God does not speak to us merely so we can have a warm, devotional thought. God’s words are essential to our lives. Focus on Deuteronomy 8:3, this week’s memory verse. Write it on a card and put it in a prominent place. Deuteronomy 32:46-47 tells us how important a word from God is. Read it and reflect on what it means in your life. “Man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD” (Deut. 8:3). “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe—all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life” (Deut. 32:46-47). How important is a word from God for your life? Check one.  

very important 

important not very important 

Read Luke 7:14-15 14 

“He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.’ And he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother” (Luke 7:14-15).

 

What significance did God’s words have for the widow’s dead son? 

Underline your answer in the verses. 

Read Ezekiel 37:5-6,10 

“Thus says the Lord God to these bones: ‘Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath into you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.’ So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army” (Ezek. 37:5-6,10). God’s words bring life!

What effect did God’s words have on a valley of dry bones when the prophet Ezekiel was told to preach to them? 

Underline your answer in the verses.  

God’s word never leaves someone or something the same. However, many Christians have lost the sense of awe at receiving a word from God. We no longer stand before God with fear and trembling, waiting to hear His word for our life. Can you imagine? The same word that can create a solar system or raise the dead can be directed to speak about our lives and God’s plans for us! How that ought to make us tremble! I am concerned when Christians trivialize God’s Word. God’s Word is far too important for us not to take it seriously. There is too much at stake for us to be careless with a word from God. God has clear guidelines and they need to be known and followed. I am also concerned that many Christians feel awkward about acknowledging that God spoke to them. We fear we will sound too spiritual or mystical in spite of the fact that the Bible is full of examples of God speaking to people. We should encourage each other to testify to what we are hearing from God. 

SHARING GOD’S WORD CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Connie had returned to her home church after spending several years away in missions. As a young girl was presented to the church for baptism at the close of a service, Connie noticed something that troubled her deeply. To Connie’s dismay, few people took the time to go by the front of the church and encourage the young girl. This was very unlike what this church had done in the past. She went home that afternoon and the Holy Spirit impressed upon her that what she had witnessed was wrong. That evening, at the prompting of the interim pastor, she shared with the church what she sensed God was saying. Instantly the Spirit confirmed in the hearts of the people that what was being shared was of God. The people’s eyes were opened to how careless they had become in acknowledging decisions in their church. Many people made new commitments which have lasted to this day. How do you respond to God when He speaks through members of your church? ___________________________________________________ 

Does God want you to change the way you respond when He speaks to you through others? Yes No   

What change does God desire? ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ 

How are you sharing with others what God is saying to you? ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ 

Churches can rob themselves of wonderful opportunities for God to speak to them by not encouraging their people to share what God is saying. There needs to be discernment and guidance concerning who shares and when, but even the largest churches should encourage their people to testify. This can be done in smaller group settings such as in a Bible study, a prayer group, or Sunday School class. I found the ordinance of baptism was a wonderful opportunity for people to testify to the life-transforming work of God in their lives. They did not always know the proper Christian terminology, but the Holy Spirit used their testimonies to impact the church. The enthusiasm of a new believer often warmed the hearts of those whose hearts had grown cold. A word of caution: Although we ought to feel free to share with others what God said to us, we must be careful we do not claim to have had a word from God unless we do. It is a terrible thing for us to give credit to God for something that has not come from Him. Do not speak a word from God unless you are certain that it is from God and that you are willing to “stay with that word” until it comes to pass. What did God say to you during your study today? ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ 

What will you do as a result? ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________