Text: Psalm 119:57-80, Genesis 1:3, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Isaiah 55:10-11
A part of me wants there to be more to the creation story than God speaking the world into existence. It just seems way too easy, doesn’t it? Life as we know it is more complicated than this. No one talks stars into shining or commands seas with a word.
But God. He does.
I read Genesis 1:3 and I want more, not because the story isn’t incredible enough but because it’s too incredible. The words of those familiar chapters pass through my lips but they don’t quite make past the door to my brain. It turns out even the story of creation is occasion for me to pray, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
And just when I start to get it, when the impossible begins to compute, I remember this: The voice whose power created All Things from nothing? That is the voice Who speaks into my heart and makes it new. And my mind is blown all over again.
This leather book we hold in our hands (or, since it is 2014, this sacred text we read on our screens) is full of God-breathed promises, words that hold the same power as those that formed earth and sky, that created giraffes and dandelions and snowflakes and volcanoes. We hold that power in our hands. We drink daily from that Well of life.
And did you know it isn’t just in creating and recreating where the power of God’s Word shines? It is in the healing and the redeeming, too; in the teaching of truth and the giving of grace. When God speaks, His words do what He purposes them to do. God’s Word will not fail. It accomplishes what He intends, every single time.
God’s Word and His power are inextricably linked.
What He says is true.
What He promises will be.
Think of it as a love letter or a contract or both, but think of it as unbreakable. That is what it is.
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205 thoughts on "it is the power of God"
I am so thankful for this community of believing women who strive together in the reading and knowing of His truth. Knowing His word won’t return void is the freedom my controlling self rests in because I know the truth of His word are life. Resting in this truth today:-)
do you have the bible app, if not download it and do the plan one minute apologist- doubting towards faith. it’s life changing. doubt towards Him, ask him to help you and guide you closer. don’t let the doubt take you farther away.
I’m struggling with believing too. My dad has several terminal health problems and as he continues to give God glory for healing I certain areas I find myself thinking, did God really heal that? It is my dad just confused again? It’s very frustrating in my faith because I want to believe it, but yet satan continues to make me question the power of God. I know in my mind God can heal him, but I still have doubts. I don’t like to see this side of me when hard times come I want to have faith to believe God will provide. I know he can yet something deep inside still questions IF he will.
do you have the bible app, if not download it and do the plan one minute apologist- doubting towards faith. it’s life changing. doubt towards Him, ask him to help you and guide you closer. don’t let the doubt take you farther away.
Randomly came across this comment and had to stop in my tracks to respond. I see that ten months have passed and only God knows what all has transpired in that time. The reason I have to speak up is because I can relate to you so much. I have a daughter who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at age 5. She turns 13 next week. We have dealt with the whole gamut of emotions in 8 years. I’d be lying if I said I just accepted it with a positive “can do” attitude. There’s so much I could share.
But the one thing I wanted to emphasize is that at some point I had to shift my focus from trying to believe He’d do a miracle, to learning to trust wholeheartedly in WHO HE IS. Because we drive ourselves crazy trying to figure out the “whys” in life.
We’ll never know the answers this side of heaven. But trust? Oh, that has brought the most beautiful freedom! To be able to say: “Lord, I don’t understand the how’s & why’s, but I do understand your nature and your character as my Good Father. That You’re sovereign and your plans exceed my smallness. I trust Your greatness.” Everything in life becomes bearable and small with Our Maker holding our hand, through every mountaintop victory and valley low. Because His presence is always enough.
I pray this message finds you wherever you are in the world and that you’ve seen Him carry you these 10 months.
I’m thankful for this word today. My sister, who is in her late teens and rebelling more and more, the Word that has gone out over the years in her midst will not return empty, but God will do what He has started.
I’ll pray for your sister Kelly, I’ll also pray for you and your family to be a rock for her when she realizes her mistakes, God isn’t done until we get laid in the ground, I’ll pray that he just shines right into her life
awesome devotional! God is amazing!
This hits home with me because I do believe, but I struggle with believing every day…it’s so hard for me to believe what I know if that makes any sense…lord I believe, help my unbelief…
“And just when I start to get it, when the impossible begins to compute, I remember this: The voice whose power created All Things from nothing? That is the voice Who speaks into my heart and makes it new. And my mind is blown all over again.”
The same voice that created every single creature. Every tree and blade of grass. Every fish in the water and person on land. That’s the same voice that created me. Me? A sinner with no worth? Why. Why would the most powerful create me? It’s powerful and stops me in my tracks. I have to have a purpose. I must have a reason for living.
Every human being has intrinsic worth as image-bearers of God. Our sin is not our first identity, it is what separates us from God apart from Jesus yes, but it is not the whole story ;) blessings
The promise that God's word will accomplish the purpose God set forth and not return void is overwhelming and humbling. So often, I think I've done something great and now good things will happen. Or, conversely, that I've done something awful and bad things will happen. But the truth is that this is God's story. So whatever happens, good or bad as the result of good or bad, is in line with God's plan and is a display of His power, love, grace, sovereignty, majesty. This reminder that He is in control and that He commands the essence of all things is both terrifying and freeing.
I’m currently writing a lesson plan for my Youth for Christ chapter at my high school. I was wondering if it would be okay to use some of your words? They were beautifully stated.
that was amazingly put. thank you
Hi CarlyBird, I agree with Dominique. If someone is an unbeliever they are perishing due to their lack of faith. They find the Word foolish because they do not have faith or seek it. When believers read the Word they see, feel and hear what only a believer, or someone truly seeking to believe, can. We are all invited, some just prefer to perish rather than believe. Or, just haven’t opened their heart, ears and eyes to the wonder of God—–yet.
