JAN 14

Hebrews 4:11-13
Memorise Hebrews 4:12
“…the commandment of the LORD is pure… enlightening the eyes.”

It never ceases to amaze me how God speaks to us through His Word. When I do my Quiet Time, the portions of Scripture which I read often seem so suited to whatever I am experiencing in life at that point in time. For example, when I am struggling with the sin of slothfulness and laziness, I come across a verse that rebukes me to be more diligent and hardworking. Or if I find myself becoming puffed up with pride, God sends a rebuke by reminding me of the need to be humble.

Today’s reading reminds us of the amazing power of the Word of God. “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.” First of all, God’s Word is described as being “quick”, which means “living”. It is not a dead and lifeless Book, but one that is full of life. It is also “powerful” – it has the power to convert sinners and save souls. Third, it is so sharp that it pierces and divides. No matter how much we may try to put on a false face and deceive the world that we are good, upright and holy, the Word of God is able to pierce through all our hypocrisy and expose us for who we really are. And fourth, it is able to see the thoughts and intents of the heart. All our inner motives and intentions will be laid bare by the Word of God. When we make a thorough and honest examination of our lives in light of the Word of God, all the sinful tendencies and impure motives of our hearts will be revealed.

Dear teen, have you been living a hypocritical life? Or have you been allowing the Word of God to really speak to you and convict you of your sins? Have you honestly and sincerely evaluated your life against the perfect standard of God’s Word? May you ask God today to reveal to you through His Word the things in your life that need to be changed. Of course, in order for the Word of God to be powerful in your life, you have to first read it and meditate upon it. The question is, are you willing to take the effort to do so?

Thought: The Word of God shows me how I really am in God’s eyes.
Prayer: Lord, show me through Thy Word the things that I need to change.