Be in the Word
Jherek Mumma: “I am a husband to my beautiful wife, Jennifer, and we’ve been happily married for eleven and a half years. Together, we have three amazing children: 19-year-old son Kadin, our 15 year-old son Kobe, and our 9 year-old daughter Ella. One of my favorite hobbies is hitting the gym, where I love picking up heavy things and putting them back down. ;) I’m passionate about sharing the love of Christ, and I serve as a leader at Renew Church Duluth. As a child of God, I hold onto 1 John 3:1. ‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!’ Faith, family, and fitness are what drive me everyday.”
We are called to be people of the Word, living out God’s teachings as Jesus did. Engaging with Scripture is essential for our spiritual growth and daily living.
"Just as Jesus said, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God' (Matthew 4:4)."This verse reminds us that while physical needs are important, our spiritual needs are even more crucial. God’s Word nourishes our souls.
"Have you ever felt lost in a world full of distractions?”
“How can we hear and follow God’s Word in our daily lives?"
"How many of you read the Bible regularly?"
Did you know that only about 20% of kids your age (10-18 year old) read the Bible every day? That means many of us are missing out on something that is most important!"
Think about how different our lives would be if we truly listened to what God says in the Bible. It’s our guide for life, just like a map helps us find our way. This is the purpose for which you and I were created: communion with our Creator, and Jesus demonstrated this by His example. We often say we believe in God, but our actions sometimes don’t reflect that belief. To be strong followers of Jesus, we need to know and live out the Word. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you..." (Hosea 4:6). This verse highlights the consequences of ignoring God’s teachings. A lack of knowledge can lead to poor decisions and struggles in life.Imagine trying to play a video game without knowing the rules—it would be hard to win! The Bible is like our game guide for life, helping us navigate challenges and make good choices. Moreover, it’s the only way to attain True Life that lasts for all eternity. Because if you play any other way it will be burnt up in the end.
"The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid." — Martin Luther.
This quote emphasizes that the Bible is where we find the message of Jesus. Understanding Scripture helps us develop a closer relationship with Him. Why does this matter? If we don’t engage with the Bible, we might miss out on essential guidance for our lives and struggle with issues like anxiety or peer pressure. Here are some examples of struggles: Look around at issues like bullying or feeling lost—many kids struggle because they don’t know how to handle these situations with God’s help.
"A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." — Charles Spurgeon
This suggests that those who actively engage with the Bible show it through wear and tear, emphasizing the importance of consistent interaction with God’s Word. There is POWER in the Text. A transformative nature! The Bible has the ability to change our lives and help us make better choices. Read Romans 12:1-2
God has chosen to reveal Himself to us. It’s the primary vehicle He uses to tell us who He is and explain His heart, mind, character, nature, and will. I’ve heard it said that when you engage with Scripture, not only are you reading the Bible, but the Bible is also reading you! That’s why Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) tells us, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Over and over, Jesus tells us that if we know Him, we know God and have seen God. The primary way we get to know Jesus is through the Bible. It’s His powerful, authoritative, enlightening, and life-changing self-expression. It’s the very breath of God on each page! II Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV, emphasis added) declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
It’s truly remarkable and an incomprehensible gift from the Lord that we even have a Bible we can read whenever we want! It’s a blessing beyond my ability to express. Consider that for almost all of human history, dating back to the Old Testament and through most of church history until a few centuries ago, and even today in many places around the world, Christians have not had their own personal copies of the Bible. They had to come together to hear someone read it to them. Some didn’t have a copy to read and had to recite it from memory: rabbis, scholars, priests, and Pharisees would literally memorize the Torah, the first five books of the Bible! This context really puts Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 4:13 (NIV) to “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture” into perspective, doesn’t it? The public reading of Scripture was all most believers had since the dawn of the Church!
Think about stories of people whose lives changed because they followed God’s Word—like someone overcoming fear, making new friends, or finding peace in tough times.
"For the word of God is living and powerful..." (Hebrews 4:12). This verse tells us that the Bible is not just a book; it’s alive and can influence our thoughts and actions in powerful ways.
Here are some fun, practical, applicable, and easy ways to incorporate God’s Word into your daily life:
Daily Reading Plans: "Start with just one chapter a day from the Gospels—try reading right after school or before bed."
Memorizing Key Verses: "Pick a verse each week to memorize—choose one that speaks to you or one you can share with friends!"
Community Discussions: "Join a Bible study group or a youth group at church to talk about what you’re learning. Sharing insights can help you understand better."
Action Steps: "This week, set a goal to spend just 10 minutes a day reading the Bible."
"Make a plan: 'I’ll read one chapter a day and write down one thing I learned in a journal.'"
"Use a Bible app for reminders—there are some really cool ones that can guide you."
Apps like YouVersion or Bible.com have reading plans and even audio versions, so you can listen while you’re on the go! When we make time for God’s Word, we find strength and guidance in our lives. It helps us face challenges and makes us better friends and students more importantly Ambassadors for Christ. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105). This verse illustrates that the Bible provides direction in our lives, helping us to see clearly in difficult situations.
"I want to know one thing, the way to heaven; how to land safely on that happy shore." — John Wesley.
This quote reflects the necessity of Scripture in navigating our lives and preparing for our spiritual journey. Knowing God’s Word helps us understand our purpose and direction. Let’s not just listen to God’s Word but also put it into action, just like Jesus taught us. Engage with the Bible daily and see how it transforms your life!
Encouragement for the Journey: You are not alone on this journey! Share what you’re learning with friends and family, and encourage each other to dive deeper into the Word. Together, you can grow in faith and understanding. Engaging with God's Word is essential not only for spiritual growth but also for navigating the challenges of everyday life. By making Scripture a regular part of our routine, we can strengthen our faith, find direction, and build a community of support among friends and family. As you embark on this journey, remember that every step you take towards understanding and applying God's teachings can lead to profound changes in your life and the lives of those around you.
