Hebrews 4:12, "For the Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart."
A judge of our ideas and thoughts...how does the Word of God judge our ideas and thoughts?
The Greek word used for "judge" is kritikos, the origin of our word, "critic" Robert P. Morgan says, "The Bible is the critic of the heart, pointing out weakness and showing us where to improve."
The Bible criticizes us when our ideas and thoughts are not aligned with God's will. We realize our error when we read the Word and understand our missteps. The quicker we can accept the criticism and get back on track, the better.
God knows our hearts - the Bible is His tool to shape our hearts into ones that are shaped like His. It is the sword, it is the reformer. Why do we so frequently ignore it's criticism? We read, we ponder, and we walk away...making no change and being exactly the kind of people that James so aptly warns us against becoming.."But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
Accept the Words of Scripture as your most honest source of criticism. But don't ask what you don't want to know...it will tell you that you look fat in those shorts! (OK - it won't really tell you that, but it will tell you when you are doing wrong in God's sight, no matter how badly you don't want to hear it.) Put aside all forms of rationalization for your behavior and listen to what God's Word has to say to you about how you are living your life. Then ask Him for His Spirit to empower you to change what it is that His Word is rebuking you over.
Finally, when we pray the following verse each and every day as we leave our homes to enter into the world for the day, it keeps us on God's track and in less need of the criticism of God.
Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
A judge of our ideas and thoughts...how does the Word of God judge our ideas and thoughts?
The Greek word used for "judge" is kritikos, the origin of our word, "critic" Robert P. Morgan says, "The Bible is the critic of the heart, pointing out weakness and showing us where to improve."
The Bible criticizes us when our ideas and thoughts are not aligned with God's will. We realize our error when we read the Word and understand our missteps. The quicker we can accept the criticism and get back on track, the better.
God knows our hearts - the Bible is His tool to shape our hearts into ones that are shaped like His. It is the sword, it is the reformer. Why do we so frequently ignore it's criticism? We read, we ponder, and we walk away...making no change and being exactly the kind of people that James so aptly warns us against becoming.."But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
Accept the Words of Scripture as your most honest source of criticism. But don't ask what you don't want to know...it will tell you that you look fat in those shorts! (OK - it won't really tell you that, but it will tell you when you are doing wrong in God's sight, no matter how badly you don't want to hear it.) Put aside all forms of rationalization for your behavior and listen to what God's Word has to say to you about how you are living your life. Then ask Him for His Spirit to empower you to change what it is that His Word is rebuking you over.
Finally, when we pray the following verse each and every day as we leave our homes to enter into the world for the day, it keeps us on God's track and in less need of the criticism of God.
Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
2 comments:
I didn't know this was the final verse. I reapply like this verse. I will miss this blog. You have been so rest and dedicated tobsee this through. I'm so sorry I missed the week or 2 or 3. I am having a real loss of energy, so much fatigue. Janice, thank you again for all of your hard work.
I have heard the train of thought, that thoughts are not sinful unless you act upon them, then your actions are sin. But, I believe you must think and ponder that which is of God's Word. We have to think before we act. The Bible is the only tool we have to guide us in our faith. The ministers that speak to us are teaching from the Bible. In our silence and quiet meditation allows Christ to enter our hearts and speak to us. God does empower us to face each and the trials in our own personal lives. With God's Love we can't become discouraged, but Encouraged to know we have God to watch over us and empower us. The Bible is our guide book, guiding us through life. It is very clear how we can walk with Jesus Christ each day.
I am having problems with my iPad. It randomly closes the apps I am using. Yesterday I had to recreate what I originally said a couple of times. It has done that before. I didn't proof my comment today but posted it first hoping my iPad would not shut down. I don't use my PC at home much. Sitting at the desk is not as comfortable as my recliner.
Thanks again Janice, my daily devotional time with this blog strengthens me.
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