Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of June 26, 2022

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. -Proverbs 4:20-22

Words are impactful and have the power to either lift up or tear down. They can “heal” and “bring life” to those who hear them. This is what Jesus’ words do in our hearts and minds, and this is what He intends for us to do with the words we speak to others.

The most influential words we can hear, live by, and imitate in our lives, are the words of Jesus. The words He spoke here on earth, and the words written across the pages of Scripture, are for our guidance and for gaining wisdom. These words hold power and influence and can help shape us into the followers God desires us to be.

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. -Matthew 7:24

Jesus is our “rock” and strong foundation that we build our lives upon. His Word is our blueprint and helps guide us throughout our time here on earth. When we allow the words of the Lord to penetrate deeply into our hearts, we act and speak honorably to God. We also draw others into His redeeming love and grace.

When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, He wasn’t just giving a list of dos and don’ts on how to be a Christian. He was giving Christ-followers the truest example of what it looks like to live out the saving grace we’ve received. Jesus was explaining what the upside-down kingdom looks like: lives lived for Christ alone. His words show us the path to living radically different from the world, and that is what we’re called to do.

Oswald Chambers wrote, “He came to make us what He teaches us we should be.” The words of God have divine power in our lives. Power to free us from sin, shame, and guilt. They have the power to lead, inspire and equip us, and most importantly to save us from our sin-filled flesh. We can, in turn, use the Lord’s holy words and instruction to lead others to Him, so they too can experience His redeeming love.

My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being. –Proverbs 3:1-2

We have access to life-giving words all throughout Scripture. He has given us a beautiful gift to dive deeply into and helps us live an abundant life in Him. When we reflect on our own words and consider their weight, we can turn to the words of God and allow them to sink in and direct us. Our words are powerful and should reflect the most influential words of Christ. The week let your speech be a healing and life-giving reflection of Christ.  –Brooke Price