What steps can we take to prioritize God's word in our daily lives? Setting the Scene: Acts 13:7 “...Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man… summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.” This verse spotlights a Roman official who rearranged his schedule so he could listen to God’s word. His determination offers a simple pattern for us today. Step 1: Nurture a Hungry Heart • Ask God daily to deepen your desire for Scripture (Psalm 119:18). • Remind yourself that “Man shall not live on bread alone” (Matthew 4:4). • Keep a running list of passages that have fed your soul; return to them when motivation lags. Step 2: Set an Unmovable Appointment • Block a specific time each day—morning, lunch break, or evening—and protect it like any vital meeting. • Jesus modeled this rhythm: “Very early… He went out to a solitary place, and there He prayed.” (Mark 1:35) Step 3: Open All the Windows of Scripture • Alternate between Old Testament, Gospels, and Epistles to grasp the full counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Use a reading plan that takes you through the Bible at a sustainable pace. Step 4: Read Actively, Not Passively • Highlight recurring words or themes. • Summarize each paragraph in your own words. • Note commands, promises, and examples to follow or avoid (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Step 5: Move from Hearing to Doing • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • Write one actionable takeaway after each reading—something you will obey within 24 hours. • Track answered prayers and changed attitudes that flow from obedience. Step 6: Share What You Discover • Speak Scripture naturally in conversation (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Join or start a small group focused on reading and applying the Word (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Text or email a verse to encourage a friend; speaking it reinforces it in you. Step 7: Guard Your Mind from Competing Voices • Limit media that crowds out quiet reflection (Luke 10:41-42). • Keep a Bible or Bible app on your home screen for easy access. • Replace idle scrolling with a short Psalm or Proverb. Step 8: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection • Mark milestones—finished books, memorized passages, consistent weeks. • Re-evaluate your plan quarterly and adjust length, pace, or resources as needed. • Keep humble gratitude: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Putting It All Together Like Sergius Paulus, prioritize hearing the Word by cultivating hunger, scheduling time, engaging actively, obeying promptly, sharing freely, protecting focus, and celebrating growth. These deliberate steps make Scripture the indispensable center of daily life. |
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