Why is the word foolishness to those who are perishing? I have always struggled with this verse. It pulls me into the rabbit hole of preordained theology and I get overwhelmed. I can’t buy into a God that doesn’t invite us all? What does this verse really mean?
I believe that what is said is meant to mean that those who have not seen the glory of God do not understand Him or His love so therefore cannot understand His word. The saved have their eyes, hearts, and minds open to the word by the Holy Spirit and it is our duty as children of God to lead the unsaved unto Christ so that they may also understand the God-breathed text.
I really enjoyed & loves reading this today. It is hard for us to understand fully the power of God even though we see it working in our lives ever day. I ask that God keep my eyes always open for this & ears as well to hear it. God bless yall!
This whole chapter links our lives to God’s Word. He says that He has fashioned us and deals with us “according to Thy Word”. That means it was for us! How precious these Words of Life are!
Today’s devotional was exquisite and resonant with me. God is showing me a lot and I am truly awestruck, ladies. This is exciting and I am just feeling so grateful. I hope you all are too.
That caught my attention too. But what I think he meant was he wakes to praise to study. I don’t wake at midnight but I do at 6:30 very morning to have my time with The Lord. I also thought a lot on Isaiah 55:10-11. Nothing happens in this world without God’s knowledge. He makes everything “so is the word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire…” That just makes me feel great. Knowing there is a plan for everything, God does everything for a reason. He has spoken and it was done.
The “rise at midnight” part caught my attention. For me personally, Is this the actual waking (from sleep) or is it … Waking from a Godless life?
This caught me too! I marked it to investigate a little further. I could see I either way
This also hit home with me…specifically because I’m waking up in the middle of the night to feed my 6 month old and while I try to spend some time praying, I realize I’ve been squandering time to meditate on His Word and praise Him.
The Lord’s words hold so much power. I am so thankful and so humbled by my God.
I love these plans and the devotion. What speaks to me the most is that the words that created the heavens and earth are just as powerful as the words I read everyday and it’s important to listen to them. Also Isaiah 55:11. God’s will always succeed in his purpose. That is powerful.
Our God Is so powerful, and we are so fortunate to be loved so much by him.
Mind = blown Our God is such an awesome (in the true sense of the word) God!
WHAT HE SAYS IS TRUE, WHAT HE PROMISES WILL BE.
Tears just rolled down my cheeks as soon as I realized how powerful my God and His word is. I’ve never felt so secured, loved, and highly favored. His love wraps around me and can be felt deep down my spiritual being. I’ve never been this intimate with God before, not until I had my heartbroken and He showed me that His glory shows even more during our weakest moments.
The devotional here is so powerful, yet it was also very humbling to me. Such power in the words of God speaking to me through scripture and the sameness of it all. Because those words also created everything and speaks to me. Very humbling!
Every time I read one of these devotions a pray that God allows these words to sink into my heart. And whenever I pray I find myself crying. Its not tears of sadness, though, its tears of joy. The feeling of having someone to talk to like how I talk to God is unbelievable. There is no other feeling like it.
Powerful.
I am struggling with the word, for it to be more than words. To be alive. I struggle a lot with reading the word. Any encouragement??
Kim- continue to do it in faith that God has something for just you in there. And it will speak to you. Sometimes quieter than others, but God is often found in the whispers. Go into His word prayerfully and honestly- asking Him to speak to you. He will
I totally understand. For me, the encouragement is, that even when I don’t feel anything, the word will not return to me empty. That’s why I kept reading. But it’s hard, I know. But it will change. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but eventually the word will do to you what the Lord intended it to do for you!!
I struggle with it as well. It’s getting better slowly for me. It seems to be part of my journey to wrestle with it and allow it/ask for it to become more than just idle Words on paper. I have to choose to believe that even while I struggle something is happening that I may not see or feel right now. In the last few days I have started to have more of a desire to read and understand. Keep going… It’s worth it and gets better.
I’m the same with you, I have not yet managed to complete a whole plan without stopping for few days or even weeks and have to force and remind myself to get back into it :( and I feel a bit disappointed at myself that I have to drag myself to keep reading rather than doing this from my own desire. Also in need of encouragement…
Thank you so much. This devotion has been the turning point of my relationship with God at the moment. You are truly helping me understand God and his word.
Love this!
Nice and cool one dear.
Amen!
A love letter from God Himself!
Incredible devotional today… It is exactly what I needed. To understand and truly believe that the Word we are reading is breathed by the God who created it all. That changes everything! Thank you.
Hear hear!
Oh man… This just renewed my excitement for reading God’s Word. The voice that spoke the earth into existence speaks to me through my Bible! Incredible!!
The scripture used from the book of Isaiah was my favorite; I want all He has to offer. To think of where I was when I was called blows my mind. This past week I have been reflecting a lot on ‘you were born for such a time as this’. I struggled with believing that with being a new Christian, but God has really pressed in my heart to change my life. I now want my life to reflect a life much like His. I want everything I do, say, and think to glorify Him and His Kingdom.
I have been in a state of doubt and disbelief and am now truly learning God’s power and wisdom and the incredible love He has for us so this study and this day in particular has really touched my heart. Thank you Jesus for the cross and for saving me.
