The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart– Hebrews 4:12

Notice first that the Word of God is quick, or alive. It always is (present tense) alive. God’s Word will always be true; it is alive forever. And therefore God’s Word is always relevant, never just a dead carcass, a used up and empty vessel from the past. It is the living, breathing truth of God. And, as Psalm 100:5 extols, “His truth endures to all generations.”

The Word of God is also powerful. It is, in other words, energetic. It is not only living, but energetically efficacious. God’s Word, Paul tells us, “is the power of God unto salvation” to every one that believes (Romans 1:16). Have you ever felt the moving, slicing, energetic operation of God’s Word on your heart as you read, or listened to, or meditated on its truth? If so, then you know the kinetic power of God’s Word to reach and melt and prick the heart.

But it is here compared to a sword—and elsewhere called a sword (Ephesians 6:17). Why do we need a sword? Because we are in a war. We daily battle, whether courageously or pathetically, the ever-present foes of sin, self, and Satan. We need the spiritual power of God’s Word to strengthen us and fight for us against these foes.

Finally, God’s Word is called a discerner. The truth of God’s Word sifts through and analyzes the myriad of ideas, aspirations, and desires with which we are enticed and, as a qualified and a skilled judge, discerns truth from error, good from bad. It is a wise weapon!

Do you feel the need today for the energetic, discerning work of God’s Word upon your heart, directing your ways? The question is asked in Jeremiah 17:9, of the deceptive human heart, “who can know it?” The answer from Hebrews is: “the Word of God can.”–Baptist Bible Hour

To be left unmolested by Satan is no evidence of blessing.

Much is said about the need to read the Bible, but much more needs to be said about it. We can never say too much about the need to read, study, and obey God’s Word. Most people aren’t getting the message. Probably no other Christian duty is so greatly neglected. Why? It happens because people don’t see the importance. And, that problem isn’t solved until a person is convinced of these three tremendous truths:

1. God’s Word is Always True. It is perfect in every way—the only sure standard by which to live. It is the only reliable guide upon which we can depend.

2. God’s Will is Always Best. Some who admit that the Bible is God’s word are not fully persuaded that it is always best. They think of it as a medicine that helps, but leaves an unpleasant taste in your mouth. However, once a person is convinced that it best they are willing to accept it and pursue it.

3. God’s Way is Always Safest. Make no mistake about it, doing God’s will can be difficult and dangerous. But the truth is that we are never safer than when we are in God’s will. The most dangerous place on earth is outside the will of God. The safest place is in His will. If you are concerned about your welfare you better believe the Word of God, do the will of God, and follow the ways of God.

The realization of these three things will cause you to acquaint yourself with God’s ways, believe God’s Word, and commit yourself to God’s will. That is the right, best, and safest way to live. What could be better? Why would you do anything else?

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. (Psalm 119:165)
Yes, a true love for the great Book will bring us great peace from the great God and be a great protection to us. Let us live constantly in the society of the law of the Lord, and it will breed in our hearts a restfulness such as nothing else can. The Holy Spirit acts as a Comforter through the Word and sheds abroad those benign influences which calm the tempests of the soul.
Nothing is a stumbling block to the man who has the Word of God dwelling in him richly. He takes up his daily cross, and it becomes a delight. For the fiery trial he is prepared and counts it not strange, so as to be utterly cast down by it. He is neither stumbled by prosperity — as so many are — nor crushed by adversity — as others have been — for he lives beyond the changing circumstances of external life. When his Lord puts before him some great mystery of the faith which makes others cry, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” the believer accepts it without question; for his intellectual difficulties are overcome by his reverent awe of the law of the Lord, which is to him the supreme authority to which he joyfully bows. Lord, work in us this love, this peace, this rest, this day.–From Faith’s Checkbook

“ But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass – – –”  Gen. 50:20        

Pastor Jack Graham wrote, “A man was climbing a mountain with his son one day and his son was having a very hard time. He was smaller than his dad, so his little legs were struggling to take the necessary steps. So he told his dad, “Dad, it’s so hard because of all of these rocks. They’re big, sharp, and they hurt.”

The dad looked down at the boy and said, “Son, those sharp rocks are what we’re climbing on. Without the rocks, we’d fall.”

In life, we’re going to encounter bumps and jagged rocks. Many of them hurt us, scar us, and leave us sore and bruised. But as believers, we have to see those rocks not in terms of the damage they cause, but as stepping stones to a higher plane of living. Yes, the enemy may intend them to cause us harm, but God will use them for our good.

Don’t be discouraged by the jagged rocks you’re treading on today. Put them below your feet and use them to propel you to a higher plane of living. Keep your eyes focused on the prize and you’ll rise above life’s negative circumstances.”