 |
| December 1, 2001 |
| "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is not simply a collection of words from God. It is living, life-changing, and dynamic as it works in us. With the incisiveness of a surgeon's knife, God's Word reveals who we are and what we are not. It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life. It discerns what is within us, both good and evil. Here is an illustration I recently read which brought this verse of scripture to mind: A man took a powerful chain saw and cut through a large oak tree. The chain saw uncovered an object foreign to the tree. There, embedded in the tree, was a bullet, once hidden by the tree, but now made visible. From the outside of the tree the bullet entry was no longer visible, but on the inside, the path of the bullet had clearly left its mark in the wood. Compared to the size of the tree, it was an extremely small mark, yet by its presence, had caused the area surrounding it to turn black with rot. Had someone been present when the bullet entered the tree, it would have been possible not only to see the mark, but to dig the bullet out. However, with the passing of time, the tree grew larger and stronger. The bark had grown thicker and the bullet remained hidden, a part of the tree. I know you must be asking yourself, what does a bullet in a tree have to do with the Word of God. Let me make the point I'm trying to get across here now: Just as the bullet penetrated into the tree, sin penetrates us! The point of entry may not be visible to others, but the sin becomes embedded in our lives, and unless it is removed, causes a growing spot to rot! The tree illustration makes sense now, doesn't it? Sure hope I hit a rotten spot hidden that can be forgiven and cleansed! Application: Allow the Word of God to penetrate your body, mind and soul ~ if you don't, something else will penetrate it which will eventually become rotten! May you have a wonderfully blessed day in the Lord as you let the Word of God shape your life without spot! <J><E><S><U><S>< <S><A><V><E><S>< Love in Christ, Sandy |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |