City Life Starter

I love God’s Word.

Many believers have asked me about this love I have for the Word of God. I would say that it developed thanks to the mentors in my life who exemplified a love for God’s Word.

The question I may ask of you is, do you love God’s Word? You may answer yes to this question, but do not know how to get there. 

How do we approach this disconnect? Is there a simple way for us to love God’s Word? The answer is yes!

So what’s the secret? I can share with you one secret that will change the way you read the Bible and love God’s Word like never before. Before I tell you this secret, let me share with you how I came to this knowledge.

Since I came to know Jesus, I encountered Christians with a variety of backgrounds and members of different denominations. They possessed a certain amount of knowledge of the Scripture and could quote and apply this in their daily life. They recited these passages while doing ministry and in prayer. This is why I believe that Scripture memorization is one of the spiritual disciplines that everyone should have in their life. Just think about how Jesus defended Himself against Satan in the wilderness. He did not have a theological debate or boast as the Son of God but quoted the Scriptures against the temptations. So is Scripture memorization my secret? Well, sort of, but not entirely.

I have met many professors, ministers, and pastors who exemplified love for God’s Word in my time at seminary. These amazing men and women of God have dedicated their entire lives to God’s Word and helped their students do the same. From church history, systematic theology, OT & NT, hermeneutics, to pastoral ministry, what stood out was the importance of God’s Word. Everything we do as Christians; God’s Word must be the standard that we live by and defend with our lives. So does the secret lie within a seminary? I am for advancing Christian education and encouraging everyone who desires to do so, but it is not for everyone and is not where the secret lie.

So what is the secret to loving God’s Word or growing in love with God’s Word? Discipline. Dedicate yourself to reading God’s Word and meditate upon it day and night. The most significant influence that I had in my life is from my mentor, who dedicated His life to the Bible. He is not a seminary professor or pastor and does not hold a prestigious degree in the Bible. Still, he is known for his love and knowledge of God’s Word and is a leading influencer and voice in the Christian community. Years ago, I asked my mentor a question that changed the way I approach the Bible. While having a conversation regarding the secret on how to interpret the Word of God, my mentor said, “Ji, you and I read the same Bible, but you must take time to grow in it.” The lesson was simple. If I want to grow in love and knowledge of God’s Word, I must be willing to dedicate my time through a life of discipline to study, meditate, and understand the meaning of God’s Word.

Sounds too simple? Try waking up 30 minutes to an hour earlier, which may include turning off your favorite late-night TV shows earlier than usual. The question is, would you be willing to sacrifice your leisure time to gain a better love of God’s Word? A love for His Word?

I would like for you to consider joining me in the Psalm 119 Challenge. Psalm 119 has been part of my daily devotions for years. It is the longest psalm, and you can hear and sense the Psalmist’s heart for the excellencies of God’s Word. I can honestly say that Psalm 119 has impacted me significantly in my love for God’s Word, and I believe it can happen to you too.

You have a couple of options:

1) Read the entire Psalm 119 every day for 119 days.

2) Read one section or Hebrew letter, about eight verses per day for 119 days.

In addition to reading, pray over the psalm and meditate on verses that the Holy Spirit leads you. Most importantly, ask God to increase your love for His Word.

So are you in?