The MESSENGER

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Welcome!

I believe the Lord has placed upon my heart the urgent desire to share his Word to anyone and all who will listen. Thus, this website was born. I am nobody special...just the messenger. Like John the Baptist, my work is to be the "voice" crying in the wilderness of this lost world. It is my fervent prayer for all who read these words to come to know Jesus Christ more intimately and experience real truth and hope in their lives. May God be glorified, and may his Spirit move through these written words!!!
- A. L. Gift                  

Scripture:

Hebrews 4:12,13

12) For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13) And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (NKJV)

Bible Study Devotional:

God's message is alive and active, penetrating the innermost parts of a person. It distinguishes what is natural and what is spiritual, as well as the thoughts (reflections) and intents (insights) of a person. The word of God exposes the natural and spiritual motivations of a believer's heart. It is seen as the measuring stick which Christ will use on the day of Judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). "Naked and open" suggests complete exposure and defenselessness before God. All believers must give account to the all-seeing, all-knowing God. 

Personal Application:

This is a message I needed to be reminded of today. So often I find myself getting wrapped up in the things of this world, and I neglect serving God. As a born-again Christian, my lack of faithfulness to the Lord is really appalling. I know better. There isn't any good excuse for it. I'm reminded in these verses that God sees and knows everything about me. Every thought, word, or action that comes out of me is known in depth by the Lord. When I stand before Christ someday, I will have to give an account of myself to Him. We all will be required to do so. I don't want to face the Lord on that day ashamed of myself. I want the Lord to tell me that I was a good and faithful servant.

I think I need to remember daily the important message verse 12 brings out to believers. It talks about how the word of God is alive and powerful. We have His word with us to live by and gain strength from no matter what comes our way. I need to ask myself why I don't follow His word always in every aspect of my life? In all honesty, the answer is because I take my eyes off of God and become self-centered. That's the worst thing a Christian can do. When we do that, we are setting ourselves up for failure and suffering.

I implore you today to think about this message. Are you living your life by God's powerful word, or are you living it for yourself? Maybe you are living it for others. That can happen to people who try to please others too much. You end up saying "yes" to everyone and what they want; and, in the end you say "no" too much to what the Lord would have you do for Him. Now is the time to make a change if you are struggling with this. Go to God and ask for forgiveness and help in changing your way of living. Seek Him in all things daily. He will make known to your heart His will for your life. Study His living word. He has much to say to you if you would just take the time to listen.

Prayer:

Lord, please forgive us of our selfish ways. Give us the motivation to seek you in all things every day. Direct our paths in your righteousness and give us wisdom to make good choices in life in service to you. Remind us each day of your awesome power so that we won't stumble. Renew our hearts with your Spirit and help us to stay steadfast in our service to you. We look forward to the day of your return for us Lord. We thank you for your sacrifice made for all people.

In Christ's Name We Pray,  Amen! 

** The (NKJV) Nelson Study Bible; Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary Of Old And New Testament Words.