If You Only Read One Thing

If You Only Read One Thing

It’s alive, active, durable, the truth and life-giving. It’s an all time bestseller and has been read by more people and influenced the world more than any other book. It’s the Bible, God’s word given to us and it’s what this week’s devotionals are all about.
When “Life Happens” Reading If You Only Read One Thing 7 minutes Next God Wants to Lead You

The Bible is a Mirror

The Bible.

It’s been called the foundation of our civilization, a sacred book, even our guide for life.

Actually, it’s more than that.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “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.”

From ancient times, God decided that He would communicate with humans through language, the written word. He wanted us to have our history and His instructions for living in a form that we wouldn’t forget or lose.

In effect, the Bible is like a mirror we can hold up and look into. Do we see a reflection of Christ? Have we spent time with God in prayer today? Are we helping share the Gospel in our daily walk?

The Word of God is eternal. We can hold it in our hands, and read it and apply it to our lives.

Do yourself a favor and read some of it today!

Let’s pray.

Lord, thank you for giving us your thoughts, and helping us know you better through your Word. Amen.

The Bible is Alive

People have different views on just what God’s Word actually is. Some think it’s an ancient book of wisdom. Others think it’s just kind of an interesting piece of historical literature.

But the Word itself tells us that it has amazing benefits for those who read it and believe it.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “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.”

It’s not a dead book!

Notice that the Bible is “alive and active.” That means that even though we might let it gather dust on a shelf, it doesn’t gather dust in our hearts. God’s Word tells us exactly who we are, and who God is. It establishes that relationship.

And it’s very important to remember that as you read it, you’ll see that Jesus Christ is seen all through the Bible. The Word of God reveals the Word, which is what John chapter 1 calls Jesus. It’s an amazing book within the Bible and is a good place to start to discover who Jesus is.

He is the Living Word!

Let’s pray.

Lord, you are good to us all the time. You don’t leave us in our sin, but give us a way out, through Jesus Christ, the Living Word. Thank you for your Son! Amen.

The Bible is Active

The world is full of interesting ancient books. The Indian Vedas, the Egyptian Book of the Dead, even ancient clay tablets from Sumeria.

In the Bible though, we read that God’s Word is alive, not dead.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “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.”

Active.

That’s a very interesting way to describe a book. It sits on a shelf, or stares back at us from our phones. The writer of Hebrews says that the Word of God is for all people in all times and places. And while we might not like the idea that it can see into our hearts and minds, it is part of God’s plan for our benefit. It brings freedom and peace.

Do you need those today? Then try reading the Living Word!

Let’s pray.

Lord, you made us and know everything about us. Nothing is hidden from you, just as your Word tells us. Thank you for loving us, for that ultimate intimate relationship. Amen.

God's Word is Durable

Did you know God’s Word is indestructible?

Many ancient books have been lost to history. Others sit still buried under the sands of the Middle East. But after thousands of years, the Bible is more widely read than ever.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “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.”

There’s an interesting story in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. We are told that the wicked king of Judah didn’t like the Word given by God to the prophet, so he threw it in the fire! But God simply had Jeremiah do it again, and today we have the story recorded in our Bibles.

Whenever men decide they want to get rid of the Bible, whether in Nazi Germany or today in countries where dictators hurt their own people, God’s Word survives, and finds its way into the hands of more people.

A God who can do that is the true God, and the only One worthy of worship!

Let’s pray.

Lord, your Word is something we can’t get away from, even when we are rebellious. Thank you for preserving your Word so that we all have access to it. Amen.

History, Poetry, Songs, and Letters

God’s Word is a collection of individual books about the history of the world including poetry, worship songs, letters, and the beginnings of the Church.

But it’s also all about Jesus!

Hebrews 4:12 says, “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.”

Jesus, who came to our world as God in the flesh, is actually the Creator of everything that exists. Most amazing, He is today alive. He was crucified and laid in a tomb 2,000 years ago, but rose again and lives to be the King of our lives.

As the Word, He is aware of literally everything, including our thoughts. He hears the cry of your heart. He knows when you are depressed. He knows your thoughts and how you feel about things.

If He does all that, why not talk to Him today? Tell Jesus how you feel. His story isn’t just words on a page. He is the Living Word.

Let’s pray.

Lord, your mercy and grace for us are incredible! We are grateful that you sent Jesus to defeat evil and death. Amen.

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