Thought for the Week
Willpower! It’s the key to rebooting our lives, to making all of our bad habits go away and all of our dreams come true. Right? And for people of faith, it’s the key to stopping “that behavior I’m ashamed of” or finally getting serious “about serving God and others.” Worthy goals…of which we almost always fall short.
Why? In the Bible, God’s people repeatedly complain, “We can’t do this–it’s too hard for us!” And so, after giving them the final words of the covenant, Moses offers the key to fulfilling it: “This commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you,” he insists, “nor is it out of reach. God’s word is very near; it is in your mouth and in your heart — so that you may observe it” (Deuteronomy 30:11, 14).
Then, as now, knowing something “by heart” is the key to knowing it at the deepest level, to feeding upon it with our thoughts the way we feed upon bread with our stomachs. Why? Because willpower isn’t enough. Only wordpower will do. God fed the Hebrews for forty years with a supernatural food called manna (literally “what is it?”). He did this, they were told, so they would understand that they “do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3). In other words:
The key is to not just to read God’s word, but to let it be “in our mouths and in our hearts” so that we can observe it, know it like we know ourselves, and make it a part of ourselves, indeed the very heart of ourselves. It’s the app, so to speak, that God activates via his “operating system,” his living word (God’s presence in us).*
The supernatural lives God calls us to require supernatural food!
Ten years ago, I started a God’s word diet: memorizing, meditating upon, and praying God’s word daily. And it has accomplished in me what willpower alone never could. The process is not over; I still have much growing to do. But, oh, how I’ve flourished, and God’s word is changing me still. Which is why my earnest prayer for you is that your hopes and plans will focus not just on willpower…
But on wordpower!
*If you’d like to know more about how to “install” God’s “OS” in your heart, let me know!
Well-explained. Not in our own strength…
a wonderful post to begin a fresh week!
So glad it spoke to you, MLM!
Well said.
Thanks, Vijay.
You write what I’m thinking! How do you do that? I recite the 23rd psalm at night and when I very anxious. It works wonders. I’ve bought a Bible, but I’m not sure where to start. I know that sounds ridiculous but it’s a big book and to start at the beginning is daunting. Many friends has suggested to start with Matthew. So Mitch, I’m asking – how can I best install God into my heart?
So glad you asked, Joanne. Well, for starters, we do the inviting, but God does the “installing.” ;>) The very purpose of our existence is to know our Creator (John 17:3, a verse I pray and meditate on often); God is waiting and ready for that invitation (Revelation 3:20). But Jesus makes it clear that he’s looking for all-in followers (disciples), apprentices who want above all else to become like him. But we can’t do that on our own, only he can do it in us (Galatians 2:20). So that’s where the “operating system” metaphor comes in. Let God know that you want his Spirit to live in you (to be “baptized,” i.e. fully immersed in him — John 14:26), to teach you and remind you of the things he wants you to know. When you pray scriptures, don’t be afraid to personalize them (“God, I’m standing at the door and knocking…”). God will give you insights about them and their application to your life.
As far as where to start reading, yes, any of the four gospels is a good place to begin (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). And regarding “apps” (memorized verses), look for those that particularly speak to you, and ask God to show you (as he no doubt already has with Psalm 23) verses he would have you memorize and meditate upon. If you keep it up, God’s word will start to form an outline for your daily prayers, one to which you can add your own words of praise, gratitude, concerns, prayers for others, etc.
Have a grand adventure, my friend!
Thank you, Mitch for your detailed reply. It is very helpful. I guess I think I have to be perfect at this, but I’m imperfect. I’m sure God understands and is smiling.
I’m sure he is, Joanne.
john 39:51 thou shall fall unto the mountains to create a clean heart
Great, great point! In the beginning was the WORD. Whatever we declare will eventually come to be in our lives. The word of God contains all the right declarations for everything we could possibly want to be, do and have in life, especially fulfilling our individual God-given purpose. I never get tired of walking and declaring aloud Bible passages and spiritual affirmations I have memorized.
Very encouraging, Mitch!
Great post Mitch. Makes me think of David in the Bible:
“For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” 1 Kings 11:4
1 kings 13:04 jesus is the same
Excellent… Yes, God’s word is changing me still as well… until heaven, right? 🙂
Exactly, Dori.
I agree that God’s Word is powerful, and that memorizing scripture is useful. I am so glad I started memorizing scripture about 5 years ago; it has encouraged me and given me peace. I also now can quote a scripture to a person when I am trying to encourage them. Good advice, to start memorizing scripture! Great post!
Thanks, Janet!
Wordpower not willpower – really like that Mitch, thank you!
My privilege, Dana!
Definitely, power is found in the word of God, and the Holy Spirit in us energizes that power so we can live it out. Not will power but wordpower and Spirit powered.
Exactly, Donna.
Is there a certain App you use to memorize verses? Just curious
Well, in this case I’m using the term “apps” as a metaphor for the verses themselves, Venus. But if you’re asking about how I memorize verses, I talk about what’s worked for me in this post: https://mitchteemley.com/2020/02/10/storing-the-truth-in-our-hearts/
Children memorize Bible verses much quicker than adults and then continue to absorb God’s Word as they grow in their faith. I suppose it can be compared to the ease of learning a foreign language when you’re a child as opposed to adults who struggle to learn a second language. So, I better get cracking with word power! 🙂
Excellent and so true!
Very much appreciated this post Mitch, God Bless you and yours!!
Thank you, and likewise, Vincent!
I loved this “Gods Operating System” is his living word “Wordpower” 🙌 I agree with and appreciate this, thank you.
De nada.
Isn’t it funny that what we consider “Will power” is the ability to say, “I won’t do that anymore.” So wouldn’t it be “Won’t power?”
When God gives us a task, He always makes it 1 step beyond our capabilities. We take it as far as we can, but God makes sure the job gets done. He wants us to know he’s working with us and through us and we’re not doing this by ourselves. We must realize we CANNOT do it alone. That is when people see God through us–when we give the rest to God and he does what no other person could do. In making it one step beyond, he builds our faith, our belief, and our trust in Him.
Amen, Rebecca.
Flourishing. That’s an important word, a word we should teach more to help people want to realize that. God bless, Mitch!
You too, Nancy!
left off verse 13 bear with each other & forgive all things through christ
Great post, Mitch! I am going to focus on “wordpower” and not my own willpower. Thanks for the advice and encouragement!
My privilege, Peggy!
“Make it a part of ourselves, indeed the very heart of ourselves.” A great principle to live by, Mitch.
Thanks, Manette.