“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8, ESV)
Yesterday we talked about a time in Judah when the Word of God became lost and the people turned to false gods like those of the surrounding nations. Today let’s consider how we can make God’s Word an integral part of our life each day.
Remember, God’s Word cannot change us and sustain us unless we actually pick it up and read it. And, of course, then we must apply what it says to our lives. James 1:22 reminds us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (ESV).
THE WORD IN YOUR LIFE
The Bible is a large book comprised of sixty-six smaller books. Just thinking about reading the entire Bible can be overwhelming, especially for someone new in their walk with the Lord. The good thing is, God doesn’t expect us to conquer it all at once. In fact, learning from the Word is a life-long adventure. No matter how many times we read it through, there will always be something new to learn. Even a familiar passage will speak to us in different ways with each reading.
Here are some simple tips for making the Word of God part of each day.
Find a time. If early morning does not work for you, what time does?
Find a place. It can be a chair in your bedroom, sitting at your kitchen table, on your deck, or even in your car while on your lunch break. Anywhere you can be alone and uninterrupted is best.
Make a plan. You may follow a Bible-reading chart or choose to do a book study or a character study.
Meditate and memorize. Spend time considering how this passage speaks into your life. What lessons can you learn from it? What truth does it reveal? Memorize key verses.
Combine with prayer. Ask God to help you understand what you read.
Write it down. Note anything God speaks to you, any thoughts you may have, or any questions you want to study later.
Be consistent. But do not become discouraged if you miss a day. Life happens to all of us, and we sometimes get off schedule. Just pick up again the next day.
Share with a friend. Do you have a friend that would enjoy occasionally sharing thoughts with you on a particular passage or topic?
THE WORD IN ACTION
When we hide God’s Word in our hearts, it does so much good in our lives. Below is only a partial list of ways in which the Word of God blesses us, guides us, and grows us. As you delve into the richness of His Word, you may wish to add more points.
God’s Word:
- Reveals our inner man. (James 1:22-24)
- Teaches us righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16)
- Gives us direction. (Psalm 119:105, 133)
- Teaches us how to overcome sin. (Psalm 119:11)
- Offers rebuke and correction when we need it. (II Timothy 3:16)
- Creates faith in our lives. (Romans 10:17)
- Helps us discern truth from false doctrine. (James 3:13-18)
- Gives us stability. (Matthew 7:24)
- Feeds us and helps us grow. (I Peter 2:2)
- Enables us to overcome temptation. (Psalm 119:11)
- Reveals our thoughts and intentions. (Hebrews 4:12)
- Renews our mind and changes how we think. (Romans 12:2)
- Teaches us the character of God. (Proverbs 2:1-5)
- Shows us how to be saved. (Acts 2:38)
- Helps us grow and mature. (I Peter 2:2)
- Cleanses us. (Ephesians 5:26)
- Equips us for spiritual warfare. (Ephesians 6:17)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . .“ (Colossians 3:16, ESV)
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
Comments are closed.