This devotional keeps wrecking me! Love it❤️
it’s amazing in a world of broken promises and lies that God’s word is ALWAYS true. we do not have to rely on this world for our needs and desires because God already knows them and is ready to provide if we only trust in him.
Tayler- I don’t think it’s wrong that you find the message bible more understandable. God uses everything to bring his message to the world as long as it lines up with his truth. When my husband and I read together he reads the message and I NIV we compare it and discuss the difference and similarities. I would encourage you to invest on a study bible, they are great!
I will admit, I’m not very good at the NSV readings, I don’t understand them. And I know The Message isn’t everyone’s favorite bible, as the translation is VERY NEW. However i grew up in a catholic house and The King James Bible was my first bible I believe that this was why I find it so hard comprehend. Is it wrong that I use The Message as a cross reference? Or is it because God wants me to really fully understand Him even if it is in the lamest-of-terms.
Tayler, I have a similar situation. I grew up in a catholic home and read the KJV. Try a study bible maybe in ESV? I have one and I love it. It’s really helpful for understanding. Also there are side by side bibles that have the message and NIV and I also love those. I think you have to be careful with the message translation, but I also think it’s a great studying tool! Also props to you for trying to dig deeper into the word! It’s a fabulous quality!
Megs – I found your post a bit sad- are you ok?
I’m going to be honest and say this was what I needed to hear. But it only covered a portion of the cracks in my breaking heart. I feel my heart breaks more and more each day and my trust in God becomes foggier And harder to hold on to. God says He will give us the desires of our hearts. But what if those desires don’t line up with His word? And what if they do? I’m so impatient Im finding it hard to breathe.
I’m sorry to hear how you feel Megs!
I too struggle with trusting God and I think my distrust stems from not fully understanding or knowing God. I think we don’t because he feels completely impossible to us. His weakest is OUR strongest!?!? I can’t imagine it! But, it’s the truth! I encourage you though, because with the bible plan, clearly you are already seeking God! That’s progress. You are seeking Him in the word! :) I will be praying for your breaking heart and your faith. Don’t give up! God won’t give up on you :) have a good day!
Megs, I’ve often found that the desires of my heart also don’t quiet seem to match up with the word of God… Especially with the changing time in the world and certain things being pertained to what is now okay but didn’t used to be okay. In saying that though over time I’ve come to realize that those desires are false. Of course I didn’t realize it and thought that were my deepest wants in those moments. But it is always a good reminder that God is never changing, if he hasn’t answered your prayers it may be because he knows your desire will change, or maybe your not ready to be granted it yet. And if the desire isn’t something you think is false and surely does not follow his word then maybe life ended up that way as a trial. Whatever your going through, God knows you can handle it. Because he would never give you something to handle if you couldn’t. I hope this helps with everything, your fellow sister.
I have been really blessed by this reading plan. I love her honesty in saying that the Creation story is almost too incredible & how we can resonate with God helping our unbelief in that. It’s so simple & I want there to be more to it. I also love when she says that the same voice who spoke EVERYTHING into existence is the same voice that speaks to & renews my heart! That’s so intimate & reminds me of God’s love for me! Thank to all the women who took the time to put this reading plan together. May God bless you!
My pea brain can’t absorb the full truth of this message. Holy Spirit let me understand and believe and then read and understand more of your Word and then share its message. Amen.
I pray the Holy Spirit has given you peace in The Truth and Power of God’s Word.
I am always guided to read above and below scripture shared in studies to gain more understanding/wisdom of the message God is giving. I meditate on His message, continually asking to understand, to keep my Faith strong in such a messy world.
This scripture is a great comfort when I feel the same way you are – I also read scriptures in different versions to gain understanding.
My hope from this devotional today is that when I am ready to enter the kingdom and to see the face of the Father I can say to him what Psalm 119:58 says, “I sought your face with all of my heart”. That is my prayer.
Amen.
yes, what a good prayer to pray. That we may whole heartedly pursue him by his grace
So thankful for the truth of His word won’t return void!
I struggle with trust due to my past. I so want to stop struggling with trust. Moments for growing.
So glad I can rely on and trust in the promises of God!! Oh how I need the word everyday…my strength, peace, and contentment lie in the pages of His holy word,
My heart is so full. This was an amazing reading and such a great reminder of His power and His love. So thankful for this app and it’s amazing messages. Today spoke so loudly to me. Thank you God that you would call on me and that I can be found in you! Singing praises all day today!
I loved the reference to the God who spoke the Earth into existence is the same God that speaks to my heart. How powerful and awe inspiring is that!!! That He would want to talk to “lil ‘ole me’ who has blundered and sinned all the way home! I’m so grateful for a God who continues to love me and seek me even in my faults.
This is exactly how I felt after reading this today. Thank you for putting it into words ❤️
God is amazing. “And God said, ‘there will be light’, and there was light”. He does so many amazing and incredible things. He gave us life and we should forever be grateful! I struggle prioritizing time to thank him and show him my love. He deserves our best!
Psalm 119:66
Teach me knowledge and good judgement!
I have never come across this verse before and it seems such a simple but powerful prayer. We are in need of knowledge and judgement, good judgement, every day!
I can not believe that God chose me! Like i didn’t do anything special. I was drowning in a pool and he chose me and saved me. He breathed life into me. I have a purpose in life. I don’t know what it is yet but i know it will be fantastic because God is in control!
Here is where I struggle: science.
Science, and the proof that it has offered to the world, has validated that the universe is billions of years old. God created the world a little over two thousand years ago. This is also documented in truth around the world.
Can these stories have common ground?
