GOD’S WORD FOR NOVEMBER 4

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

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GROWING, NOT LEAPING

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

D.L. MOODY

Although you must be born again, it will require time to become a full grown Christian. Justification is instantaneous, but sanctification is a lifework. We are to grow in wisdom. We are to add grace to grace. A tree may be perfect in its first year of growth, but it has not attained its maturity. So with the Christian: he may be a true child of God, but not a matured Christian.

ERWIN LUTZER

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could grow spiritually by osmosis? Imagine going to bed at night and while sleeping, God works in your heart and develops your spirituality, and when you wake up, suddenly you have “a heart hot for God.”

That’s not the way it happens.

Yes, we must rest in the Lord, but discipline is necessary! Recently, I have been reading through the book of Joshua, being reminded that the Lord gave them the Promised Land, but they had to possess it—and in the process, they had both victories and defeats.

Both the meat and the milk of the Word must enter our souls (Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 2:2). When we read the Word of God, it should not pass through our minds as water passes through a pipe; we need to ponder it and be changed by it, soaking in its moisture like the roots of a tree. Is there a promise to be claimed? Is there a command I should keep? What thought can I take with me for the day? Praying the Word of God has such transforming power that when we are exposed to it, it brings transformation.

We don’t leap into growing in grace, but yes, we do grow into it.

PRAYER

Father, grow and nourish me day by day as I pray your Word.

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Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

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Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

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Isaiah 40:8

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

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Matthew 4:4

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

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Proverbs 2:6

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

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James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

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Proverbs 18:15

“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”

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Psalms 111:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”

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Proverbs 4:7

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

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John 14:26

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

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John 16:13

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.”

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1 Corinthians 2:12

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”

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