EXECUTIVE
HIS WORD IS MORE THAN JUST words
Pastor Sanjai Kandregula , Executive Presbyter , Senior Pastor , City Church Waitakere , Auckland , NZ
“ Sticks and stones may break my bones , but words will never hurt me ” is an old proverb , but we know that it ’ s not true . Words build us or break us .
Recently , when my sons forced me to do the five love languages test , one of the top love languages for me was words of affirmation . I was thinking on this and realised that our creator , God , knows that we need words of affirmation , instruction , guidance , correction and the like . This is why he has given us his words in the form of the Bible .
Most of us know 2 Timothy 3:16,17 , ' All Scripture is given by inspiration of God , and is profitable for doctrine , for reproof , for correction , for instruction in righteousness , that the man of God may be complete , thoroughly equipped for every good work '.
First , we need to believe that the Bible is inspired / breathed by God . Let us not be swayed by modern thinkers that it is not from him .
Secondly , we need to know that his word is infallible , incapable of making mistakes ; and inerrant , incapable of being wrong . Proverbs 30:5-6 ," Every word of God is pure ; he is a shield to those who put their trust in him . Do not add to his words , lest he rebuke you , and you be found a liar ."
Once we have accepted these two truths we can rest assured that when God gives his word to us he will keep it . As He says in Isaiah 55:11 , " So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth ; It shall not return to me void , but it shall accomplish what I please , and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it ."
Growing up I remember my dad as a man who kept his word . I knew this to be true because I had a number of experiences to reinforce that belief . When I was told to finish my school work or a chore I would get a hiding if I didn ’ t . I could rest assured that this would happen . ( Please stop judging my dad , he was and is a very loving father !)
By reading the Bible and books written by people who had experienced the faithfulness of God , listening to testimonies , sermons and through my own experiences as well , God has proved that he is faithful and keeps
' All Scripture is given by inspiration of God , and is profitable for doctrine , for reproof , for correction , for instruction in righteousness , that the man of God may be complete , thoroughly equipped for every good work '. ( Ephesians 4:16 NIV ). his word .
Sunitha and I with our two boys who were five and eight left India 18 years ago based on the belief that God had called us to New Zealand . Here we are , still discovering what he has promised . He is a God of his word !
In my journey with God time and again he has proved his word is all sufficient for life and sustenance . Luke 4:4 " But Jesus answered him , saying , it is written , ‘ Man shall not live by bread alone , but by every word of God .’" Because the Bible says this , whether it be ministry , work , business , relationships , parenting , sexuality or anything pertaining to life , God ’ s declared word is given to teach , correct , instruct , guide and equip us for life .
I regularly catch up with a friend of mine who is a very successful businessman . He runs his business completely led by the word of God . He has told me story after story of how while reading the word he has found answers to challenges in his business . Whether it be hiring or firing staff , finding new direction for the company or even adopting innovative ideas , he finds answers in the word of God .
So , let us encourage one another to come with a surrendered and an obedient heart to find out for ourselves from God ’ s word , the Bible , all that our God has for us . With the guidance of the Holy Spirit , we will find affirmation of who we are in Christ , and instruction , correction and encouragement to live a life of success . Our God is a promiser and a promise keeper !
6 | EMPOWERED MAGAZINE