Out of the Abundance of the Heart: Delight in His Word

Building People of Substance for Works of Power

Nearly 40 years ago I was sitting on the edge of my bed reading my bible. As I cruised through Galatians chapter 6, I read the words, “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Two things happened. First, I had the thought, “Whoever wrote this book is the One who made the rules.” Then, almost simultaneously, I was filled with a sense of awe. I knew that this thought wasn’t mine, that God had spoken, and that the book I was reading was indeed His Book. From that moment to this, I’ve never doubted that the Bible is the Word of God. The logic seemed so simple: Any idiot knows, “what goes around comes around.” That’s the rule of the street and the universe. It doesn’t make common-sense type sense, but its true and I knew it. Only the Rule-Maker could know that rule.

In our quest to be led by God, to hear His voice, we sometimes wander away from the most miraculous and supernatural thing to happen since the resurrection: The Bible. I can listen for audible voices, run to “prophetic” services, and read volumes of spiritual literature, but the number one way God speaks to me is through His Holy, written Word. My daily time with God is primarily time spent reading and meditating on his Word. I expect to find direction, comfort, and correction every single day. He never disappoints.

As you approach your time with Him, try these things:

1. Ssshhh! Find a quiet place. Turn off the TV and the phone for 30 minutes. Habakkuk 2:20

2. Be in awe: Take a moment to remember that the Book you are about to read is the inspired communication of the Creator of the Universe. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

3. Pray: Ask God to open His Word to you. It’s buried treasure. Proverbs 2:1-7

4. Read slowly: It’s not a race. Think about what’s being said and who is saying it. Stop when something strikes your fancy or prompts a question. Proverbs 4:20-22 / Acts 17:11

5. Inquire: Ask God to show you the significance of this verse for you. “What are you saying, Lord? How do I apply this to my life today?” Colossians 1: 9-12

6. Meditate: Be quiet, striving to keep the scripture you read in your mind. (This may take some practice) Psalm 119:15 / Psalm 1:1-3 / Joshua 1:8

Somebody Said: “This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do.” John Osteen

Scripture Reading: The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. (John 6:63 NIV)

Here’s the Point: We live in a weird time. Many churches are attempting to appeal to the world around them by conforming the church to the world. Sometimes that means diminishing the preeminence of the Scripture. Don’t let the trends of men beguile you away from the God-breathed, life-giving wonder of the Daily Bread that He provides. Recover your reverence for the Word. Open the Book with expectancy and He will meet you there.

Pastor Virgil