I was a Christian for decades before I discovered the inherent power in the Word of God. My ignorance robbed me of the abundant life that Jesus died to give me, and the life of purpose that He had in store for me. Then I dug into the Scriptures for myself and discovered biblical truths such as Hebrews 4:12 (NLT): "The Word of God is alive and powerful." I desperately wanted to appropriate that power, and to see it released in my life so that I could become all that God created me to be. And I found that one of the best ways to do that was to plant God's Word in my heart. James 1:21 (AMP) says: "Receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls." If the implanted Word of God had the power to affect our spiritual condition for all eternity, what could it do for the other areas of our lives?

It can radically transform our prayer life. Jesus said: "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." (John 15:7 NKJV) As we plant God's Word in our hearts, our desires change and become more like His. We are then able to pray "according to His will," and we have His promise that we will receive an answer. (1 John 5:14-15) But that's not all. Jesus tells us in the next verse that His Word in us can affect our fruitfulness and the quality of our discipleship. "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." (John 15:8 NASB) God is able to use us, bless us, and promote us in extraordinary ways for His glory.

God's implanted Word has the power to give us victory over sin. Addictions, bad habits, and ungodly attitudes will have a hard time keeping their hold on us when we are filled with the Word of God. The apostle John wrote: "I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always] abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the wicked one." (1 John 2:14 AMP) When the truth of the Word is rooted in our hearts, it infuses us with supernatural strength to overcome the works of the devil and his dark forces. We have revelation knowledge of our identity in Christ, and we realize that worldly attitudes and actions no longer fit who we are. The more our minds are renewed in this manner, the more equipped we are to resist the pressure that the world puts on us to conform to its ways. (Romans 12:2) The psalmist had a revelation of these truths when he wrote: "I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11 NIV)

The implanted Word of God even has the power to affect our bodies and our health. Proverbs says: "My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh." (Proverbs 4:20-22 AMP) God's Word ministers to the entire man. As we give it concentrated attention and keep it in the center of our hearts - giving it a place of prominence, and applying its life-giving principles - it will affect our spirits, souls, and bodies for good. What are YOU doing to plant God's Word in your heart today?

Prayer: Lord, give me a growing passion for Your Word that will move me to "attend" to it daily. Show me how to study it and meditate on it so that it will become deeply rooted in my heart and mind. When I am tempted to neglect Your Word, remind me of what it can cost me. Thank You that my devotion to Your Word will make an extraordinary difference in my prayers, my fruitfulness, my health, and my victory over sin!