I still have many pieces to go.  My 1000-piece puzzle still needs attention putting it together into the whole it is designed for. Some pieces fit into place quite easily.  Other pieces I have picked up, turned over in my hand, and set back down. The piece is too difficult to position, so I reach for what might be an easier piece.

J.I. Packer, in defining a Christian, says that “Christians are captive to the Word of God, and they aspire like the psalmist, to have their whole lives brought into line with it.” Each piece, of our lives, in line with the Word of God.

Like making a puzzle, there are times I pick up a piece of teaching from the Word, and I want to set it back down.  It isn’t an easy piece.  Let’s take, for example, the word ‘love.’  Jesus’ words were “Love one another as I have loved you.” The Bible says, “consider others better than yourself” and “love does not keep a record of wrongs.” We read, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). These are not always easy pieces to put into place.  It is easy to turn the word love over in our hands and put it down reaching for an easier piece.

I believe the Spirit of God is setting before us, in each of our lives, a piece of his Word. He is inviting us, with his assistance (phew!), to put into place that piece, to bring our Lord honour and bring his goodness to our lives. It may be a piece such as forgiveness, joy, generosity, trust, humility, self-denial, purity, gentleness, salvation, repentance, reconciliation, wait, or don’t fear. You might name yours.

Jesus said; “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25). Attending to the Word of God and applying it to our lives is God’s design.  As we do, it affects the whole of who we are and the whole of those around us. 

The Psalmist said, and perhaps we can too, as we consider any piece of the Word that we are invited to put into place,

“Teach me, O Lord, the lifestyle prescribed by your statutes,

Give me understanding so that I might observe your law,
and keep it with all my heart.
Guide me in the path of your commands,
for I delight to walk in it.
…Revive me with your word” (Psalm 119:34-36).

Today we give thanks that the Lord, by his Spirit, works in and through us, accomplishing his purposes.  May we have hearts and minds willing to listen and respond.

My love for the Word of God is found in these lyrics. Perhaps you would like to sing along as you find it on the internet!

Ancient Words (Lynn Deshazo)

Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.

Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.

Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

A prayer from us, for you, and for you to pray for others.

“May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together - spirit, soul, and body - and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!” (1 Thessalonians 5). AMEN