“For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar – the LORD Almighty is his name.  I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand – I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, “You are my people.””
Isaiah 50:15-16

Did you know that God’s Word is powerful? Of course you did.  It’s God’s Word after all.  In it we meet the Holy Spirit.  “Faith comes through hearing the Word.”  We all know that.  But what does it mean?  What does it feel like?  How does that knowledge translate into our daily lives?
This semester at church, we are taking the New Testament Challenge.  We’re encouraging all our students to try to read through the New Testament this semester.  And mid-week Bible studies are coordinated with the book (or books) that we’re supposed to read for that week.  We have a chart at church for people to put stickers up for each book they read (anonymously).  Our goal is 1000 books.  Even my 8 & 10 year old boys are getting in on it.  And of course we’re encouraging everyone to read what they can – even if it’s only 2 or 3 books in the semester.  It’s all good!
My reading time is pretty scarce.  I get about 15 minutes before bed if I’m lucky.  But, I do spend a lot of time in the car each day – almost 3 hours some days.  So I’ve been listening to my “reading” each week in the van as I chauffeur kids around town.  And after about 2 weeks, I noticed something.  I was calmer.  I was more content.  I had more patience with my four sons.  And I wasn’t overwhelmed by the state of my house.
As I made this observation to my husband and we discussed the possibilities, we discovered that the only real change in our lives was the N.T. Challenge.  Every day in the van, I had been listening to God’s Word – sometimes repeating chapters if I had gotten distracted or the kids were talking.  Amazing!
I had to share this discovery!  We have knowledge.  That is an awesome thing about our Lutheran heritage.  But when that knowledge translates into a personal connection with our faith and God, I am ever in awe of His goodness and Grace.  And God’s powerful Word has made such an impact in my life this past month that I wanted to share!
We all know it’s important to make time for regular, personal, devotional time.  We also live very busy and hectic lives, and sometimes that time is scarce.  But when you’re frazzled and overwhelmed, when life is a struggle, or when things are going great…God’s Word is refreshing, energizing, calming and comforting.  How could it not be?  It’s where we meet the Holy Spirit.  
 
Ask the Lord 
Dearest Lord, Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of Your Word.  Thank you for this “place” where we get to know you, your love, and your great mercy.  Let your Word “dwell in me richly” that I may be built up against the struggles and temptations of this life.  Amen.