Beyond hearing God’s Word, we should be receiving God’s Word!

For Your words bring life
And Your voice speaks promises
Lord, Your love offers more
Than anything else in this world
James 1:22-25
Beyond hearing God’s Word, we should be receiving God’s Word. Jesus began one of his most important sermons by saying “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). As we listen to God’s Word, it is important to maintain a humble heart. This is the attitude of a person prepared to receive what God has for us.
When we receive God’s Word, we are ready for the most important part: putting God’s Word into action. As believers, we literally act as the Word of God to the world today. This is a big responsibility, but one that we can fulfill if we adhere to James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Jesus has set a great model for us to follow, as he regularly incorporated Scriptures into his everyday encounters.
Jesus’ example, as well as his teachings on God’s Word, are perhaps best summed up in Matthew 4:4, when he responded to temptation by stating that “Man cannot live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”  Indeed, God’s Word brings us life. Take time to listen, receive, and apply his Word in your life.
Prayer:
God, give me ears to hear your Word in the world, a heart to receive it, and a faith to put it into action.
Amen