue to do things in our lives that are not right in God's eyes.  We may keep these things secret from our family and friends, but He always knows.   To me, that is a great comfort, because He still loves me despite what I have done or continue to do. In Hebrews 4 it is said that only those that believe can enter into His rest. It is about obedience. Striving to obey God's Word TODAY.  In Ephesians 6, the armor of God is mentioned as a means to battle evil.  One of these is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  WE NEED THE WORD OF GOD.  Without  it, we are defenseless against the evil that surrounds us.

I have been making it part of my daily routine to memorize scripture.  Since the new year, I have memorized 4 verses.  Memorizing scripture is valuable because it gives you something to turn to when you have an evil thought creep into your head.  I know that the next time I am faced with a decision or my thoughts are not of God, I can turn to the scripture that I will now always have on hand.  And like it says in Ephesians, I will bear the sword of the Spirit to cast off anything not of God.