Scripture Feeds Us | 28 Days Of Hope: Day 15

28 Days of Hope – Day 15

Hope can increase and decrease based on our daily decisions. Your habits matter and are powerful. Jesus was tested. The devil looked Jesus in the eyes. He knew that if the perfect Messiah stumbles and sins, there will be no salvation for mankind. The devil tempted Jesus three times. Jesus responded the same way with each test because His approach works. He quoted the Bible every time He was tempted. There is power in the Word of God. It is our sword in the spiritual battle. Why did Jesus choose this response? He knew we would be tempted every day, and He gave us the key to purity and victory. How many Christians do you know who quote the Bible when they are tempted? It is one of the most underutilized resources to ward off temptation and walk away from sin. I’m passionate about this because I see so many Christians have strongholds and fall yet refuse to quote the Bible. It takes ten minutes to memorize a verse and you can use it to provide a way out for the rest of your life! Jesus referred to the book of Deuteronomy every time. You can use the same verses He selected or choose a verse that is meaningful to you.

The Bible is like a menu for your soul. Each book has a different flavor and boost in your relationship with God. It is a love letter from your Maker. Savor your time listening to God and drawing close to your Savior. We spend so much time and energy shopping for physical food, preparing it, cooking it, and eating it. Jesus values spiritual food to a greater degree. We need both to survive. Find a Bible study group and learn together. Find people who are spiritually hungry and grow with Jesus together. I remember when my grandpa was in his seventies and had countless bookmarks in his Bible. He told me he really wants to get to know God better before He goes to heaven. His comment is part of His legacy. I have His Bible and picture in my office. He is with Jesus now.

Josiah was only 8 years old when he became king, and he began to seek God as a teenager. He discovered the Scripture and repented. Then he led the nation to return to God and honor His word. God can use people of all ages to spiritually inspire. The more time we spend in Scripture, the more our hope grows and develops. We have four children, and every night we share Scripture together with them. In our house, the declaration before bedtime, “It’s time for the devotional” continues. Their souls need nourishment. They need more than just human words and affirmation. They need to hear it from God. The Bible will form your worldview, teach you about relationships, strengthen your inner life, reveal your purpose, help you discern truth, motivate you deeply, and build up your theology. I’m eternally grateful for how God changes us through His Word. I came to know Jesus when I read the Gospel of John at Dartmouth College. This is one habit I want to highlight for you. If you are in the word daily, begin to encourage and challenge friends and family to join you.

Hope Point: We can be spiritually nourished and strengthened from God’s word daily.

Hope Story: Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34:1-33

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What is one verse you can start quoting when you are tempted?
2. Do you believe we are strengthened through reading Scripture? If so, provide some specific examples in your life.
3. Do you read your Bible daily? Describe the benefits of taking this step of faith.
4. What changes should we make to better nourish ourselves spiritually every day and why do we overfocus on physical food?

PRAYER

Thank You God for communicating with us and making Yourself known through Scripture. I praise You because You are trustworthy. Your word stands forever. Mockers and scoffers will face the truth. Your words are living and active. I pray in Your holy name Jesus, amen.

28 Days of Hope is a journey together, as we rediscover and recommit to God’s indestructible hope in transformative ways. As you begin this journey, you’ll experience a sense of excitement about what God is going to do.

If you have a desire to grow in your faith, strengthen your relationships, gain wisdom, cultivate new habits, experience more peace, and live daily with purpose and passion, then you are in the right place. Just Choose Hope