(by pastor Jean)

In Proverbs chapter 4 and verses 20 and 21 we are given some very specific instructions regarding the word of God. Firstly, we are to “attend” to it. To attend means to pay attention to, to mark well. In other words, to focus on it. Next, we must, “incline our ear” to it or as some translations say, “listen closely” or “listen carefully.” Then, verse 21 tells us to “not let them depart from your eyes.” So, even if you know the Bible by heart, you must still read it. Finally, in verse 21, we are to keep the word “in the midst of your heart.” How do we do that? By meditating on it, rehearsing it and speaking it. To me, all of this tells me that we have to give the word of God priority in our lives, remembering that Jesus is the word (John 1:1). The more time we spend in the word, the more like Jesus we will become. However, that is not all because verse 22 says that God’s word brings us life and health. The word for health there is “marpe” and it also means healing, cure or medicine. So, every time you read your Bible you are taking your spiritual medicine which according to Proverbs 4:22 can bring physical healing. When dealing with physical health challenges that is a good time to gather up all the scriptures on healing and take them like medicine – meditate on them and speak them twice a day for as long as needed, no side effects!