Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Scripture is alive for life

As we read Scripture, and currently as part of my reading besides my regular reading of the Bible, I'm happily reading the Message rendering of it- we are interacting with that which as the word of God is alive. It's alive in story form, of and about the Story of God. And what is amazing is that as we persevere in this Story, reading it and praying through it, our stories begin to be taken up into this grand Story, so that our lives become one more expression within and as part of this great Story of God in the creation and new creation in Jesus.

I am amazed again, not to overdramatize it, but I really am, over how what we find in Scripture we can begin more and more to see applicable to our lives in ways we could never see before. That becomes so as we seek to engage Scripture in reference to the engaging of our lives. Scripture is good for life here and now for all peoples. It hits us right where we live if we give it the time and space to do that. Of course this takes for granted that we're taking it seriously. For those who don't or when we do not, the bad side of the Story begins to come true as we turn away from God in Christ and his grace for us there.

This is truly exciting and challenging for me as well as encouraging. What thoughts would you share on this?

9 comments:

joe said...

sometimes we break the scripture down into "7 principles for holy living" or " 4 ways to discipline your kids". we make it a book of principles and how to's instead of remembering it is living and breathing.it is a live and dynamic, not static. and it tells us the story of god and the role we get to play. you're right, it is an exciting book. one we get to participate in.

preacherman said...

Ted,
Excellent post.
It is wonderful thing to know that the "Word of God is living, active, sharper than any double edged sword." It is the bread that we feast upon. It gives us strength. I don't know how many times I needed it but turn to a passage and read and felt so much better after doing so.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Joe, Very well said.

Preacherman, Thanks. So true for myself as well. Yes, I need that time daily and repeatedly in God's word, seeking God and his will for me and us to live in, in Christ.

Anonymous said...

it is very good to hear the news of your encouraging time in the word! it is also a good reminder and encouragment for me as well, not to forget to be doing this also. thank you, brother.

Martin Stickland said...

Thanks Ted for joining in the fun on my blog and leaving the funny comments... GREAT FUN!

Cheers!!!

Kind regards

M

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy,

Yes. There's nothing like it. I'm a word person. But I have to be careful to remember what the word is all about, and how it's Story with God in the center and with reference to love and relationship in the highest sense. Much to learn here.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Martin, Glad you're back.

Yes, I know I do get carried away. Your blog is alot of fun. Alot of funny people over there of whom you're not the least.

Anonymous said...

ah...so, my story becomes part of the on going Story of the living word as i enter the word and the word lives in me.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy, Good point about us entering the word and the word living in us. Yes, we more and more find our identity in Scripture as we see our story within the big Story of God.