I think you have to come to a point where you accept that it’s impossible to know all. I did. To simply say, “Lord, I don’t know where this fits in with faith, but I know I trust you and I love you.”
I think this is a point on which many people struggle. We often use our own vocabulary to make sense of God’s word, which may not always be in line with its meaning. Who is to say that the word “day” in Genesis is equivalent to 24 hours? It’s important to understand God’s word for what it means, and sometimes this extends beyond our culturally norms. Now, I am not a Bible scholar, but just a thought to throw out there for pondering. We cannot put God in a box and understand Him fully in all His ways. That would mean we have figured Him out already, thus diminishing His greatness, wisdom, and power. In the end, we must trust God; after all, we are trusting Him with our lives already, aren’t we?
My dear sister,
It wasn’t the world that was created over 2000 yrs ago (well it was but much LONGERRRR). It’s been around for more than that. It’s Jesus who was only here over 2000 years ago to save us who were lost. Hope this helps. ❤️
Wow. I love how God chose me. God chose the afflicted to nullify the things the wise so NO ONE can boast before him. I love this.
Caitlin –
“A faith without some doubts is like a human body with no antobodies in it. People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask the hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic. A person’s faith can collapse almost overnight if she failed over the years to listen patiently to her own doubts, which should only be discarded after long reflection.” – Tim Keller
Keep asking questions, keep digging into your doubts and bringing them to the Father & to your mentors/church leaders/fellow believers to discuss. Praying for you this morning, sister! :) :)
My relationship with God has been a rollercoaster over the past 7 or 8 years. I get the overwhelming feeling that I believe in the Lord and that I don’t doubt him or his abilities, but I struggle with believing in the literal truth of the bible. I’m a bit lost in what to do next, and so in finding this app I have decided to begin again on my journey to see what it holds for me. I feel so guilty for having doubts and the feeling of guilt makes me want to push away from God again. It really is an internal struggle that I’m trying to deal with. Please keep me in your prayers, as I will continue to pray for the Lord to help quiet my mind and let me focus on my faith.
Hello Caitlin, I will be praying for you! And, i once had a pastor tell me that my doubt can be viewed as a sign that I truly believe, for if I didn’t believe, why would I care enough to doubt? But I understand. Many times I feel that I believe completely, but am then faced with a moment of uncertainty. This is the journey. But through prayer, bring your uncertainty to him, always to him!
Amen! Lord I believe but help my unbelief… Help OUR unbelief. Let us strive together and push each other on to good works. I pray for anyone that feels the same way as I do that God will help our unbelief.
I struggle having complete faith and I feel so guilty. Lord I believe, but help my unbelief speaks to me. I will pray about this. I want to open my heart and trust the Word.
What a powerful prayer. Lord I believe, but Help my unbelief! How amazing it is to be loved and spoken to by the One who created it ALL.
Love that, Micayla! Thanks for joining us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Loved the part about the same voice that spoke the stars into being is the same voice who renews/changes our hearts… Everyday. I love how The Lord uses his voice to be still and small, but also loud! I also agree that often times we have to pray , “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief.”
Love the reminder that the very Word of God created all I see… LORD open my eyes to see into Your Kingdom. LORD, I also believe–help my unbelief!
Great stuff to soak in in the morning. The power of God is honestly refreshing and delights me for the day
This lesson was unbelievably powerful to me! It made my heart fill with love and devotion. God is incredible!
I simply love the verse from Isaiah… It really speaks to me. I have always struggled with God using mere words to create such amazing things and the verse where it talks about words accomplishing things like rain accomplishes growing and nurturing… I just really understand how God does that with his words I get it now!
What a great relief knowing God’s Word will never fail!
I never thought of it that way. That the voice that speaks to me everyday in the Bible is the same voice that created the heaven and the earth. I’m in awe of that and don’t feel worthy of such a great honor.
I feel the same way! But isn’t it marvelous that he wants a relationship with… US? That he wants and can change our hearts? I think realizing that the God who wants to change my life today is the same God who commanded land and water to part is so reassuring! You are worthy enough!!! You are always enough to be loved and spoken to by God!! He wants to be with you and heal your heart and now we know that he can :)
That part spoke to me too. It’s easy to forget!
I am broken down with doubt and disbelief that sometimes it is hard to hear that the words of God are truth even if I know they are. What an incredible thought that we are redeemed by the one who has created everything. He will but fail me
I needed that line, “Lord I believe, help my disbelief”. Thank you
It is one of my favorite passages in the whole Bible!
I am always so captivated by the creation story. It astounds me that someone could just speak and the universe was here! How amazing is that?! He has the power to transform even the most horrible of situations/people with a single word. How can we not get excited about what he can do in our lives, when we pray to Him and are in his word every day? He’ll do great things for you ladies, just let Him!
Just joining for my first week here. This sweet time in God’s word is already transforming me. I see God softening my heart and wanting me to “fear not” and let him show me more of him.
Such a beautiful study! So happy to be a part of this.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 blew my mind! So powerful! Praise be to God!
I love those verses too! So, so powerful. Thanks for joining us, friend!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I just love this study!!
Thanks for joining us, Karilyn! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Coming from a teacher during back to school, I could only imagine if everything I spoke turned to action and truth! But only Our God can.
‘Foolishness to those who are perishing’ I needed that gut check today.
Wonderful Verses for Today’s Readings-:D!!
Isaiah 55:10-11 KJV
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Totally agree. These verses just jumped at me today and have me thanking and pondering and in awe! Love this study!
