How to bring Scripture into the worst issues of life

Everybody knows the Bible is the Word of God.

Do we act like it?

We are drowning in content.  We treat the Bible like another magazine, article, or artifact.

It is “God-breathed” (literal translation of “inspired”).

It contains the very thoughts of God written down over 1500 years.  

It is ALIVE.  It has the power to bring God’s answers to our worst problems.

We have to know how to use it to change our lives.

Here are the ways I have learned to interact with the Word of God successfully:

1. I MEMORIZE the Word.

I started learning Scriptures in high school and college.  Some of my courses required one verse a week.  With multiple classes, I covered a lot of ground in those years.

Even today, when a verse blesses me, I stop and commit it to memory (especially short ones!).  During that day, I try to say it repeatedly as I walk around, drive, or even shower.

Here is a recent verse:  “The Lord is faithful who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thess. 3:3).  

Those three phrases (faithful, establish, and guard) gave me a whole day of spiritual breakfast, lunch, and supper!

2. I MEDITATE on the Word.

God told Joshua, “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth but you shall meditate on it day and night…” (Josh 1:8)

I’m not talking about “emptying your brain.”  I’m talking about chewing on a verse.  “Meditate” in Hebrew means to “mutter or utter.”

Like a cow chews its cud, I speak it out loud all day.

The more I speak it, the slower I speak it, the Holy Spirit illuminates each phrase of the verse.  Soon, I “strike oil!”

The verse becomes like a spiritual weapon in my arsenal against Satan.  I am empowered to speak that verse against the enemy or into a real-life situation.

3.  I ACT on the Word.

Am I a “doer of the Word” or a “hearer only?” (James 1:22)

ACTION on the Word is faith.  Peter was commanded to come out of the boat, and He obeyed…walking on water!

The ten lepers were told to show themselves to the priest.  “As they were going, they were healed.”

The disciples were told to feed the multitude, and as they passed out the bread and fish, they multiplied.

Don’t do anything until you hear, then ACT.

Write that letter of apology.  Give that amount you are directed toward.  Start praising God even before the miracle happens!

4. I SHARE the Word.

This is the best for last.  God’s Word in your mouth can change someone’s destiny.

Don’t be afraid to give someone a Scripture that has blessed you personally!

Share a verse of encouragement with someone in need in the hospital, funeral home, or even at a ballgame or a store.

Memorize it, meditate on it, act on it, and preach about it.

God’s Word should be a part of our lives all day, every day!