"The Word That Gives Life" (LIVE)

Summary

Brunch N' Bible: Episode Summary - "The Word That Gives Life" (LIVE)

Release Date: December 8, 2023
Host: Heaven Kore
Guests: Lyle and Taiwo

---

Introduction

In the December 8, 2023 episode of Brunch N' Bible, host Gracie Kore delves deep into the profound topic, "The Word That Gives Life." Joined by special guests Lyle and Taiwo, the discussion centers around understanding the Word of God not just as a set of rules but as a living source of inspiration, guidance, and transformation for Christian women navigating various life stages.

---

Defining "The Word"

Gracie's Perspective: Gracie sets the stage by expressing the intent to explore how to approach, hold onto, and be transformed by the Word of God. She emphasizes the relational aspect, stating, "The Word is Jesus Christ himself, you center your whole world around it" ([03:23] Gracie).

Taiwo's Journey: Taiwo shares her personal evolution from viewing the Word as a strict rulebook during her apostolic upbringing in Nigeria to recognizing it as her primary source of inspiration after rededicating her life to Christ in college. She reflects, "The Word became the source... it was less of the rule, but more of the source of where I drew everything from" ([02:45] Taiwo).

Lyle's Insight: Initially perceiving the Word merely as the Bible, Lyle's understanding deepens to see Jesus Christ intertwined with the Scriptures. He remarks, "The Word to me is Jesus" ([04:25] Lyle), highlighting the intimate relationship between the believer and Christ through the Word.

---

Transformative Power of the Word

Gracie on Psalm 119: Gracie references Psalm 119 to illustrate the Word's role as a revival agent that "revives you from the dead back to life" ([06:13] Gracie). She discusses how the Word not only guides but also transforms believers, urging them to let the Scriptures "read us" rather than just reading to satisfy personal agendas.

Lyle on Spiritual Armor: Drawing from Ephesians 6:11-18, Lyle explains the Word as the "sword of the Spirit," an offensive weapon against spiritual challenges. He emphasizes the necessity of storing up Scriptures to withstand trials, stating, "If a trial comes, because they will come, you have to have that word to hold you in season" ([18:05] Lyle).

Taiwo's Application in Marriage: As a newly married woman, Taiwo discusses how Proverbs 31 affirm her worth amidst increased responsibilities. She shares, "The Word just kind of still settled my fears of relaxing... affirming me" ([10:44] Taiwo), illustrating the Word's role in providing assurance and combating overwhelm.

---

Approaching the Word Correctly

Common Missteps: The conversation touches on the pitfalls of reading the Bible merely to check off tasks or to validate existing beliefs. Taiwo points out, "We don't read it so it can read us... to accommodate for how we are already living" ([06:13] Taiwo), highlighting the need for a transformative engagement with Scripture.

Contextual Understanding: Taiwo and Lyle emphasize the importance of understanding Scriptures in their proper context to avoid misinterpretation. Taiwo warns against taking verses out of context to "prove that I am right," while Lyle adds, "You can't separate the Spirit from the Word" ([31:03] Lyle).

Engaging with the Holy Spirit: Gracie underscores the necessity of inviting the Holy Spirit into the Bible study process: "Before you read, ask the Holy Spirit, 'Holy Spirit, open my eyes'" ([31:45] Gracie). This approach transforms the reading experience from passive to deeply personal and applicable.

---

Practical Steps to Grow in Word Life

Intentional Reading: Gracie advises being deliberate in Bible study, approaching each reading session with the intent to "know the Word, Lord, because I want to know you" ([32:27] Gracie). This intentionality fosters a deeper connection and understanding.

Accountability Partners: Lyle suggests having accountability partners or joining Bible study groups to ensure consistent engagement with the Word: "Have accountability partners... so that way you don't feel like you're doing it alone" ([40:05] Lyle).

Meditation Over Reading: The dialogue distinguishes between reading, studying, and meditating on the Word. While reading provides basic understanding, meditation involves deep contemplation and application: "Meditate when thoughts assault you... that's where the victories really happen" ([27:37] Taiwo).

---

Favorite Scriptures and Their Impact

Lyle's Favorites:

1. Philippians 2:13: "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure." Lyle finds comfort in knowing that God's Spirit empowers him to fulfill His purposes without relying solely on his strength ([40:07] Lyle).
2. Romans 8:28: Gracie shares her lifelong favorite, "For we know that all things work together for good to them who love God," finding reassurance in God's sovereign plan across all life seasons ([43:46] Gracie).

Taiwo's Favorites:

1. Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed." This verse serves as Taiwo's anchor in her new marriage phase, reminding her of God's constant presence and command to remain courageous ([42:42] Taiwo).
2. Habakkuk 3:17: "The figs may not blossom... yet it will be filled with plenty." Taiwo recounts how this scripture supported her during significant life transitions, reinforcing faith despite uncertainties ([42:06] Taiwo).

Gracie's Chosen Scripture:

• Psalm 139:16-18: Gracie is deeply moved by, "How precious also are your thoughts towards me, oh God, how great is the sum of them." This passage reinforces her understanding of God's unfathomable love and intimate knowledge of her being ([43:59] Gracie).

---

Closing Prayer and Invitation

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer led by Taiwo, wherein she invokes God's presence, reiterates the transformative power of the Word, and affirms the listeners' relationship with Christ. Gracie extends an invitation to non-believers, quoting John 1:12-13 to encourage listeners to accept Jesus and become children of God, emphasizing salvation through faith alone.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Gracie ([00:08]): “Here we're talking about the word that gives life. Amen.”
• Taiwo ([02:45]): “The Word as an E is my source.”
• Gracie ([03:23]): “The Word is Jesus Christ himself, you center your whole world around it.”
• Lyle ([04:25]): “The Word to me is Jesus. It should be your source because he is our source.”
• Gracie ([06:13]): “The Word is supposed to transform us into the very image of Christ.”
• Lyle ([18:05]): “If a trial comes, because they will come, you have to have that word to hold you in season.”
• Taiwo ([10:44]): “The Word just kind of still settled my fears of relaxing... affirming me.”
• Gracie ([31:45]): “Before you read, ask the Holy Spirit, 'Holy Spirit, open my eyes.'”
• Taiwo ([27:37]): “Imagine if this time I hit you now, Jesus. And I was like, no, the word says I shall live and not die.”
• Gracie ([43:46]): “Everything is working out for my good.”

