Devotional for December 17, 2024

Topic: A Word is Enough

Scripture Focus: Matthew 8:8

In our scripture focus, we see the faith of a centurion at work. He came to Jesus because he had a sick servant and he wanted Jesus to heal him. But more than laying on of hands or touching the sick person as it were, this centurion was confident that Jesus could speak a word and his servant would be healed.

This was faith at work but then he was showing us something powerful – all you need is a word from the Lord. A word from God can turn everything around because of how powerful it is.

God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah in and said,

The word of God is truly powerful. A word from God is all you need. It does not matter the circumstance that you are facing, when a word from God comes, it will turn your life around.

The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 8:4;

Our God is king and where His word is there is power. Oh, how powerful will that word be? That the all-powerful God sends His word your way. What can stand in the way of this power? What problem will go toe-to-toe with the power in the word of God.

Another interesting scripture is Psalm 107:20;

God’s word is capable of healing and delivering us. There is no way we can put the power of God’s word in a box. All that is needed is for you to receive His word. This is where the struggle is for many believers. How to receive God’s word.

There are three ways you can receive God’s word.

The first is by studying and meditating on the written word. You cannot claim to be trying to hear God and not read your Bible. If you haven’t built a culture around studying and meditating on the word of God, you are disadvantaged in more ways than you think.

The Bible is not just a random book but God’s breath, His mind revealed to us. If you want to hear God, engage His written word.

Another way to get a word from God is to maintain an atmosphere of worship. In Acts 13, the Bible records that a group of people were fasting and ministering to God. That atmosphere of worship allowed the word of God to come. When you read Acts 13:2, the Bible records that “As they ministered and fast, the Holy Ghost said….”

The Holy Ghost spoke because the people worshipping or ministering had made the atmosphere conducive for Him.

A third way to hear from God or have Him speak to you is by engaging in prayer. In Jeremiah 33:3, the Bible says “Call on me and I will answer you..”

This is a clear invitation asking us to call on the Lord. Now, there is the assurance that when you call, He will answer. We do not serve a God that cannot speak. The problem is that we do not ask. Make it a duty today to pray and ask God.

Inquiring from God in prayer is a good practice. One time, I remember I needed to make a decision about college and I wasn’t sure. I had to pray and I asked God to show me the school He’d have me go and that night I had three dreams. They were the answers I was looking for.

God will answer you when you call on Him. So, call on Him today.

Prayer for December 17, 2024

Lord, I ask that you send your word to me today. I pray that my ears, eyes, and heart are open to receive from you. I will hear your word and follow your lead. Thank you Lord, in the name of Jesus.