The written Word of God, made more certain by fulfilled prophecy, is like “a lamp shining in a dark place.” The psalmist said it this way, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Here’s the way Peter says it:

2 Peter 1:19
And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts….

Surely, we “will do well to pay attention.” So, today let’s stay with the basics.

Read God’s Word Daily. Scripture is God’s love letter to you. It encourages your heart when you need to be uplifted. It reveals when you are on the wrong path. It tells you where the right path is. It teaches you how to live vertically before God and horizontally before others. Reading God’s Word is essential to your growth as a Christian.

Memorize God’s Word. The Psalmist said, “I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). Take the time to hide God’s Word in your heart. The purpose of Scripture memory is not to impress others by weaving passages into times of public prayer. Memorizing Scripture will deter us from sinning against God.

Obey God’s Word. James says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22). Many Christians miss a life of obedience by twelve inches…the distance from their head to their heart. Head knowledge is great for winning Bible trivia games, but you “will do well” by applying the truth to your everyday life.

Father, help us to be like Ezra, who studied your Word, applied it to his life, and then taught it to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.