“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22 NIV).
Let’s imagine together that you want to get serious about your physical health. You buy a book about exercise and tell a friend about it. “It’s going to change my life,” you say.
Then six months later you see your friend again, and you’re still in the same shape. “It’s the greatest book I’ve ever read,” you say. “I underlined parts of it, memorized whole sections, and even started a study group about it.”
But you never practiced what the book taught, so it didn’t change you.
Do you find yourself doing the same thing with God’s Word? You may mark your Bible, but do you let your Bible mark you?
The book of James says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22 NIV).
To receive the blessings of the Bible, you have to respond to it and let it change you.
If you haven’t practiced intentionally responding to God’s Word, it might be hard to know where to start. Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you read a passage of Scripture:
Does this show me a sin I need to confess or an attitude I need to change?
Does God give me a command to obey or an example to follow?
Is there a prayer in this passage of Scripture that I can pray for myself or for other people?
Start with these questions. As you put them into practice, you’ll soon find that you’re not the same person.
There’s a translation of the Bible called The Living Bible. That’s what each of us should be—a living Bible. The best translation of Scripture is when you translate it into your life and let it change you.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Unlock the Keys to Praying with Passion and Purpose
Make prayer time the best time of your day with the brand-new 2022 Daily Hope Prayer Journal!
This easy-to-carry hardback journal with a soft-touch cover gives you the tools you need to establish a consistent daily prayer time. It’ll help you connect with the Lord and enjoy a vibrant prayer life as you unlock the keys to praying with passion and purpose.
Inside you’ll find 235 beautifully designed pages filled with:
• Practical encouragement for your prayer life from Pastor Rick • Sections that guide you to pray for specific people and situations • Space for writing out what God is showing you • Encouraging Bible verses • Gorgeous artwork and inspiring photos
Dive into this year’s theme, “Connecting with Jesus: The Source of Living Water,” and tap into God’s power and presence as you’re reminded how much God loves you and wants to be an active part of your life.
The all new 2022 Daily Hope Prayer Journal is our thanks for your gift to reach people around the world with the hope of Jesus. So ask for it when you give today!
And thanks to generous $100,000 Matching Grant, your year-end gift to Daily Hope will be DOUBLED to help bring the Good News of God’s love to every nation on earth.
All gifts will be doubled up to the full amount of the grant. Thank you for your generous support!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