---

Conclusion

"The Word That Gives Life" episode of Brunch N' Bible offers an enriching exploration of how the Word of God serves as a foundational and transformative force in the lives of Christian women. Through personal testimonies, scriptural insights, and practical advice, Gracie, Lyle, and Taiwo underscore the necessity of engaging with the Bible not just as a set of commandments but as a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. Listeners are encouraged to deepen their Word life through intentional reading, meditation, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, ensuring that the Word genuinely gives life and guides them through every season.

Transcript

[Gracie]

Welcome to Bruncheon Bible. I'm just so glad that you're here. And today we're talking about the word that gives life. Amen.

[Taiwo]

Amen.

[Gracie]

So hopefully today we walk out with some tools on how to, you know, approach the word of God, how to hold on to it, what it does for us, what it does to us. And we pray that you're blessed. As we speak. I have two guests here with me sitting on the orange couch today. I have Lyle here and I have Taiwo here. Everybody say, hey, Lyle. Hey, Tywo. Hey. There we go. And so they're our special guests today. And we're going to be talking about the word that gives life. Amen. The word that gives life. We're just going to hop right into it. Okay. Straight to the cut. What is the word to me as a Christian? What is the word to me as a Christian?

[Lyle]

Would you like to go first?

[Gracie]

Sure.

[Taiwo]

Ly is looking at me. Looking at me like you. Sure, I will. So when I was reading the questions, I flashed back to my background.

[Gracie]

Okay.

[Taiwo]

And I grew up apostolic in Nigeria. Not the tush apostolic now. I mean, the clapping of hands, serious call down fire. And I remember then that it was more. The word was a rule that you had to follow. It didn't give. Well, maybe then. I'm hoping that things have changed now. But then it was more of a rule that you had to follow. Okay, so it was thou shalt not sin. Thou shalt not disobey thy parents. Thou shalt not go out and come home 8pm at night. Why? I'm not telling you, but it was the rule. And then I remember that when I went to college, still in Nigeria. And again, this is where we put. We put emphasis on making sure that our kids, even though we give birth to them in a Christian home, still make that choice to give their lives to Christ. Because I remember in college then I made the decision to rededicate my life to Christ. So it wasn't. Yeah, my middle name is Mary. Yeah. So I'm a Christian. It was more me deciding that I wanted to give my life to Christ. And then the Word became the source because I had that relationship with God. And I was like, let's, let's. Let's talk about this Bible. And it became the source. And so it was less of the rule, but more of the source of where I drew everything I wanted from inspiration, reproach, instruction, advice, everything. So right now, and since then, I'll say 2016, the word as an E is my source.

[Gracie]

Very Simply put. And I think you touched on something very good that oftentimes we approach the Word as this manual, you know, like this straightforward xyz. And when you look at it like that, sometimes it's hard to kind of digest in that manner. But I believe that, like you said, that key factor is the relationship aspect. When you realize the Word is your source, when you really. When you realize the Word is Jesus Christ himself, you center your whole world around it. Right? Yeah, I think that's beautiful. What do you think?

[Lyle]

I think for me, for a very long time, I just looked at the Word as just the Bible. Right. And I think there was a scripture that you shared during the exhortation in John where it talks about the Word. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was a God, and the Word was God. And I think it was later, when I started to take the things of God seriously, that I got the revelation that the Word is much more than just the Bible. It's Jesus Christ, as we can say. And so you go from this place of trying to read the Word and think you're trying to study a book to knowing that you're trying to know a person. And so that changes the way you approach the Word. And you know that Jesus is the Word and His Word is Him. Like it's. You can't separate Jesus from His Word. You can't say you want to know someone and not know what he says or how he says it or what he has to say about a thing. And so I would say that the Word to me is. Is. Is Jesus. And like Tywo has said, it's. It's your source. It should be your source because he is our source. Everything that we do comes from him and flows from Him.

[Gracie]

And so, yeah, amen, I think, you know, I don't know if we've read Psalm 119. I think it's like the longest. The longest book in the Bible. But that Whole Psalm 119 is dedicated about the Word and what it does to us. And I just wanted to go over a few of these things, right? So the Word is Jesus, and we know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. So when we look at the Word as truth, we center, like I said, everything. We don't have another source. So as a Christian, your Word is your everything. And I had a similar experience when I rededicated my life in 2019. I was reading the Bible like, I don't want to say like a crackhead, but I was reading it because I Was like, mind you, I've grown up. I grew up in Christian education, so I actually went to a kindergarten Christian school all the way up until senior, senior high. And so I was always surrounded by the Word, like it was just routine. Like you have chapel, you know, you read the Word in the morning, you read the Word at night, you come home, Word this, Word that. But it came alive to me because I realized that if Jesus is the truth, then I need to know his truth. I need to know his truth. And if I don't know his truth, I'm living a lie. Right. Psalm 119, 29:30 says, Remove me from the way of lying and grant me your law. Graciously I have chosen the way of truth. Your judgments I have laid before me. Another thing, the Word is, is a revival agent. It literally revives you from the dead back to life. Psalm 119 also speaks that my soul clings to the dust. Revive me according to your Word. Have you ever been like so down and out and you just read one scripture that just like gingered you? It just gave you what you needed in that moment. That's what the Word is for us. And a lot of the times, even as millennials, Gen Z's, whatever we identify ourselves with in the room, the Word becomes this. Like, I don't even know how to explain it, but it's just almost like we read it to fit our standards. We don't read it so it can read us. We don't read it so that it can, it can transform us. I want to hear your thoughts on that as why do we do that as humans? Why is it sometimes that we read the Word? Maybe to find something to. I'm, I'm losing my words. Like, accommodate for how we are already living. Why do we do that as humans?

