Son Power Is Anchored in God’s Word

Part:5

Diamonds are beautiful. A group of us can all look at the same diamond and see its beauty

in different ways. A diamond has multiple facets. Depending on the light and the direc-

tion one looks at a diamond, people will see different properties as the individual facets

reflect light. Some will see green or red. Maybe some will see a rainbow of color or simply

white. Yet, all are looking at the same diamond.

The Word of God is like a diamond; it has many facets. Its applications are numerous.

It is living and powerful, and it works in those who receive and trust in it as God's revealed

will for us. We can read passages multiple times, and depending on our needs at the mo-

ment, we can discover a new or different application that speaks to our hearts and specific

situations.

I like to take a panoramic view of the new vistas God is giving us as we access his

Word.

Once we enter into a relationship with God, an expanded viewpoint of how his Word

works in us and through us enables us to take one verse, a series of verses, or even verses

that are related but in different parts of the Bible, and study them together, applying them

directly to the circumstances in our lives. This approach often leads to a deeper understand-

ing and multiple strategies for making Son-powered living a reality in our lives.In the very first KingdomNomics book I outlined the principle of "Soak, Sow, and Flow."

We need to soak our minds in God's Word, sow that Word back to him in prayer, and then

let his power flow through us. The more scripture we read and put into practice, the greater

vision God gives us for applying his Word and the Son-powered life to our everyday situa-

tions. As we read God's Word, we experience life. Jesus said, "The words that I have spoken

to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63, ESV). We must immerse

ourselves in the Word of God on a regular basis in order to

receive instruction and understanding about how to activate

the Son-powered life in us. Without God's Word operating in

our lives, we will be unfruitful. God has given us his Word to

empower us to live the Son-powered life. However, we must choose to take advantage of his

provision for doing so.

Experiencing Son Power requires time and commitment. We want an easy way, but

there is no easy way to take time to really know God's Word. We begin by taking the time

to hear what is being said. Most of what we have discussed so far in this book is the oppor-

tunity to live a Son-powered life. We have been hearing what God's Word has to say regard-

ing this subject. However, God tells us that each person needs to make a choice regarding

what they are hearing. We cannot simply hear God's Word, we must decide what we are

going to do with it. And so, we must go on to accept what is being said to us by the Lord if it

is going to make any difference in our lives at all. Many people hear what is being said, but

it goes no further than their ears. Each one of us must accept the message if it is to produce

fruit. The message moves from the believer's head to their heart by an active choice in their

will to the point that it impacts their entire belief system, birthing a desire to make some-

thing out of it. Once that occurs, God does the rest.

But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held

by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness

of the letter.

—Romans 7:6, NKJV, emphasis added

The 4 Rs

And now we come to what I believe is the most important concept in this book. As I

consider how Son Power works in and through all believers, I believe it is best explained by

what I like to describe as the "4 Rs": Relationship, Revelation, Reflection, and Redemption.

All of these Rs are connected to and interrelated with each other. This is the way that Godworks in our lives, "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do

what pleases him" (Philippians 2:13).

Relationship

We have a relationship with almighty God through the Son, Jesus Christ. This relationship

is established by receiving Christ as our personal Savior and trusting in his saving work on

the cross.

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become chil-

dren of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human

passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

—John 1:12–13

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our

hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave

but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

—Galatians 4:6–7

There is no closer relationship than being a child and an heir to someone. Children,

and heirs, have rights and privileges that other people do not have. The reason for this is the

fact that a very special relationship exists which other people do not have. In addition, when

we have a love relationship with someone, we become transparent with one another which

eventually leads to more self-revelation. It is because of this kind relationship that Son Pow-

er works in our lives.

Jesus said,

"Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love

me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them

and reveal myself to each of them."

—John 14:21

Revelation

The relationship we have with God, when it is alive and growing, leads to revelation. As we

spend time in God's Word, he reveals his will to us.

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things youdo not know."

—Jeremiah 33:3, NIV

But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit search-

es out everything and shows us God's deep secrets.

—1 Corinthians 2:10

I also love this verse in the book of Revelation where Jesus says:

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I

will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."

—Revelation 3:20

We can be friends with Jesus (relationship), and he will share a meal with us, his

friends! What happens when we spend time with friends? We experience revelation of

information, ideas, feelings. How exciting to think about spending time with Jesus and

allowing him to share himself with us. As we spend time with him, he will guide and direct

our steps as we trust in him. All of this becomes a reality in our lives as we allow the Holy

Spirit to renew our minds and transform us from within.

Reflection

After something is revealed to us, we must reflect upon it. What does this mean? What

should we do with what has been revealed to us? How does this impact our lives and the

world around us? Does this revelation require action on our part?

This really is the beginning of Son Power working its way in and through our lives.

We have a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son; the Holy Spirit

reveals God's will to us; and we must reflect on what is revealed to us in order to move for-

ward in the strength and wisdom of the Spirit. Do you see how it is all interrelated?

When the shepherds heard the supernatural announcement of the birth of Jesus,

their reflection time was short. They made a decision, dropped what they were doing, and

went to see the baby Jesus. When the wise men saw the star in the heavens (God's revela-

tion to them), they reflected on what they knew and they traveled to see the newborn King.

When Jesus revealed himself to Paul on the Damascus road, Paul reflected on his experi-

ence and dramatically changed the course of his life. Each one of these examples shows us

how responding to God's revelation leads to a changed life.

When we are faced with the claims of Christ, we must make a decision. The Bible

is filled with examples of people who chose to follow God's direction and those who did

not. Jonah actually ended up in the belly of a whale (see the full story in the book of Jonah

found in the Old Testament). We must be careful to act in whatever way God is directing us

when his will is revealed to us.

