5:16 Club -- Day 18, The Word Matters

After having a short but sweet time in the Word this morning, I am all the more convinced that it is a lifeline in our Christian life. As I reflect on conversations I had with my daughters over the weekend combined with the Scriptures we studied last night in small group, I can see how living out our faith is so much more difficult when we don't have an understanding of God's perspective.

There is just something about reading His instructions and warnings that give a fuller understanding to the struggles, temptations, and even loneliness will will feel in this world. We can listen to pastors and Bible teachers, friends and mentors, but there is nothing like gaining the riches of the Word for ourselves. I see it as the difference between going into battle with our own sword firmly gripped in our hands. What type of warrior would we be if we had to borrow a friend's armor in order to fight and stand firm?

I do believe that the raging battle in most Christian's life is knowing too little of the Word. When life's trials come in a surprise attack, the shock of it knocks them down. Imagine, however, a different response if the Word was within reach in their soul for the Holy Spirit to draw upone--if we all knew verses like these, which I read last night and this morning, not by paraphrasing but word for word....

1 Timothy 6:10-12
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Portions from Psalm 119

¹ ^]">Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.

² Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.

⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.

¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.

¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.

²⁸ My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.

²⁹ Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.

³⁰ I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.

Imagine how much more equipped we would all be if reading the Word daily was the number one thing being poured into our hearts and minds? These handful of Scriptures tell us what to pursue, what troubles we might face, what will cause those troubles, how to live. There are thousands upon thousands more to learn from.

I am convicted that it would be a great benefit to spend more time in Scripture. I admit, that I've undervalued it's power. How about you?

Because of Him,