Word.

Observation: We have this odd tendency to translate the phrase "Word of God" as "Bible." For instance, in this often-quoted verse, Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." In every sermon I've ever heard, the speaker inevitably uses this verse to talk about the power of Scripture.

Which isn't a bad thing. The words recorded in the Bible do have the potential to have immense power in our lives, as we learn and obey and allow the truth of the message to align us with God's heart. After all, the Bible certainly fits into the category of God's Word. But what I'm trying to wrestle with is this: there's a lot more to God's Word than just the Bible.

(Now before you call me a heathen and burn me at the stake, give me a chance to explain.)

The Bible wasn't always around, you know. God's Word, however, was (John 1:1). God spoke the world into existence with His words. Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and forgave sin with His words. And His followers did they same, commissioned by the words of their teacher long before those words were recorded in what we now call the New Testament.

And God is still speaking today. He is still speaking to and through His people, with the same power that we read about in Scripture. That is why many Christians who live in countries without access to the Bible remain strong in the faith, far stronger than us. They are listening to the words of God. They are speaking the words of God with power. And though we, here in America, have access to a vast store of His words through the Bible, through books, through sermons--we have stopped listening. We have stopped speaking. We may read God's Word, but we do not experience it.

It's time that we get desperate to hear God's voice. To pray, "Speak, for your servant is listening," (1 Samuel 3:10). To remember that as His children, He has called us to be the vessel through which His words are proclaimed.

Maybe it does mean taking some time to spend in Scripture, digging down deep until it soaks into our Spirit. Or maybe it means sitting in the quiet, waiting for Him to speak to us directly and specifically, believing that He will. In whatever form it takes, His Word is powerful and true. It will change us. And through us, the world.

Let there be light.