A Reminder That God Will ProvideSample

Take the Word to Heart
By Rev. Mark Bartsch 

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22) 

You and I might have difficulty at times understanding the Word of God. A passage like this from the Letter of James is an example. What does it mean, “Do not merely listen to the word.”? Listening is NOT enough. 

If you “merely” listen to the Word, you are not understanding or comprehending what the Word has to say. Perhaps looking at another passage will help.

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37: 4)

What does this mean?  

• As you read and learn more in the Word of God, you will desire or seek after those things that God wants you to have.  
• As you take delight in the Lord, you will desire that he desires to you. It is a lovely cycle in which to get involved.  
• As you grow more and more in knowledge and love for the Lord, you will delight in him, and your desires for your life and your faith will be exactly what God desires for you. 

Looking again at the passage from James, listening to the Word is never enough. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word will come alive in your heart. The more you hear and learn in the Word, the greater you will desire to “do what it says.” 

The letter to the Hebrews says, “For the Word of God is alive and active.” The Word moves us to love God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

The Word moves us to take to heart the forgiveness of our sins in Jesus. The Word moves us to look forward to the eternal joys of heaven. 

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank you for sharing your Word with us. Through the Spirit, thank you for moving us to come to faith in the Lord. Dear Jesus, thank you for your willingness to die on the cross for us and our salvation. In your name, we pray. Amen.