How to Structure My Daily DevotionalsShembull

Hearing the Word of God Daily 

In the Old Testament, we hear Moses exerting the Israelites to hear the Word of God. At that time, people did not have individual copies of God’s Word available for reading. The New Testament also says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Since we live in a digital world, there are some Christians who say that they just listen to biblical sermons for their daily devotionals. They might find it easier to understand and more enjoyable to listen to their favorite preacher explain the Bible, rather than read the Old or New Testament directly. Does listening to Christian sermons substitute reading the Word of God? 

The answer is no. It is true that we live in a culture blessed with various Christian materials. We have access to a lot of teachings about the Word of God by various scholars and sermons about the Word of God by different preachers. However, these extra materials about the Bible should not replace the direct reading of the Scriptures. This material should supplement the reading of the Word of God, not substitute it. 

We can even use the current technological advancement to our benefit. For example, we can listen to the Bible read to us. We can use the software, such as YouVersion, to hear the Word of God throughout the day. For example, we can listen to the Bible during our commute to work. So the sermons and teachings about the Bible are wonderful supplements that can help us understand the Word of God better. But they should not substitute reading or listen to the Bible itself. 

There is something miraculous that happens when we get the Word of God directly into our minds and hearts. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to edify us, transform us, renew us, and change us into the image of Christ. The Scripture promises us that when we look into the mirror of the Word of God intently by meditating on it and we apply it to our lives, we are changed into the image of Christ and we reflect God’s glory.