What steps can we take to ensure we value God's word daily? Jeremiah 36:22—A Cautionary Snapshot “Since it was the ninth month, the king was sitting in his winter quarters with a fire burning before him.” Jehoiakim is warm, comfortable, and moments away from slicing up Jeremiah’s scroll and feeding it to the flames (vv. 23–24). The scene is a vivid warning: comfort can dull reverence for God’s word. Below are practical steps that move us in the opposite direction—toward treasuring Scripture daily. Start with a Settled Commitment • Decide, by God’s grace, that Scripture will never be optional or disposable. • Psalm 119:97—“Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.” • A pre-decision guards against ever treating the word as Jehoiakim did. Carve Out Prime Time, Not Leftovers • Set a consistent slot when mind and body are fresh. • Joshua 1:8 places meditation “day and night,” illustrating priority, not convenience. • Protect that slot as you would any critical appointment. Read with Reverence, Not Routine • Slow down—read out loud, underline, note repeated phrases. • Remember Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active…” If it is alive, give it living-room space in your schedule. Respond Immediately in Obedience • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • After reading, jot one clear action: attitude to change, sin to forsake, promise to claim. Internalize Through Memorization • Psalm 119:11—“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” • Aim for one verse a week; review during natural pauses—commutes, dishwashing, walks. Surround Your Environment with Scripture • Deuteronomy 6:6-9 encourages posting God’s words on doors and gates. • Place verses on phone lock screens, mirrors, dashboards—visual “fire extinguishers” against forgetfulness. Cultivate Community Reinforcement • Share insights with family or friends; mutual conversation prevents privatized neglect. • Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ richly dwell among you, teaching and admonishing one another…” Guard Against Comfort-Induced Apathy • Jehoiakim’s brazier symbolizes modern distractions—streaming feeds, endless news. • Set tech boundaries: phone in another room during devotions; silence notifications. Pray Scripture Back to God • Turn the text into praise, confession, or petition. • 1 John 5:14 assures confidence when asking “according to His will”—nothing aligns with His will more than His word. Keep a Scroll of Gratitude • Record verses that the Spirit uses powerfully; revisit during spiritual chills. • Builds a personal history that counters seasons when Scripture might otherwise feel “burnable.” Live Outwardly, Lighting Other Fires • Share God’s word both in testimony and service. • 2 Timothy 2:2—entrust what you’ve learned to others who will teach also. • Valuing Scripture multiplies when it moves beyond personal consumption. By daily choosing reverence over convenience, response over resistance, and community over isolation, we keep the pages intact and our hearts aflame—opposite of the king who warmed himself while God’s word turned to ash. |
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