God has given us His Word as a guide for life, but it can't be of any
help to us if we don't study it, know it, and apply it. We must diligently study and apply God's Word if we wish for it to have
an impact on our lives.
Jesus promised, "If you abide in My word ..., you are truly
My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you
free" (John 8:31-32, AMP).
This we can count on. It's a promise that if we'll abide in
His Word, we will know the Truth, because His Word is the Truth.
That's why God told the Israelites, "Do not let this
Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so
that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be
prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:8).
Joshua was inspired to repeat a similar instruction: "Be careful to obey
all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning
aside to the right or to the left" (Joshua 23:6).
So, why is it so important to follow God's Word? Because His Word
keeps us from "turning aside to the right or to the left"; it keeps
us on the straight and narrow path that leads to life
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