Know the Word

Lately I have been challenged more and more to know God's word.  Not to just hear it or to glimpse over it in a daily devotional, but to explore it for myself 

One of he first things that I realized is that knowing God's word is a dangerous thing.  It teaches us, it guides and instructs us.  It literally has the power to change us. Seriously?  Read John 1 

So if we begin to read God's word daily, shouldn't we then be able to learn God's word and His word to our lives?  We should!  But many times we don't.

The problem is that we expect other people to tell us or show us what God is all about.  We trust preachers and teachers to instruct and inform.  We wait for a spiritual moment or an event that will enlighten us.  Too many times we do not take the time or make an effort to sit down to meditate and read through God's word for ourselves.  

Most Americans own a Bible. In fact, 92% of households in America own at least one copy.  Of those households that own a Bible, the average number of Bibles is three.  This includes not only the homes of practicing Christians but hundreds of thousands of atheists as well.  Although most Americans own a Bible, use of the Bible varies significantly.  In a poll taken by the Gallup Organization, 59% of Americans reported that they read the Bible at least occasionally.  The percentage of Americans who read the Bible at least once a week is 37%. Wow 37%! So do we really "know" God's word?

Ponder this; If you are a Christ follower, then people should be able to look for—and find—fruit in your life. Why? Because a disciple of Jesus Christ will produce spiritual fruit. Jesus said, " 'My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father'" (John 15:8 NLT). Jesus also said, "'By their fruits you will know them'" (Matthew 7:20 NKJV).

Love one another, create fruit.  It's in the good book.  It's God's word. 
dave