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In the autobiographical novel, The Late Liz, the reader glimpses the sins of skid row; not poverty-stricken skid row, but the skid row of silken sheets and soft furs. Accordingly, Elizabeth Burns had had too much money, too much booze, and too many men for too long. After thirty years of hangovers, and going wrong, she came face to face with herself and with God. After experiencing new life, she knew there was something she had to do. It was most difficult. It involved asking for forgiveness from one she had wronged. She trembled as she thought of it. Standing by a table before entering the room, she prayed, “Father, I am going through with this, but I am not going to like it. I guess this is some of what it means to be a Christian, not all gravy, not all light and joy. I don’t quite see why I have to do it, so Father, please be around, please be there.”[1]
This is God’s Word; it gives us the power to do things we would never do ourselves, and know God is always right there beside us while we are doing them. The Psalmist uses several words to describe the Word of God and his reaction to it. These words are obey, light, understanding, and long for; as the Psalmist see’s God’s Word as wonderous he cannot help but be drawn to all its power and glory. To obey Its every word, to see the light Its word shines on his path and the understanding it gives to all who are willing to open Its pages and read It. We must be willing to long for the Word of God, pant after it, or desire it more than anything else. This is the only way we will every draw closer to the One Who truly loves us and gave Himself for us. His Word is the guiding light for our path and will show us all of His promises. It is through His Word we will be able to stand against the sins of the world (Ephesians 6.10-20) and the sin that so easily traps us (Hebrews 12.1-2). The more we are in God’s precious Word the more we will have our eyes open to the ways of the world and better we will be able to move through this life. However, never think that reading God’s Word is all you need; you still need to spend time in prayer with your Heavenly Father and fellowship with other believers. The Devil always likes to attack when we are weak and we are weakest when we are alone. God gives us the power to shine in the world, to be a testimony to those around us, look to His Word for the guidance and direction. As Paul wrote to young Timothy in II Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3.16-17, ESV).[2] This is why we must stay in the Word of God, why we must look to God’s word for our guidance and direction, and never be ashamed of what God has called us to do for Him. Application
Prayer Lord, we adore You, because You are the Awesome God. I must confess my sin before You, because I have sinned against You and You alone, Oh Lord. Please cleanse me of all my unrighteousness and make me white as snow. Lord, I thank You for Your faithful promise to watch over me, to protect me, and to guide me. To help me walk in Your path, even when I decide to go astray You are still there waiting for me. Thank You for never leaving me or forsaking me. Lord today, I want to pray for my family that we will see Your will. Lord help my friends to know who You are by my example and testimony. Lord, You know I cannot do anything on my own, please give me the strength to obey You and follow after Your will. In Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen. [1] Jones, G. C. (1986). 1000 illustrations for preaching and teaching (pp. 145–146). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers. [2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Ti 3:16–4:1). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. [3] Loggins, Robert F. Sr., (2015); The New Journey To Wholeness & Holiness Fasting and Praying; (pp. 19-20); Chesterfield, MO; Robert F. Loggins, Sr. Ministries, LLC
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