May God give us ears to hear His Word, a heart to receive it, and faith to put it into action.

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." ~ Isaiah 40:8

Today’s world is chaotic. Watching the news, it feels like everything is literally falling apart at the seams. And beyond that, everything is disposable. Indeed, our very lives seem fleeting in the light of modern values. We desperately search for something of lasting worth to hold on to, and we long for a solid foundation to build our lives upon.

John 1 talks of the greatest gift God has ever given: his Word, manifested in the flesh in the form of Jesus. Indeed, God’s Word is a powerful force. It has been working since he first spoke creation into being. And this voice still speaks today. This news is like fresh water in a stagnant world. This is something worth building a life upon. But how do we incorporate God’s Word into our daily lives?

It begins with hearing God’s Word. God’s voice can be found in many places. Reading Scripture, listening to sermons, Christian music, even conversations with other believers, all can be ways to hear God’s voice. Ask God to help you listen for his voice, and he will help you find it (John 10:27).

Beyond hearing God’s Word, we should be receiving God’s Word. Jesus began one of his most important sermons by saying “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3). As we listen to God’s Word, it is important to maintain a humble heart. This is the attitude of a person prepared to receive what God has for us. 

When we receive God’s Word, we are ready for the most important part: putting God’s Word into action. As believers, we literally act as the Word of God to the world today. This is a big responsibility, but one that we can fulfill if we adhere to James 1:22: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Jesus has set a great model for us to follow, as he regularly incorporated Scriptures into his everyday encounters. 

Jesus’ example, as well as his teachings on God’s Word, are perhaps best summed up in Matthew 4:4, when he responded to temptation by stating that “Man cannot live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Indeed, God’s Word brings us life. Take time to listen, receive, and apply his Word in your life.

Prayer: “God, give me ears to hear your Word in the world, a heart to receive it, and a faith to put it into action”

Written by Mark Lee of THIRD DAY