Make no mistake about it — there’s simply no excuse for not spending some serious time with your head and heart in Scripture every week. As leaders, this is doubly true. Let me draw your attention to four specific benefits you’ll receive from making it a habit of getting into the word — and getting the word into you — daily.

1. It will help you fight temptation, and we know that as leaders we’re going to be tempted.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 NIV)

Temptation is everywhere around you; we live in a world of temptation.  Word-up so as to build up your resistance.

2. It will up your trust in God; sometimes as leaders, that’s all it seems we can trust in is God!

...faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17 NIV)

As you “hear from God” through reading and reflecting on His word, you’re fueling your faith and adding to the reservoir of your trust in Him.

3. It will keep your mind filled with good “stuff,” and we know that we dwell on in our thoughts as leaders is what shows up in our lives.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

You want bad news?  Turn on the TV news!  You want to hear good news?  Tune into Scripture.  Would you let a day pass without keeping abreast of world affairs?  Now what about heavenly matters?

4. It will help you spiritually ‘grow up,’ and as leaders, our job is to show others that we’re all growing and maturing to be more like Christ.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV)

What food is to your body, the Bible is to your spirit!  Drink up!

    Perhaps the single most important thing you can do every day is to take in a bit of the word of God into your heart and mind.  So find a way to start your day with the word.  Get up a little earlier and read it.  Or get it on cassette tape or CD and play it while you, shave, exercise or  commute to work.  Subscribe to a daily email devotional or go to an online resource that will help you work your way through the Bible. Get creative, but by all means let the word create a place in your day where God can repair, nurture, and strengthen your heart.

[Heartlight has several Bible reading plans that thousands have found helpful to them. Why not check them out and find one that fits you as you begin to make your plans for a new year! You can also join over a hundred thousand other Christians all over the world who receive our free daily email devotional, Today’s Verse. Check it out and subscribe today!]

Comments, questions & requests to be added to the e-mailing list for the Online Devotional may be sent to: <thedsmith@aol.com>

Title: "Get the Word In"
Author: David Smith
Publication Date: November 6, 2001

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