November 17 - Thankfully Effectual.

1 Thessalonians 2:13
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
 
In our walk with the Lord, we read His Word, we listen to preaching and we glean from the people He has placed in our lives. 
 
If we are not careful, we can slowly begin to focus on the words of others more closely than the Word of God. 
 
We must remind ourselves from time to time that any advice we receive from someone should be rooted in the Word.
 
His Word is powerful.
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
 
His Word makes the difference.
Isaiah 55:11
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
 
When we are asked to give an answer to the reason for the Hope that lies within us, we must simply point them to the Word. 
 
Remember the parable of the Sower…
…some of the Seed fell on the wayside, and ended up eaten by the fowls.
…some fell upon a rock, and withered away.
…some fell among thorns, and choked.
…and other fell on good ground, and bare fruit.
 
The sower was just to sow the Seed of the Word of God and allow the Lord to do the rest.
 
Thankfully, it is not our job to persuade or guide. 
It is simply our responsibility to point them to the effectual Word of God.
 
Philemon 6
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
 
 
Bible Reading:
Ezekiel 13-14  |    Psalm 89-91