Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Promises – Day 220 – 1 Thessalonians 2:13- At Work In You Who Believe – Growing As Disciples
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)
Receive The Word
Are you receiving my word? I’m not positive that I know exactly what you mean. But I think that I am. Tell me what it means for you to receive my word? I had a feeling that you were going to ask me that question. Receiving your word begins with an attitude in my heart and mind. My attitude toward your word demonstrates the value I place on it in my life. To me, your word is more valuable than silver or gold. What do you mean by that? I spend a lot of time taking your word into my life. I meditate on it. I memorize it. I pray it. I think about your word all the time. The value of silver or gold or money does not rival or remotely come close to the value I place on your word. Why do you place such a high value on my word? Your word is how you speak into my life. I want to hear from you. I want to know you. I want to love you. I want to follow and serve you. None of this would be possible without your word. No, it would not. Can you say more? Your word is what you use to change my heart and transform my mind. I know that my thoughts are not your thoughts. I know that my ways are not your ways. Your thoughts and ways are so much higher and better than mine. As I meditate on your word you are using it to work in me. How so? Your word changes my thoughts. Your word brings my heart and mind into alignment with you. If I discover that one of my thoughts or ways is not consistent with yours then I know that it is time for me to change my thought or way. Is that all? No, there is much more. Not only does your word show me your thoughts and your ways, it also gives me the power and strength to follow and obey you. Your word helps me to withstand temptation. Your word gives me strength in trials. Do you know why my word is able to strengthen you against temptations and makes you able to stand in trials? Yes, I do. Your Holy Spirit takes your word and uses it to fight in me, with me, and for me. Your word is like a sword in the hand of the Holy Spirit. Yes, it is.
What am I doing in you with my word right now? You are using your word to bear fruit in and through my life for your kingdom and your glory. How am I doing that? You are allowing me to tell others about you and your word. You are using me to proclaim your word. Just as you have allowed me to hear your word, so also do you want others to be able to hear your word. Yes, I do. Keep on hearing, receiving and accepting my word as you proclaim it to others. Yes Lord, I will.
Lord, thank you for allowing me to hear, accept and believe in your word. Continue to do your work in me with your word. Keep on changing my heart and transforming my mind with your word. Mold and shape my life according to your word. Amen
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