LIVING IN THE WORD OF GOD

LIVING IN THE WORD OF GOD

For many of us, reading the Bible is a daily discipline.

A lot of the daily notes I read are constantly reminding

me about ‘Living in the word’.

That equates to reading the Word, listening to it,

memorizing it, recalling it, meditating on it, applying it,

and sharing it. Basically, allowing it to permeate my daily life.

This got me thinking:

Read = what do we mean when we say READ THE WORD OF GOD IN THE BIBLE?
Reading can be quiet or aloud; it can be to listen as someone else reads, following the words; it could be to watch a teaching online or on DVD, following with your Bible open before you.

Listen = what ways do we LISTEN TO THE WORD OF GOD IN THE SCRIPTURES?
My husband and I take turns in reading aloud to one another as we study – it adds another dimension to understanding when another voice proclaims God’s truth. Many bible apps are available today and these can be helpful listening tools. Sermons and teachings both online and on the radio can boost our listening time too. In our Bible study groups (mostly online at the moment) it is good to listen to others as they read God’s word in the preferred version of their choice. This often opens up meaning to us.

Memorize = HOW DO WE MEMORIZE GOD’S WORD?
Read it.   Read it.   Read it.   Listen to it.   Listen to it.   Listen to it.

It often helps to copy out what we read. Write it word for word. Write it in our own words. Write special scriptures on labels or bookmarks and put them in places we regularly look.
Though I don’t have a Siri or Alexa, I am told that these devices can also help as you can get them to read God’s word to you -whatever you are doing. Soaking yourself in God’s word.

Recalling – HOW DO WE RECALL GOD’S WORD?
This can be done “any time any place anywhere” ( the 1980’s Martini advert!)
In any circumstance bring to mind what God’s word says that is relevant - not necessarily word for word, but the gist of what you remember is a good starting point. Recalling God’s word whilst in prayer gives a different experience too. “praying the scriptures” is powerful.
By reading, listening and memorizing God’s word, it fills our memory banks so the Spirit can recall it to our lips.

Meditating = HOW DO WE MEDITATE ON God’s word?
Simply spend time thinking about what you have read and let God guide your thoughts into a deeper understanding as to what this means for your life.

Applying = HOW DO WE APPLY GOD’S WORD?
This simply means being obedient to what you have read.
This is the most important part.
Part of the DMM principles we have learned is the question: what changes do I need to make to my life because of this scripture?

Sharing= The Good News is for sharing! Full stop.
Speaking naturally about the Father who has input into your daily life will become the norm as you practice all of the above, and by speaking out scripture it becomes part of your vocabulary and recall.

All of these things combined become LIVING IN THE WORD. Allowing God to have input into every corner of your life. And the song that springs to mind is the lovely hymn ‘take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to Thee’: here’s the link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf11rReeWIs

God in every part of our life – or is it every part of our life in God?