The Word

Scripture: “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

Devotional:

Scripture is one of the best indications we have of God’s intense longing to be known by his people. Every time we open up the Bible we are looking at a miracle. God has revealed himself to us in a way that is beyond dispute and beyond anything we could ask or imagine. Within the pages of Scripture we see countless examples of God’s grace, love, presence, power, and unfathomable desire to have a restored relationship with us.

Oftentimes I take for granted how amazing it is to have the Bible. Because I grew up knowing Scripture to be God’s word, it was always normal to me. Never before had I looked at it and realized what a powerful declaration it was of God’s desire to be known by me. And our Father didn’t just leave us with some words he spoke thousands of years ago, but gave us the Holy Spirit to help us understand and receive revelation from the word.

In reading Scripture with the Holy Spirit we can come to a real, transformative understanding of God’s heart. There is no refuting what God says in the Bible. There is no questioning whether the words we’re reading are true, important, or applicable.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “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.” 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” And Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

If you’re longing to know the heart of God today, search his word. God has preserved the Bible you have today for the purpose of revealing himself. When you seek him out through the reading of Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit, you will find him. May your time of guided prayer be filled with revelation and transformation as God’s heart is revealed.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the power of Scripture in revealing God’s heart.

“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

“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the heart of God as you read his word. Have faith that God longs to reveal himself to you.
3. Take time to read Scripture. Pick a passage of Scripture and write down aspects of God’s heart you find. Place your hope and trust in the words of the Bible.

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16

Reading Scripture with the Holy Spirit brings God’s word to life. The Bible isn’t just a book of rules. It’s not just a list of do’s and don’ts. It’s meant to be read with the understanding that its words were inspired by the One who dwells within you. May your heart be stirred to meditate on God’s word that it might produce peace and joy in your life today.

Extended Reading: Joshua 1