My Bible study group takes a break for the summer. Small groups at church meet less often or not at all in summer months. I know why, people are busy. There are vacations, sports, and fun activities. All good things, but how will I stay in God’s word? Every summer, I fully intend to continue daily Bible reading, if not study. Then as my schedule gets crowded and the summer sun and beach call my name, I may skip a day, or two, or more. It doesn't take long to lose track of my commitment. Soon, I’m depending solely on a once a week sermon, at church, for inspiration—until a family outing interferes.

This is how I've been pulled into that downward spiral in the past. How long am I able to remain close to my Creator, in touch with His Holy Spirit guidance and comfort, without His word? If I believe past experience—not long.

Deuteronomy, written in about 1407 B.C, reminds God’s chosen people of how He cared for them in the past and will continue into the future. His word commands that He occupy first place in their hearts.

In Deuteronomy 6:7, God’s people are told to impress His words on their children when they sit at home, or walk along the road, lie down and when they get up. They were to remember and teach God’s word every day.

After forty years in the desert, before Israel entered the Promised Land, Moses provided for the teaching of God’s word. He commanded that every seven years, at the Feast of the Tabernacle, the entire book of the law be read in the hearing of all of the people, including children.

Jesus quoted Scripture from Deuteronomy, in resisting the temptation of Satan after forty days in the wilderness. “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3

I believe the Bible to be the true word of God. Every word is God given and necessary. These are not empty words. They are life. (Deuteronomy 32:47, Romans 10:17) God’s word ignites spiritual life and sustains it.

So, this year I’m renewing my commitment to faithful study of God’s word throughout the summer months. God has promised results.

“so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 ESV

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