Talk It Out, Think It Out, Walk It Out!

From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries

How can you make God's Word more personal and effective in your life? By receiving it as a practical, not a theoretical Word. It's intended for real-world application. "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock." (Matthew 7:24). The obedient builder's rock-solid foundation withstood the storm's violence.

Conversely, "Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them," Jesus says, is a fool, and the storms will erode his foundation. (Matthew 7:26). Now, Jesus didn't condemn this man for building an inadequate structure, or failing to hear, understand and believe His Words...but for failing to act on them. "Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says… the man who looks intently into the perfect law… not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22-25).

If we think reading, knowing, and even believing God's Word fulfils our obligation to it, we're self-deceived. James didn't say, "he will be blessed in what he believes," but "he will be blessed in what he does!"

How can you get the maximum benefit out of God's Word? Receive it as a permanent Word, not a temporary Word. "Program your mind with the Scriptures." How do you do that?

(1) "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly." (Colossians 3:16). Give it permanent residence, not just visitor status.

(2) "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night… do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8). To retain it permanently, talk it out, think it out, walk it out!