[Lyle]

So there's a scripture that I, I had written down that talks about the role of, of scripture in our lives. And it's from second Timothy 3:16 to 17, which says all scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and, and teaches us to do what is right.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Lyle]

God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. And I think one thing that makes it hard is like when you're living in sin, and not just living in sin, but you're also loving sin, you don't want anything that will correct you or show you that what you're doing is wrong. And so it makes it hard for you to approach the Bible, approach God and his Word, and be like God. I want to know what your word says about this, because you don't want anyone to call you out on what you're doing. Exactly right. So I think it's not wanting to be called out. And what the Bible does, you think you're reading it, but like you said, it's reading you like it will read yourself to you. There are times when I'm. I will read the Bible. And I'm like, I'm reading. And I'm just like, wait, wait, you're a little too loud right now. But that's what the Bible is supposed to. That's the purpose of the word of God. It's supposed to transform us into the very image of Christ. And so, yeah.

[Gracie]

I want to ask you a question, Ty. So you recently got married, Right?

[Lyle]

Congratulations.

[Gracie]

Congratulations. So I want to know how your word life has shaped you now as a married woman. Has it been your foundation? Tell me a little bit about your word life now that you are married, the role that it plays in your life now as a married woman.

[Taiwo]

Thank you. So I would say it's more daunting, just the sense of the responsibility.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

Up until last year, yo, when I read proverb 31, I'm like, yeah, that's you guys. That's you guys. And now I'm married. I'm like, oh, that's me. It's. It's like the responsibility is brought closer than ever. So there is this sense of, I'm responsible for this household. Proverbs 31. Finished it.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

And actually, speaking of verse 31, I was reading the. Because most times they just dwell on what she does and what she's responsible for and this and that. And the last verse actually talked about giving her her worth. I think it's. If anybody can pull it up for me real quick, I think it's Proverbs 31. 31. Talking about her worth. Give her what she is worth. And when I held onto that, I was like, okay, the word just does not heap responsibility on you.

[Lyle]

It tells you what you're worth.

[Taiwo]

So when I was dealing with, oh, I'm married now I have this responsibility. I will birth children. You know, I will pray over them. I will. It says, our husband will go out and she will invest. I'm like, yo, chill. Why? Why should I do all this? And then the last verse was talking about, you will give her a worth. I was like, okay, yeah. So there is this assurance that if I do all this work, I will be given my worth.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

So I think the word just kind of still settled my. What's that word now? Of like, feeling overwhelmed of this responsibility and assured me of the worth that I have. So I would say as a newly married woman, I think the Word has just been asserting my fears of relaxing you. Yeah. Affirming me. Affirming my word, telling me you're worth more than this. We're not dwelling on what you have to do and what you have to do. We're telling you that after you do all this, you will get this blessings, this blessings.

[Gracie]

That is so good. There's a verse, and I want to touch on that, because a lot of times we read the Word, it's like, oh, I gotta do this, do this, do this. But a lot of times the Word shows us who we really are in Christ, the value that we carried. There's a verse, I think it's in Isaiah, don't quote me, but I think it says that you are mine. I. I have called you by name, you know, and when you read stuff like that, you just settle in the fact that, you know the Lord loves you, he cares for you, and he's watching over you. And that's why it's so important to have the Word in you. Because when the enemy wants to come with his dirty lies, you remember that you are chosen, that you're a royal priesthood, that the Lord's eye is upon you. Right. He says his thoughts are precious towards you. Correct. That you can't even the number of sand is. Is too small to count the precious thoughts that the Lord has towards you. Right. So that affirms me and lets me know that I'm seen. But if you don't know that you have no defense, you have no defense barrier. And that's another thing I wanted to touch on. The Word is your defense. If we go to Matthew. Let me see. It's where Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. Okay, I'm gonna read it. It's a bit long, but we'll go through. Says now, when the tempter came to him, he said, if you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. It says. But he answered and said, it is written. The Word is your defense.

[Lyle]

Yep.

[Gracie]

Yes, it is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Then the devil and his dirty self tried him again and said, it says, then the devil took him up into the holy city, set him on the Pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, if you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written, he shall give his angels charge over you, and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against the stone. That's Psalm 91 that the devil was quoting, that Jesus. And Jesus said to him, each time it is written again, you shall not tempt the Lord your God. Again the devil took him up on exceedingly high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, all these things I will give you if you will fall down and worship me. Then Jesus said to him, away with you, Satan. For it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and him only you shall serve. Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him. So three whole times, Jesus. So if the devil tempted Jesus, the son of God himself, how many times do you think the enemy will come and try to knock us out with lies? Just straight lies. And he even used the word of God to try to even twist him up. So how much more you as a human being, flesh and blood, Sorry, Auntie.

[Taiwo]

Gracie, Auntie Gracie is coming.

[Gracie]

How much more flesh and blood, how much more? If he came to Jesus three times, being the son of God, how many times do you think he'll come to you? Maybe a million times.

[Taiwo]

And don't forget, Satan had to go to Jesus because they were. Satan was telling, I'm sure I'm not there. Satan must have told demons, like, I got this. I'm on the level of Jesus. So demons are many numbers. So don't forget. So he has more tools to send to us systems. Right. So it's not just Satan now, it's him and the tools that he has available in this world.

[Gracie]

Exactly. And so how much word do we have in us to combat the lies of the enemy? Do you just know one scripture? And it's okay if you know one scripture? Please. By tomorrow. No, two, please. It's a journey, but we're onward. Progressing from glory to glory. Build your word arsenal up.

[Taiwo]

Yes, yes.

