You Have to Read the Bible

From: firstlight@billriceranch.org

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We can understand the Bible, but whether or not we always understand the Bi

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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 says, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner or the thoughts and intents of the heart." God's Word is living, powerful, and discerning. The Bible is more discerning than it is discernable. We can understand the Bible, but whether or not we always understand the Bible, it always discerns us. You have to read the Bible in order to understand the Bible. Doesn't that just make sense? It's interesting because Hebrews is about a new covenant, yet almost half of chapter 4 is from the Old Testament. So, if I am going to understand Hebrews 4, I have to read it, but it goes beyond that. If I am going to understand Hebrews 4, I have to read the Old Testament as well. Don't be discouraged. You are not going to read the whole Bible in a day, but at some point, if you are going to understand the Bible, you have got to read the Bible through and do it with care. Take your time. It's living, powerful, and discerning. You have to read the Bible to understand yourself. You don't know the hearts of other people, and you don't even know your own heart. But God does, and His Word reveals it. The Bible says that the Bible is a "discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." It is so easy for us to judge people's intentions, motives, and heart. While I cannot discern those things, God can. When you read the Bible, you understand a little more about yourself. Are you giving the Word of God time? And are you giving it attention? What did you read today? The answer is not a reference; the answer is a truth. If you don't have a truth, all you have is an address. This would be like thinking you know someone merely because you know their address. A reference is important, but the Word of God contained there is what is really important. You may not remember the chapter number you read this morning, but you need to get some truth from it and remember that. The Word of God: you have to read it in order to understand it and you have to read it in order to understand yourself. Prayer Requests: - Day Camp- June 20-24 Share Share Enjoy more devotionals, sermon audio, and articles on our website! Read Past Devotionals Bill Rice Ranch 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road, Murfreesboro, TN      37128