Aug 25, 2009

Believing God -- Week 6


So I finally decided to finish this Bible study.

Did you notice the year on this button? No? Take a look.

Yeah. 2008. Sad, isn't it?



Now I have been in the Word since then, of course, I just haven't been in this study.

But I will say that this past year is probably the longest I've gone without being involved in a specific Bible study per se. I've been doing different things that I had around the house, or just simple personal studies on my own. But I'm telling you, there's just something special about going through the Bible with Beth Moore. Her enthusiasm and zeal are truly contagious!

And I'm actually a bit further in the study than week 6, but I figure I need to pick up where I left off.

So, in week 6 of the Believing God study, Beth opens with this word: "The Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]" Heb. 4:12 amplified.

She goes on to say that we, created in His Image to be instruments in God's hands, are equipped with an implement powerful enough to both build a road straight to our proverbial promised land, or to tear that road completely apart.





James 3:2-12 tells us that our words can keep our whole body in check; the use of our mouth can defile, or if bridled and directed, it can bring a lack of sin. If set on fire by hell, it can set our whole body on a course of natural sin.

Do you ever notice how contagious negative words are? Even when I am saying averse words only to myself, under my breath, it's only a matter of time before I hear that same vile attitude spew from my mouth. And before I know it, one of (or two of) my boys are getting into trouble for their attitude.

On the other hand, most of the time I'm in a pretty good mood, but I'm not so quick to notice when they emulate that attitude. I'm not sure who's really lacking here. But I digress.

Of course, the best way to defeat this grievous cycle is to fight fire with fire...Beth suggests quoting Scripture, the living Word, in place of negativity.

I have to say, it works.

I also have to say I wish I fought the spiritual fight that way more often.

Later in the week Beth states, "The tongue has staggering potential to wreak havoc; yet not coincidentally it also has the potential to reap the stuff of heaven on earth. We can be sure that God and Satan are both vying over our mouths. Nothing threatens the enemy more than a believer with the Word of God living and active on her tongue, ready to apply it to any and every situation."

No wonder we are supposed to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (see Romans 12:2)...saturation is the only way to have the Word ready at any given moment. Constantly pouring over His Word will create a godly response instead of an ungodly reaction.

It is soooo much easier to type than it is to do. But if we will be diligent, He will be faithful.





By the way, if you're interested in doing this study, you can go to the Lifeway website and register to do the study yourself! You can watch the videos online and print the homework out if you don't already have a book.

You really won't regret it.

3 comments:

Chel said...

Oh girl, it is hilarious I tell you quite hilarious indeed! Read mine! You'll see. I love the Holy Spirit and how He speaks the Truth to us, over us, and all around us.
Love you tons,
Chel

Angie said...

You may not believe this, but I recently picked up that same Bible study to finish from last year. I have one more week to go though. I've been working on finishing what I start. It's a weakness of mine.

Good to see you again, Chel.

Edie said...

"I wish I fought the spiritual fight that way more often."

Me too! I know that speaking the Living Word out loud against the enemy sends him running but I still battle with doing it at times. I think it is one of his weapons.

God has done much with me this year concerning the way I speak to others. Still a work in progress but so glad for the changes I have seen.

Good to see you back in the blogosphere!