Loved reading this today. Such a great reminder.
Thanks for joining us, Keli! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
So very thankful for this app
We love having you here, Erin! Thanks for joining us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
“The voice whose power created All Things from nothing? That is the voice Who speaks into my heart and makes it new. And my mind is blown all over again.”
Whoa! This spoke directly to me today!
I agree!
Full of beautiful lessons and reminders, thank you
I felt the same way when I read it today. Incredible!
❤️❤️
This was so good today. Thank you! His Word is so good.
Thanks for joining us, Rebecca! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10 – 11 KJV
Another Wonderful Verse I gleaned from Today’s Reading of This Is The Bible-:D!!
Love this so much, Renee! Thanks for sharing some encouragement with us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
God’s word is so beautiful. And what an awesome reminder this morning of his great power and unfailing love!
Amen, Lily! So thankful for that reminder! Thanks for joining us!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
This is exactly what I needed to hear today “76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.”
I love that, Nicole! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
So humbled that God chooses me, the weird, fallen, not of noble birth, non-influential, foolish, silly ol’ me to show His LOVE to others. So burdened to share the Hope that I have with the people in my field. It seems impossible, yet He calls me and leads me into possibility, not that I may boast in myself but boast in HIM and His beautiful unfailing Love.
AMEN, Lizzie! Thanks for the beautiful reminder today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
The more and more I read scriptures, the more I understand some of the tradition gospel songs. For example, I read Psalm 119: 72 ” The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.” This scripture reminds me of the song that says, “I rather have Jesus than silver and Gold.” But, I love tradition gospel songs because most of the versus and chorus comes from the source (the bible).
It’s amazing that we are afflicted BECAUSE of God’s faithfulness. A lot of non believers ask, “How could God let you to go through that?” or “Why is God punishing me?”
It’s because of his goodness and His faithfulness that He causes us to go through difficult things in order for us to grow closer to Him and His word.
What a beautiful revelation that was had today.
Amen to that! I always find it hard to explain to unbelievers, why there is bad in the word. But this passage right here makes it all so crystal clear.
Love that, Kristen! Thanks for joining us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
psalm 119:74 – May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
how incredible to think that people could see God in us by how we live our lives. so much responsibility and yet He trusts us with it!
Mind Blown.
When reading the passage from 1 Corinthians, I began to tear up. It reminded me of how desperately we need God; we are hopeless without Him! Christ is our power and fortress. He protects us and shows us Truth! Without Him, we’re trying to blindly survive.
Amen, Mary Elizabeth! Thank you so much for sharing!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
How beautiful it is to be reminded that God’s greatness is true. I too struggle with the idea that things shouldn’t be good. That life should be a constant struggle. But there is such beauty in the simplicity God creates.
God’s Word will not fail — so thankful for that truth this morning.
Wow this reading for day four… I’m mind blown. I think I highlighted and took four different notes today. It also got me interested in reading the book of Mark- about the possessed boy. I’ve been praying and praying about certain people with addictions in my life and that passage brought me to utter shock. The only thing that can help possession is prayer. I also realized the more I read scripture daily, the more the Holy Spirit shines out of me. I can feel his presence even just walking around town – and others approach me almost feeling this presence too. It feels pure, holy, and light weight, like I am free. And to notice other people seeing it and wanting it makes me want to keep reading scripture and sharing his word more and more. Happy Sunday sisters God is good! :)
I’m unable to bookmark anything below the Psalm passage. Help!
There are so many words in these passages that are “talking” words– promised, called, boast, etc. The passage from Psalms is of someone who is thirsting after a connection with God– (almost as if to say) talk to me, God! You are my portion (enough), I have promised…I sought you, I considered my ways and turned my feet, I hastened, I rise at night to give you thanks– TEACH ME!! it’s just so interesting, that pure desire to connect with God, as a flawed human — and to see that in stark contrast with God who is perfect! His promises STICK, His words accomplish what He wants (He gets it right the first time, He isn’t wishy-washy), His words are full of wisdom and power (“Dynamis”– “power residing in a thing by virtue of it’s nature, moral power or excellence of soul), His words bring humility to the strong and proud so no one can BOAST (because who can argue with Him? perfection?) …just some thoughts (a little more academic in nature, but interesting!)
Sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of us were wise by human standards. But he chose the lowliest of us so that we could not boast in ourselves, but only in God. It is because of Him that we are in Christ, therefore we should boast in The Lord.
What a merciful Father we serve that He would love us and call us, even while we were sinners.
God’s word is alive AND active. It never fails. He has blessed us with his precious word. How can we not thirst and hunger to read it. His words are about him for us. In order to know God we need to know his word. I want it to be hidden in my heart for knowledge. But I also want to shout it from the rooftops. Until the whole world hears.
I love this thought, Sharayah! Isn\’t it wonderful how His Word can make us feel so many different kinds of love for Him? We love having you here!!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Blown away the Power that created the world is L I V I N G in us!!!
Great article. Oh that same Power Lives in us
Catching up. It's been a hectic week.
What I love about Genesis and about The Word (okay well this particular verse, there's so much I love about the bible)
God said… One time. Once was enough. He doesn't say it again at midnight or 5:30am, or at the break of dawn.
Let there be light. And it was.
In the beginning God "created" That word is Bara. Something from Nothing.
The same word David uses in Psalm 51…
Create in me a clean heart…. Something from Nothing.
Which brings me back to my first comment when this study came out; the number one evidence that The Bible is true is that lives are changed in exactly the way the bible says they will be.
