Day VII: Know the Word

I grew up not studying the word, not knowing the word, not having it written in my heart. My sophomore year of high school, I made the decision to follow Jesus. In the beginning, I had no clue where anything was in the Bible. Embarrassed at church, I would look to the person next to me and see about how far into the Bible the verse we were studying was.

I was clueless and I didn't want to be. At Church, I would take vivid notes and read over the scripture again. I wanted to know God more. Years later, I finally started digging into God's word... finally start digging into the life-changing truth of God's word.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account." - Hebrews 4:12-13

So the question is: "Can you walk with God and not know God's word? That's a good question. Many people believe that God will somehow give them his treasure of wisdom and insight by osmosis. It doesn't happen like that. We have to mine for it, and the mine shaft goes through the pages of Scriptures."

For sometime, I didn't realize that reading the word was enabling me to draw nearer to Christ. They always said to read your Bible in Church, but I didn't know where or how to start. I would randomly flip to a passage or book and start reading. Sometimes, it didn't even make sense. So in the beginning, I got a NLT Study Bible to understand the context, time, place, and significance of passages. Now, I mainly use my lovely NIV Bible and after having more understanding of how the Bible is applicable to me, I can read passages and understand how they applied to my life. And when I don't, I ask, seek, knock.

"The Bible is the blueprint of life. The writer to the Hebrews said that the Scriptures are "living and active," not dead and buried like some us think they are. God's truth may have been written centuries ago, but it is more up to date than any book on engineering, law, or medicine because it reveals timeless insight about a man's heart and God's character. These don't change. The writer also stated that the word of God is sharp enough to cut through bones and marrow... [God's word] cuts deeply and accurately into the most remote corner of our hearts, and then it heals and changes us."

"The life-changing truth of God's word used by the Spirit of God to transform lives. Do you need to know what is in the heart of God? Do you need wisdom when you are confused? Do you need peace when anxiety threatens to turn your world upside down? Do you need encouragement because you have failed or been betrayed? Of course, you do. We all do. How do we get the faith to believe God in good times and bad? It comes mostly through his word."

Hopefully, you are a student of God's word. I am continually learning. "Becoming a student of God's word costs us some time, energy, and discipline. But it will result in a wealth of insight, direction, and understanding"... it will change your life :)

So, how do we absorb truth?

Hear the Word
10% of what we hear sticks. In Romans 10:17, Paul says that "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." For me, I hear the word at Youth Ministry, College Ministry, Church, through friends (and their lives), through the radio, and sometimes even internet or TV. So, hear it, listen to it, and store it!

Read the Word
25% of what we read sticks. In Deuteronomy 17:19, Moses said, "He is to read [the scriptures] all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees."

"Reading reinforces truth so we can understand and obey God. The pages of the Bible are the source of God's wisdom about relationships; career; parents; dealing with tragedy, pain, and death; purpose; values; lifestyle; and all the principles you and I need to live successfully... You can know his will if you you read his book."

Study the Word
50% of what we study sticks. In Proverbs 2:3-7 Solomon said that "if you call our for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless."

The more passionate we are about knowing God, the more motivated we are to get into his word. I can attest to this. The more I know Jesus, the more I desire to get into my word. Let's get passionate!

Memorize the Word
80% of what we memorize sticks. In Psalm 119:9,11, David wrote, "How can a young man keep his was pure? By living according to your word... I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." By memorizing God's word, we allow the Holy Spirit to use it in our lives. So read it, study it, memorize it!

Meditate on the Word "Marinate"
"Soaking yourself in God's word is 100% effective!!! God wants his word not just to be a "spice" that accents our life, but a daily marinating process that literally soaks into the core of who we are, forever changing our very identity." In Romans 12:2, Pall calls us to "not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

"The truth found in the pages of the Bible are worth more than silver and gold. They hold the keys to success and fulfillment, but these treasures.... require tenacity and effort. Is that effort worth it to you?"


If you have walked through really tough, tough, trials and if you have enjoyed the thrill of soaring on eagles wings, you know that it is worth it. Every time you get into Scripture, listen to what He is speaking into your life and allow God to draw nearer... our lives are changed.

So listen to, read, study, memorize, & marinate on the word :)
Live it out!



All quotes in this post are from David Nasser's A Call to Die