To stay in God’s word is very important for the Christian. In First Peter 2:2 the Bible tells us to stay in God’s word as “newborn babies thirst for milk,” it is by doing so that we grow as Christians. It is by doing this that the Born Again Christian allows the Holy Spirit to speak and tell us what He wants in our lives. In Ephesians 6:11-18 we are told that the offensive weapon/the sword is the Word of God. It is with the Word of God that we can have Victory over the Devil. Jesus used the Word of God to defeat the evil one in Matthew 4:4.
So how does a Christian stay in God’s Word, first, by reading a portion of the Bible every day. This needs to be as a special time with God alone. This does not need to be part of some other requirement. This does not need to be homework, class work, or church work. Try to read a book of the Bible over a certain period of time using daily readings.(Example read Matthew over 28 days or John over 21 days- A chapter a day)If you have not read your Bible a lot always start with one of the New Testament books.
Second. try to make note of one to five verses that mean something to you. Either mark them with pencil in your Bible or make note about them in your daily diary. Review them from time to time. Eventually try to memorize a verse a week. Putting God’s word in your Heart is very important. It will help you not sin (Psalm 119:11), it will help you as you walk with God (Ps 119:105), and it will help you battle the evil one (Matt. 4:4)
The third thing to do with God’s Word is to use it in praying with the Father. We can pray it back to God. We can use it as a model of prayer (Luke 11:1-4).We can use it to bless and thank and praise the Lord! (Psalm 103:1-2)
Lastly, let me remind you it is the God of the Bible that is key in studying the Bible. The Bible tells us about God. It helps us to find Jesus who is Lord of all. (John 5:39) Do not neglect the reading of His word. A Christian should make a lifelong commitment to read a portion of His Word every day. It is better to read 30 chapters in 30 days than to read 5 chapters one day, the next day, and then not read it for 20 days. There are great promises connected to getting into God’s Word. (Psalm 1:1-3)
God Bless,
Pastor David Howell