Tuesday, June 6, 2023

I’m a child of the ‘80s, and I’m not ashamed to admit we had it better than other generations. You can argue against me, but in my opinion, you’ll lose because our childhood included Teddy Ruxpin, Cabbage Patch Kids, Easy Bake Ovens, and Transformers. Our Nintendo smashed the Atari 2600, and although the kids who came before me also drank from hoses during the summer, our water was probably colder (minus the drought of 1988). So, as I said, we had it better.

‘80s kids also knew how much power came from wielding a sword (the He-Man Power Sword and the ThunderCats’ Sword of Omens). You might be a child of the 80’s if you said, “I have the power” or “Sword of Omens, give me sight beyond sight” after reading the previous sentence. It was in the second grade that I read C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and discovered power outside of toys and cartoons—the power of words. 

Reading has always been more of an adventure for me than merely obtaining information. The sentences woven within myths and fairytales unlocked the creative pathways in my mind, but the writers of God’s Word breathed life’s mysteries and truths into me in a way that continues to make me feel alive, even after I’ve closed the book.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

The great thing about books is that they can be read to you, which is essential when you lack the patience, commitment, or ability to read independently. Storytime in school was always awesome because the teachers would read a few chapters from some adventure, and you felt as if you were part of the story. Church has the same effect. Pastors speak from God’s Word and relate the passages to anyone willing to open their heart to what is being said; quite often, you feel a spark. 

The “swords” from my childhood only awakened my strength once I embraced them—the magical words brought their abilities to life in my imagination. The power of God’s Word is much different. Scriptures are written accounts and truths that are alive and powerful for anyone willing to go on a life-changing adventure. Will you step into the journey with God? 

Questions:
Is reading the Bible a chore for you? Ask yourself, “Why?”

Have you ever felt transformed by God’s Word?

Next Steps:
If reading Scripture doesn’t initially excite you, try exploring those stories further so they become more than just words.

Spend five minutes each day reading or listening to the Bible. Before you begin, ask God to give you wisdom and to show you what he wants to teach you that day.

Join a Group that dives into Scripture. Talk about the weekend message with others to see how the Word breathes life into each of you differently.

Attend GrowthTrack to learn how God has equipped you to be a strong child of God.

Prayer:
God, I am thankful for the power of your Word. I know how life can change and benefit from faithfully following the path set out in your instructions. I also understand firsthand how difficult life is when I ignore your truth or pretend that reading without understanding is enough. I aim to use Scripture with more intent for myself and others. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.