The Engrafted Word

Meditation Journey Day 9

Hi Friend,

Today we will begin to unpack verse two of Proverbs 2:1-5, but before we do I want to share with you some things I do to “hide” the Word in my heart.

My perspective towards the process is this: I know that it is the seed of God, and it has a life of its own. I trust the seed to do what God sent it to do (Isaiah 55:11), which is create in me the character of Christ (Romans 8:29). This is no small thought. One of the major changes in my life came as I realized I cannot do anything without Him unless I abide in the vine (John 15:5). It is His life; His power and His Spirit that I want to have its way in my life. I sincerely trust Him to grow His life in me just as I trust the seed I plant to grow and produce fruit in my garden. My focus is on Him (Hebrews 12:1-2) and His word not my mistakes, failings and sinfulness. I am not giving you religious speak or clichés. My life has changed and is changing as I abide in Him and His Word. That is why I am so convinced this process is the critical focus every disciple must embrace to be led daily by the Spirit and follow Christ.

First let’s read again the passage…………..

My son, if you receive (accept/take) my words and store up (hide) my commands within you, turning (inclining) your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for wisdom (insight) and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then (and only then) you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

“My son, if you receive my words and store up (hide – memorize) my commands within you…”

When I choose to meditate on any passage, not just read or study it, I first need to store it in my mind. As I have learned, this is the first step to engraft/implant it into my soul (James 1:19-27). I consider it “medicine” for my soul; therefore I take it regularly through the day just like I would a pill that a doctor prescribed. After all it is the GosPILL! (OK bad joke).

Here’s what I do: I type it out, I write it out, and I say it at least five times a day. I place it on
my mirror or refrigerator, and I listen to it on CD or iPod when I drive. I try to sing it, because every verse has a tone and rhythm. I copy the passage on half a page of paper, and on the other half of the paper, I make blank lines where I try to write it word for word or write a paraphrase of each verse. I read about the passage in commentaries or other online resources. My goal is to learn it and understand what it says. In the process I begin to memorize the passage.

Observation: Since God commands us to store/hide the Word in our hearts we need to ask Him to show us how to do it!

Interpretation: How we look at the Word will determine how earnest we will be at getting it into our minds and hearts. I know it is the way I get God’s life in me to release the Holy Spirit to transform my mind (Romans 12:1-2)

Application Prayer: Father God, give us insight into how we can store Your word in our minds/hearts. Give us grace to do it so that we can bear much fruit and glorify You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

What is your take away?

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Thanks for listening. I hope you will pray for me and all the others that are on this journey. You may also want to send me comments, suggestions or questions. I promise I will respond to each inquiry.