How God's Word Changes Us: The Power of Scripture in Daily Life
The Bible isn't just an ancient book sitting on our shelves—it's a living, breathing source of transformation that continues to speak into our lives today. English theologian Joseph Parker once wrote that "when the last word has been said about the Bible, it will no longer be the word of God." In other words, we'll never reach a place where Scripture doesn't have something new to say to us.
Why Should We Value God's Word?
In our modern world, we have unprecedented access to Scripture. We carry it on our phones, have multiple copies in our homes, and can access it instantly. Yet do we truly honor and cherish it the way we should?
Consider the underground Christians in countries where owning a Bible is illegal. When they receive copies of Scripture, they don't casually flip through pages. They hold it with tears in their eyes, knowing they're holding the very words of God. Some underground churches have had to tear apart their single Bible copy, distributing individual pages among hundreds of members who would read, memorize, and pass along their precious portion.
Do We Have That Same Desperation?
Psalm 119:16 declares, "I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." This longest chapter in the Bible—176 verses—is almost entirely devoted to loving and honoring God's Word. The question we must ask ourselves is: Do we find our highest pleasure in Scripture?
What Does It Mean to Read Scripture Like a King?
Deuteronomy 17:18-20 gives us a fascinating glimpse into God's instructions for future kings of Israel. When a king would take the throne, his first responsibility was to write out his own copy of God's law and keep it with him, reading it all the days of his life.
While we may not be earthly kings, 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are "a royal priesthood"—part of God's royal family. This means the same principles apply to us.
The First Step: Simply Read It
If we want to develop a delight in God's Word, we must start with the obvious: read it. Spiritual hunger works differently than physical hunger. You don't have to do anything to get physically hungry—your stomach will remind you. But spiritual hunger must be cultivated. The more you feast on God's Word, the hungrier you become for it.
Don't Just Read—Meditate
Christian meditation differs completely from Eastern meditation. While Eastern practices encourage emptying your mind, Christian meditation calls us to fill our minds with God's truth. The Hebrew word for meditate means "to bring forth and allow to germinate" or "to talk with yourself on divine things."
Think of it like a cow chewing its cud—taking in God's Word, processing it, then bringing it back up later to chew on it some more. When you're reading Scripture, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He might highlight a verse, a phrase, or even just a couple of words. Stop there and think about it throughout your day.
What Happens When We Consistently Read God's Word?
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword." Even though we're looking at words printed on a page, spiritually, Scripture is alive. It knows exactly what our spirit needs and what our soul needs, ministering to both areas of our lives.
The Word Brings Revelation
You might read a passage you've seen dozens of times before, but suddenly the Holy Spirit illuminates something new. Sometimes the revelation hits so powerfully that our finite minds struggle to process what our spirits are receiving from the infinite God.
There are truths we won't understand until we go through certain experiences. Like the ring in Lord of the Rings that only revealed its writing after going through fire, some Scriptures only come alive when we face trials that refine us.
How Does Scripture Teach Us to Fear the Lord?
One of the primary benefits of consistently reading God's Word is that it teaches us to fear the Lord. This isn't worldly fear or terror—it's a reverent awe and honor for who God truly is.
We love Jesus the Lamb who died for our sins, and rightly so. But we cannot forget that He's also the Lion. Just as a king's children might call him "Daddy" at home but bow when he enters the throne room in his royal robes, we must learn to discern when God is being our loving Father and when He's demonstrating His awesome holiness.
The Benefits of Fearing the Lord
According to Proverbs, the fear of the Lord:
Is the beginning of wisdom
Is the hatred of evil
Is the beginning of knowledge
Prolongs life
Is a fountain of life
Turns us away from evil
What Are the Results of Living by God's Word?
Deuteronomy 17:20 outlines three key benefits of living according to God's Word:
Purification
God's Word keeps our hearts from being "lifted up"—it protects us from pride and keeps us humble before God and others.
Dedication
Scripture helps us not "turn aside from the commandment either to the right hand or to the left." It keeps us on the straight path of obedience—not legalistic rule-following, but heartfelt dedication to God's ways.
Multiplication
The passage promises that both the king "and his children" would benefit. God is a generational God, always working for the future. When we honor His Word, it affects not just us but our children and grandchildren.
Why Does This Matter for Families?
Parents, your relationship with God's Word will impact your children. You will make mistakes in parenting—that's guaranteed. But in the midst of your imperfections, your children can still see God if you're a person of the Word.
The goal isn't perfection; it's authenticity. When your children see you consistently turning to Scripture, learning from it, and allowing it to change you, they're learning what it means to walk with God.
Life Application
This week, commit to reading God's Word daily—not as a religious duty, but as someone desperate for what only Scripture can provide. Whether you join the January reading challenge or start your own plan, approach the Bible with the same reverence as those underground Christians who treasure every word.
Don't just read for information; read for transformation. When the Holy Spirit highlights something, stop and meditate on it. Carry those words with you throughout your day, chewing on them like a cow with its cud.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I truly cherish God's Word, or do I take it for granted?
Am I reading Scripture with expectation that God will speak to me?
How is my relationship with God's Word affecting my family and those around me?
What would change in my life if I approached the Bible with desperate hunger rather than casual interest?
