How Gods Word Transforms Us

Written by Dan Lee on 07/02/2017

Series: Weekly Devotional
Tags: Bible, God

I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against
you.
Psalm 119:11
The Bible is unlike any other book. It was written by 40 authors chosen by God, over a
period of around 1,500 years. Yet, it displays remarkable unity and consistency.

For many years, most people did not even have the Bible in their own language (and
even today, some dont). So being able to read the Bible is a rare and priceless
treasure.

So, what is the Bible about?

In the Old Testament, we see God creating the universe and putting mankind on the
earth. We see the tragedy of Adams fall and the rise of the nation of Israel. We see
Israels failure to faithfully follow God and accept how much they need a Redeemer.

In the Gospels and Acts, that Redeemer arrives we see and hear what the Lord Jesus
did here on earth and learn the way of salvation. The church is born and the gospel
spreads.

In the Epistles, we receive clear instructions for living as Christs followers as part of His
body.

In Revelation, we see how God will bring an end to history. We eagerly anticipate Jesus
final redemption of His people and the beginning of a glorious eternity in Gods
presence.

From beginning to end, the Bible is all about Jesus. As he said in Hebrews 10:7, And
so, my God, I have come to do what you want, as the Scriptures say.
Knowing all this should make us excited to spend time reading the Bible. And we should
not come to it casually as if it were a novel or a magazine. We approach Gods word
with purpose, keeping these principles in mind:

1. Read it Regularly
Just as we need food every day to feed our physical bodies, reading the Bible every day
is like food for our spiritual lives.

Jesus said in John 15:5, I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay
joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you
cannot do anything without me.

How do we live a fruitful life? By staying joined to Jesus. And we stay joined to Jesus
through prayer, and by reading His word.

2. Read it for Obedience and Direction

We dont read the Bible just to gain information, but much more! We read it to see how
God is directing us to live. Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is a lamp that gives light
wherever I walk.

We should have the attitude of young Samuel, when he was first called by God, Im
listening, Samuel answered. What do you want me to do? (1 Samuel 3:10).

When you read the Bible, look for promises to hold on to; commands to follow; and sins
or attitudes to turn away from all in the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Remember what you read

Its hard for us to remember everything we read. Just looking at something only one
time does not usually make it stay on our mind.

So when you open the Bible, its good to have a notebook or a journal. When you see
something important, or feel that God is telling you something, write it down. If you want
to respond in prayer to Gods word, you can write that too.

Even if you dont have a notebook, you can highlight or underline verses right in your
Bible.
Any of these practices will make it easier for you go back and meditate on the things
that God is showing you from His word.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us, What God has said isnt only alive and active! It is sharper
than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and
through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our
hearts.

It is a great privilege to have Gods holy Word revealed to us, and to let it do its work in
our lives. Even when it may be uncomfortable or even painful at times.

Pray this week:

Lord, I know that Your word is precious. By Your Holy Spirits power,
help me to love Your word and to spend time in it regularly, so that You
can do Your work in my heart, and glorify Yourself in my life.

How has Gods word changed you? Do you need help understanding it? We are
standing by to help you.