“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
I am sure it was no coincidence that I read from a Bible reading plan just moments ago something that goes right along with today’s verse. God is like that — oftentimes putting the right word, verse, song, person, or event in our lives at the exact moment needed in order that the Holy Spirit might shed light on a spiritual truth to us. I just got done reading a thought about how interesting — and on the same token, sad — it is that the Bible is the most published/printed/produced book in the world yet possibly the least utilized. How many of us have a Bible or even multiple Bibles in our homes or on our phones and tablets, yet fail to read them and apply them to our lives? Many “excuses” are given such as we do not have enough time in the day with our jobs, or children, or medical emergencies. Perhaps some say the Bible is too hard to understand. I think if we are all honest with ourselves, though, today’s verse really cuts to the core of why we allow our Bibles to collect dust. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV) To put it bluntly — the Bible exposes our faults and convicts us in the areas of unrighteousness we are living out in our lives. As humans, we do not like to be told we are doing something wrong, and most of us do not like to invest the time to change or better ourselves, thinking we are “good enough” the way we are. That is a scary mindset to have come judgment day, for the Bible clearly states: “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12 (ESV)
Open God’s Word today and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and convict you of the areas that you need to improve upon. There is no shame at the cross for those who are covered by His blood and His grace and mercy!
Jessica Ford
Communications Director
ALIVE Ministries USA