By: Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
Today's passage
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Reflect
-Am I chewing on God's Word--allowing it to penetrate my heart and search out my motivations?
-Am I reading the Bible simply to get through it and check it off my to-do list?
-Am I satisfied with simply reading the Word, or am I willing to go one step further and act on it?
It's easy to close the Bible after our morning quiet time or at night before we turn off the bedside lamp and feel good about ourselves. "Hey," we rationalize, "I'm reading the Bible, right? Isn't that good enough?" Reading the Bible is a great start, for sure. But God wants us to take another step: He wants us to live His Word: to ponder it, meditate on it, carry it with us, and act on it. He wants His Word to guide our everyday decisions, serving as a lamp that shines along our daily path and a sounding board against which we can weigh our choices. God's Word can indeed seep into our body and spirit, into our heart, mind, and soul. It's our choice: Will we allow God's Word to transform us?
Respond
Ask for Change: Lord, help me enjoy the full benefit of Your Word by slowing down and really thinking about what You are trying to communicate to me. Guide me toward a deeper understanding of how You use the Holy Scriptures to transform my life.
Consider what's real: Sometimes we try to bite off a bit too much during our Bible reading. We focus on getting through as many verses as possible, instead of really delving deeply into just a few. This week, try reading just four or five verses at a time, especially if you typically read more in one sitting. Read the verses to yourself quietly and then aloud once or twice again, concentrating on the words or phrases that seem to leap off the page or resonate with you in some way. If a particular verse seems to be speaking to you, ask God for direction and guidance, and then listen for an answer in your heart.
Additional verses to consider: Hebrews 3:7-8, Romans 10:17
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