2 Corinthians 5:17 If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away, behold, the new has come. AMEN!
God’s Word and His power are inextricably linked.
Wht He says is true.
Wht He promises will be.
Think of it as a love letter or a contract or both, but think of it as unbreakable. That is what it is;
”4 d word of d lord are folly 2 dose who are perishing;bt 2 us who are being saved its d power of God”
I believe God’s Word cos no mata wht d Devil Does…I know whom I am n I’ve bn saved by d Power of God..Thank u Jesus 4 giving me light in ma Darkness…
The promise that God's word will accomplish the purpose God set forth and not return void is overwhelming and humbling. So often, I think I've done something great and now good things will happen. Or, conversely, that I've done something awful and bad things will happen. But the truth is that this is God's story. So whatever happens, good or bad as the result of good or bad, is in line with God's plan and is a display of His power, love, grace, sovereignty, majesty. This reminder that He is in control and that He commands the essence of all things is both terrifying and freeing.
"May your unfailing love be my comfort…" Psalm 119:76
"…so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it" Isaiah 55:11
"(God's word) is in the healing and the redeeming, too; in the teaching of truth and the giving of grace." – Amanda
Thank you God. Thank you.
I loved, loved, loved this devotion today!! If it weren’t for my sister-in-law, Brooke Chambers, I wouldn’t have known about SRT. God used her to help me find you all and I’m forever grateful. Not only am I blessed by the SRT team, but I also find myself being blessed by the comments. I’m so glad to be a part of this group. I can’t thank you all enough.
Much love, sisters.. Be blessed. xoxo
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but sit shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11)
This blows my mind. Sisters, God has been SO faithful in my life these past few days… His Holy Spirit has been moving and removing Satan's lies and power from my life right and left! Better yet, God has called me to truly apart of a revival at my school! How good is the Lord, that his words would do what he intends them to do?! Praise Him! I pray that the Holy Spirit would move in you all today, and that as you keep His words within your heart, He'd continue to complete all of His good works in and through you!! Bless you all. Love you!
That is the verse that I read over and over- such a beautiful passage!!!! Hallelujah to revival- praying that God will continue to use you to do His good works. I was just thinking this morning what I would differently if I could do it all over again. I would go back to school and I would pray for revival. I would be exactly where you are today- and I open this bible study and read your words- isn't it amazing how God speaks to us? He says to me "You cannot go back, but meet AnnaLee and pray for her." Amazing. Praying for you, sister. God is so good!!!!
Cary, your words are so cherished! I adore them and they are of great encouragement to me– Thank you! God and how he works everything together so completely is amazing!! Be blessed Sis!!
I loved this passage today – I saw within it a great comparison.
The rain and snow water the earth – Jesus(The Word) (the Living Water) was sent from heaven as well
It brings forth and sprouts – The Living Water in us makes us bud and flourish
it gives seek to the sower – He plants us as seed in other peoples life
it gives bread to the eater – He give us the Bread of Life to share with those who are hungry.
Does that make sense?
Oh how I pray that your seed continue to bud and that your soil always be fertile. That you may grow roots so deep that no storm can uproot you. That your roots be planted by the Spring of Living Water, and that your shade be a resting place for those who are thirsty, so that they may see the Truth that is within you.
God bless you sweet girl…
Janee, your prayer moves me. Your words are always so encouraging. I love the analogy! Isn't it amazing how all of the Earth is indeed a reflection of the Living God and his Living Word in us? Many times while being on SRT, support from you and others here has been the shade I've sat under– shade that ultimately leads me to the perfect shade, water, and rest of Christ. Praise God for this community. I pray that all of us, through seeking Him with our whole hearts, would drink from this well of life and in turn be abundant trees of shade and good fruit, so that all people will see us and follow suit.
Just beautiful, thank you! I see it, I feel it, I ask God for it to be true in my life. Your thoughts are much appreciated
loved today so very much. thank you.
watch The Planet Earth series and you will be forever AWEd by God's power and creativity. It leaves me speachless every time.
i agree with wanting more details on the creation story. and this is why so many people try to discredit it, because it seems too easy. yet we forget that it wasn't human hands that created it, it was the voice of the Almighty God. His voice spoke to create what He intended and still does in our life today. How beautiful are His works, praise Him!
Yes! Amen Leah! God's word will go out and do what it intends. This is so awe-inspiring.
This is a truth I have to remind myself of often. That God cannot break his promise. His word is infallible. And I praise Him for it; it brings me to my knees. One of the verses that stood out to me as I was reading is 1 Cor. 1:20, "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of his age…" I am reminded of all of the people in the New Age who our society stakes so much on… Dr. Oz, Deepak Chopra, etc… the "truth" these people speak is the foolish wisdom of the world, but the Word of God stands true forever. Excited about the Son of God movie coming out and hoping it will reach many of those who are lost.
Amen to that, Abby. With so much worldly wisdom and many antichrists in this world, thank the Lord that we have Him to lean on for true wisdom and clear understanding. Better yet, It's only by Him that we know Him– it's all Him. :)
Ah sigh. Just yesterday I posted on my blog about how people fail each other by constantly making promises we never intend on keeping yet God will always keep his promise and how it's only in HIM that is always trustworthy. http://agirlwhoisageek.com/2014/02/26/your-word-i…
"Think of it as a love letter or a contract or both, but think of it as unbreakable." Yes. As I sit here wondering if I have some tattoo on my forehead that says "I like being strung along and having promises unbroken!" because it keeps on happening to me (even as I type this), today's devotional just helps me remember that God is not like that at all. "God’s Word will not fail. It accomplishes what He intends, every single time." Thank you so much for this today.
