Rooted in Study.

Last Monday I recapped a little about what it means to be "rooted in God's love." We have identified 6 areas of God's love that we call "Expressions of God's Love." They are: Study, Prayer, Stewardship, Discipleship, Community, and Service. 

Today, I want to focus a little more closely on the first expression, Study. This is the first of three expressions on the "Love God" side of becoming "rooted." We evaluate study using this statement: 

"I am deepening my understanding of God's word through regular study and other resources."

I know something about you that you don't really want to admit. Studying God's word is tough. It's tough to be motivated, sometimes it's tough to understand, and sometimes you just don't want to hear what it has to say. You know how I know this? Because I have said all of those things before. Here's the other thing I know: when I faithfully study God's word, my life is enriched, I make better decisions, I am a better husband, father, a minister. 

God says:

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It will not return to me empty,  but will accomplish what I desire  and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

When I invest in my IRA my investment could return void, or at least lose value. When I invest God's word into my heart, mind, and soul, it will never return empty. 

Those are nice words, but it doesn't make it easier to do, does it? Investing God's word into your heart, soul, and mind can feel so overwhelming that it is easier simply not to do it. 


Beginning October 13th, we're going to be giving you some great resources to study God's word through our series called, 40 Day's in the Word. Through this sermon series and corresponding small group study you will learn that becoming a student of God's word is attainable. You don't have to be a Bible scholar to gain insights from God's word. You will learn practical skills and have the opportunity to hone those skills within the context of community. God's word is the most valuable resource we have on this earth. Let's not let it collect dust any longer.