Overflowing: Living Abundantly in a Broken CultureSample

Abundantly Fruitful

One of the most incredible aspects of daily committing to the truth of the Bible is what it will do in you. As modern-day believers in Christ, we do not read the Bible primarily for information but for transformation.

While it is true that the Bible is the historical account of God’s people and how He worked in their lives, that is not the primary reason we should read it every day. Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:6 of the fruit that will grow in our lives as we ingest the magnificent pages of Scripture.

The Word does a miraculous and productive work in our hearts, attitudes, and emotions as we simply open the Bible and read it. As you commit to being a faithful reader of Scripture, you will notice the difference it makes in you.

Suddenly, you will realize that people and situations that used to frustrate you are no longer doing so. You might ask, “What happened to me?” The Word happened to you!

The Word acts as a vibrant and nearly instant fertilizer for the fruits of the Spirit in a person’s life. We need the Word to stabilize our emotions and to help us exhibit love and kindness in difficult situations.

“It is constantly bearing fruit and increasing” is Paul’s reminder to the church at Colossae and, therefore, to us. You will notice a profound and lasting difference in your emotional stability as you joyfully partake of the Word each day. There will be moments when you will not completely understand the Word with your mind, but your spirit will always catch what your mind is unable to comprehend.

God’s Will Is His Word

I encourage you today…if you are asking, “What is God’s will for my life?” - open your Bible. If you are tormented by worry or anxiety - read the Word. If you are consumed by a constant bad attitude, be in awe of the sacred pages of Scripture. If you lack personal discipline, memorize a verse or two. If a certain person constantly frustrates you, read the Word out loud to yourself. Whatever your need, the Bible has the answer!

One of the spectacular facets of the Bible is that when you read it, believe it, and apply it to your life, the inside growth will become obvious on the outside of you! You will be a fruit-bearing and delicious Christian.

DAILY WORDS OF WISDOM:

Down through the years, I turned to the Bible and found in it all I needed.

- Ruth Bell Graham