Tuesday Transformation

I love the wisdom and insight we can gain by reading Proverbs. It's full of timeless principles that will help us better live the life we've been called to pursue. Proverbs 29:18 is one of the most commonly used Proverbs. "Where there is no vision, the people perish, but happy is he that keeps the law." This is the KJV version, which most of us quote when we reference this verse. However, this commonly known translation of this verse from the original Hebrew is not very accurate with our language. The ESV says, "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast of restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law." This translation is more accurate, but now let me elaborate...

We often read this verse and think "If I don't have vision for my church, my family, etc, then we will die and fade away into nothing." This morning, I want to bring you to discover the true meaning of this verse. It isn't talking about a vision that is unique to you, your church, or your family. Notice how the later half of the verse concludes with a reference to the "law." The structure of this verse, a negative thought being reinforced by an immediate positive thought, is a common tactic used in the Hebrew language. Bottom line is...This verse is referring to God's Word!

With all of this being said, the very thing God wants you to do as a family, an individual, or as a church is not hidden within some mysterious vision that God wants you to go on a sabbatical to discover. The key to ensuring your family, church, and you personally stay in line with God's will is to fall in love with His Word. If God's Word is not an active and consistent part of your life, you will not be the person God wants you to be. Those who love the law and keep the law are the ones who are blessed.

So...in your family, make a commitment to read God's Word together. In your personal life, turn off the TV and computer and give God an opportunity to empower you through His Word. In your church, (since I know you most likely read God's Word quite often within your church) begin to put His Word into practice.

Within The Overflow, we will passionately proclaim the Word of God as truth, and we'll use it to push people towards the life God has in store for them. The moment any of us begin to rely on good music, programs, creative pieces, or anything other than God's Word as the key ingredient for life change will be the very moment we'll begin to stray away from our walk with God and God's blessings will no longer fall upon us.

If you are dry in your walk with God, read His Word. If your church is dying and no one is passionate about seeing people come to Christ, make a renewed commitment to living out God's Word. Preach it. Challenge people with it. Encourage them to reach their potential. Offer hope and forgiveness. Tell them about Jesus and His love for everyone. We have the very breath of God in our hands, so let's not waste our time looking for some other catchy solution, let God's Word be the solution, and He will bless us for our faithfulness!