The Word of Life

23 / Sun  | Read 1 John 1:1-4

Overview: Lots of things pull at us, telling us that this is the life—success, popularity, power. Yet they can be gone in a flash. Only by resting in the truth of God’s perfect love engulfing us can we find real life.

24 / Mon – Hearing what you read  |  Read Romans 10:12-17 / Romans 10:8-10

In our country, literacy is highly prized, and everyone has the opportunity to learn to read. In ancient cultures, however, many of the common people were not taught to read. They learned by listening. That may explain the focus in verse 17. Faith comes from hearing the word and then responding to it. No matter if you are a mature Christian or a new believer, ‘hearing’ the word you read is critical for your growth. Listen carefully. What might the Lord be saying to you right now?

25 / Tue – Out of the mouth of a donkey  |  Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 21 / Numbers 22:21-31

Do you worry that you might miss what God is trying to tell you? Read Samuel’s story and compare it to Balaam’s. The Lord didn’t stop after speaking only once. He continued to speak repeatedly until they got it. One was quick to obey. The other kept choosing to go down a reckless path until his donkey talked to him. God is more than able to make sure you hear His message loud and clear. But it is always better to cultivate a listening ear. How can you be more receptive to His voice?

26 / Wed – Beefing up your mental DNA  |  Read Psalm 119:11 / Matthew 4:1-4

One of the best ways to help you avoid sin is found in this familiar Psalm. If you read the Bible regularly, you will grow spiritually. But what about when you are facing temptation and your Bible is not there? God’s word needs to be planted in your memory. That’s what Jesus did. He spent years soaking his mind in the scriptures, and that’s what came out of his mouth in the moment. Satan can never make his lies stick in your head when the scriptures become a part of your mental DNA. What have you already memorized? What are some new ones to add?

27 / Thu – Promises kept = trust  |  Read Hebrews 6:18 NLT / Luke 1:37 / Luke 16:10

Trust grows when promises are kept. Do you know someone you trust because they always ‘keep their word’? Are you that kind of person? God is. He cannot lie; it is not in His nature. If he says it, He will do it. Think back to the times when God was faithful to His word in your own life. Then ask yourself – can God trust me? When you are faithful in the little things, He will give you more. Doesn’t it bless your heart to know that God trusts you?

28 / Fri – Say what?!  |  Read 1 Corinthians 2:13

Have you ever been in a serious conversation and unplanned words came out that powerfully affected the person in front of you? If so, you may have wondered where that came from. It was the Holy Spirit. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit spoke through God’s people in languages they had not learned to proclaim the gospel to those from other countries. Would it surprise you to know that He still does that today, using your own language? Will you make yourself available? Will you ask the Holy Spirit to speak through you today in ways that meet the deeper need?

29 / Sat – What can sustain you  |  Read John 6:63

In a single day, you are bombarded with all kinds of words. So many that it can be hard to sort them out. What is true? What is not? Which are manipulative, trying to sway you one way or another? Does your brain get tired? You are not alone, and there is help. If you pause long enough to pray and go back to what Jesus said, you will find clarity. He is the Word. He spoke words of life. His words will last forever. They are relevant no matter your culture or time in history. Focusing on them will make other insistent voices fade away.