“For the Word of God is living and powerful, and shaper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12)
Does God’s Word ever cause you discomfort? When you are listening to a sermon, does it seem like the Scriptures are aimed directly at you? Does your heart ever soar with encouragement after reading the Bible? You are experiencing the reality that God’s Word is alive and can actually read your thoughts and judge your intentions.
When God’s Word speaks to you it is always for a purpose. God knows your heart and knows what you need to hear and knows what you need to do to bring your life into conformity to Christ. If you have a problem with sinful talk, the Word that comes to you will address the tongue. If you are struggling to forgive, God’s Word will confront you with the call to forgive others. If pride has a hold in your life, God’s Word will speak to you about humility. And if you are suffering, God’s Word will give you hope. Whatever needs to be addressed in your life, God’s Word has the ability to meet you where you are.
Of course, we have a part in the process. We must have open and receptive hearts. God will not force His Word upon a harded heart or closed mind. If you don’t want to be convicted or taught, then you can simply avoid church and stop reading the Bible. Or you can avoid people who uphold the truth of Scripture in their own lives. The best response, however, is to pray as the Psalmist did, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalms 139:23).
Regularly allow the Word of God to wash over you like cleansing water to uncover any impurity or sin. Always make the connection between your life and what God is saying to you through His Word. Make a habit of taking every word from God seriously, knowing that it is able to judge your heart and motives.
Does God’s Word ever cause you discomfort? When you are listening to a sermon, does it seem like the Scriptures are aimed directly at you? Does your heart ever soar with encouragement after reading the Bible? You are experiencing the reality that God’s Word is alive and can actually read your thoughts and judge your intentions.
When God’s Word speaks to you it is always for a purpose. God knows your heart and knows what you need to hear and knows what you need to do to bring your life into conformity to Christ. If you have a problem with sinful talk, the Word that comes to you will address the tongue. If you are struggling to forgive, God’s Word will confront you with the call to forgive others. If pride has a hold in your life, God’s Word will speak to you about humility. And if you are suffering, God’s Word will give you hope. Whatever needs to be addressed in your life, God’s Word has the ability to meet you where you are.
Of course, we have a part in the process. We must have open and receptive hearts. God will not force His Word upon a harded heart or closed mind. If you don’t want to be convicted or taught, then you can simply avoid church and stop reading the Bible. Or you can avoid people who uphold the truth of Scripture in their own lives. The best response, however, is to pray as the Psalmist did, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalms 139:23).
Regularly allow the Word of God to wash over you like cleansing water to uncover any impurity or sin. Always make the connection between your life and what God is saying to you through His Word. Make a habit of taking every word from God seriously, knowing that it is able to judge your heart and motives.
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