But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 ESV
As a young child, I read a story of another young girl practicing a monthly superstition. She believed if the first words out of your mouth on the first day of a new month were ‘rabbit, rabbit’ you would have a great month. If the first words out of your mouth weren’t ‘rabbit, rabbit’ you would experience a less than desirable month, unless you said ‘tibbar, tibbar’ (rabbit spelled backward.) Saying, ‘tibbar, tibbar’ would reverse the curse and you would still have a great month.
Not knowing any better this became a practice for me, as well. Over 50 years later, and even though gratefully I know better, I still find myself remembering this superstition on the first day of a new month.
Why does this stick with me? I’m sure it is because I read it and I applied it, I said those words. I probably told others and encouraged them to also practice this fake folklore.
I read it, I did it, I shared it and it sticks with me.
Oh how much richer for us when it is His Word we read, apply, and share.
We read that He split the sea so the Israelites could walk right through it (Exodus 14:20-21), we read He can make a donkey talk (Numbers 22:28), or suspend time (Joshua 10:12-14). Is He not our God who makes the impossible possible? How do we apply what we’ve read?
I encourage us to pray bigger prayers and believe in Him for big answers.
I encourage us to not give up or doubt but to keep asking, seeking, knocking.
I encourage us to remember He cannot lie and that He is faithful and true.
I encourage us to have a countenance that is full of faith, hope, and expectation.
I encourage us not to grumble or complain indirectly saying ‘He won’t, isn’t, or can’t.’
I encourage us to listen for opportunities to remind others of His supernatural, loving, miraculous power.
Are the doctors saying ‘nothing more can be done?’ Pray for His more to be done (Mark 10:27)!
Are unsaved loved ones seemingly more attracted to the world than to Jesus? Pray His Word (2 Peter 3:9) for their souls!
Are the bills coming in more than your paycheck? Pray for His wisdom (James 3:17) and provision (Phillipians 4:6&19.)
Remember the words of Jeremiah ‘nothing is too hard for Him,’ (Jeremiah 32:17 & 27) and believe.
Will you join me in reading, applying, and sharing His truth so that it becomes such a part of us we never forget all He is, all He’s done, or all He can do?
Hebrews 11:6, ‘And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.’
Father God, we thank You, we bless You, we appreciate You, we hunger for more of You. Father help us this day and always to read Your Word, do your Word, live Your Word and love your Word that it always comes to remembrance for Your glory. In Your precious Name Jesus, we pray. Amen.