"God's Word"

  The prophets claimed over and over that God gave them words to speak and write. Just read Isaiah and Jeremiah. When John came on the scene, he proclaimed that the word given to the prophets must be fulfilled. Jesus came speaking that the written word of the prophets MUST be fulfilled (Luke 24:25). The apostle Peter stated plainly that all the prophecy of Scripture didn't originate with their own personal interpretation of the spiritual and moral situation in the world. They wrote and spoke because they were moved by the Holy Spirit speaking from God (II Pet. 1:20-21) Paul informed Timothy that the OT Scriptures were "God-breathed" (II Tim. 3:16). Paul spoke to the Corinthians that the word they spoke were Spirit given (I Cor. 2:13). Peter said the same (I Pet. 1:12). The central point in all this for man is: God's sovereignty and man's submission if anyone is to be saved. In order for man to get the message, each situation was approached from God's word to give the hearer the best opportunity to accept these God inspired messages.

  The Samaritan woman was wanting to know where to worship and Jesus had to show her location wasn't the issue in worshiping God (John 4:20-22). Jesus made it clear that true and acceptable worship is not orchestrated but involves truth and spirit (from within the person). That's the spoken word of God!

  The scribes and Pharisees had to be more direct from God's word. Jesus used plain and straight-forward words of God to show how they had become so corrupt in their attitude and approach to the word of God and their blindness couldn't see anything else but what they wanted to see and teach. Jesus was teaching these "church-goers" that they needed to be warned because their heart had corrupted themselves that straight-forward is the only way to try to help them see their destiny.

  The lady was caught in adultery (John 8). Jesus took God's word and spoke so tenderly which bewildered the crowd. Jesus spoke God's word patiently with His disciples over and over. Jesus spoke passionately on behalf of those exploiting others (John 2:13-17). But no matter how God's word was conveyed for the need of the moment, it was always truthful and not manipulated. What do you learn from all this? I'll let you apply it today for  your need in your life!