Every day you will consume thousands of words. Those words carry thoughts. So each day you will think about thousands of things. While we can be overwhelmed with ideas and things to think about, one of the things that separates humans from animals is our ability to process and communicate ideas at a very high level. This is one of the ways we were made in the image of our Creator. Human thought and communication is very special. But it is not as great as God thought and communication. The Bible says that God has ideas, plans, thoughts, desires, a will, purpose, ways, etc. Of course, since He is God, His thoughts are much greater than yours and mine... or our best friend's. My dad used to say, "Words are like train boxcars. They carry thoughts." When God had thoughts, He sent His Son... and He was called 'the Word.' When the world saw Jesus, they knew what the Father was thinking. He was the express image of God on the earth. But not only is Jesus the Word of God... the Bible is referred to as the word of God. God used men and women to speak for Him. These words were written down and passed down so we could know God and ourselves. God's word is true... always. It is informative and inspiring. It is alive, not changing, but ever-changing those who read and believe it. So reading the Bible is important. Jesus read Scripture. The apostles read Scripture. The prophets read the holy words of God. The word of God is important and vital. The most successful people I know read the Bible regularly... and not just so they can cross it off of a checklist of good habits to perform. But because they know how critical it is for life success. Here is what David who lived in the Old Testament times wrote about the value and place of the word of God... "My life is down in the dust; give me life through Your word. I told You about my life, and You listened to me; teach me Your statutes. Help me understand the meaning of Your precepts so that I can meditate on Your wonders. I am weary from grief; strengthen me through Your word. Keep me from the way of deceit and graciously give me Your instruction. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set Your ordinances before me. I cling to Your decrees; Lord, do not put me to shame. I pursue the way of Your commands, for You broaden my understanding." (Psalm 119:25-32) Look at all of the things David says the word of God does in his life. It gives life. It teaches. It provides understanding. It strengthens. It protects. It guides. It gives us opportunity. Do you need any of that this year? Do you need any of that today? As we begin a new year, many people have started reading plans that will enable them to read the entire Bible this year. Basically, if you read the Bible for about 15-20 minutes each day, you can read the entire Bible in one year. This is bound to have a great impact on your life. I'm not suggesting you simply read what people say about God's Word, though that is not always a bad thing. But it is more important that you actually read the Bible. Here are four simple ways you can get the word of God on a daily basis... 1 - This devotional ALWAYS includes the Bible. While I bring my own thoughts and applications to Biblical ideas... I always have a verse or passage directly from the Bible. Even if you don't want to read my ideas, know that you can always click onto MorningDevotionals.com and find some of the Bible to read. Feel free to save this website to your favorites. 2 - If you are on a computer, you can go to www.BibleGateway.com and find the Bible. You can search the Bible by keyword, or book and verse, in various translations. There are even notes that help you know what the words meant in the original language. This is the website I use when I am writing my daily devotionals. 3 - If you are on your mobile device, you can go to your app store and download the YouVersion Bible. Like the Bible Gateway site, this app will have various versions of the Bible and allow you to search thoroughly. It also includes reading plans that prompt you through notifications, helping you stay on track. One of the coolest features of the YouVersion app is it will actually read the Bible to you audibly. Yes... you can listen to the Word of God even if you can't read very well, or while you are driving, or exercising, or working, etc. Go to www.YouVersion.com to learn more. 4 - Of course, you could always open up the hard copy of the Bible. That is probably the best way to get the Word. But actually, there is likely no wrong way to digest the Bible. The worst part is, the enemy will work hard to keep you from this life-changing practice. The best part is the Author of the Bible will talk to you while you read His Book... the best-selling book of all time. If you fall down and miss a day, don't worry about it. Just get back on track. Pull up your Bible and read at least a verse. You'll be amazed at how it can turn things around in you and for you. [Bible quotes are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, unless otherwise noted.] Find more of David’s work at Heart Of Ministry. If this devotional is a blessing, and you would like to support me in this effort, click the link below. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy name is David, and I want to know God more, and help other people find Him. Archives
March 2019
Categories |
Proudly powered by Weebly