[Gracie]

You have to. It's crucial. It's essential. Especially as a young woman in this age with so many theologies, so many philosophies out there. You go online, you see the word mixed with a little bit of new age, mixed with a little bit of witchcraft mixed with you gotta know. And that comes from reading and spending time with him?

[Taiwo]

Yes.

[Gracie]

And I'm gonna go into another point, but I want to answer one thing first. Foundation wise you know, we're young ladies, but, you know, we've done this just for a little while, just for a few years. How glad are you that you have had your word as a foundation? Like you said, you just got married, I'm sure you're in school. How glad were you to know the word in the seasons where life changed a bit?

[Lyle]

Very glad to start with, I think as I was reading about this one thing that I realized from Ephesians 6, 11, 18, where it talks about the full armor of God and, and it describes the different weapons and when it talks about the word of God, the sword of the spirit, that is the one like offensive weapon that we have. Every other of the weapons, like five weapons are all offensive weapons. But the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God is your offensive weapon. And you know, I see the cipher as like it's a test. And the devil throws different pop quizzes, tries to test the word that, you know, tries to test you in different men. Have I been tested it? But I thank God for the word that God gave me and the seasons and even seasons before that I could go back to and be like God. This is what you said in your word and you exalt your word above all your names. And so I trust your word that it doesn't matter what, you know, the enemy might be saying or what my situation might be saying, but your word stands true. It is your word that will prevail. And so you have to have that word stored up in you so that when trials come, because they will come. It's even written in the Bible that you are going to face trials. So you have to have that word to hold you in season and have that confidence in God that if you said it in your word, then it is true.

[Gracie]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And you know, the Bible talks about how he, the Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance the word in you. So if a trial comes and you have no word in you, what will he bring to remembrance? There's nothing that will come. But if it's the word that you've been meditating on day and night, that day that the wind blows, you can stand. Yes, because you're literally, when you have the word in you, you're standing on a rock. You're standing on a rock. The Bible talks of a wise man that built his house upon the rock, and when the rain came and when the winds blew, he still stood.

[Lyle]

Yes. I wanted to add to what you just said about, you know, what would the Holy Spirit be able to use to remind you, in. In my discipleship class earlier this week, our disciples said something. He said, the Spirit of God works with the word of God in you.

[Gracie]

Yes.

[Lyle]

To review what God has for you and in you. So we do oursel a disservice when we don't have the Word in us. Like, you don't give the Holy Spirit much to work with, and so you operate in spiritual bankruptcy. And you don't want to be in that place because you need to have the Word. So you need to hide the word in your heart because out of your. Out of the abundance of the heart.

[Taiwo]

The mouth, speak it.

[Lyle]

So you need to have a word to speak to any situation that even if someone else comes to you with. With something, you have a word for them. And that word will give them life.

[Taiwo]

Yes.

[Gracie]

That's good. That's good. You got anything?

[Taiwo]

I think circling back to what you ladies said, I remember in my bachelor dinner that wonderful ladies threw me. We're just having a session where all the women were talking to me. And that word, when she said it just I. You know when you hold something and you never forget it? And she said, marriage is not easy. She was like, marriage will test you. She said, you have to know what word to send. She said when you're praying, she was like, know which word to send? I was like, pause. Because it made total sense. Right. It's like a baby crying and he wants to be changed and you feed him.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

He might keep quiet for a while. He will resume crying because he's wet. So it just click, like, oh, okay. So you have to know which words to send, and if you don't have the bank of words, what are you sending? You know? So when she said, I was like, oh, I got to read more Bible.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

That was the way I literally took it because I was like, imagine if my. My child wakes up in the middle of the night and is acting funny. Will I say, father, bless my bank account? No. Is the ones that you have given me. We are for signs and for wonders.

[Gracie]

Yes.

[Taiwo]

Right. So circling back to what you said is I have to know what I'm sending. So if I don't have enough, I'm sending the wrong thing.

[Gracie]

Oh, Jesus.

[Lyle]

Yeah.

[Gracie]

Oh, Jesus. This is. This is deep. This is deep. You know, I love what we're saying. We have to know. We have to know the Word. In this day and age, we have to know the Word. In your daily walk, you have to know the Word. Like you said, it's not that something happens and you have no clue where to even go. There has to be at least one word in you, right, that you can speak. And here's the thing. It says at the name of Jesus, every knee bows and every tongue confess that he is Lord. But it also says that he holds his Word above his name. So the most powerful thing that you can utter out of your mouth is the Word of God.

[Lyle]

Believe it.

[Gracie]

Yes, it's the Word of God. In trials and situations, you're crying, it may soothe you for a little bit, it may give you an emotional release. But what will cause change and what will encourage your soul and refresh your soul is the Word of God. I'm telling you, you have to try it for yourself if you don't know what I'm speaking of. The Word of God, it says in Psalm 119. Again, it says, the entrance of your word gives light, and it gives understanding to the simple. That means if there's any darkness in your life, all you have to do is speak the word and the darkness actually has to disappear. And you know, there's a certain boldness that you get when you know the Word of God, because it's like, nah, me and God, we're like this. This is me and Jesus. I know his Word, he knows me. And so you, you, whatever you, situation, you, stagnancy, you, whatever you are, you have no power. You have no power. If Jesus holds all power, that means his Word also holds all power. Absolutely right?

[Taiwo]

Yes.

[Gracie]

Amen.

[Taiwo]

Amen. Amen.

[Gracie]

The Word also sets you free. If the Word is the truth, what does the Bible say about the truth? And you will know the truth, and.

[Lyle]

The truth set you free.

[Gracie]

It says, you will know the truth. Not you will read the truth, though. Not you will read the truth. You will know the truth. Do you know the truth? And that brings me to my next point. What's the difference between reading, right, reading the Word and then meditating on the Word? Is there a difference? Talk about it.

[Lyle]

Okay.

[Taiwo]

Got anything to talk about? Why do you keep looking at me.

