Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – God’s Word – Living And Active – Hebrews 4:12 – Growing As Disciples
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Surgery
You’re sick. I don’t feel sick. Actually, I feel just fine. I’m not talking about how you look or feel. You’re not? What are you talking about then? I’m talking about the condition of your heart. Is this going to be a painful discussion? It may be. Let me ask you a question. If you knew that you were sick, would you be willing to have surgery if it would make you well? Of course I would. Do you think that the surgery might hurt you? Yes, I’m sure that it would. Why then would you be willing to subject yourself to it? Because I would know that after a period of recovery, I would be well. So the surgery would be worth it? Yes, it would.
How about the surgeon, would you let just about anyone operate on you? No, I’d carefully consider their experience and track record of success. You would need to be convinced that they knew what they were doing and had your best interests in mind? Yes absolutely, otherwise I would never subject myself to their surgery.
How about me, how do you like my level of experience? Do you think that I know what I’m talking about? Am I experienced enough for you? What is my track record of success? You have a lot of questions today. Yes, I do. But it comes down to one question. What’s that? Do you trust me? Yes Lord, I trust you. Why is that? I know that you love me and have my best interest in mind. I know that there is no one who has your level of wisdom, knowledge or experience. I can count on you.
Let’s talk about the surgeon’s tools. If the surgeon didn’t have the right tools or if they were defective, would their experience or track record matter? No, I suppose that using the wrong or defective tools could bring catastrophic results. You’ve got that right.
So, if I say that you are sick, what are you going to think? I’m going to think that’ I’m sick. If I tell you that I want to do some surgery in your life, are you going to be afraid? No, I’m not going to be afraid because I trust you. You know what you are doing. I know that you will make me well.
The tool that I will be using in your surgery is my word. Do you think that I have the proper tool with which to operate? Yes Lord, you do. I know that your word is living and active. It is powerful. It can penetrate deep into my thoughts, motives and actions. It can change and heal my heart and transform my mind. Yes, it can.
The big question is will you let me operate on your heart and mind? Yes Lord, I will. But I’m not sure how to do that. When you deeply consider my word and let it penetrate your heart, mind, and life, I will be doing surgery to make you well. The choice is yours.
Lord, I welcome your word into my life. Use your word to change the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. Cut out of my heart and life anything that is not pleasing to you. Heal and strengthen my heart by your word so that I can live fully for you. Amen
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God’s Word – Hebrews 4-12 – Living And Active – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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