Remember, God's Word has the power to purify your heart, strengthen your dedication to Him, and create a legacy that impacts generations. The question isn't whether Scripture can change you—it's whether you'll give it the opportunity to do so.
Why Should We Value God's Word?
In our modern world, we have unprecedented access to Scripture. We carry it on our phones, have multiple copies in our homes, and can access it instantly. Yet do we truly honor and cherish it the way we should?
Consider the underground Christians in countries where owning a Bible is illegal. When they receive copies of Scripture, they don't casually flip through pages. They hold it with tears in their eyes, knowing they're holding the very words of God. Some underground churches have had to tear apart their single Bible copy, distributing individual pages among hundreds of members who would read, memorize, and pass along their precious portion.
Do We Have That Same Desperation?
Psalm 119:16 declares, "I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." This longest chapter in the Bible—176 verses—is almost entirely devoted to loving and honoring God's Word. The question we must ask ourselves is: Do we find our highest pleasure in Scripture?
What Does It Mean to Read Scripture Like a King?
Deuteronomy 17:18-20 gives us a fascinating glimpse into God's instructions for future kings of Israel. When a king would take the throne, his first responsibility was to write out his own copy of God's law and keep it with him, reading it all the days of his life.
While we may not be earthly kings, 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are "a royal priesthood"—part of God's royal family. This means the same principles apply to us.
The First Step: Simply Read It
If we want to develop a delight in God's Word, we must start with the obvious: read it. Spiritual hunger works differently than physical hunger. You don't have to do anything to get physically hungry—your stomach will remind you. But spiritual hunger must be cultivated. The more you feast on God's Word, the hungrier you become for it.
Don't Just Read—Meditate
Christian meditation differs completely from Eastern meditation. While Eastern practices encourage emptying your mind, Christian meditation calls us to fill our minds with God's truth. The Hebrew word for meditate means "to bring forth and allow to germinate" or "to talk with yourself on divine things."
Think of it like a cow chewing its cud—taking in God's Word, processing it, then bringing it back up later to chew on it some more. When you're reading Scripture, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. He might highlight a verse, a phrase, or even just a couple of words. Stop there and think about it throughout your day.
What Happens When We Consistently Read God's Word?
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword." Even though we're looking at words printed on a page, spiritually, Scripture is alive. It knows exactly what our spirit needs and what our soul needs, ministering to both areas of our lives.
The Word Brings Revelation
You might read a passage you've seen dozens of times before, but suddenly the Holy Spirit illuminates something new. Sometimes the revelation hits so powerfully that our finite minds struggle to process what our spirits are receiving from the infinite God.
There are truths we won't understand until we go through certain experiences. Like the ring in Lord of the Rings that only revealed its writing after going through fire, some Scriptures only come alive when we face trials that refine us.
How Does Scripture Teach Us to Fear the Lord?
One of the primary benefits of consistently reading God's Word is that it teaches us to fear the Lord. This isn't worldly fear or terror—it's a reverent awe and honor for who God truly is.
We love Jesus the Lamb who died for our sins, and rightly so. But we cannot forget that He's also the Lion. Just as a king's children might call him "Daddy" at home but bow when he enters the throne room in his royal robes, we must learn to discern when God is being our loving Father and when He's demonstrating His awesome holiness.
The Benefits of Fearing the Lord
According to Proverbs, the fear of the Lord:
Is the beginning of wisdom
Is the hatred of evil
Is the beginning of knowledge
Prolongs life
Is a fountain of life
Turns us away from evil
What Are the Results of Living by God's Word?
Deuteronomy 17:20 outlines three key benefits of living according to God's Word:
Purification
God's Word keeps our hearts from being "lifted up"—it protects us from pride and keeps us humble before God and others.
Dedication
Scripture helps us not "turn aside from the commandment either to the right hand or to the left." It keeps us on the straight path of obedience—not legalistic rule-following, but heartfelt dedication to God's ways.
Multiplication
The passage promises that both the king "and his children" would benefit. God is a generational God, always working for the future. When we honor His Word, it affects not just us but our children and grandchildren.
Why Does This Matter for Families?
Parents, your relationship with God's Word will impact your children. You will make mistakes in parenting—that's guaranteed. But in the midst of your imperfections, your children can still see God if you're a person of the Word.
The goal isn't perfection; it's authenticity. When your children see you consistently turning to Scripture, learning from it, and allowing it to change you, they're learning what it means to walk with God.
Life Application
This week, commit to reading God's Word daily—not as a religious duty, but as someone desperate for what only Scripture can provide. Whether you join the January reading challenge or start your own plan, approach the Bible with the same reverence as those underground Christians who treasure every word.
Don't just read for information; read for transformation. When the Holy Spirit highlights something, stop and meditate on it. Carry those words with you throughout your day, chewing on them like a cow with its cud.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I truly cherish God's Word, or do I take it for granted?
Am I reading Scripture with expectation that God will speak to me?
How is my relationship with God's Word affecting my family and those around me?
What would change in my life if I approached the Bible with desperate hunger rather than casual interest?
Remember, God's Word has the power to purify your heart, strengthen your dedication to Him, and create a legacy that impacts generations. The question isn't whether Scripture can change you—it's whether you'll give it the opportunity to do so.
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