No spiritual discipline is more important than the intake of God’s Word. In order to know God and be godly, we must know the Word of God – intimately. As Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). It is through the regular, personal intake of the Bible that we come to know God better, understand His will for our lives, experience God’s transforming presence, and much more.
I have personally benefited from the Word Hand Illustration as a simple way to break down five methods of taking in God’s Word.
1. Hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17, Luke 11:28)
Listening to the Bible read on the radio, a recording, or on most Bible apps, and taught by pastors are excellent way to stimulate your own appetite for truth. Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” We should desire to hear the Scripture to obey God. (Luke 11:28).
2. Reading God’s Word (Revelation 1:3)
Reading the Bible is often the way that God most directly speaks to us. If you read the Bible for 15 minutes a day, you could read through the entire Bible in less than a year. Three tips: 1) Find the time, 2) Have a plan, and 3) Find at least one “take-away”.
3. Studying God’s Word (Acts 17:11)
Earnestly studying the Scriptures allows God’s Word to speak directly to our hearts. The difference between reading the Bible and studying the Bible is studying usually involves additional resources (commentaries, Bible dictionaries, etc), cross referencing key words, and a system of capturing, organizing, remembering, and communicating your thoughts.
4. Memorizing God’s Word (Psalm 119:9, 11)
For many people memorizing Scripture seems impossible. But, it just takes a plan and repetition. Anyone can do it. When Scripture is stored in your mind, it supplies power, strengthens your faith and prepares you for witnessing and counseling (2 Timothy 4:2).
5. Meditating on God’s Word (Psalm 1:2, 3)
Meditation is the thumb of the Word Hand, because when used in conjunction with each of the other methods, the Spirit begins to deeply move in our hearts and speak to our souls. Scripture commands us to fill our minds with God and His truth. Meditation is obediently thinking deeply on the spiritual realities revealed in God’s Word. God made all the things essential for knowing Him abundantly clear. James 1:22-25 promises the blessing of God on those who apply it to their lives. Throughout the Summer, live out the spiritual discipline of Bible Intake by working each of these methods with an accountability partner and with your Bible Community you are involved in.