Welcome to Wednesday, August 4th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Rules For Growth: God's Word

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Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Rules For Growth: God's Word

A couple of months ago, an individual complained that he didn't think he was growing in his Christian faith.

I inquired about what he was doing to promote his spiritual growth. His response provided the answer he was seeking. "Not much, I guess!"

My reply was, "No investment, no return!" I reminded him that we will not grow in our faith unless we do what God commands us to do. I continued with, "In all likelihood, without doing so you will go backward in your faith."

He wanted to know where to start. I told him that he needed to begin reading and studying his Bible and that the gospel of John was an excellent first book. I encouraged him to read the entire book and then to re-read and study a chapter a day for 21 days. I often recommend the Gospel of John this book provides an understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Many of us are lax in our study of God's Word. Oh, we do open it to follow along with the sermon on Sunday morning or to participate in an adult Bible Study, but do we read and study it every day?

As we ingest the Word of God, it causes our faith to grow.

Romans 10:17 NASB

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

As we read and study the Word of God, we recognize its truth and have the desire to more fully commit and yield our lives to the God of the Bible. By definition, that is spiritual growth.

God's Word also points out our sin. Since we still have our old nature, we are still prone to sin. Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB points out the effectiveness of God's Word to shed light on our sin.

Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  [13]  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer.

Our goal is to head off falling into sin before it happens. As we delve into God's Word, we come into contact with verses such as:

Psalms 119:11-16 NASB

I have treasured Your word in my heart, So that I may not sin against You.  [12]  Blessed are You, LORD; Teach me Your statutes.  [13]  With my lips I have told of All the ordinances of Your mouth.  [14]  I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.  [15]  I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways.  [16]  I shall delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.

By definition, God's Word provides a standard by which are to live.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB

All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;  [17]  so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.

The individual I noted at the beginning of this devotional checked back in with me several weeks ago. He now feels like he is making progress in his spiritual walk.

Tomorrow I will share another Rule for Christian Growth . . . Prayer.

Let's Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Help us to realize the privilege we have of free access to Your Word.

May we find joy in reading and studying it every day.

We ask that You would guard our hearts against falling away from the Christian faith.

Strengthen our faith and trust in You today.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!