FEASTING ON GOD’S WORD
By Carolyn Dale Newell
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory
both now and forever. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18 NKJV
How is your spiritual appetite? Are you feasting upon the Word of God, or are you hungry from a famine? In the same way our physical bodies require food, our spiritual side needs to be fed to grow in the grace and knowledge of God.
First, we develop spiritually through preaching. As we listen, the Holy Spirit works in our hearts, convicting us. Sadly, many churches are replacing preaching with other activities on a regular basis. Are you being fed at your church, or are you leaving starved?
Our bodies would lack the energy we need if we only ate two or three times a week. We would not be able to work daily or participate in our favorite activities. Eventually, we would become sick. The same is true for us spiritually. That is why we need to read our Bibles daily. If we depend solely on what we receive at church on Sunday, we will suffer from spiritual anorexia.
While reading, select one verse to meditate on throughout your day. Memorize it. Snack on it. Write it down. Reflecting upon Scripture in this manner will enhance our spiritual growth more than trying to read through the Bible in one year. If you are diligent in reading through God’s Word annually, choose a verse from each day’s section.
Another way we increase spiritually is through our trials. Let’s call them growing pains. I learned to let go of worry when my wayward daughter left home. Not knowing where she was, I had to trust God with taking care of her. Otherwise, worry would have driven me insane. Perhaps you remember a similar time in your life where a trial resulted in a growth spurt.
The riches of God’s grace are revealed during the roughest times of our life. Trials put our knowledge to the test. If we have been starving spiritually, we won’t have much to sustain us through the times of trouble.
Begin today by examining your spiritual diet. Make plans to grow in a manner that glorifies God.
Heavenly Father,
Set us on a path that will keep us growing. Guard the precious time that we spend with You. Thank You for Your holy Word. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read 2 Peter 3:15-18.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Select a quiet time and place to read the Bible and pray. Then stick to it. Ask God to lead you in which method of Bible study works best for you.
Copyright 2015 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 