Tag Archives: the scriptures

November 1
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“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, NIV)

The word of God is alive.  In order for the word of God to grow within us, we must make room for it; we must take time for it; we must nurture it.

The word of God is active.  We see the word of God at work — and wanting to be at work — in our circumstances; leading, guiding, teaching, comforting, correcting.

The word of God is the criterion for good and evil.  The attitude or the thought subjected to its scrutiny will always run true.

To begin any day without the word of God hidden within one’s heart is an invitation to frustration and spiritual defeat.  The disciple of Jesus has the word of God as an alternative to frustration and defeat in spiritual things.  – Luther

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October 10
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“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”  (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NIV)

When we are presented with an opportunity to obey God’s word, do we demur by looking at the messenger instead of the message?

The Christians in Thessalonica were commended by Paul in today’s scripture because they obeyed the word of God as they heard it — even when it came through fallible folk like Paul.

God is continuously speaking.  Often, through nature.  Often, through His people.  Often, through our situation.  Often, through unexpected messengers.

As a disciple of Jesus, be discerning.  Don’t embrace the words of the devil because it appears to us in robes; and don’t dismiss the words of Jesus because He appears to us in rags.  – Luther

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August 16
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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)

A while ago, I heard a podcast of a panel of bible teachers/scholars who were discussing the widespread lack of “bible engagement” by Christians today.  There seem to be many reasons — but no excuses — for why we keep the word of God at arm’s length, instead of embracing it, and becoming intimately familiar with all that it says.  Paul’s letter to his protege Timothy reminds all of us of the primacy of both carefully reading and faithfully heeding scripture in the daily living of the Christian.

On this topic, Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) offered a thought worth pondering — and accepting: “Am I learning how to use my Bible? The way to become complete for the Master’s service is to be well soaked in the Bible; some of us only exploit certain passages. Our Lord wants to give us continuous instruction out of His word; continuous instruction turns hearers into disciples.”

It is difficult to be a faithful disciple without also knowing the heart of the Person we have chosen to follow.  Holy scripture introduces us to our Father’s heart.  – Luther

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