00:00Act 1, Beginnings
00:07How many empty words do you think you've spoken in your lifetime?
00:12All of us are guilty of them.
00:14We mumble or rage in our cars about traffic.
00:18We make cutting, derisive comments about spouses or other family members under our breath.
00:23We complain openly about our bosses and gossip about others.
00:28We may not do all of these.
00:30But if we're truly honest with ourselves, we're all guilty of empty words.
00:35Undoubtedly, you have also suffered because of someone else's empty words.
00:40The parent who brushed you off when you needed love and attention.
00:44The partner who flippantly wounded you.
00:47The abuse of someone who aimed to hurt you.
00:50Everyone has suffered somehow.
00:51From the start of Act 1, the story reveals something unique about God.
00:57His words are never empty.
00:58God's words create.
01:01God's words bring life and love.
01:03God's words share wisdom.
01:05Years later, the disciple John actually calls Jesus, the Word, who was God and with God in
01:12the beginning.
01:13During this overview of God's story, pay special attention to the creative, loving, wisdom-sharing
01:20nature of Jesus, the living Word of God.
01:23Jesus plays a role in every story throughout the Bible.
01:27Though humanity is filled with empty words and destructive speech, God is not.
01:33Through Jesus, all things were made, and in Him was life, and that life was the light of all
01:39mankind.
01:40Reflection.
01:41How does Psalm 33 verse 6 to 9 affect your understanding of the nature of God?
01:48What does it reveal about Him?
01:50Do you believe that God will never use His words to tear you down?
01:54Why or why not?
01:55Can you think of a time when you've been ridiculed, shamed, or lied to?
02:00Would you share that pain with God today through prayer?
02:04Prayer.
02:05Dear God, thank you for being loving, creative, and wise.
02:09Thank you for beginning your story with creativity and life.
02:14Please fix the broken places where the words of others have wounded me.
02:18Please speak to me again and again, and enable my spirit to hear your voice.
02:23Amen.
