Truth in the Word - John 17:6-19

"They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:1-16)

The text today is a prayer Jesus is praying for His disciples.  It seems they are right there with Him as He is praying, or at least close by.  Can you imagine what it would be like to have Jesus pray for you to God the Father?  The disciples must have been in awe at this moment in time.   

Jesus asks God to sanctify them.  Sanctify means to set apart for a sacred purpose.  Oh, my, this just gets better and better.  What does it mean to be sanctified by the truth?  The disciples were set apart by the truth to do the work Jesus began.  They were commissioned to spread the Good News to tell all who would listen about God's Word.

We too have been set apart to do God's work, to share the story of Jesus, to point to God's Word. Do you feel special?  You are, as a child of God you can't get any more special.  The real question is, "What are we going to do about it?"  Growing Up Strong in God's Word prepares us to carry out our assignment, to understand what it means and to be confident the Holy Spirit will guide and protect us.  We are in the midst of an amazing adventure - hold on to your hats, God is up to something big.

Read the John 17:6-19 text here.

It's all in the Foundation - Matthew 7:24-29

Every once in a while I hear a speaker talk to their audience with authority and wisdom.  There is nothing like hearing a really good motivational speaker address a topic with knowledge and passion.  I want to hear them speak again and again.  Their words touch my heart and make me feel like I could live as they suggest.

There are many Christians speakers I have heard who move me like this.  They speak a line that reverberates with me so deeply I can recall their words even weeks following the event.  Beth Moore is one who has this gift, as well as all members of the Graham family; Franklin, Anne Graham Lotz and their father, Billy Graham; and many more.

The Scripture story today speaks about a time Jesus addressed a crowd.  Can you just imagine what that must have been like!  Jesus, speaking and encouraging His listeners to hear the Word and to live accordingly.  "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on." (Matthew 7:24 MSG)

What I wouldn't give to hear Jesus speak on His word, explain its meaning and provide pertinent application to the text.

We are called to stand on God's Word as our foundation.  Until we see Jesus face to face, we must Grow Up Strong in God's Word, read our Bibles and live the life commanded on those pages.

Read the Matthew 7:24-29 text here.

2 Timothy 3:10-16

I draw comfort from the fact the fascinating and moving stories in the Bible are based on fact.  They actually happened, not some figment of a writer's imagination.  When reading some of the stories from the Old Testament I become engrossed in the history lesson I am receiving; I am enthralled by the romance and action playing out before me.  I am entranced by the way life is portrayed, real and at times raw.  It is said fact is stranger than fiction.

Paul is encouraging Timothy by reminding him that he knows everything Paul endured for the sake of the Gospel and that God was faithful.  Paul's words also inform his protégé Christians will suffer for the sake of Jesus. "Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you." (John 15:20)  Timothy was one of the first second generation Christians, his mother and grandmother taught him the scriptures when he was a child.

"There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." (2Timothy 3:16)

To Grow up Strong in God's Word is the goal and one we can chase after from now until God calls us home. Every time we put our noses into our Bibles, God shows up and teaches something new. It never fails.

Read the 2 Timothy 3:10-16 text here.

Lessons of Life - 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Paul is teaching Timothy, he is mentoring him to grow up strong in God's Word.  Has there been someone in your life who has done this for you?  Are you in a mentoring relationship with someone you can help grow?

We all need teachers at some point in our lives; actually I think maybe our entire lives, as we grow from one stage to another.  There is always something going on in our life that requires us to learn how to get through it and to survive.  All these 'teaching moments' are beneficial to our maturity.  I might be in my 60's but life is constantly stretching me; giving me new life lessons.

I read today, "The only thing that helps no one is a dead calm."  There are days I would like to test this statement, you too?  But I do see the truth in those words.  It was when I was covered in the muck of my life I turned to the One who could wash me clean.  When I seek out truth or direction by turning to Scripture, I am never disappointed; challenged maybe, but not disappointed.

A goal for each of us this week is to be as devoted to the Word as Paul and Timothy were.  God will then use us to mentor someone else; to help them Grow up Strong in God's Word.

Read the 1 Timothy 4:6-16 text here.