JAI ON EARTH Discovering Our Planet

Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” JOHN 8:31-32

POINT TO PONDER: The truth transforms me.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: What has God previously informed me in his Word that I have not yet begun to do?

The Holy Spirit utilizes God’s Word to transform us into the image of the Son of God. To become more like Jesus, we must immerse ourselves in his Word. God’s Word provides the spiritual nutrition you need to achieve your mission.

The Bible is called our milk, bread, solid food, and sweet dessert. This four-course meal is the Spirit’s menu for spiritual strength and growth. To be a healthy disciple of Jesus, feeding on God’s Word must be your first priority. Jesus called it “abiding.”

People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God. – Matthew 4:4

Abiding in God’s Word requires daily decisions. First, I must recognize its authority. The most important duty you can complete today is to determine what will be the ultimate authority in your life.

Decide that, regardless of culture, tradition, reason, or emotion, the Bible is your ultimate authority. Determine to make decisions by first asking, “What does the Bible say?” Make up your mind that when God tells you to do anything, you will do it regardless of whether it makes sense or if you want to.

Every word of God is flawless. -PROVERBS 30:5

To abide in God’s Word, I must accept its truth. There are five ways to accomplish this:

1. Receive God’s Word with an open, receptive mindset.
2. Read the Bible every day to stay in touch with God.
3. Research or study the Bible, asking questions and writing down your thoughts.
4. Remember, memorizing Bible passages can help you fight temptation, make intelligent judgments, gain confidence, give sound counsel, and share your faith with others.
5. Reflect on Scripture every day–there is no other habit that will help you become more like Jesus.

Jesus said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” -JOHN 13:17

To follow God’s Word, I must apply its precepts. I must become a practitioner of the Word (James 1:22). God’s blessing stems from obeying the truth, not simply understanding it. The best method to become a “doer of the Word” is to constantly plan an action step after reading, studying, or reflecting on God’s Word. Develop the practice of writing down everything you intend to undertake.

The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives. -D.L MOODY

“Father, I thank you for your powerful, life-changing Word. I want my mind to be saturated with Scripture. Help me to build my life on your truth.”