Hebrews 4:12 (Conviction)

"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).

The Word of God is living and active!

For longer than I care to admit, I have been going through life under my perceived knowledge and understanding of God's Word rather than through an exegetical study of what God actually says. Only recently have I realized how malnourished I have been in regards to a living and active relationship with Jesus Christ through His Word.

It can be embarrassing to admit how shallow your life has become at times in regards to truly knowing what the Bible says, but I firmly believe that is part of God's plan. Without proper perspective, you will never appreciate the fact “that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

How amazing is that truth! That regardless of what trials you face, God works all things for good (or in other words, His glory) according to His purpose.

But proper perspective only comes when you fulfill the second half of God's wisdom equation. Simply experiencing trials is not enough. Imputing the Word of God into that experience is the key to unveiling God's wisdom and understanding.

I now feel like Paul on the Damascus road, experiencing the reality of meeting his Creator face to face. “And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight” (Acts 9:18).

I cannot begin to describe the incredible feeling of allowing God's Word to penetrate my heart on a regular basis and the perspective on all aspects of life that I am now gaining because I embraced completely the absolute truth of Hebrews 4:12.

For the difference between someone who is experiencing a life-changing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and one that is going through the motions is simply defined by his/her perspective of the Bible. For it is not merely a historical reference book, applicable only in the day it was written. It is alive, active and timeless!

God audibly speaks to us through His Word. It is so simple, yet we completely miss that foundational truth and wonder why we feel so distant in our faith journey with God. He is willing to reveal Himself to us if we would take time to not only read His Word, but read it with proper perspective that it is as true today as yesterday and will endure forever because it is absolute.

How reassuring! There is something concrete this side of heaven that we can trust as tried and true for all generations. My prayer is that this revelation will drive me further into the Scriptures where I may see my Savior face to face and truly know Him.