a life in his word
"Of this much I assure you: until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter of the law, not the smallest part of a letter, shall be done away with until it all comes true." —Matthew 5:18
Most of you reading this book love the Bible and believe it is the word of God (1 Thes 2:13). Therefore, you wish to know the Bible to better live it. Nevertheless, you may not be reading the Bible daily (see Acts 17:11) or going out of your way to study it intently in detail. But Jesus may be calling you to go beyond better to best. He may be calling you to know, live, and teach even the smallest part of a letter of God's law, which is part of His word (Mt 5:18).
It is probably safe to say that the Lord wants you in His word for more time than you spend in front of the TV. The Lord certainly wants you to share His word with the members of your family. He wants you to use your God-given intelligence more for His word than for trivial pursuits.
Jesus spoke of abiding in His word (Jn 8:31). That means a life in His word. Don't just fit God's word into your life; rather, fit your life into His word. Make the detailed, deep study (see Sir 39:1ff) and living of God's word more important than thousands of dollars (see Ps 119:72), your favorite foods (see Ps 119:103), and your strongest desires. Love the smallest part of a letter of God's word. Abide in His word.
Prayer: Father, make Your word the joy and happiness of our hearts (Jer 15:16).
Promise: " 'Answer me, Lord! Answer me, that this people may know that You, Lord, are God and that You have brought them back to their senses.' The Lord's fire came down." —1 Kgs 18:37-38
Praise: Fr. Jay so loved God's Word that he provided Scripture studies during lunchtime so downtown workers could have their lunch and Scripture too.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 2001