Hungering for God's Word

Pastor John Leeder did a great job filling Pastor Miles' shoes in the pulpit Sunday morning, as did Pastor Kyle Osland for the Sunday evening services.

Pastor John continued our look into Nehemiah and focused on the hunger we should have for the Bible, God's Word. Excellent points included the explanation of Spiritual anorexia and five steps to take to cultivate a hunger for God's Word.

Do you have a hunger for God's Word? Is it something you want? Did you have it once before, and over time allowed it to dissipate? How can we reclaim or attain that hunger?

Jersualem:

• It's mentioned over 800 times in the Bible.
• It is the 'holy city'.
• Holy means to be set apart as dedicated to God.

Why then did most Jews not want to return? (Nehemiah 11:1-2)

• It honored God. The enemy, Satan, tends to attack the people and things that bring glory to God.
• It was not a trade city. There was a greater opportunity for financial, worldly gain out side of the city.
• It means accountability to a higher standard. This includes greater strictness in conversation, lifestyles, etc. and many did not want to make that committment.

The similarities between anorexia and Spiritual anorexia:

Too often, we allow ourselves to tolerate a diluted, watered-down version of truth. As 1 Peter 2:2 mentions, Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. We are to long for God, and His Word, even the same as a deer longs for water. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my sould pants for you, O God. My sould thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalms 42:1-2

So how do you grow or cultivate this hunger for God's Word? Here are five things to do:

• Realize you need it to sustain you. 1 Peter 1:22-25
• Repent from the sin that is hindering you. 1 Peter 2:1
• Admit the need for the truth of God. 1 Peter 2:2
• Desire/Pursue Spiritual growth. 1 Peter 2:2
• Remember what God has done and be thankful. 1 Peter 2:3

What are some practical ways to apply this?

• Join a 52 Day small group.
• Get involved in one of the many ministry opportunities.
• Study with us as we read through God's Word in 2004.