[Lyle]

Like I just want to check?

[Taiwo]

I feel like every time she looks at me, I know we've been friends for how many years now? I know that that look is. I'm asking, but you better do it.

[Lyle]

No, I'm just checking with you, but I can go first. Okay. So when I think about reading, it's like, okay, so let's. Let's give it, you know, a practical example in this day. So when you start a new semester, you have a. You have a new course, you know, the professor. Professor sends out a syllabus and probably sends out the, the first PowerPoint of, of the class session. And so you just kind of gloss over. You kind of want to know what he's going to talk about, what the class is about, what I'm getting into, you know, so you're just reading to just not really for understanding or application, but just to know. Right. But then I was, I was, I would talk about studying and then also meditating. But then with meditating, you know, it's kind of like, let's say you, you've gone to the class now and there's just this concept that's just ringing in your head. You kind of want to understand it from every angle. You want to be able to explain it to anybody that comes to you and be like, what is this concept? Do you know what this means? So you really think about it and you apply it. So meditation is more of reading with application. You take the word of God, you ponder on it, you chew on it, you try to see how it fits, you know, in your situation, in your life, how you can apply, how that can change you. Right. And, and then with studying on the other hand is like where you have more time now. You want to know everything. You want to use different resources. You go to chegg. You go to different, like, I don't know, like other, like, you know, course things that you can use to understand the concept. So you use like conquer dances. You, you go to. What's it like? Like different, like Christian sermons and teachings that can really dig out the word for you and help you understand what the word. So you spend more time when you start study reading, you're kind of glossing over it. Meditating is like, you're just, you're doing it throughout the day. You're kind of just, you know, and then studying is when you have time to really sit down and use all the resources that you can to really understand it.

[Taiwo]

I actually flipped it. Yeah. And let me explain why. Okay, so reading, I said reading is where mediocre Christians stay. I read the Word, I'm done. We like the chick wax.

[Lyle]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

Chapter one, Genesis.

[Gracie]

Done.

[Taiwo]

Feel good about it? I read the whole Bible. Yeah, I read the whole Bible in a year. Right. We medical Christians stay here and you actually. Blessed revelations, 1:3. Blessed is he who reads the word of prophecy. It's not like God is neglecting you. God still loves you, but you could do better. And I actually chose studying as the next level. Why? 2nd Timothy 2:15. He says study to show Yourself approved unto God. God. So starting is like in the middle of it. I'm studying because I want to show. Like I'm studying because I want to pass an exam, right? So I'm studying because I want to show to God that I'm approved. I know you. I understand you. I. I think I know when you say something to me, right? I also said it can be used for verification. How do I know that I understand this thing?

[Lyle]

Because I studied the word, right?

[Taiwo]

Meditating, I think, happens in our subconsciousness.

[Gracie]

Yes.

[Taiwo]

Joshua 1:8, the book of the law shall not depart from your mouth. You shall meditate on it day and night.

[Gracie]

There we go.

[Taiwo]

Night time. You're supposed to be sleeping, but night time, sometimes when something come upon your head, you meditate on the word of God. So I feel like meditation is the highest level you can get to. Meditation is what happens when you as, as Elias said, you practicalize the word of God. That's when you meditate on it, right? You're walking and enemy just throw it thoughts in your mind like you're going to die. Like, what if. Listen, I suffered for that thing for a while. Evil thought just. I don't know where is this coming from exactly, right? Like I'll just be driving another. Imagine if this time I hit you now, Jesus. And I was like, no, the word says I shall leave and not die.

[Gracie]

There we go.

[Taiwo]

That is meditating, right? So I feel like most of times we stay in reading and studying, we forget to move to the level of meditation because that is where the victories really happen. Because sometimes you're not with your Bible and if you're not with your Bible app, but when you meditate on those words, those are the words that give you victory.

[Gracie]

That's so good. How many of us have read something before? And after you read it, you're like, I have no clue what I just read. Some of us in school, we know exactly how that goes. You read a page and you're like, I need to read this thing again, right? That's that reading is, I think, like we said, the basic building blocks. Getting information, studying, like she said, is to show yourself approved so that you know when things come up, you. Okay, I know this knowledge. I got this. I know that you know Peter's the one who walked on water. I know you know, I know these. Meditating for me is when the word jumps off the pages and it now enters your heart. That's what meditating is. It says you shall meditate day and night. And meditation doesn't Require you reading long chapters, even one short scripture, ruminating over it all day like she's, I shall live and not die. I shall live and not die. I shall live and not die. Before you know it, when something wants to come up, that scripture just boom, I shall live and not die. That's when you begin to pray. And you now start to pray for long periods of time. If you realize that, you know, you can only really pray for short periods of time. Check how much words you know.

[Taiwo]

Word.

[Lyle]

Yep.

[Gracie]

Check how much words you know. Because once you start to build your scripture arsenal, I'm telling you, it'll be easy to pray for hours.

[Lyle]

Yes, absolutely.

[Gracie]

Because the Word would just keep coming and coming and. And coming and coming. The Word is eternal. Everything will fade away, but the Word stands forever.

[Taiwo]

Yes.

[Gracie]

Amen.

[Taiwo]

Amen.

[Gracie]

It's good stuff, huh?

[Taiwo]

Good stuff.

[Gracie]

It's good stuff. It's good stuff.

[Taiwo]

Love it.

[Gracie]

Let's talk a little bit more. Let's talk about if there are wrong ways to approach the Word. I think we talked about it a little bit earlier.

[Taiwo]

Yes, we actually did. And I was going to say something, then something else came in which is really good because, you know, things keep jumping.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

I think that one of the reasons we study the Word wrongly is because we take things out of context.

[Gracie]

Okay.

[Taiwo]

Our parents have washed it down our minds again. Growing, but growing up in apostolic Thou shalt not wear trouser. You are a prostitute if you wear trouser. Why? Who said it? Yeah, when did they say it?

[Gracie]

When?

