I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am not known for my organization! I find it really helpful to have lists and routines for myself and my family. Even if only followed loosely, I find that it helps us not to be so scattered. Some things you can allow to fall off the list and defer it to the next day but others are a must do!
As I was discussing my attempt at a more orderly home with my family I expressed the importance of making time to pray and read God’s Word each day. I told my 11-year-old daughter that she needs some form of the Word to be part of her day, each day whether it’s a devotional, church, music, or Sunday school–That night I suggested we watch a movie about the miracles of Jesus together.
My preteen rolled her eyes and sighed saying, “Mom, I know all of those stories! I’ve seriously heard them a hundred times! I already know everything!” My husband and I chuckled as I sighed and rolled my own eyes with exaggeration. I regrouped and explained to her that none of us will never know it all!
So why is it important to hear scriptures and stories again, and again even if we know them by heart?
God’s Word Is Alive-
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
In this passage the “word of God” refers to Christ himself. Word of God was a term commonly used by the Jewish people to refer to the Messiah. We know that he is the essence of the word and that the word is alive and active, saving souls, winning hearts, redeeming lives, producing miracles, advocating and interceding on our behalf. It challenges us, supports us, inspires us and accomplishes God’s will. Jesus is the word- Seeking? Find him the word!
God’s Word Gives Us Faith-
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.~Romans 10:17
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. ~1 Corinthians 3:6
I certainly can’t say it any better than the Apostle Paul! Our seeds of faith need to be watered so that we can grow in love and service and produce fruit. What waters the seeds of faith? God’s word! Only God can make them grow. God is so good to use analogies we can comprehend to explain things which are supernatural to us. Think of it practically- What would happen if you only watered a plant once? Or only on Sundays? Most would weaken or wither away! We want to keep growing in our faith and bring in a good harvest.
Because We Forget-
“Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” ~Psalm 77:7-12
Who else can relate to the frantic feeling the psalmist expresses here? When something doesn’t happen as we’d hoped or we find ourselves in the midst of a trial we can often get spiritual amnesia. We may find it hard to see the unmovable path of God’s faithfulness through the fog of our trials. We need the Word to remind us of God’s might and promises. There is so much competing for our time today. Our jobs, families, chores, social media, television. Many of those outlets pushing messages that are at odds with the Word. Maybe we’re around others who don’t share our faith and it pull us into a cynical worldview. If we don’t take time to contemplate truth we may get tripped up by a world full of falsehoods and stumbling blocks.
Because, We’re Trees-
But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. ~Psalm 1:2-3
The bible compares people and trees hundreds of times throughout the Old and New Testaments. We may seem to stand alone but a tree planted by the stream has roots hidden in the earth beneath which reach out to the water for sustenance. The tree by the water is ideal, producing fruit in season and not withering. That is what God wants for us! To plant ourselves close to his word so that his living waters can aid his beloved children to prosper.
We Change, It Remains-
We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ~2 Peter 1:19
The change of seasons occurs each year. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter all make their appearances cyclically. Sure as the Sun they come and go. Summer when I was a kid meant no school, relaxing at home and pool parties. When I was a single working mother all Summer meant was that I wore a tank instead of long sleeves under my scrubs. Though I had seen the season before everything was different.
Like the seasons, the word is reliable, alive, and constant. The seasons don’t change but we do. As our lives progress we experience new things which can change our perspectives. A word or story that you merely heard last year may give you an epiphany this year. Familiarity does not dictate efficacy.
In Conclusion-
St. Jerome said that “Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ”. God is his word. Just as we as believers ask Jesus into our hearts, so the word needs to be invited into our hearts each night like an old friend. I try to display scripture in artwork, letter boards, even just a piece of paper stuck where I know my family will view it. I want the word to be a staple of our home which dwells with us in our everyday. A brilliant, shining golden thread which patches the holes in our spirit, ties us together as a family, and weaves through the tapestries of our lives to eternity. The word is a must do! Something too essential, too powerful and useful to let fall off of the list.
How do you prioritize the word in your home or daily walk?
❤ Cait
Prayers Over The Kitchen Sink 