God’s Word Cuts Deep

MORNING

Read Hebrews 4:12-13

Devotion

The Bible is a very old group of 66 books that were written over a period of 1500 years. The whole Bible was finalized in its present form by AD 400. I don’t imagine that you are reading many other books that are more than 1600 years old. But, despite its age, the Bible is in no way out of date. As God’s revelation to us, the Bible is incredibly helpful. We learn about the nature of God. We learn about God’s dealings with people. We learn about the grace of God revealed in the gospel. God has so much to teach us through His Scripture.

But when the Holy Spirit breathes through the revelation of the Bible, it moves beyond truths for us to understand, learn and practice. It becomes “alive and active” (4:12). It turns into a razor-sharp sword, slicing deep into our hearts and minds. It exposes hidden truths about our motivations and secret passions. It cuts us open to expose both the good and the bad.

This might seem dangerous and frightening to you. We like to protect ourselves by not allowing people to know too much about our inner workings. But God already knows everything about you (4:13), and He deeply loves you and wants the very best for you. He has a vision of who you can become, and He knows that this will require cutting and uncovering to bring healing. So God uses His Scripture to do this deep work in our hearts and minds.

So as you read the Bible, pray for the Holy Spirit, like a surgeon, to do His work and expect some cutting and exposing, and then deep restoration. Don’t try to hide from God, but open up your heart and life to the Spirit’s work through His Word. Pray for God to speak to you through His Word and Spirit. Everyday disciples of Jesus are transformed by God’s Word.

Prayer

Your Word is like a razor-sharp sword as it is enlivened by the Spirit. I have already experienced this. Sometimes I find Scripture uncomfortable as it penetrates my deepest parts, but this is what I need as Your disciple. Please speak to me. Break down my defences. Uncover my sin. Speak truth to my heart. Don’t hold back Lord. I can handle the truth. Set me free.

Today’s Bible Focus

“The word of God is alive and active.”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible Focus. Let it seep into your heart.

2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.

3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible Focus.

2. Reflect: Reflect on the day and thank God for what He has said and done.

3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day and ask for forgiveness and freedom.

4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.