One of the most influential women in the world ended a 25 year talk-show series. Oprah Winfrey used her final show to speak from her heart about the journey to her success which included several references to God. I don't debate her spirituality; however, I found it profoundly important to reference her words because they reinforce a principal of truth I've tried to relay in my next book. Oprah acknowledged the presence of the Almighty in her life and the importance of following that Voice before making decisions. I reference her words to exhort Christians who know the Living God through Jesus Christ and the work of His Spirit to pay attention to the Word of His voice. Don't allow your opinions about Oprah's spirituality to cause you to miss a major principle of life that will make the difference between a successful journey and defeat. There's nothing more important than being infused with the Word of God so the voice of His Spirit can lead you through life.
The Scriptures provide the framework for our understanding of who God is and how He relates to humanity. Then the Holy Spirit fills the framework of the Word with intimate guidance for our unique journeys. You will not find a Bible verse that specifically tells you to marry a certain person or move to a specific city but you will find the principles, boundaries and perimeters to organize your life. God has placed them before us for our protection and our prosperity. As we learn to live within the boundaries of Scripture they do not restrict us from fun and fulfillment, but rather protect us from danger and death. The work of the Holy Spirit enables us to receive and respond to the Word of the Lord so our lives can be transformed. The Spirit also impresses into our frame of thinking the inspiration and instruction for the intimate details that will vary from human to human. He always functions in line with Scripture and affirms the path our feet must follow to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Just before completing my second book a series of events occurred that placed a very strong sense of divine timing for the book’s message. My prayers have been weighed with passion, tears and a sense of urgency for Christians to live as the radiant examples of love and light to our greatest potential for the glory of God. We are called to be Christ's ambassadors by reverencing the Word of His voice. Not only do our lives depend on it, but the world is waiting to see if what we really believe is real.
People are suffering all over the world and desperate for any means of hope, lasting joy, relief and significance. Natural disasters of monstrous proportions have ravaged nations and become nearly an annual event. The hurting people that suffer loss of home and loved ones search for peace and stability after their lives have been shattered by what has historically been called "acts of God". The media hurries to inquire of legitimate and self-proclaimed spiritual leaders to provide answers to the tough questions, when in fact they are really stirring the spiritual consciousness of society. Although some may find the interrogation disparaging for the Church, my concern is that we discern God's voice to offer the correct response. The response cannot be based on palatable popular opinions. It must be an unfeigned delivery of God's perspective as it has been revealed in the Scriptures and by His Spirit. Hurting people need the Word of the Lord infused into desperate circumstances to bring life, hope and joy.
We carry a wonderful treasure in earthen vessels when the Word of the Lord richly dwells within our hearts. My friends, I admonish you to be filled with the Spirit and infused with the Word of God. Lean and depend everyday on the voice of the Lord to direct your decisions and empower you. Living by the Word of God’s voice in the power of the Spirit is the single most important principle for experiencing the abundant life Christ came to give us and impacting this world.
Word Infusion: Living by the Word of God’s Voice will be available wherever books are sold in the Fall.
