HEBREWS 4:12 (NLT)

"For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are."

To Ponder 

How amazing is God’s Word!! I realise that I am probably speaking mostly to the converted here, but God’s Word IS “living and active” as it says in the NIV translation.  

For those of you who enjoy the Fantasy genre of books or movies, you can probably imagine a book which is “living” or magic, in which the words change, depending on who is reading it. God’s Word is not magic. The words themselves do not change. However, the way it speaks to our hearts DOES change. The same words can speak differently to our hearts in different situations; Different parts of a verse or passage will challenge or encourage or speak to us at different times. If you are a reader of God’s Word, regularly or irregularly, I am sure that you will have experienced this too. This is the “living power” mentioned in today’s verse. 

The truth that God’s Word “cuts deep” and “exposes us” sounds uncomfortable, something to avoid. However, it is my experience that when God needs to reveal something ungodly in our thoughts, attitudes or actions (and he often does!), he is a very gentle and accurate surgeon. We don’t need to fear his spiritual surgery. In fact, when we humbly receive his Word, the results are always a lighter spirit and a closer relationship with him. 

Prayer 

Holy Spirit, Thank you that your Word has living power. Keep drawing me to your Word. Open my heart to hear and receive the message that you need to speak to me today. 

Today’s devotion written by Julie Kitchen, Lifeway Epping