[Taiwo]

How many decades ago did they say it? What country, what culture said it? So I feel like we study the Word of God amiss when we take things out of context. We look for it to satisfy our flesh. We want to be right. So I'ma take whatever I see to prove that I am right. Forget what he said to verses earlier. Ignore that part. No, I think that's one important part that makes us to study the Word wrongly. We just want to satisfy that flesh.

[Gracie]

What do you think?

[Lyle]

I think for me, one thing that I thought about is trying to read the Bible without the help of the Holy Spirit. It's like you're trying to use your human understanding to engage in things of the Spirit. It's just not possible. You can't separate the Spirit from the Word. So, you know, if you're approaching the Bible as. As just a book, then that's all you're going to get from it. But if you have the Holy Spirit revealing to you the mind of Christ, the mind of God About His Word, then you have a deeper understanding of His Word.

[Gracie]

That's so good. I want us to get into our next point. You just stealing my points? Reading the Word with the Holy Spirit is key. Or you will literally just read text.

[Taiwo]

Yes.

[Gracie]

You will literally just read text. Before you read the word, say, holy Spirit, open my eyes. Right? It's that simple. Holy Spirit, we're reading this together. Because if I just read it for myself, we're going nowhere, right? We're literally going nowhere. So every time you read, ask the Holy Spirit, I invite you to. We're reading this together. Holy Spirit, if you don't show me what this is, I won't know. And that's when you'll see. When you start to read, the words will literally jump off the page. That's when the logos becomes the rhema. It becomes a spoken word to you. That's when the. It becomes. It goes from a written word to your personal word. Yeah. Are we understanding?

[Taiwo]

Yeah.

[Gracie]

Like it. Yeah. You know what I mean? And so I guess my next question to us all is, how do we practically grow in our word life in today's world? Like, what are just like, some simple, easy, practical things that we can grow in our word life? I can start. I think the first thing is just being intentional. Like, just be intentional about it. Like, I want to know this Word, Lord, because I want to know you. Point blank, period. I don't want to know someone's version of you. I don't even want to know my pastor's version of you, Although I love my pastor, you know, whoever it is that ministers to you, I want to know you for myself. So help me learn this Word. And even if it's a chapter a week, even it's a. Whatever it is, read it with intentionality a lot of the times. And I am victim. There's some times where I'm reading the Word because, like, all right, let's go. I know I have to read the Word as a Christian, so let's just get this thing done so I can go about my day. And that is a wrong approach. We don't grow with an approach like that. You have to approach the Scripture every time, saying, lord, let this Word speak to me. Let it change me. We're humans, but we're meant to be molded. You know, the Bible talks about him being the potter and us being the clay, and we're formed and we're shaped by his Word. So. And another thing the Word does is it breaks you down. So it's okay if Sometimes the Word, you read the Word and it cuts a little bit. That's what it's meant to do. Something tears. Some people run away from the Word because it makes them feel, you know, well, I just want to do me. I just want to live how I want to live. And this is. But the Word is actually meant to cut you. The Bible talks about is my word, not like a hammer. Let me find the scripture. It says. It says, is not my word. Like a fire, it says the Lord. And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces. And the Bible also talks about how the Lord is the only one who can turn our hearts of stone to heart of flesh. And so it's okay if he's got to break down a few layers. If you got to read it and cry a few times. It's all meant to. To form you into the glorious person that God has created you to be. And wherever formed, ever transformed, ever changed until the day of Jesus Christ. Does that make sense? You got anything?

[Taiwo]

Absolutely, Yeah. I think that we should first identify why sometimes we get carried away or use excuses not to study the Word. And I was checking myself and I was like, okay, why right now are you not studying the Word enough? And Holy Spirit was like, you think everything you're going through, no one has gone through it before. I was like, okay, Holy Spirit, you didn't have to check me there. Yeah. Exercises 1 9. That which has been is what will be. That which is done is what will be done. And there is nothing new under the sun.

[Gracie]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Taiwo]

Someone else might not go through exactly what I'm going through, but they've been through it. So when I understand that there is nothing new under the sun, someone has gone through what I'm going through.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

That person lived. That person survived. Yeah, I will survive. So there is no excuse not to still devote that time to God, because God is like, I've been there.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

I literally created time and stepped out of time. I've been there. So when we understand that everything we're going through is not new, it might be peculiar to you. Is not new, then we're like, okay, Holy Spirit, come, come, let's. Let's talk. Yeah, right. And then we. Which leads me to my next point. The Bible says where your treasure is, your heart is. You have to give time to it. You have to be deliberate about giving time. Listen, we're all busy city. Most of Us are working 12, 12 hour shifts. We're busy every. It's America. Everybody's busy. But you just have to give time to it. You have to give time. You have to be deliberate. Yeah, you are. It's like someone telling you, I love you, I love you, but it's not giving you time. You don't make no sense. Give time to it. Realize that. Okay. The word we're seeing now is Life is my treasure. Practice, like, let your words match your action. Yeah.

[Gracie]

Another thing that you just mentioned, just actually a strategy for reading the Word is finding a situation in the Word that you identify with. I promise you, you find one person that can identify with the season that you're in right now.

[Lyle]

Absolutely.

[Gracie]

And a lot of times, like you said, we approach the Word. We're like Moses, Abraham, like David, all these people.

[Taiwo]

And.

[Gracie]

And I used to view them as Bible characters when I was younger, but when I actually developed a relationship with Jesus Christ, I would be able to now see this Bible character. I don't like calling them characters because they're real people. They want the real things. Right. But pick apart pieces of their life. Like, if you ever struggle with fear or anxiety, you can look at Moses. Moses was scared to lead. God had called him to such a huge, huge vision. It's like, lord, I'm a stammerer. I can't even put my two words together. And you've called me to lead the whole nation of Israel. How many times has God shown us something that was bigger than us and we felt like we were not good enough or we did not have what it takes to fulfill the role he called us to? That's just a simple one. And there's probably thousands of others. And so if you have no clue how to approach your Word, find a situation. We thank God for Google. Yeah.

