Protected From Self-Deception
The Bible has all the instructions we need to live a holy life and glorify God. Today, we will see how God’s word protects our hearts from believing lies about our spiritual condition. Let’s begin with prayer.
Heavenly Father, thank You for transforming me into the disciple You created me to be. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. May I always look to You for guidance through the trials of life that weary my heart and tempt me to stray. Amen.
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
12 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.
There are certain standards the human body must meet to be declared “healthy.” Modern medicine has guidelines for blood pressure, glucose level, and many other measures that determine our physical health. If I go to the doctor only when I don’t feel good, I can easily fool myself into thinking I’m in perfect health.
And so it is with our spiritual health. I may not be in the middle of a storm, or getting hit with temptations left and right, but that does not mean I am following Jesus and obeying what He tells me to do. The only way to measure the distance between my heart and the heart of God is to align my thoughts and actions with what the Bible says is pleasing to God. Do you take time regularly to assess how closely you are following Jesus?
God gave us His word so that we have no doubts about our spiritual condition. The more we study His word and apply it to our lives, the more we understand the meaning of today’s verse—when we read the Bible, the Bible is reading us. What has God’s word spoken to you recently that has impacted how you live? God’s word is designed to protect us when temptations and troubles come our way, but such protection comes only through obeying what we read. We find our strength and safety by walking in obedience to all we know to do. Are there areas of your life where disobedience hinders your relationship with Jesus?
Take some time now to meditate on today’s verse and ask God to reveal your spiritual condition. If this feels intimidating, use the following prompt to get started.
God, I want to follow You as closely as I can. Show me where I fall short of Your righteousness, and what I should do to be in the center of Your will for my life.
I pray that the word of God speaks to you today, as you seek to live a life of obedience.
Heavenly Father, thank You for transforming me into the disciple You created me to be. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. May I always look to You for guidance through the trials of life that weary my heart and tempt me to stray. Amen.
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
12 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.
There are certain standards the human body must meet to be declared “healthy.” Modern medicine has guidelines for blood pressure, glucose level, and many other measures that determine our physical health. If I go to the doctor only when I don’t feel good, I can easily fool myself into thinking I’m in perfect health.
And so it is with our spiritual health. I may not be in the middle of a storm, or getting hit with temptations left and right, but that does not mean I am following Jesus and obeying what He tells me to do. The only way to measure the distance between my heart and the heart of God is to align my thoughts and actions with what the Bible says is pleasing to God. Do you take time regularly to assess how closely you are following Jesus?
God gave us His word so that we have no doubts about our spiritual condition. The more we study His word and apply it to our lives, the more we understand the meaning of today’s verse—when we read the Bible, the Bible is reading us. What has God’s word spoken to you recently that has impacted how you live? God’s word is designed to protect us when temptations and troubles come our way, but such protection comes only through obeying what we read. We find our strength and safety by walking in obedience to all we know to do. Are there areas of your life where disobedience hinders your relationship with Jesus?
Take some time now to meditate on today’s verse and ask God to reveal your spiritual condition. If this feels intimidating, use the following prompt to get started.
God, I want to follow You as closely as I can. Show me where I fall short of Your righteousness, and what I should do to be in the center of Your will for my life.
I pray that the word of God speaks to you today, as you seek to live a life of obedience.
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2 Comments
Very clear and well spoken Mike!
"When we read the Bible, the Bible reads us". Love this line and this entire devo!