MEDITATE GOD'S WORD DAILY - A DEVOTIONAL BY BRO. STANLEY

Reading: Matthew 8:5-13

"God said, Let there be light; and there was light" (Gen 1:3)

The entire universe was created by the spoken Word of God (Heb 11:3). When God said, "Let there be light," there was light. When God said, "Let there be trees," so it was. God's Word is still the same. Its power has not changed. "The Word of the Lord endures forever" even if all creation vanishes away (1 Peter 1:24,25).

The power of God's Word is illustrated in various ways in the Scriptures. God Himself challenges His people, "Is not My Word like a fire, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29). Prophet Jeremiah testified, "His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones" (Jeremiah 20:9). The fire of God's Word burns up the rubbish in our life and refines us as pure gold. What the best of human argument cannot do, the Word of God can accomplish in us if only we would allow it to work freely in us.

The stunted growth of many a Christian is primarily due to insufficient intake of the Word of God. Just like babies we are to be craving for the milk of God's Word. Growth is not possible otherwise (1 Pet 2:2). If we thus meditate the Bible with hunger and thirst, its God-intended purpose shall be fully accomplished in us. God says, "My Word shall not return to Me without fruit" (Isaiah 55:10,11).

In this age of hectic activity, whether spiritual or secular, we must guard ourselves of the danger of becoming too busy to spend unhurried time in Bible meditation. We may build massive structures or launch mammoth projects. They will impress God the least. But He is attracted towards the one who "trembles at His Word" (Isaiah 66:1,2) which means, God honors those who honor His Word. He prospers the work of their hands (Psalms 1:2,3). Our mental strength and physical stamina cannot sustain us too long without the spiritual power that comes from God's Word. That is why David prayed frequently, "Strengthen me according to Your Word" (Psalms 119:28).

Bodily sickness is common to all. Praise God for all the medical help available today, but we are well aware of its limitations. The miracle healing power of God can be experienced by those who believe it. With reference to the wilderness journey of the Israelites we read, "God sent His Word and healed them" (Psalms 107:20). "Jesus cast out the demons with a Word, and healed all who were sick" (Mt 8:16). Those who are regular in Bible meditation will experience both spiritual and physical health (Proverbs 4:20-22). Bless God for the Bible!