The Word, Y'all

I've always been intrigued by the promise that our Christian faith walk continues as long as we are on earth and that there will be seasons and new lessons all along the way.  Lately, the Spirit has been romancing me towards the Word.  It just seems a little more special and a little more alive.

Here's a few things I've learned lately (all based on that promise that His word does not return void):

1.) When we read through the Bible, we should also pray through the Bible.  What scriptures from your devotion can you convert to prayers over your life?  I've found this to be particularly relevant and easy with the Proverbs.  All of those things it says comes to the wise and righteous?  Pray that you will be wise and righteous and reap those benefits.

2.) When you don't know what to pray, pray a scripture!  When you don't know what to write in a note of encouragement, write a scripture!  When you don't want it to be about you and just want it to be about God, go to a scripture!
Why do we stress so much about finding the most perfect words for a prayer or a note when we're not going to rival what is already there and anointed?  Do we really think we are going to come up with something better than David - oh, or Jesus?  And when you speak a scripture into a person's life you don't have to worry whether or not you're blessing a person, just trust they will be blessed.

3.)  Worship and commune with God with the Word.  I heard a great nugget this week from a Trisha Gunn podcast.  She was talking about how she used to spend so much time immersed in music for worship, but so much of that was really about her emotions and she would get lost in it.  These days, she's been hanging out with the scriptures and growing in joy, peace, and rest.  The Word shows us who God is and allows us to get to know Jesus and what He really taught and He really thinks more than anything else.  When you read the Word you are hanging out with God - learning about Him, asking Him questions, waiting for Him to answer or reveal new information

4.)  Fight with the Word.  It is called a sword, you know.  It stands alone as a weapon against the dark of the world.  Let it do its thing.  Again, are we going to come up with something better or with words that have more power?

Hide it in your heart and keep that lamp burning, then it will shine the light when you need it :).