March 26th
Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. 1 Peter 2:2-3 NASB
If you’ve been blessed with children, you know that when a baby wants to be fed, there isn’t much that can stand in his or her way! Newborn babies especially can’t live without milk, since that’s all they can eat. Peter is showing us here how we should long for the word of God and that through it, we will grow in respect to salvation.
During my sex addiction days, I had difficulty having quiet times and didn’t get much out of Bible study. The scripture seemed bland and boring to me. I came to realize that the sins of lust through porn were putting a chokehold on my spiritual life. These habitual sins were blocking the revelation of God’s word and my understanding of the word. Once I had repented of my porn habits and sinful thought life, I began to experience and understand the word during my quiet times. The Holy Spirit quickened my understanding and showed me how the practical applications of the scripture I studied.
God’s word is alive and gives us life. Moses said, “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3 NASB). The word gives us practical instruction for following Jesus. Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).
If you have allowed sin to clog your spiritual arteries and impede your reception of the word, you can return to God in confession and repentance today. He will breathe new life into you and open your spiritual eyes and ears to receive his revelation from the word.
Questions for further thought:
What are some of the lies concerning the Bible that the enemy tries to get us to believe?
What promises does God make to us as part of the New Covenant that will help us to understand his word? (Hebrews 10:16)
How does God’s word help us in resisting temptation? (Psalm 119:9-11)
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, Thank you for the Bible. Thank you that it has a wealth of wisdom and guidance for every situation I might face in life. Please forgive me for any neglect of studying the Bible. Please renew a passion and desire in me to learn your word. Please give me understanding and wisdom as I read the Bible daily. Thank you, Father! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”