WORDS OF LIFE

 JANUARY 4, 2022

JOHN 1:1-3

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Genesis 1 emphasizes that God spoke our world into existence. Over and over we read "God said... and there was …” (See Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 29). John begins his gospel by introducing us to that creative Word of God, who is Jesus, the babe of Bethlehem, the word that was made flesh. (John 1:1-3, 14-18)

Jesus is God at work. The relationship of God as Father, Son, and Spirit stands out as a relationship that demonstrates the life-giving power that created and shaped all that is by God's powerful Word. Even now, in this moment, as you read this devotion, it is the Son who holds the world together as God's powerful Word. (Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3)

Jesus, as the Word of God, reminds us that God has made the impact of spoken words have power. In relationships with others, and especially as we are in a relationship with God, words can be comforting, healing, encouraging, motivating, blessing, affirming, and hope-filled in our relationships. I believe we all know that Words can also be destructive.

As we reflect on Creation, we notice that God intends for His Word and the words of His people to bring life, light, blessing, and goodness. As I read recently, “God intends our words to be more than a collection of syllables and sounds with definitions. He wants our words to be shaped by Jesus, His ultimate Word.” That means each word we speak today should reflect something of the creative power and grace of God's Word!

LET US PRAY

Father, please forgive me for the times I used empty, valueless, or even damaging words. I invite the Holy Spirit to transform me to become more like Jesus, the ultimate Word. I ask that you use my words today, dear God, to be a blessing and create hope in the hearts of those individuals I speak today. In Jesus' name, I ask for this grace. Amen.

Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks to God the Father through him.