In the Old Testament, we read about the life of Joshua and how he had a special re-

lationship with God. God continually revealed his will to Joshua and Joshua reflected on it

and obeyed it. He challenged the people of Israel to reflect carefully on God's Word and to

obey it.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses

gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left.

Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction

continually. Mediate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything

written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

—Joshua 1:7–8

Son Power enlightens us in the process of revelation. It directs us to make right deci-

sions and empowers us to follow through on those decisions.

Redemption

Once we decide to act on what has been revealed to us, we are in a position to redeem our

world for God and his purposes.

Because of our relationship with God through Jesus

Christ, we understand that we are living in a world that in

its present form is passing away. Everything we can see and

touch is in the process of perishing. But we know that we

can converterlate the perishable items of time, talent, and

treasure of this world into the imperishable values and trea-

sure of the world to come. The New Testament instructs us,

Make the most of every opportunity.

—Ephesians 5:16

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every

opportunity.

—Colossians 4:5

If you were to ask a friend, What does the word redemption mean? they might be a

little perplexed. The definition of redemption according to Merriam-Webster is the act ofmaking something better or more acceptable, the act of exchanging something for some

kind of award. Other definitions include repurchasing something or making a deliverance

or rescue. We could also include the idea of exchanging something by using something else

of value. To redeem something essentially means to buy it back or regain possession of it. It

is a "recover and restore" process.

When we decide to move into the redemption phase of God's revelation, we are not

merely making the most of something. We are actually intentionally seizing an opportuni-

ty for a special work. Philippians 2:13 tells us, "For God is working in you, giving you the

desire and the power to do what pleases him."

Revelation is sourced in God. He gives us the mind of Christ so we can understand

his will. It is the Spirit who reveals that will to us as we cultivate our relationship. It is in the

reflection process that we make the decision, "I want these truths to become personally op-

erative in my life. I want Son Power to give me the capacity and power to incorporate them

into my life."

And the more we practice these concepts, the more we grow in our relationship with

God. It all comes full circle and we begin the process again.

Noah lived these four phases of his life. He had a relationship with God and because

of that relationship God revealed to him how the world was going to be destroyed because

of man's wickedness. God told Noah to build the ark and Noah's reflection of that directive

moved him to obey God and build the ark to God's specifications. Noah experienced God's

power in order to accomplish such a massive goal and he experienced God's redemption

because of it. It is believed that it took Noah 120 years to build the ark; that was a lot of reli-

ance on God's plan and purpose!

A Sonburst of Revelation to Grow By

Revelation from God is made known to us by the Holy Spirit because of our relationship

with him. I said earlier in this chapter that the 4 Rs are essentially intertwined and rep-

resent a cycle. They also intersect with the "soak, sow, and flow" principle. Since this is a

circular illustration, I've also added a "grow" component to the "soak, sow, and flow" that

takes the process one step further. I believe this concept is best illustrated by what I like to

refer to as a "Sonburst of Revelation." This is actually a circle that represents a continuing

reference to a key revelation from God.this particular sequence, our relationship with God is defined by the fact that our

sin separates us from him. Romans 3:23 says, "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short

of God's glorious standard." This quickly moves us to revelation as found in Romans 6:23,

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus

our Lord." God reveals his righteousness to us through Jesus Christ. He shows us that we

are all sinners in need of salvation which he has arranged to give to us as a gift. Salvation is

the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This is an incredible revelation. We cannot work

for it. It is a gift. We are saved by what we receive by faith.

When something is revealed to us, we then need to reflect upon it. What does this

really mean for me personally? What am I going to do with what I know? Romans 10:9–10

tells us, "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised

him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made

right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved." If I take the

next step to redemption, I will experience Romans 10:13, "Everyone who calls on the nameof the Lord will be saved."

When we reflect on something, we generally come to a conclusion to either accept it

or reject it. If we accept it, normally we will take a step to make it reality in our lives.

The principles of soak, sow, flow, and grow incorporate into this process because as

we memorize and meditate on these verses or concepts, they become a part of our spiritual

growth. By faith we choose to flow with the Spirit. This is Son Power.

The Sonburst diagram can be applied to any situation we are facing. We simply iden-

tify the core issue (in the center) and apply Scripture through the four phases. (See appen-

dix B for a more detailed explanation for how to personally use this concept.) Do you have

a desire for God's Word? Christ lives in you and the same power that raised him from the

dead is available to you! Sow God's Word deep into your heart and allow his power to flow

through you.

Empowered by God's Word

"The very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."

—John 6:63

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for

I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

—Jeremiah 15:16, NIV

I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words

of his mouth more than my daily bread.

—Job 23:12, NIV

The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of

silver and gold.

—Psalm 119:72, NIV

We all know that technology has become a driving force in our world today. Let's

consider using a computer analogy and computer terminology to illustrate God's Word

becoming active in our lives.

Son Power initially facilitates the installation of God's Word in our minds. The Word

is downloaded into our hearts by the 4 R's along with Soak, Sow, Flow, and Grow. As we talk

to God about it, we are pushing the execute button, enabling the Word to become personally

operational in our lives. Our Spiritual M and Ms provide key fuel for this process, enabling

the Word to run through our hearts and minds and empowering us to effectively participatein the work God has designed for us. This core principle is repeated as we immerse our-

selves in God's Word.

Son Power at Work

1. In what ways are you currently sowing the Word of God into your life?

2. Honestly, how much impact does God's Word have on your life on a daily basis?

What changes do you need to make in order to have that impact be greater?

3. How can you begin to incorporate the 4 Rs (Relationship, Revelation, Reflection,

and Redemption) into your life?

Talk to God

Scripture Meditation

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I

will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."

(Revelation 3:20)