What an amazing devotion this morning! I’m so inspired by all of the wonderful previous posts by you lovely ladies! Sometimes it is baffling to realize that the God who created everything still swoops down low to hear His people. It’s like reaching the CEO of a Fortune 500 company everytime you call his business. Ah-may-zing. Psalms 116:1-2 says it best: “I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen I will pray as long as I have breath!” We can stand on His promises and wrap ourselves in the knowledge that He will do whatever He said He would do, no matter how long it takes for it to come to fruition. The evidence is overwhelming that His grace abounds. May be forever encouraged in that fact. You’re all in my prayers.
Such a great grouping of scripture this morning. Thanks be to God!
Good morning sisters! Reposting this link for those who were not able to catch it when I posted it late last night (in your timezone). So helpful and so relevant to our series! :) Hope everyone will be blessed as I was! Have a blessed day! :)
**APPROACHING GOD'S WORD by BETH MOORE** http://youtu.be/wDhU8Yxbbdg
BETH MOORE! Or, as Christine Caine calls her…the Queen Mother of Women's Ministry.
If I wasn't about to start class I would start that video ;)
Love me some Beth Moore! I have learned so much about the Gospel from her studies. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. I love Beth Moore! I was so needing a fresh approach!
Misce, I have read some of Beth Moore stuff, but I have to say, this morning I was mesmerized….i was late for work…..but you know what I was so so blessed…Thank you….an amazing woman of God….when I grow up….I want to be like her…..lol. x
Sheila, love those verses. Power! Thanks for guiding me there today!
Feeling desired, sought out, and loved. Did you hear it twice in v 27 and then again in vs 28 in 1st. Corinthians — God chose.
We're here for a purpose ladies, now let his word rain down on us and cause us to grow in a way that will bring him glory! AMEN. Good devo today.
Mmmhmm…yes! How lovely to know that He chose us, personally.
Oh my gosh no, I did not see that! I saw the foolish and the weak, (of course I did) but I did not see it that way. Thank you so much for pointing that out. God chose… Oh that is good….
Thank you God…"The voice whose power created All Things from nothing? That is the voice Who speaks into my heart and makes it new."
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. Psalm 119:67
It is good foe me that I was afflicted, that. I might learn your statutes. Psalm 119:71
All praise to God because His Word is TRUE!
"God's word will not fail. It accomplishes what He intends, every single time."
And again I find myself completely in awe of the Greatness and Glory of our God!! Just… WOW!!
I love that the same voice which spoke everything into creation speaks directly to me everyday in the Word!
Beckey http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork
An awesome lesson today on the power of God! There is not anything that is too hard for Him, nor anything He does not understand.
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted;
That I might learn thy statutes."
I have found, in my 52 years on this earth, and 39 of them walking with God, that I truly learn to depend on Him when I NEED Him. I am thankful for those times that I have been "afflicted", whether it is sickness, trials of life, or something of my own doing…those times are now precious to me because I learned to LEAN on HIM…to reach for HIM and call on that Name of all Names!
He has proven, time and time again, that He is faithful. If I never needed Him how would I learn to trust Him?!
So thankful that "…Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his…" Amen!
Candace, not to call you old or anything, but it amazes me that you've been walking with the Lord for 39 years. That's just awesome, and I can't wait for the day where I can say the same!
Same here! You are such an encouragement, role model and inspiration– God has worked through you tremendously, Candace! Praise God! "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." -Proverbs 31:31
That is very kind AnnaLee, I don't take that lightly but also know I do not deserve accolades, God is so merciful. I have had wonderful teachers who loved and gave and I hope I can do even half as well as some of my role models. Sure do love this commUNITY! ♥
Well I sure feel it Rachel. My family came into the church when I was 13 and I was baptized and received the Holy Spirit that same time. Not that I haven't failed and stumbled, oh my!! It is only by His mercies that I am here today. ♥
I just think it's awesome that you're still passionate about God and His Word. We all stumble, but it's choosing to get up and keep following God that makes the difference! And even when we don't want to follow, He is faithful to give us the mercies we need.
Oh your words are ringing some truth today! "We all stumble, but it's choosing to get up and keep following God that makes the difference!" Not more than 48 hours ago, I gave up. I sat in my car, driving back in Indy from Michigan, and I cried tears of frustration and surrender. Not to God, but to the calling He placed on my life. I gave up! The hope I had was bruised – my happy got bumped and knocked over – a veil had been sewn over the vision God had given me for the future. I gave up!
But just as you said "He is faithful to give us the mercies we need" – He was merciful. He forgave my outrage and rage. He forgave my tirade and abandonment. He forgave my attempts at handling life in my own strength. He repaired/refilled my vessel and my resevoir. He tore the veil and cast it back to the pit of hell, and placed His robe of righteousness back on my shoulders.
Just as you said, He is a faithful God. Thank you for your reminder today….God bless you Rachel!
Janee, I understand completely. I've had plenty of my own tirades against the Lord, and, like you, I am *so* thankful when He forgives me!
I pray that your faith would be strengthened and that you would rely on strength of God to get you through what you feel like you can't get through on your own.
Be blessed, Janee!
