Daily Time in the Word

Life in the Word - Devotion 1

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. - Psalm 119:1

Truth is stranger than fiction! This is especially true when it comes to the questions 5th and 6th graders ask in Life in the Word Class. Some questions are more difficult than others. At these times I’m so grateful for the classroom set-up for the Life in Jesus classes. I’m not alone! Of course the Holy Spirit is there to inspire and guide, but I’m also there with several other adults. These adults not only lead the small group portion of the class time-they have my Biblical back.

When those tough questions come in I quickly turn to them and ask: “Do you know this story?” or “Are you familiar with this verse?” or “Have you come across this in your devotions?” I can ask this without fear of embarrassing anyone, trusting that they are spending regular time in the Word. In fact, there are really only three qualifications for being a small group leader-love kids, spend time in the word and show up reliably. Sounds easy but when you think about it, these three qualifications make the Life in Jesus small group leaders exceptional human beings.

While being a small group leader is not for everyone, spending daily time in the Word is. The Lord said to Joshua, “do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth: meditate on in day and night.” (Joshua 1:8)

Meditating on scripture makes it a part of us. When we think through scripture God can use His Word in the ways Paul describes to Timothy- “for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”. (II Timothy 3:16)

Going one step further and memorizing scripture is really powerful. The Life in the Word class memorizes a verse each week. God promises that this act can keep us from sinning. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”.

A daily habit of time in the Word, meditating on it, and moving on to memorizing it will lead us to God’s will and promises. It works to prevent sin and grow faith. This is amazing and true.

Prayer: God, Your Word is truth. Your Word is power. We confess that we are just the opposite. We are untruthful and weak. By your word, strengthen, teach, rebuke, correct and train us so that we might not sin against You. Amen