You will learn in this series how to receive today your daily bread. Much of the perception of others is not exactly what the Lord is dealing with you at this time. So first of all, start this New Year 2021 in the Word of God. The purpose of this post is to share with you more than resources about the Bible, but a real priority for the Word of God in your life.
Reading: 3″
Leia em Português
God’s Word and the Resources About It
No person has ever had as much access to the Bible and biblical tools as we have. There are all kinds of resources like dictionaries, concordances, maps, encyclopedias, and biblical devotionals. Not to mention Study Bibles that summarize various resources for specific target audiences such as children, teens, women, ministers, etc.
At the same time, people have never been so ignorant of the Bible in the literal sense of the word as they are today. That’s why we need an intentional attitude to know who God is, his voice, his way of acting and dealing with us. And that you will achieve in 2021 in the Word of God.
I remember well when I got my first Study Bible from my father, with footnotes, infographics, and several studies that helped me to know more about the book, The Bible. I thus discovered the main characteristics of the Old and New Testaments, the particularities of each apostolic letter, and understood some passages from the explanation of its historical context. My focus, however, was the biblical text.
Solid Food for Exercise of the Word
And the more I love and meditate on the Word of God, the more I need to put aside “resources” to spend time on the Word itself. Some study “about” the Bible certainly helps, but it serves as a dessert. God’s Word is the solid food we need daily.
The apostle James said that we need to be doers, not just listeners or learners of the Scriptures (Jas 1:22). It does not help to know other people’s opinions or to read many books about the Bible. We need personal contact with the Word of God so that we can put it into practice. Much of the perception of others is not exactly what the Lord is trying to deal with you at this time.
Therefore, you need to invest quality time in 2021 in the Word. Meditating on the biblical text in prayer, listening to what the Holy Spirit wants to reveal to you, will allow you to obey his voice. And so you will be practicing the Word.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
James 1:22
Good Seed in Good Soil
Jesus also compared the Word of God to a seed. God Himself sows it in our hearts. But the quality of the soil depends on our attention. And the care we give to this seed will determine the result of its growth, whether it will be stolen, whether it will dry out, or be drowned out, or produce fruit that will remain (Luke 8: 11-15).
The main resources that will help you to meditate on the Scriptures effectively are a printed Bible and Bible reading apps like YouVersion. There are several reading plans in the apps, but you must focus on the biblical text instead of the comments. Try to find the best time and place for you to meditate on the Scriptures and then take a few minutes each day.
It is worth highlighting the possibility of listening to the Bible in apps, not just reading – and faith comes from hearing (Rom 10:17). Access the audio, in the language and version of your choice, and listen carefully to several chapters, perhaps an entire apostolic letter in a few minutes while driving or walking. The longest chapter in the Bible, which is Psalm 119, can be heard completely in just 18 minutes.
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
Luke 8:15
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit in the Word
It is also essential that you pray before meditating on the Scriptures, asking the Holy Spirit to help you by giving you understanding. Ask Him to apply the Word in your mind, so that you will remember it. Also, keep it in your heart so that you can practice it and be transformed. The Holy Spirit is the one who teaches us about all things and helps us to stay in the Word (1 John 2:27).
The Lord is very clear in his revelation that we do not need other people to teach us the Scriptures because the Holy Spirit Himself teaches us and, moreover, reminds us of them (John 14:26). It is also he who will enable us to obey and glorify God by fulfilling His Word.
Conclusion
There are many interesting resources about the Bible today, some of them of excellent quality. Good books, devotions and films continue to be offered to you daily. But nothing should replace your direct contact with the Scriptures.
So, move forward in 2021 in the Word of God, through a personal commitment that will result in responsibility for your life. Prioritize God’s voice early in the morning, and be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit will reveal and remember to you during the day. And so you will receive today your daily bread from the Scriptures.
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
Psalms 119:96
Prayer: God, thank you so much for your Word available to me. Please help me to discover more and more who you through your Word. I want to know you, not just from what other people say, but from the revelation of your voice in my spirit, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?
Leave your comment below
“I will bless those people who bless you. But I will curse anyone who insults you.
Through you, I will bless all the families of people on the earth.” Genesis 12:3
*****
Comments
One response to “2021 in the Word: How to Receive Today your Daily Bread [1/3]”
[…] em Adoration is the second post in the series How to Receive Today Your Daily Bread. The purpose of this article is to share with you how to assimilate the habit of worshiping God in […]