1 Cor 1:25: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
No matter how wise a debater in opposition to God may sound, in the end, they lose if they don't believe. They miss out on all that comes with knowing Christ. It's comforting to know that, although we may not win every fight, our God is greater and stronger than anything else we could turn to. So we are to continue living boldly for him — sharing his message of love, hope and redemption — because there is power in his word to change lives.
"…because there is power in His word to change lives." Yes! I am witnessing that and it is so awesome! ♥
I always appreciate your comments here, Nannette. You are such a great encourager and divider of the truth!
My prayer for today, With your very own hands you formed me, now breathe your wisdom into me so I can understand . . .and let me live whole, holy, soul & body. Psalm 119:74,74, & 80.
Praise God, Shelia! Amen.
His word will not fail. Now that is comfort to me.
Amen! It's infallible, solid, and it's not going anywhere.
I was most impacted by the truth that the same God who spoke the world into being and created all living things speaks to me. What a miraculous, unspeakable gift. Not just God' presence but His voice to guide my life. I/ we have all we need and more. I need to remember these truths when life is full of joy and when trouble comes.
That was the phrase that really spoke to me too. It is easy to forget how amazing it is that God wants a relationship with inconsequential me, and I don't mean that as a self put down but in the large scheme of things. He values each of us that much. How awe- inspiring is that. I am loving this study as before I saw the Bible as a way to see what God wants me to claim and have and do but now I see it as getting to know Him. So cool.
1Cor 1:21 – "…the world would never find Him through human wisdom…" (NLT) This is where I was for so long, focused on logic and scientific method, a lover of proof and that which is quantifiable. How humbling for me to be reminded, yet again, that I can do nothing of my own accord, that He has breathed life into the world, and into the Scriptures.
This passage spoke to me too. My son has been really into dinosaurs and it has sparked in me a need to know all the info before i educate him. But, what do you say when scientific books are saying one thing (an old earth, an asteroid) and God’s Word says another (a young earth, a great flood)? I was struggling with this for so long but feel like I finally received my answer in His Word today. We will trust God’s Word knowing that we will never know all the things by human wisdom alone and I will find solace in that.
Dinosaurs are in the bible. We talked about it in church a couple of weeks ago. Google it, I believe there are 3 references.
Oh we absolutely believe in dinosaurs and I loved that they were mentioned in the Bible (my son thought that was awesome ;). What I was struggling with was that many scientists say that fossils are millions of years old when, if you believe in the Bible word for word and take Genesis literally (not metaphorically), the Earth is only maximum 10,000 years old. Thank you so much for your reply, Edra!!
I homeschool and the science curriculum I'm using is called God's Design for Science made by Answers in Genesis (Ken Ham's company). Anyway, on the Answer's in Genesis website they have a bunch of articles on scientific questions that the "old earth" scientist claim and how the Bible proves that these claims are false. They have a few articles about dinosaurs that I've read and are amazing and even talk about how they are mentioned in the bible, as well as all the other articles that prove that this great and beautiful world we live in can only be created by something as Great and Powerful as GOD! :)
That's fantastic– thank you so much, Christine!! I homeschool too so this will be super helpful!
God is so good to us that way. Right now, I'm in a college environmental science class, and we're studying the history of rocks (enthralling, right?)– also leading us to study an old Earth and how rocks form that way. I've been struggling with believing in a new Earth with what seems like not as strong evidence, but I've found that 1) there is lots of strong evidence for it (answersingenesis.org) and 2) The word of God will be foolish to those who are perishing, and that in the end, I can take solace in the Love of God instead of the cold knowledge of the world. "Knowledge puffs up, but Love builds up." –1 Corinthians 8:1b. Praise God.
Love this– thank you AnnaLee!! Blessings to you, friend!
I thank God that He explained in His own Words the reason others just dont get it! Its foolish! Then I remember that it was foolish to me for many many years. I love how He tells us that the He will destroy the wisdom of the wise and frustrate the intellegence of the intelligent.(1cor1:19)
I cant imagine sitting in a class that teaches something other than what we believe. But in the end, you are being taught what 'they' believe – not what 'to' believe. And ultimately, you already know the Truth – you know what truly matters. I dont really think it matters how old we think the earth is, what matters is that Christ died and rose again to reconcile us to God. He came to give us life and life to the full.
He is a good God that gave us 66 chapters of wonderful text spoken from His Mouth to our hearts. Isnt it wonderful that we are no longer the perishing fools, but the foolish that God chose to shame the wise and the weak He will use to shame the strong? (1cor1:27)
God bless you my friend…
People have studied the Scriptures as a purely academic/scholarly text for centuries…but without the Spirit, they will never truly know God. I'm thankful that we have to depend on God in order to know God…that way, we can't take credit for anything!
We have to depend on God to know God. How completely and utterly sweet that is!! That truly NOTHING, not even KNOWING God, can be done of our own accord, but must be done with faith in Him. Praise the Lord! Bless you, Rachel, KayLee, and drasch!
He same word of God that spoke the world into existence speaks to me in His book. His word is power – not just powerful – it IS power. It can do anything. And I have access to it – can hold it in my hand. Wow.
3 verses stood out to me as I was reading Psalms 119:65, 67, 71
You have done many good things for me, L ord , just as you promised.
I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
As someone who has had a rough couple of years with suffering and has found a new level of faith through it these verses are a huge comfort and declaration of what God has done. If it would help anyone I have blogged this morning in more detail about how these verses spoke to me where I am. http://livelaughandlovegod.blogspot.com
Yes, they are! Aren't you so thankful that it always works out that way…even after the darkest of days?