[Taiwo]

Oh, my God.

[Gracie]

We thank God for Google. Listen Scriptures on xyz.

[Taiwo]

What does the Bible say on.

[Gracie]

It's so simple for us now. Back then, they actually had to search the screen.

[Taiwo]

I think we didn't go, that was not fun.

[Gracie]

Exactly. But now we literally have all the resources. Resources at the tip of our fingers.

[Taiwo]

Yes.

[Gracie]

So let's use it. Let's use it. Let's use it. And another reason why you may not be reading the Word like you're supposed to. And I'm not trying to make everything spiritual. Is the enemy. Likes to play funny games. There's some seasons where he's like, let me just blow a window of tiredness over her, because I know that when she doesn't know the word, that's when I can attack her mind. So let's always be like, laio Said on the offense. On the offense. When it comes to the Word, the word is literally our sword. We use it as a double edged sword to cut down, to do what we do with swords. Amen. I want us to talk about our favorite scriptures. Right. And why it relates to us so strongly.

[Lyle]

Yeah. Actually before we go to that question, is it possible to just add one more thing to practical ways to build your work life? Have accountability partners, have people that can check you and, and you know, just keep you accountable. Either a friend or even just a Bible study group or some just people that can help you so that way you don't feel like you're doing it alone. And there are other people that are also trying to build their world life as well.

[Gracie]

Well, yeah.

[Lyle]

And so for my favorite scripture, so this, I, I didn't really have knowledge of this scripture before and I feel like it really applies to what we're talking about today with the Word that gives life. And it's Philippians 2:13. And I just love the book of Philippians cuz my other favorite scripture is from Philippians. But this one says for it is God who works in you both to will and will and to do for his good pleasure, both to will and to work, both to will and to do for his great pleasure. And when the Holy Spirit gave me the scripture, this was when I was trying to, you know, be more intentional about spending time with him and knowing the Word. But it just felt like there was just this weight on me to try and figure out how to do it. And, and I just, I was just like God, you are the one who walks in me to will and to do. I just have to make myself available for the doing. And so it took the weight off of me and just gave me perspective that I have help. And that help is the Holy Spirit. And so just leaning on his help. And he's able to allow you to do the things that will bring God pleasure. Because this flesh that we have does not want you to bring pleasure to God. No, it works against that. But if you're able to lean into the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, he's helped, he's able to help you to fight your flesh, but you have to be ready to die to your flesh so that the Holy Spirit can take place and, and do what he needs to do. And so this, this, this has just been my favorite scripture right now because it just, it just helps. Yeah, it's just comforting to know that we have help.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Lyle]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

Before I say my favorite scripture, I think the summary of everything we've been talking about is really tied up to this moment. Because there is always a word for you in each season.

[Gracie]

Yeah, that's it.

[Taiwo]

Yeah. Every season in your life has a word for you. You are not left without a witness. There is a word. You're struggling with porn. There is a word.

[Gracie]

Yes.

[Taiwo]

You're struggling with obeying your parents, forgiving your dad. There is a word. But if you. You don't have that word, bank again. What do you use in that season? Literally three months ago, myself and my husband was. It was Habakkuk 317. The figs may not blossom. They may not be water in the sea, yet it will be filled with plenty. That was our word. But we're married now, so, yeah, what next? Now it is settling down, and I was, okay, what next? And my favorite word right now is Joshua 1:9. Have I not commanded you?

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Listen, when I saw that word, I don't do this. I put a sticky note on my mirror. I was like, I need it every morning. And that is my word right now. Because I'm like, I'm scared of this next phase of my life. Me and my husband working on something so big that usually people tell us it will take this long. And I'm scared. And Joshua one night says, God was telling me. And again, that's. Circle back. What did God tell you about this thing you're doing? Because I prayed over this man that I married. God, if it's not for me, please don't chase him away.

[Gracie]

Chase him away.

[Taiwo]

I don't want to see him. And you know those prayers that work really fast here, if a man is toasting you today. Yeah. Try it. Just tell God, Father, his name is so. So if he will lie, chase him. The man will not text you again by midnight. He walks like I'm like God. Why do you answer this one quickly? Bless me with money. It take a while. Chase a man away.

[Gracie]

You will chase him.

[Taiwo]

When I understood that God is with me because the Bible says, have I not commanded you on this thing? So God told me to marry this man. I heard him, so I married him. Because I heard from God, right?

[Lyle]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

So. Which is again, that affirmation in it. So Joshua one night, have I not commanded you on these things? That is my verse right now. And I know that God wants that prayer in Jesus.

[Gracie]

In the name of Jesus, you know, for my scripture, I Have a lifetime favorite verse, right? And it's Romans 8:28. For we know that all things will work together for good to them who are the called, to them who love him, and to them who are called according to his purpose. And since I was a little girl, I don't know why that verse has just been etched on my heart, but I found that in every season. That's the verse that makes sense, right? Everything is working for my good. The good, the bad, the ugly, the highs, the low hills, the valleys, the mountains, they're all working out for my good. Amen. Right? But my verse for this season, this specific season is Psalms 139, verse 16 to 18. And I literally, anytime I'm alone with God and I read this verse, I literally sob like snot nose cry. It says, your eyes saw myself, substance being yet unformed. And in your book they are all written, the days fashion for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are your thoughts towards me, oh God, how great is the sum of them. If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I am awake, I am still with you. I want to focus on verse 16. It says, your eyes my substance before. Sorry. Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed. And I know that's talking about like our biological nature, like, but to me, it's almost like before I knew Christ, when I was in the world, when I was doing wicked stuff, his eyes saw my substance. He saw what I was made of. And he said, that's the one I want to use, that vert. It just wrecks me every time because it's like, how do you love me so much? When I was unformed, you saw substance in me. Me, I don't deserve it. I don't deserve this kind of love. So it always makes me sob because it just reminds me that the Lord loves us so much. His thoughts, thoughts are precious towards us. So this is just rule of thumb. If you hear any voice that is unkind to you, it's not the Lord speaking to you. It's not the Lord speaking to you. That's my anchor verse in this scripture in this season. Sorry. Knowing that the Lord loves me so, and he's so attentive to my needs, I'm seen by. By him. He's Elroy. And I'm seen by him. And whenever I lift up my voice to him and I cry out to him, he hears me. In this moment, I just want us to pray, just want us to bow our heads. Thank You, Jesus, because you're the word that gives life.

