The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever (Isaiah 40:8).
but my words will not pass away.
Luke 21:33
"Blessed are those who hear
the word of God and keep it!"
Luke 11:28
"The sower sows the word. And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown; when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which is sown in them. And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are the ones sown among thorns; they are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold" (Mark 4:14-20).
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you, and you be found a liar (Proverbs 30:5-6). For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward (Psalms 19: 8 - 11).
Our Lord's words teach us that though we labour among the many distractions of this world, we should have but one goal. For we are but travellers on a journey without as yet a fixed abode; we are on our way, not yet in our native land; we are in a state of longing, not yet of enjoyment. Do you wish to know what we will have there? The Lord himself tells us when he says of his servants, Amen, I say to you, he will make them recline and passing he will serve them (St. Augustine).
Prayer
Put false ways far from me; and graciously teach me thy law! The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. For ever, O LORD, thy word is firmly fixed in the heavens. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep thy word. Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love thy law (Psalms 119: 29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163).
