The Good Life

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12

The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him. He reaches out and touches us, heals us, saves us, provides for us and does so much more with His hands.   While studying the book of Ezra, the scribe, I found out that his main purpose and desire was to study, practice, and teach God’s Word to the people of Israel.  He put into practice what he believed and made it a priority of his life to return to Jerusalem after captivity and teach people God’s Word. When we determine to please God his way he gives us favor and protection.  This is demonstrated in Ezra 7:10 “This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.”

As the scripture reminds us, God’s Word is sharp like a surgeon’s knife cutting through everything, our doubts or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. The Word in not only alive itself, but it gives us good life as well.  It is what transforms us as we put what we have learned into action through belief and obedience. Understanding and embracing these truths equips us to face challenges, make wise decisions and deepen our faith journey daily even though we all struggle through this! Individually, we can focus to meet with God daily even when things are not working our way!

God’s Word is to be obeyed and lived out as He says and Ezra knew that, if he studied the Bible only but didn't live it, he was wasting his time and this definitely applies to us all! He also was determined to teach what he learned to others and had to apply its principles, but if this only stayed with him, his knowledge would die when he was no longer there. So, it was important if he also taught others so that they could put it into practice.

We are reminded about this in 2 Timothy 2:15:  "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." This verse encourages diligent study and effort to live a life pleasing to God, and becoming a reliable and trustworthy worker of His word. At some point in our lives, we have all felt good when have have studied a course and then used that knowledge in our careers. We can relate to this and feel fulfilled and confident. Likewise, when we know the Word of God as he speaks to us, we can share and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is so much more valuable because it has  an eternal perspective. 

Pray your response to the Lord personally, meaningfully and genuinely.

Challenge:

Dare to make a difference for God in an indifferent world in the way God directs you personally? Find one scripture verse that speaks to you about this and write down what God is saying to you.