Practice #1: The Word

Reading the Word: He said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly de- clared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you - they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."

- Deuteronomy 32:46-47

Meditating on the Word: But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

- Psalms 1:2-3

Confess the Word: Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do every- thing written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

- Joshua 1:8

Memorize the Word: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

- Psalms 119:11-16

Obey the Word: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like

- James 1:22-24

Study the Word: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

- 2 Timothy 2:15-16