Hoarding God's Word - Plus Giveaway

Hey Friend,

I thought I was heading home in my car, when visions of toilet paper began to dance in my head.  I knew I had enough to last a couple of weeks if we all have to hunker down, but the little imp called "Doubt" kept poking me.  "What if we have to quarantine longer?" I queried myself out loud.

Before you knew it, I was making a bee line toward the T.P. aisle at Target.  I scooped my ration of one package into my cart and headed toward the checkout.  

A store manager was in a rather animated discussion with a customer.  "This is your second trip back into the store in the past 15 minutes," she announced with a scowl.  "There's a reason why we say one per customer and that doesn't mean come back in a second time," she chastened.  Soon afterward, the manager had to scold a second customer for doing the very same thing.

These are strange times and they can tend to bring out the best and the worst in people.  

On my drive home, I reflected on this thought: What if we hoarded God's Holy Word like we have been hoarding toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, and hand-sanitizer?  Instead of storing up treasures here on earth, that will be gone tomorrow, what if we stored up heavenly treasurers? 

Hiding God's Word in our hearts essentially means memorizing and meditating on the Bible.  

God uses his Word - the Bible - to speak to us and show us how we ought to live.  It is our responsibility to guard our hearts and to keep track of the things we hide inside it.  So, what's in there?

“The heart is deceitful above all things and it is extremely sick; who can understand it fully and know its secret motives?"  (Jeremiah 17:9)

We think we can trust our hearts and the opinions it holds.  Many are the thoughts of our heart, but most are not from the Lord.  

When rain falls on parched land, it quenches like nothing else can.  Cracks and dust disappear and the land expands with goodness and nourishment. The earth is soaked in a life-giving balm. 

We need to water our thirsty hearts with the only thing that can quench our parched heart and soul - God's Word.  

Finally, brothers and sisters, 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)

The only way I can have God's word at my fingertips for reassurance in troubled times is if I meditate on it each and every day.  Nothing else, but God's word, is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy...nothing.

The Jewish priests of old used to literally put God's word in little boxes and tie them around their hands and foreheads.  It was symbolic of what we are to hoard into our mind and heart...God's word.  

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders." (Deuteronomy 11:8)

What would it look like if I "committed" myself wholeheartedly to God's word?  What if I coveted it like I did another package of T.P.?  What if I hoarded His life-giving word in my heart - hiding it in all the corners and crevices that I could possibly find?  Would my outer life look different?

Now, without the distraction of busyness and rushing from place to place, is the time to sit and soak in His word.  Like parched land, let us soak in the dewy goodness that can only be found in scripture.  Let's let our hearts be marinated in that which can bring forth life.  Now is the time to hoard His Word.

Giveaway Time:  "Transforming Your Thought Life" - Sarah Geringer

My good friend, and writer, Sarah Geringer has a new book out that has rocketed up the charts. Each chapter of "Transforming Your Thought Life" focuses on a particular kind of negative thought pattern and offers guided meditation through key Bible verses and prayers that will help you train your mind to stand strong.  Day by day, as you hide God's word in your heart, you will mover closer to the mind and heart of God.

To win this free book, all you have to do is SUBSCRIBE to my blog and you will automatically be entered...that's it. Next week I will finish my series on being "Stuck."  SUBSCRIBE and join me for when we are stuck in our brokenness...may it be a healing balm for your heart. 

Go to the subscribe tab above, enter your contact information, and then be SURE TO CHECK YOUR EMAIL INBOX FOR A CONFIRMATION EMAIL AND LINK TO CONFIRM YOUR SUBSCRIPTION.  (Check spam filters if you don't see it.). 

Winner drawn Mar. 28th (Winner will be contacted by email)

Be blessed and stay safe....  Cabin fever?  Check the Archives on my blog for a post title that speaks to you.  Know you are being prayed for...