Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Why is it important to know the Word? Because when you know the Word, you know yourself. In the book of Hebrews, we learn a profound reality about God’s Word. As a “sword,” it cuts and divides the soul and the spirit. In other words, it exposes the source behind our thoughts and belief systems. Some things that influence us come from the Spirit of God, and other things are prompted elsewhere. Yes, the enemy is at work to sway our thoughts and decisions. But it is not always the devil at work. Sometimes, it is a war against our “selves,” our own soul. The soul consists of the mind, the will, and the emotions. If left unchecked, they will push us to dangerous outcomes. If we are not careful, our own “heart” will lead us astray. Don’t trust the old adage that says, “Trust your heart.” The heart is not always trustworthy.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

The only force that can reveal the motivations behind the heart is God and His Word. This is why it is so important to have daily devotions, daily time with God and His Word. When you know the Word, you know yourself.

It reveals. It exposes. It guides. It heals. It saves.

Make a commitment to spending time in the Bible consistently. We need a daily diet of God’s living Word. This will protect us from ourselves and from the deceptions of the enemy. It may seem boring just reading the Bible day after day. Nonetheless, it is your life source. It is your secret weapon. It is the key to living life to the full and being delivered from the attacks of the enemy. Stand strong. Stay consistent. Don’t give up!

Prayer:
Father, I believe in You. You have great things planned for us. The Word of God helps us and guides us into these best things You have in store for us. Give my kids the tenacity to stay devoted to Your Word. Holy Spirit, be their Teacher. Be their Guide. As they commit to knowing Your Word, help them discern between what is from You, what is just the tricks of the heart, or the work of the enemy. Work everything in their life together for their good, as they love You and fulfill Your purpose.