As Christians, we’ve been so blessed, “…with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…” (Eph. 1:3). Every spiritual resource is ours. Even in times of distress and persecution, God’s blessing rests on us, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you will be BLESSED, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.” (1 Pet. 4:14) But we can surrender His blessings by NEGLECTING His Word or committing other sinful acts. So we must guard our heart carefully and CONTINUE IN THE WORD. As we do, our joy will be ENDLESS!
“…he who looks carefully into the PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY that sets you free (from untruth), and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will BLESS YOU for doing it.” (Jam. 1:25) Notice that God’s law (His Word) is described here as having two wonderful descriptors: “perfect” and giving “liberty.” They represent two shields, one guarding the front and the other the back, protecting the VALUABLE CONTENTS INSIDE (us). They guard God’s Word from those who would try to slander or abolish it. They are two beautiful and powerful expressions defining and dignifying GOD’S WORD. Which is, by the way, “…LIVING and POWERFUL, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Heb. 4:12) “All Scripture is GOD–BREATHED and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17) These scriptures are so VERY IMPORTANT for us, they reveal to us that the Word of God is not “just words” but our all-knowing, all-loving creator of all things designed His WORD to be full of LIFE and POWER and somehow, we cannot comprehend how, God “BREATHES” His Word into us when we read or hear it.
-Bill Stockham