Delight in the Word of God – Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Like the Israelites were encouraged to do in the Shema, delight yourself in the word of God. Make it a integral part of your daily life and all you do.
Bible
The Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God – Ephesians 6:17b
Take up the sword of the Spirit when engaging with the enemy. The Bible, when energized by the Spirit, is a formidable weapon in spiritual warfare.
Hearing God’s Word, but Not Practicing It? – Ezekiel 33:31-32
My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:31-32 NIV When I read God’s word to Ezekiel here I could not help but think about myself and the church today. We gather together in our …
Read moreHearing God’s Word, but Not Practicing It? – Ezekiel 33:31-32
Delight in the Law of the Lord – Psalm 1:1-3
Picture a dry land with a year round stream flowing through it. Along either bank is a row of trees. This stream is like God’s word. And like the trees around the stream, those who sink their roots into the Bible will prosper. Hard times will likely come. But they will endure and be fruitful in spite of the challenges thrown their way.
God Honoring Words and Thoughts – Psalms 19:14
Psalms 19:14 presents a wonderful challenge. May the words and thoughts of our mouths and minds be pleasing to our Lord. Let his word work to purify you.
The Bible: Inspired, Authoritative, and Without Error
The Bible is inspired by God and is the supreme authority for the believer in all matters of faith and practice. The Bible is without error in all that it teaches and affirms. However it is essential that it be understood in light of the culture that produced it, otherwise we are in danger of misunderstanding its message.
The Deep Truths of the Faith – 1 Timothy 3:9
While holding to the deep truths of the faith is a stated qualification for being a deacon, it really should also be a goal for all believers.
Meditate on It Day and Night – Joshua 1:7-8
God’s instruction to Joshua cannot be over-stressed. In order to have a successful and prosperous spiritual journey, I need to invest quality time in the Bible. Read it. Meditate on what it says. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s instruction. And obey its teachings. Then you will be successful.
Scripture: Inspired by God to Train and Equip – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Scripture is given to us by God to train us in the Christian life and to equip us for service in the kingdom of God. But the Bible is only useful to us if we will read it, meditate on what we read, and then put it into practice. Don’t be afraid to wear it out. It’s no good if it’s not used.
An Approved and Unashamed Worker – 2 Timothy 2:15
God did not call and save me just for eternity. He has also called me to live for him now, serving as a member of his kingdom. I need to seek to faithfully serve him in such a way that, when I stand before him at the end of this life, I will be approved and unashamed.