Four Steps to Make God’s Word a Habit

Four Steps to Make God’s Word a Habit

BY RICK WARREN — OCTOBER 1, 2014

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“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.” (John 8:31b NASB)

It’s a really important step to commit to reading your Bible regularly for a short period, maybe a few weeks. It’s a great way to get started, but you should never leave it there. Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine” (John 8:31b NASB). It’s the long-term commitment to learning from Jesus and his Word that makes us his disciples.

How do you continue in the Word and stay connected with Jesus through his Word for the long-term?

1. Make the decision to do it. It starts with your commitment. Don’t wait for a better time to make God’s Word a regular part of your life. Start your commitment today. 

2. Make a declaration. Announce your intentions to others. Hold yourself accountable. If you keep your commitment to God a secret, it’s easier to slip up.

3. Make a determination. Don’t allow anything to knock you off your commitment. Be absolutely determined to make this a permanent habit in your life, particularly in the early months. If you start skipping days, it’ll be much harder to stay committed to God’s Word.

4. Double up. Get a spiritual partner to come alongside you for support and encouragement. This is someone with whom you can share what you learn in your quiet times. It could be someone in your small group, a friend, or a family member. The Bible says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT).

Spending time with God should be a lifelong habit, not a passing fancy. Research shows you need to do something for about six weeks straight to build a habit. Make God’s Word part of your life today — and for the rest of your life.

Talk It Over

• What commitment will you make today so that God’s Word becomes a habit in your life?
• With whom will you share your commitment, and who will hold you accountable?
• Identify the biggest distractions you will likely face when you determine to be in God’s Word every day. What changes can you make in your life to minimize or do away with those distractions?
• Growing Strong through Praise
  TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
  "No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God."
  (Romans 4:20 AMP)
  TODAY'S WORD:
  Did you know that when you praise, you are putting your faith in action? And just as putting your physical body into action will make it grow strong, putting your faith in action through prayer, worship and thanksgiving will make it to grow strong, too! 
  
  Notice what this verse says about Abraham: No unbelief made him waver regarding the promise of God. What does it mean to waver? To waver means to go back and forth. It’s a very unsteady posture. Spiritual wavering is when we go back and forth in believing the promises of God. Wavering shows up in our words and actions. When you waver in your words, you are speaking contrary to God’s promises, and when we waver, we won’t see the blessing God has for us. 
  
  Scripture says that Abraham never had unbelief or doubting thoughts. He never wavered. He took captive every thought and stood strong through His praise and worship! That’s because praise makes you stable. It makes you strong. When you take time every day to praise and worship God, you’ll stand strong in faith just like Abraham and see the victory and blessing God has in store for you!
  PRAYER FOR TODAY:
  Father, today I praise You because You are worthy! I thank You for every good and perfect gift You have for me today. I thank You for provision, healing, strength and joy. I praise You for abundantly supplying all my needs according to Your riches in glory in Jesus’ name! Amen.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcz9GJ0Ixn8