The Importance of The Word

"Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became a joy to me and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16

The Bible truly should be the joy and rejoicing of our hearts. It's up to us to read it, learn it, know it, apply it and obey. It's never one without the other.

It's not a box to check off or a task to be accomplished, it's so much

more. It's personal and historical. It's a love letter from God to us and an account of God's interactions with His people over thousands of years, but don't be mistaken. The Bible is not just a book of stories or a history book, it's alive and it's active.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

A. W. Tozer once said, "The Bible is not merely a human book inspired by God; it is a divine book that has been given to us by God."

This is an incredibly powerful statement that highlights the importance of the Bible in our lives as Christians. The Bible is the inspired word of God, meaning that it is a reliable source of truth and wisdom that comes directly from God Himself. It's the only truth we should build our loves upon.

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Research shows that only 19% of churcgoers read their Bibles daily. How concerning to think that in a time we so desperately need to discern the voice of God we are instead drifting away from listening to His voice through His word. We are neglecting the very thing that has the power to change our lives.

Please hear me say, there is nothing more beautiful or fulfilling than hearing the voice of the One who loves you the most. It brings comfort, direction, encouragement, hope, and peace among so much more. How will we truly know Him unless we hear? God reveals Himself through His word. If we base our knowledge of God on anything other than scripture, we are walking down the path of characterizing Him based on cultural input and feelings.

Both of these are shifting sands, that will change, and will cause us to question the character of God when something conflicts with our poorly informed theology.

"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:16-17

He is unchanging, regardless of how we may feel about Him at any moment in time and He does not confirm to the culture of our time. Neglecting the Bible leads us to assume God’s character rather than actually knowing it. We need the Truth of God’s word to guide our lives. We wander from God’s design and purpose when we choose not to invest in knowing and understanding His word. God’s word is not just applicable and beneficial to our daily lives, it is essential.

I don’t read the word because I have to, I read the word because as Smith Wigglesworth says “it’s supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, inexpressible in valor, infinite in scope, regenerative in power, infallible in authority, universal in interest, personal in application, inspired in totality. Read it through, write it down, pray it in, work it out, and then pass it on. Truly it is the Word of God. It brings into man the personality of God; it changes the man until he becomes the epistle of God. It transforms his mind, changes his character, takes him on from grace to grace, and gives him an inheritance in the Spirit. God comes in, dwells in, walks in, talks through, and sups with him.”

In a world that is so eager to distort His truth for comfort and convenience, I challenge you to lean into Jesus, pray and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Take great care when approaching Scripture, coming before God’s Word in deep humility, allowing scripture to interpret scripture. Of all the things that can be put off until tomorrow, don't allow it to be the Word of God. Make it a probity in your life. Our lives will never be changed by exchanging the Truth of His word for the comfort and pleasure of the worlds truth. It’s His Truth that frees us, heals us and makes us whole.