There is perhaps nothing more powerful or transformational in a believer’s life than God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 states that “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.”  The Word cuts the heart of sinners with conviction. The Greek word translated “sword” means “a short sword or dagger.” The emphasis is on the power of the Word to penetrate and expose the inner heart of man. The Bible is constantly constructively criticizing (discerning) our thoughts and intentions. It not only analyzes all the facts perfectly, but all motives, and intentions, and beliefs as well… not even the wisest of human judges or critics can do that. 

Maybe that is why we don’t read God’s Word more often… we fear what might be exposed.  We look in the mirror of His Word and often we don’t like what we see.  But that doesn’t mean that we should stop looking in the mirror… that won’t change the fact that corrections need to be made. I can’t remember where I first heard this but I remember this poignant statement: “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” Sometimes, the reason that we avoid time in the Word is because we love our sin(s) too much that we purposely avoid the mirror of God’s Word.  If that is true of you, let me encourage you to confess your sin(s) and repent (turn away) from that which stands between you and transparent communication with your loving Heavenly Father. And then return to the daily discipline of reading, studying, and applying God’s Word.  Incorporate this spiritual habit into your daily schedule!

Here are some key questions that you can ask yourself as you read the Bible to help you understand and apply what you are reading: What does this teach me about God, the standard of perfection? What is God telling me about myself and how I can become more like Jesus? How should I interact with others whom I am commanded to love?  Most passages of the Bible will answer at least one of these 3 questions.  

 

Another useful tip that a friend of mine recommends is to read a verse or a few verses, and then write in your own words what that passage is saying.  This solidifies our understanding of the text and also how to articulate our understanding of the Bible to others.  If you want suggestions of where to start reading, we would be glad to help. There’s a lot of other solid ideas and methods for studying the Bible, but the bottom line is, let’s actually spend time in God’s Word, and not just talk about it.  We all spend a lot of time in areas of life that ends up having little eternal value, but God promises that the time you invest to read, study, and apply God’s Word will not only eternally impact your life, but probably those around you too. 

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