My profession by trade for the past 20 some years has been a cook. I am well aware of the importance of using a sharp blade when working. The sharper the blade the easier it is to complete the job required whether cutting meat or vegetables. A dull blade takes more effort and can cause slips causing more harm to yourself if you accidentally cut yourself. To have an all in relationship with God we must sharpen our weapon, the sword.
“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 NLT
When you read the scripture what comes to your mind? Is it just stories that you keep reading over and over? I know there have been times in my daily readings where I don’t remember what I read, or it doesn’t give me any insight. Any Knight would ensure that his sword remains sharp at all times, for he is in service to the king and he may be called upon at any moment for a quest or battle. Well as believers our sword is the word of God. The word is sharp, there is no doubt in that, but our maintenance of the sword in our lives may not be. If we want to be effective in using it we must keep it sharp in our lives by reading and applying the teachings within.
I know the bible, I can tell you all sorts of stuff that it contains. But am I allowing the words and their meaning to really affect who I am? I want to get away from just reading the bible because there is so much more. If I walk away from reading my bible without feeling any nicks or cuts in my heart am I doing it right? My heart for the lost should not be so full of apathy after reading the Gospel of John. Reading Revelations should open my eyes to the end. Am I looking forward to his return, or is it a whatever event. When I read about sin and it shows me something in my life do I just ignore it or do I let the Holy Spirit cut it out of my life?
Today are you reading the bible like you would read the latest Good Housekeeping or Sports Illustrated, picking out the good stuff and discarding the rest. The Word of God is alive. Let it work on you and through you. Ask the Holy Spirit to make the Word come alive in your heart. Ask Him to expose your thoughts and desires, to cut out the ones that are destructive. Believe me, a sharp blade does less damage than a dull blade. The enemy fears those who continually sharpen their sword, it reminds him that they are preparing to share God’s love with others at any moment. Ready to go at the King’s command on a quest or battle. A follower of God who wants to be all in must keep their sword sharp.
Dear Jesus, Make Your word alive in my heart, I don’t want to just read Your word but want to consume it. Let me not pick and choose like a buffet what is important. Keep your sword sharp in my life. Let me see the relevance of all scripture and how it pertains to my life. I am ready for what you are calling me to do. I desire to be all in. Amen
50 Days of Pray 