Penetrate

I often hear people saying that God speaks to them. I've heard people say they see visions or can almost hear a small voice in their head. For me I can always feel a gentle pull at my heart. I can feel his breathe on my spirit. Sometimes it's so gentle like the ripples of a pond; other times it comes as strong as a crashing wave. At times I feel envious when I hear others talk about how God speaks to them, wishing he would speak to me. I long to hear his voice, to feel his presence. 

"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   

This verse is so powerful. To let it fully seep into your mind and your heart you must read more than once. I love how it describes the word of God. It doesn't speak of it like it was only useful in the past but it says it is living and active. The word penetrate is so powerful. I looked up its definition according to Merriam Webster  and this is what it says:
1 a : to pass into or through b : to enter by overcoming resistance 2 : to affect deeply the senses or feelings.

How beautiful is it the God can penetrate through all of our messes, our brokenness, the evils of the world and touch our most secret thoughts and feelings. He goes beyond our physical bodies but dives into our soul, spirit, heart, and mind. I love the definition of penetrate that says it deeply affects the senses or feelings. It doesn't lightly affect; it deeply affects. The word of God is so powerful.  Recently the movie magic mike came out. When first watching the previews I was really excited to go watch it. I made plans to watch it with some friends. Those plans never really came to pass but I continued to make them. I always had this weird little feeling about it. It was a nagging on my heart saying that I shouldn't see it. I continued to ignore this. Verses would come to my mind reminding me that what we see and do is who we become. I finally made the trip to go see it but it was all sold out. My friend thought we could wait awhile and see the next one but something told me no. After that night I realized God was telling me that these were images my mind didn't need to see and my heart didn't need to be filled with. A few weeks later one of my friends saw it and said she had to leave because it was so much like porn. I am beyond thankful that God spoke to me and I listened. His word penetrated into my heart showing me the evils of this world. This is why reading the bible is so important. The bible isn't just a bunch of old stories from the past; it is powerful. The word of God is sharper than any double edged sword. I have the weapon I need to win the battles of this world. Satan is no match for my God!

No Reason to Get Lazy.

Live outside of the box. The other day my mom dragged me to church with her. I had a pretty bad attitude about it which I greatly regret. Aside from that, though this church service really got me thinking. I think God used this church service to open up my eyes about a few things. How often to you go to church and go through the same routine? You are greeted, listen to the announcements, praise and worship, listen to the sermon, pray, and then praise and worship again. It gets boring! I've heard the same sermon a dozen times. I don't think this was God's intention when he gave us the bible. Maybe Christianity is such a turn off because Christians can make it so boring. Telling an athiest the same thing over and over isn't going to change their mind.  "let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." hebrews 10:24-25  When I read this verse it was part of a daily devotion talking about spiritual laziness. It's very easy to become spiritually lazy and too comfortable. We continue living day to day not pushing ourselves to our full potential. We as Christian's have been given a book.. The bible.. To seek out and live by. This doesn't mean you have to read a verse and get the same thing out of it that everyone else does. Jesus did so many things and his stories have many different ideas and lessons that we can learn and let live in our spirits! Don't be afraid to watch a sermon on YouTube instead of going to church, don't feel bad going to a bible study on Monday instead of Wednesday. Join a group you never thought you would join. Jesus can be found in so many different places. We shouldn't feel like we have to do what the world is telling us to do. If you feel led to feed the hungry, do it! If you feel led to become a motivational speaker, do it! God gave each of us our own talents and gifts. Don't be afraid to go outside of the box or outside of the church. I felt frustrated at my pastor because he wasn't going outside of the box but god reminded me that he gave me a bible and many other tools to use so that I can go outside of the box. We don't have to sit around and wait to experience a life like Jesus'. God has given us the strength and the courage. We just have to choose to use that strength and courage and not wait around for answers; go and seek those answers yourselves. So many people are frustrated with their faith. Don't get lazy! John 7:28 says, "Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" So open up your bible, watch a video, serve others, and drink the living water that comes from Jesus. Jesus is full of life so that we may never grow weary or go thirsty. How beautiful is that?