[If you have been following our series “Lessons from Haiti” we are nearing completion. After this week will be one more devotional from the Haiti theme. I was going to be taking another trip to Haiti next week and sadly that did not work out. Please be in prayer for future opportunities for God to use my life serving the people of Haiti.]
When I was a little girl my grandparents lived on a farm and had many fruit trees. Whenever a fruit tree was nearing harvest you could most definitely find me at the bottom eating. Every summer I still go picking strawberries, blueberries, cherries, etc. There is nothing like a piece of fresh fruit from the tree/vine/plant! When I was in Haiti I was asked if I would like a fresh mango? I have had mangos many times in the United States, of which you can only get imported, so I jumped at the chance to eat a fresh one. Wow, was that the sweetest, most delicious thing I have ever tasted!!!
This contrast in a store bought vs. a tree ripened mango got me thinking about the way we are getting our intake of the word of God. Many times we listen to songs, read books, listen to sermons and think we are being filled. Sure, mangos from the store are tasty and we can get vitamin C from them but they don’t even compare in delicious, juicy, sweetness of one right from the source. God most definitely wants to teach you from others but He wants you to personally listen to what He has to say to you by His Word, the sweetest source. Here are just a few of the many verses in the Bible that talk about knowing and studying His word:
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Joshua 1:8
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scripture and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
By spending time in God’s word you will grow a more intimate relationship with Him. You will get to know Him better and He will teach you many things. In His word He prepares you for the plans he has for your life. So if you are new to the word of God, how do you get started reading it? Well, there really is no wrong way. You can choose a book of the Bible and read a chapter a day. If you have trouble knowing what it means, before giving up, try rereading it and praying about what it means. There are also Bible concordances. Sometimes there are Bibles you can get with notes on the side for help. You can also ask someone you respect to help you get started. Try it tonight. Spend time with God by opening your Bible and getting in the habit of setting aside time daily.
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