[Taiwo]

Ty.

[Gracie]

Will, can you just pray over us? Just. Just speak a word and pray over us. Pray over this room.

[Taiwo]

Heavenly Father, there is none like you.

[Gracie]

Yes, Lord.

[Taiwo]

Jehovah. Elroy.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

The one who sees me.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

The one who sees us.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

The one who loves us. The one who called us by name before he even formed us.

[Gracie]

Yes.

[Taiwo]

The one who knows us by his palm.

[Gracie]

Yes, Lord.

[Taiwo]

Lord Jesus, you are worthy. Yes, Lord, it's even love. That we can count it as. That you have your word for us. Yeah.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

You want us to know you. You want us to understand you. So you gave us your. Your word. Father, we ask in the name of Jesus, that we are not left without a witness. Yeah. That we understand you. That we hear you. That we understand you. That we hear you. That we will not be led astray in the name of Jesus. That when we call, you will hear us. That when we are confused, you will find us. That when we are in sin, you will wash us clean, Lord Jesus, that your word will give us life. That your word will heal us. That your word will shed light on our path. Your word says, my word is a lamp onto your feet and light light onto your path. That we will never be in darkness. That we will never be confused. That we will never be disappointed. That we will never be heartbroken. That we will never be sick. That we will live long. Your word will fulfill its purpose in our lives. In the name of Jesus, our hearts burn for you. Yes, our hearts yearn for you. Like us, so we. We. We yearn for you. We pant for you. We want to know you more. We walk with you. We walk with you. You hold us by the hand. Then walk with us. We are not left without help. We are not left without a witness. Your word will come true. Your word is in our asana. We know the right word to use in the right season. In the name of Jesus, we build this beautiful relationship with you, Lord Jesus, we walk with you. We know you personal. You are close to us. Like the hair on our skin. You are close to us. In the name of Jesus, we will not be desolate. We will not be alone. We will not be barren. In the name of Jesus, your word will come true for us. In the name of Jesus, we know to hear from you. We hear from you. We are not misled by the enemy. We are not misled by confusion or worry or doubt. In the name of Jesus, your word gives life. God says to tell you that he.

[Gracie]

Sees you.

[Taiwo]

And it's almost like, you know, this says that the truth is there. I was like, who? The word just jumped l. Roy. And literally, Evan said it.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

God says to tell you that he sees you.

[Gracie]

Yeah.

[Taiwo]

And you're there and you're wondering, God, I'm just here. I don't even matter. You might even be the last born. And you're like, my siblings are doing so much greater. Their grades are so much better. This is a. Is an early star, is a track star, is this and that. And God, I'm just here. God says to tell you that he sees you. God says to tell you that he sees you. He knows you. He's working on you. He's literally holding. He's holding your hand and he's walking with you. God says to tell you, don't you ever say you're alone. Let that word leave your dictionary. God, he's walking with you. He holds your hand. God says, whenever you say, I'm lonely, take it out. Say, I'm with the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus. So, Heavenly Father, Lord God, we thank you for this once. We thank you for our lives. We thank you for this minute. We know that there is nothing that happens without your permission. We know that there is nothing that happens just in coincidence. We know that you orchestrated each and everyone's steps to be here. So, Father Lord, we ask in the name of Jesus that as we leave here, we are not the same. Your word begins to give us life. In the name of Jesus. There is that fire of the Holy Ghost. In the name of Jesus. We are not mediocre. In the name of Jesus. Jesus. We find within the fire of the Holy Ghost. In the name of Jesus. Begin to speak in tongues right now. I hear the word of my Father. In the name of Jesus, tell him. I hear you. Thank you, Heavenly Father. Thank you. Because in times to come and in seasons to come, your word will always hold true. My God says the heavens, my past. But my word will never go back unfulfilled. We ask in the name of Jesus, for every season we find ourselves, till you call us home. With you, there will always be a word. In the name of Jesus. Jesus, we thank you for many this and much more. We thank you for heaven. We thank you for what you are using her for. We thank you for this amazing gift and blessing that you have given her. We ask in the name of Jesus that our light continues to shine brighter. And every single person who has contributed to this in one way, another. Lord God, you will manifest yourself in their lives in the name of Jesus. Thank you, Heavenly Father. So for in Jesus mighty name we pray.

[Gracie]

Amen.

[Taiwo]

Amen.

[Gracie]

I don't want to lose this opportunity. The Bible says in John 1:12, 13, it says, but as many as received him who's the word to them, he gave them the right to become the children of God. To those who believe in his name, who are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. If there's anybody here watching online that does not know Jesus or not know the word that we speak of, this is your moment. This is your opportunity to give your life to Him. It says as many that that believed him that has received him, he gave them the right to become the children of God, to become the sons of God. So in this moment, if you don't know Jesus, just place your hand over your heart and say, jesus, today I receive you. I receive you. That is my right to become a child of God. I believe in you in your finished work on the cross, that you died and rose again three days later with all power. With all power. And by your finished work on the cross, I am saved by grace, through faith. And through faith and faith alone, I am made righteous. Not by my works, lest any man should boast, but of you alone. I accept you. Today I want to know you, Lord. Walk with me, talk with me, guide me. In Jesus name we have prayed. Amen. Let's give a round of applause to Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith. This wraps up.