Continuing in God’s Word

John 8:31-59 I was speaking at a ladies’ retreat, and a woman came to me after the meeting to ask my counsel about some things in her life. I asked her if she had looked into God’s Word for her answers. She replied, “Oh, I’ve already read the Bible through years ago.” This lady did not have the concept that the Word of God is our daily spiritual bread. When we pray “Give us this day our daily bread,” we are not just praying for physical bread. We are also praying for the Father to give us fresh spiritual bread or manna, a fresh word from Him that will sustain us throughout the day.

The children of Israel were instructed to gather fresh manna every morning except for the Sabbath, which was a day of rest. If they took more than they needed, the manna rotted. They had to digest what they gathered, and they each were assigned a portion. We should treat God’s Word like manna and be careful to daily receive our portion. Some people make the mistake of trying to digest too much of the Word daily, and they get indigestion. The Word is like vitamin C because it needs to be absorbed into our system daily to have the proper effect on our spiritual health. Paul tells Timothy that the Word of God is given to us for instruction, correction, reproof and doctrine.

The Holy Spirit has a fresh word for you daily, but you must ask Him for that word. It may only be one verse, but that verse will sustain you throughout the day. At the same time, reading the Bible through along with seeking a special word is of great value. I love reading the Bible through in a year because each day I receive portions of spiritual bread from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. I know that I am daily receiving the full counsel of God’s Word.

In this passage Jesus shares the qualifications of a true disciple. He said, “If you abide in My word, then you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

We love to quote the second verse, “You shall know the truth and the truth will make you free,” but often we fail to meet the condition expressed just before this verse, “If you continue in My word.” There are many Christians but few disciples who are willing to submit themselves daily for the instruction, reproof, correction and teaching of doctrine found in God’s Word.

I asked the lady who said she read the Bible through years ago a question. I asked her if she looked in the mirror daily to check her makeup before she went out of her house. She replied, “Of course I do this.” Then I exhorted her to daily look into the mirror of God’s Word, and if she did this faithfully, each day she would grow in the beauty of the Lord.

READ: 1 Samuel 18:5-19:24; John 8:31-59; Psalm 112:1-10; Proverbs 15:12-14