My mornings are fairly predictable. I get up at the same time; I spend time in the Word every morning; and I eat the same breakfast food most days. In case you’re wondering, I generally eat a banana, yogurt with dark chocolate chips, and nuts every day. I agree with the research that says dark chocolate is good for you. Are your mornings as predictable as mine?
It’s written in Scripture that the Lord wants you and me to spend time with Him every day. Jesus modeled the spiritual disciplines of devotion and solitude. He invested early morning hours alone with the Father. Jesus lifted His heart and voice to God before the sunlight overcame the darkness (Mk. 1:35). Is it a daily practice for you to spend time with the Father?
Let me list several truths about spending time in the Word every day.
God’s Word is true and authoritative
As you and I break the pages of Scripture, we’re not reading a book that is filled with errors or mistakes. The Bible is inerrant and infallible. His Word is true from Genesis to Revelation. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). As you and I invest time in the Bible, it’s true that we’re hearing God’s heart and looking into His face.
Our Bible intake is to be daily
Our time in the Word needs to be daily. May you and I give God the best time of our day! “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it” (Jos. 1:8). “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:1-2). God longs for you and me to meet with Him in the pages of Scripture every day. Our spiritual growth and maturity are inseparable from time in His Word.
God’s Word prepares us for the battlefield
The enemy is active in our day. He longs to divide, discourage, and destroy. One tool of the enemy is temptation. It’s not a sin to be tempted. Jesus was sinless, and yet, He was tempted. When tempted, it’s wise to say, “It is written” (Mt. 4:4). In Ps. 119:11, the Psalmist declared, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” It’s always wise to be prepared. It’s not “if” the enemy attacks, but “when.”
The Bible is for all ages
I love to see children, youth, and adults reading and studying the Word. In the context of your family and home, I pray the Word is digested, discussed, and displayed. In Dt. 6:4-9, the text reveals, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Parents, I challenge you to be intentional and natural about incorporating God’s Word into your daily conversations. I applaud the many Sunday School teachers and leaders of other ministries that pour God’s Word into the lives and hearts of children and youth every week. His Word will never return void (Is. 55:11).
God’s leadership will always agree with His Word
God isn’t going to lead you and me in a direction that His Word forbids. In Pr. 3:5-6, Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” As you and I contemplate decisions about vocational, relational, financial, and spiritual issues, an understanding of God’s Word prepares us to know and do God’s will.
I hope your walk with God includes time in His Word on a daily basis. It’ll be a spiritual investment that promises kingdom returns!
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your pastor! I’m grateful to see God at work in your lives personally and in His church collectively.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Ronny
2 Timothy 2:15