Do you look forward to reading scripture? Do you really desire to read your bible? Or do your eyes droop and your lids long to close whenever you open the pages? Does your mind scatter in a million different directions and you have difficulty understanding the sentence that you have reread at least a dozen times?
If the bible is not what you are craving to read, then let’s think about how we may be spending our time. Are we scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter? Now don’t get me wrong, I love social media. Our voice in these areas bring glory to our LORD but if I’m not careful an enormous chunk of my day could easily be wasted.
According to the Wall Street Journal, when people aren’t working the next largest chunk of time is spent watching television, enjoying leisure activities, and sporting events. And how much time are we sitting in restaurants and other places socializing with our friends?
Before we get too carried away, let’s talk about what we are watching on our televisions. Are shows with malice popular? According to the Greek definition malice is trouble and badness. Many commercials of t.v. shows or movies fall into this category. Are the shows we like to watch steeped in deceit? Does treachery or vengeance play a part of the plot? Are our favorite characters pretending to be somebody that they aren’t? Or are they harboring a grudge and jealousy? Just think about the conversation that occurs in the movies or television shows… does evil speaking or backbiting come to mind?
Last week, I attended a Women of the Word Conference where Susan Heck reminded us, that “The Bible will keep you away from sin, but sin will keep you away from the bible.”
In 1 Peter 2:1 NIV he encouraged, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Would it be easier to rid these sins from our own character if we weren’t listening and viewing these traits in our spare time? Now, I’m not trying to get you to turn off the television completely, but perhaps we should re-evaluate the types of shows, movies, and books that we read.
I doubt it is a coincidence that Peter encouraged us to put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander before explaining how we can grow up in our salvation.
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation 1 Peter 2:2 NIV.
Susan Heck reminded me of when my son was a newborn. He craved milk every 2 – 3 hours and eagerly fed for as long as possible. Is that how we approach our time in the word? Are we craving the time we spend in the word? If not, then what is spoiling our appetite?
Are we snacking on junk food of entertainment filled with malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander? If so, we may be spiritually starving ourselves.
I didn’t just feed my son once a day for five minutes. So, lets think…Are we spending enough time every day properly nourishing our souls?
We wouldn’t think of feeding our babies milk that only looked the part but wasn’t nourishing! For example, think of how much time we spend reading Christian devotions, romances, or other Christian books? Now, compare that to how much time you spend reading God’s word directly from the bible.
We should never replace our bible reading time with reading Christian authors. The bible is pure spiritual milk that will help you grow strong in your salvation. Christian devotions and Christian books should point you to the bible, but you still need to dig into the word yourself to receive your own portion of the nutrients from the bread of life.
Peter continued now that you have tasted that the Lord is good (1 Peter 2:3 NIV).
This reminds me of when my infant son absolutely refused to taste ice cream. He didn’t desire it because he had never tasted how good it is. We don’t desire spending time in the Word unless we first taste that the Lord is good. And if you don’t think the Lord is good, then you definitely won’t desire to spend any time in the Word.
So How do we increase our appetite for the Word of God?
- Record all your activities this up coming week to see how you are spending your time. If you are spoiling your appetite for good nutrients by filling up on junk food, then you may consider to stop snacking!
- Ask God to remove the desire for whatever you crave and to replace it with craving his word. I guarantee you that is one prayer He will be pleased to answer quickly.
- Spend enough time every day reading the word from the bible and thinking about what the words mean in order to be properly filled.
- Drink pure spiritual milk. The bible should be our primary source and Christian books should reinforce what the bible says. If we aren’t reading our bibles, then we won’t know if the Christian authors are accurately interpreting the bible.
- Taste that the Lord is good. Challenge yourself to begin your day by reading or listening to the bible. Keep track of how your day progresses on the days you spent time in the word and compare them to the days when you don’t.
May I pray for you?
Heavenly Father, I praise you because you are pure spiritual food that nourishes our souls. You created our souls to grow up in salvation. I thank you for revealing to us the junk food that is spoiling our appetite for you. I ask you Lord to remove all the “drama” aka malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander from our cravings. Replace it with a thirst for your living water. For the one who doubts that you are good, I pray you reveal what a loving Father you are to your children. In Jesus name, I pray Amen.
View Desiring the Word by Susan Heck
View Susan’s teaching for yourself by Listening to her session about “Desiring the Word” on youtube.
Can I Send You a Free Copy of a Prayer Journal?
If you have experienced regret or feel defined by your past mistakes, then let me introduce you to my friend, Doris Swift. She is a published author, speaker, and wonderful encourager who inspires women to step into their Fierce Calling.
If you have said things like “If only I had…” and “If only I hadn’t…” ? If so, you are not alone.
Are you ready to be free?
If so, then download her free copy of “Good-bye Regret” Bible Study Guide & Prayer Journal.
You will be as blessed by it as I was!
Do You Know the Promises of God?
Join this FREE Bible study from the comfort of your own home and meet new friends in the online discussion group. The study begins September 2nd so don’t delay and sign-up today! Just click the link below to join, friend. I’ll see you there!
Promises of God free online bible study with April Jollie
Abide in Christ's Love 
One thought on “Increase Your Appetite for the Word”