As happened a few weeks ago when two pastors in two different meetings shared the same life lesson, I read the same message in two disparate sources. That always gets my attention, and in this case, it wasn’t the message that was new to me, it was the fact that they had to write it. Here’s the first one, and we’ll follow up tomorrow with another:

The word of God is a living Word, and each time I turn to it with an open heart, I find there the living truth. I find there a human being who was born and grew up surrounded by other men and women, who worked and played, and who always did what the Father wanted done. Followers of Christ have discerned him—found him waiting—in the Scriptures for nearly two millennia. – Excerpted from Always Discerning by Joseph A. Tetlow, SJ

I write here often that we need to “hear from God” through the scriptures or “spend time with God” in the scriptures and prayer. I assume that my readers know that it’s more than paper and ink – it’s the living Word conveying the thoughts and presence of the living God. I firmly believe, with Joe Tetlow, that God speaks today as I meditate on the Word.

As I reflect back to more than 50 years ago, that was the perspective The Navigators brought into my life. When led by God, they claimed the promises for themselves and their current ministries even though the texts often referred to ancient Israel:

A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time.” (Isaiah 60.22, NKJV) Navigators used this verse as a picture of the power of spiritual multiplication (see 2 Timothy 2.2).

I had invited my friend Tom to help me lead a class in how to read the Bible in this way. At first, he was reluctant, thinking himself not qualified. The very next day, during his regular time with God, he read this verse:

I know that you are wise and good, my brothers, and that you know these things so well that you are able to teach others all about them. (Romans 15.14, Living Bible, emphasis mine)

Tom wrote to me:

If He thinks I’m ready enough and guides me to this passage at this time who am I to resist? I will help you facilitate the Bible Reading class.

This is God speaking through the Word. Listen for Him! More tomorrow.

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 8.34, 35, NIV)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4.12, ESV)