101I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word.102I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me.103How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!104Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.105Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
In this age where we have access to so much information, we need solid, reliable information by which we can live our lives. And, if we operate by the premise that God's way is best - and it is - then we can access the knowledge and wisdom that we need to live our lives by committing ourselves to a careful study and application of the Word of truth in our lives. Not only that, but we're told in Hebrews that the Word of God is living and active - so not only do the Scriptures provide direction, but also if we allow the Spirit to teach us and the Word to bring life to us, then we can discover that He gives us the strength we need in order to live according to His ways.
In Hebrews chapter 4, we read where God's Word is more than just merely words on a page, but the Scriptures are alive, and can become real and relevant to us as we absorb them into our consciousness and allow the Spirit of God to activate that truth in our lives:12For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
We need solid and reliable instruction in our lives, and God's Word will give us a blueprint for living - we're challenged in Scripture to live according to the Word of God. We will do well as we embark on a new year to make time in God's Word a priority in our lives. But, we also recognize that not only does the Bible give us knowledge about God and His ways, but if we are carefully studying and mediating on God's Word, there is a power that is released in our lives that enables us to actually live the Word. The Bible tells us in 2nd Peter 1 that He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, and He has provided powerful tools in order to live a life pleasing to Him.
The Bible addresses the purpose for the Scriptures in 2nd Timothy chapter 3:16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
We recognize first and foremost that the Bible is God's infallible, authoritative Word, and we recognize that it provides us with doctrine - the foundational principles upon which we build our lives. We're also told it is a source to be used for reproof and correction - it can identify sin in our lives and areas in which we can improve, but not only that, God's Word provides us with the knowledge and, in tandem with the indwelling power of the Spirit, gives us the ability to correct areas that do not please God, so that we can grow in Christ. Finally, we're told that the Scriptures give us instruction in righteousness - He will teach us and empower us to live a godly life.
We find a powerful passage of Scripture that speaks to the nature of God and the power of His Word in Isaiah 55:8"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.9"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.10"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,11So 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.
The fast-food giant McDonald's in an effort to help employees with work-related issues and life skills had contracted a third-party vendor to set up a McResource Line website. Last week, CNBC reported the site had been shut down, at least temporarily.
The site has been riddle by flaps, including recent posts bashing fast food. Several excerpts from the posts warned against the negative effects of fast food, even going so far as labeling a cheeseburger and fries, core items on its menu, as an "unhealthy choice."
A spokesperson said, "We have offered the McResource program to help our valued McDonald's employees with work and life guidance created by independent third party experts. A combination of factors has led us to re-evaluate, and we've directed the vendor to take down the website. Between links to irrelevant or outdated information, along with outside groups taking elements out of context, this created unwarranted scrutiny and inappropriate commentary.
"None of this helps our McDonald's team members. We'll continue to provide service to them through an internal telephone help line, which is how the majority of employees access the McResource services."
Another example that has not been especially beneficial to employees took place in November, when the company detailed tipping advice for workers, many of whom make around minimum wage. It listed pricey suggestions for tipping au pairs, personal fitness trainers and pool cleaners from etiquette maven Emily Post—advice it removed after a CNBC inquiry.
McDonald's also received negative media coverage after it advised employees to get out of holiday debt by returning unopened purchases and after it published a budget guide that included no money for heat and $20 a month for health care.
A spokesperson said, "We have offered the McResource program to help our valued McDonald's employees with work and life guidance created by independent third party experts. A combination of factors has led us to re-evaluate, and we've directed the vendor to take down the website. Between links to irrelevant or outdated information, along with outside groups taking elements out of context, this created unwarranted scrutiny and inappropriate commentary.
"None of this helps our McDonald's team members. We'll continue to provide service to them through an internal telephone help line, which is how the majority of employees access the McResource services."
Another example that has not been especially beneficial to employees took place in November, when the company detailed tipping advice for workers, many of whom make around minimum wage. It listed pricey suggestions for tipping au pairs, personal fitness trainers and pool cleaners from etiquette maven Emily Post—advice it removed after a CNBC inquiry.
McDonald's also received negative media coverage after it advised employees to get out of holiday debt by returning unopened purchases and after it published a budget guide that included no money for heat and $20 a month for health care.
CNBC reported last week that the website said:
The representative then pointed her toward a number of resources in Chicago, such as food pantries and a program that would help cover some of her heating bill. She said she would email her specific phone numbers and programs.
The operator also explained that the McResource line is available to help McDonald's workers who need help navigating the process of getting public assistance.
Three takeaways for us:
1 - We need solid, reliable information by which we can live our lives. We know where we can go to get that information. We have to do more than just regard the Bible as one source or one voice out of many that has advice for us, or as some sort of recreational reading. God's Word is truth for us - He brings life to us and Godly wisdom as we study its pages and allow that truth to change us. We are in need of help, we are in a desperate state without the presence of God - the Bible is a powerful tool for transformation.
2 - The Bible is not a third-party information source. God's Word offers truth that can be specifically tailored to our personal lives...His Spirit will enable us to personalize those principles that we can apply. Have you ever been reading the Bible and the words seem to leap off the page, giving direction for a specific dilemma? When you need to know what to do or how to live, the Word of God is available to bring a message - to me!
3 - God has provided tools for us to grow spiritually. God's Word is a powerful and accessible resource for us. Not only do we have the instructions that we need, but we have the Holy Spirit who will provide us with the strength we need in order to live the truth. We also have Biblical teaching, such as what is offered on Faith Radio on a daily basis. We have books that help us to interpret God's truth and to shape our worldview so that we can be trained to think Biblically in the situations we face. He's given us so much - He wants us to grow and be strong in Him. We have to take advantage of what He has provided.
"We'll Be Back Soon!
"We are temporarily performing some maintenance in order to provide you with the best experience possible. Please excuse us while these upgrades are being made."And, CNN Money reported in October how a company employee in Chicago called a helpline operator, who told her that she "definitely should be able to qualify for both food stamps and heating assistance."
The representative then pointed her toward a number of resources in Chicago, such as food pantries and a program that would help cover some of her heating bill. She said she would email her specific phone numbers and programs.
The operator also explained that the McResource line is available to help McDonald's workers who need help navigating the process of getting public assistance.
Three takeaways for us:
1 - We need solid, reliable information by which we can live our lives. We know where we can go to get that information. We have to do more than just regard the Bible as one source or one voice out of many that has advice for us, or as some sort of recreational reading. God's Word is truth for us - He brings life to us and Godly wisdom as we study its pages and allow that truth to change us. We are in need of help, we are in a desperate state without the presence of God - the Bible is a powerful tool for transformation.
2 - The Bible is not a third-party information source. God's Word offers truth that can be specifically tailored to our personal lives...His Spirit will enable us to personalize those principles that we can apply. Have you ever been reading the Bible and the words seem to leap off the page, giving direction for a specific dilemma? When you need to know what to do or how to live, the Word of God is available to bring a message - to me!
3 - God has provided tools for us to grow spiritually. God's Word is a powerful and accessible resource for us. Not only do we have the instructions that we need, but we have the Holy Spirit who will provide us with the strength we need in order to live the truth. We also have Biblical teaching, such as what is offered on Faith Radio on a daily basis. We have books that help us to interpret God's truth and to shape our worldview so that we can be trained to think Biblically in the situations we face. He's given us so much - He wants us to grow and be strong in Him. We have to take advantage of what He has provided.
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