My life and pastoral ministry have been forever changed by my time in the Word and the application of it in my life each day. However, my discipline yesterday in God’s Word does not guarantee success tomorrow. The Bible is alive and active like you and me. This is why it is important to read the Bible each day. The writer of Hebrews says it like this:
For the word of God is alive 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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)
Every time we read the Bible it is alive and active. It digs into motives, actions, feelings, and thoughts and allows us like the Psalmist to say:
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
James, the brother of Jesus, said the Word of God is a mirror into our souls. When we read it, we see our true selves if we are willing to hear the prompting of the Spirit inside of us as it mirrors to us our lives through its active counsel. However, as James says, reading it is not enough.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:22-25)
Read God’s Word! Apply it every day and you will be blessed by God. It is a promise from God! It has saved me from self-destruction, and it can save you too!
