Doers of the word?!?10 tips to a healthier you! 5 ways to clean your house without even trying. 3 clues that your dog doesn’t love you anymore. Do any of these seem familiar? Magazines and the internet are full of these articles. I have to admit I have read a few myself. Often, I find the tips or suggestions really helpful…but actually putting them into practice is another thing altogether. The information goes right in and then…right back out. How different things might be if I actually practiced what I was reading. (I might have an organized closet for once…) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 This is what James is saying in the verse above: the importance of not only hearing God’s word but allowing it to take root and bear fruit in our life. You might be thinking to yourself “Yes! But how?” NO…I’m not going to give you “10 Scripture verses to help you get to heaven” … But here are a few ideas that might help God’s word take root in your life. Read the passages for Sunday ahead of time. They can be found later in this newsletter (just click the link). You might look for common themes that begin to jump out to you. Read one of the Gospels...try one chapter a day. Set aside time each day to read a little bit of one of the Gospels. Ask yourself what it might have been like to be one of Jesus’ disciples. Immerse yourself in the story. Memorize a passage of scripture. Setting things to memory helps us see insights that we might not see just by reading. You might try Philippians 4:4-8, or Lamentations 3:21-23, or Colossians 3:12-17, or 2Corinthians 4:16-18. Join a bible study (we are currently working our way through Galatians). One of the great ways to let God’s word take root is to read and study it with others. Hearing how others wrestle with and apply the words of scripture can encourage us to do the same! As we take up God’s word it will produce lots of fruit…now, and for years to come!
Blessings,
Matthew+ Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p.233) | 
