How To Welcome God’s Word In Your Heart

Rick Warren writes:

The Bible is one of God’s great gifts to us. But a closed Bible is worthless. To reap the benefits of the Bible, you have to get its truths into your life. One way you can do that is by receiving God’s Word with an attentive, open heart. Jesus says, “Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root… Therefore consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:13, 18 NIV).

In this Scripture, the word “receive” comes from the Greek word dechomai, which literally means “to welcome.” You can welcome God’s Word like a generous host would welcome a stranger. But that verse includes a caution, too. You need to be careful of how you listen to God’s Word. Receive it with an open, teachable attitude. It’s more than just hearing. We all have heard someone without really listening.

It’s possible that as you’re reading this devotional today, you’re reading the words but not listening to the message; while your eyes are reading, your mind may be a million miles away. Scripture says that we should “receive” God’s Word.

Think of a Wi-Fi connection. When you have a strong connection, you can download things quickly and smoothly; when you don’t, your device might never display what you need. God’s Word is the same way. Sometimes we don’t have a strong connection. That keeps us from really receiving God’s Word. Sometimes we have a poor connection to the Bible because we’re just not paying attention. Other times it might be because something’s blocking that connection—maybe your relationship with God or another person is off. Get your relationships in order. Then you’ll find you have a stronger connection to God’s Word, and God will be able to use it to speak to you.

Hebrews 2:1 says, “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away” (NIV). How can you hold on to God’s Word instead of letting it drift away? One way is by taking notes. Choose a part of this devotional that God used to speak to you and write it on a note in your phone or in a journal.

How will you know when you’re receiving God’s Word with an open, attentive heart? You’ll start to see your life being changed. Acts 2:41 says, “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day” (NIV).

Think About It:

• Make a list (on paper, on your phone, or just in your mind) of all the things you might do to prepare to welcome a stranger. What are some similar ways you can prepare to welcome the truth of Scripture into your life?
• Are there relationships in your life that are out of order and might be interfering with your connection to God’s Word? What’s one thing you can do today to start making one of those relationships, right?
• You can know you’re receiving God’s Word with an open, attentive heart when it starts to change you. How have you seen Scripture change your life?

Adapted from “How To Welcome God’s Word In Your Heart“