KEEP UP YOUR BIBLE READING
Opening Prayer
Thank You, God, for revealing Yourself to me through Your Word. May I be faithful to meet You here.
Read Hebrews 4:12–16
12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Having then a great high priest, who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
If your secret thoughts over the past week were displayed on a cinema screen for all to see, how would you feel?On a student foreign exchange trip, I made a good friend who had made a strange decision. In order to get back to a ‘pure and authentic’ prayer life with God, he decided not to read the Bible for a year. I lost touch with him but heard that by the time the year was out, he was no longer following Christ. Sad, but no surprise!
The writer to the Hebrews makes it clear there is a real danger that any of those who hear God’s promise (2) and begin to live like believers can fall away. Be careful that’s not you (1). God has given us a powerful weapon to make sure it’s not us: the Bible (12)! Our hearts deceive us (Jeremiah 17:9). But God has given His Word to show us what’s really going on inside us (12,13). And when it reveals to us what we’re really like – our weaknesses, our sin – it leads us to a God who is not aloof and disapproving, but everything we need. He understands utterly, because in Jesus, He too experienced temptation in every way that we do (15). The one who uncovers our sickness can heal our soul. The convicted can approach the holy God with confidence and find compassion (16).
Apply
Reading the Word shouldn’t be just a routine, but it should be a vital part of our spiritual lives. This week, focus on praying the Word. Maybe start in the psalms and make them your own prayers.
Closing prayer
Jesus, I want to know about You, but I really want to know You. Reveal Yourself through Your Word.
Book and Author Intros
Extras
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