It’s Alive People!

Reading the Bible used to be laboring for me; now, I crave spending time in it. The difference is that I used to read it to see what I could get out of it. It was a perspective of, “What’s in it for me.” Now I read it with a new perspective of “what is God saying and what are His motives,” so that I can know the heart of God better.
The times when God speaks to me most impact-fully are the times when I open His Word looking for Him, not simply looking for an answer to a single question. For instance, trying to find a “fix” for your husband’s “issues” often results in frustration, but if you seek God, He often reveals that you need to practice forgiveness (Colossians 3:13) toward your husband. Or, if you are seeking a Word for “patience” toward that “special someone” who drives you crazy…you may not find the answer. However, when you seek God, He may reveal a lack of genuine love in your heart toward your “neighbor” (Leviticus 19:18).
God is always aware of my needs and He is faithful to speak truth. He knows my heart. What He wants most from me is for my eyes to be fixed on Him (Proverbs 4:25). God has my full attention when I focus on Him rather than on my perceived need. At this point, I realize just how alive His Word truly is.
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. Hebrews 4:12.
My life is a testament to how ALIVE and ACTIVE that God’s Word is. God uses His word to shape and mold me to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29). Sometimes God uses His Word to break me of impure thoughts, attitude, and wrong heart motives. He is faithful to do this, so when I am on my knees and answers are not coming… I know to adjust my prayers to fix my eyes and heart on Him. He is faithful to be God. He is my God– the God who purifies me so that I can have fellowship with Him. He is Holy. He is Righteous. He is Sovereign. He is Lord of lords. He is God of gods. He is my Redeemer and worthy of all of my praise.
I know that pursuing after God’s heart can feel overwhelming and intimidating at times. We can trust Him and need not be intimidated! God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). You too can have confidence in approaching God because He loves you and He is your Creator; But, coming to truly KNOW God requires that you apply yourself. Start with a simple prayer asking Him to meet with you as you read His Word. Let Him know you want to know Him more. If you need a starting place start in the Gospel of John.
If you have yet to experience the truth of Hebrews 4:12, I “double dog dare you” to pursue the heart of God through reading the Bible. Realize that we become more satisfied in Christ the more we get to know Him. I promise: it will be life changing in the best way.
Prayer: Lord, those who love Your Word have great peace…so stir my heart to love Your Word. Let it be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. As I pursue getting to know Your heart establish my footsteps in Your Word and do not allow iniquity to gain dominion over me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.