"In the beginning was the Word..." (John 1:1-3). The Word is the key to everything in our life. It's the foundation.

We are told to hide God's Word in our heart (Ps.119:11),  to meditate on it(Josh. 1:8), and to speak it (Mark 11:23). God even tells us to put Him in remembrance of it when we pray (Isa. 43:26).

The Instruction Manual
In order to know God and His will for our life, as well as put that into action, we must read, study and speak the Word. It is where we get to know Him and His character.

God's Word is the standard we are to live by. We are to examine all things in light of the Word.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15)

We must study it to show ourselves approved.

It is not only our instruction manual, it's also our chief weapon in the fight of faith each day!

In Ephesians 6:10-17 we are instructed to put on the whole armor of God in order to stand against the attacks of the enemy. The only offensive weapon we have among our armor is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The devil isn't afraid of us, he's afraid of God's Word coming out of our mouth.

The Word

1. The Word was in the beginning and it is God.  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:1-3 NKJV)
2. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God and is the only offensive weapon we possess.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit , which is the Word of God. (Eph. 6:17 NLT)
3. Meditation in the Word brings prosperity & success.  The Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For them you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Josh. 1:8 NKJV)
4. The Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. (Ps. 119:105 NLJV)
5. The Word keeps us from sin.How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word. With my whole heart I save sought you; Oh let me not wander from your commandments. Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Ps.119:9-11 NKJV)
6. He sent His Word and healed them. He sent His Word and healed them and He delivered them from destruction. (Ps. 107:20 NKJV)
7. The Word gives us hope.  I am counting on the Lord; yes I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His Word. (Ps. 130:5 NLT)
8. The Word is what we live by & it dwells in us richly.  Now the tempter came to him, he said, "If you're the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But He answered and said, " It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word the proceed from the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:3-4 NKJV)

What Now?
As the kid's praise song goes. "Read your Bible, pray every day and you'll grow, grow, grow." One of the greatest things you'll ever do for yourself, your spouse and your family is to make the decision to read the Word on a daily basis — to accept it as the the guide for your life.

Don't let past failures stop you from getting started. Whatever amount of time you have — start with a chapter of Proverbs a day — whatever it takes. Don't over think it — just do it. Don't worry if you're not a scholar, God's Word says that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:13) and when we ask for wisdom He will give it.

The Word is foundational to living out God's plan for our life. Praise God for His Word!