"When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests." Deuteronomy 17:18 (NLT)

It was one of those mornings when God's work in my heart and life was not very evident to those I love. Somehow, our morning routine had been knocked off schedule.

My response? To fuss at everyone.

My mood plummeted from bad to worse. After searching frantically for missing shoes, throwing book bags and lunches in the car, feverishly buckling children in car seats and slamming every door I could get my hands on, I zoomed off down the road.

Once settled and on our way, my anger turned to remorse. How had I lost so much patience, love and trust so quickly? As conviction filled my spirit, prayer filled my lips. I'd missed a few days of my usual morning time reading Scripture, and it showed in my actions. My soul craved the Word of God to renew, refine and redirect me.

For thousands of years, people have needed God's Word to help guide them. In today's key verse, we read some of the directives given to the kings of Israel. God knew any leader for His people would need His instructions. That's why the Lord told them, "When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests" (Deuteronomy 17:18). It goes on to say: "He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives" (Deuteronomy 17:19a, NLT).

Surely if the kings of Israel needed to keep a copy of God's Word near them to read daily, we do too! God's Word teaches, rebukes, corrects, trains in righteousness and equips (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So on mornings when we're in the midst of frenzied fussing, it helps tame our tempers and settle our souls.

That morning, through tears, I glanced over to the passenger side seat for my Bible that I always kept there. I'd hoped to read it in the school parking lot once my kids were dropped off. Much to my dismay, I'd forgotten to grab it during the morning madness. My soul deflated fully. I needed God's Word.

I decided to make it a point to never again to be without a copy of the Bible nearby. Just as it was necessary for the kings to have a copy of the Book of Instruction beside them, it's necessary for you and me to have the Bible near to guard and guide us throughout the day.

I've also learned it really isn't enough to have my Bible nearby. I need to get into it, study it and really connect it with my life.

At Proverbs 31 Ministries, we know the difference God's Word makes. And we want to help you dig in deeper with our free First 5 mobile app, launching this summer. With God's vision and your help, Proverbs 31 Ministries is striving to eradicate Biblical poverty. And we want to start by developing this First 5 app to:

• Bring life and truth to the First 5 minutes of every day.



• Provide a healthier alternative to hopping on social media with the first moments of our day.



• Give us the opportunity to share hope with the people in our lives who struggle with putting God's Word first.

We are praying that people whose hearts are burdened like ours will join us as we bring the Word of God to women across the globe. We need your help. Join us today.

Dear Lord, I ask You today to give me a hunger for Your Word and an urgency to apply its truths to my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (ESV)

Psalm 119:16, "I delight in Your decrees, I will not neglect Your word." (NIV)

Deuteronomy 17:19-20a, "He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the LORD his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way." (NLT)

RELATED RESOURCES:

You can help us by giving 5 to the "First 5." Give $5, $50, $500, $5,000. Your gift is needed! Make YOUR 5 really count! Join us today.

Visit Wendy Pope's blog to learn how to develop a love for God's Word.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:

When is the last time you opened your Bible to read it as an act of obedience and worship to the Lord?

There are many ways to be in Scripture every day. Listening to an audio version, using an app on your smartphone or tablet, and of course, reading a printed copy! How will you get into God's Word today?



 

© 2015 by Wendy Pope. All rights reserved.