Don't Deceive Yourselves

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  ~James 1:22

Today's verse speaks of not only listening to the Word of God but also obeying it.  In the mornings when I sit with my Bible, coffee and a nice warm blanket and read and meditate on the Word, I delight in every morsel I read (just about).  Some of the words are like freshly baked hot rolls, warm to my soul while other words hit me so hard it's as if I've been pierced in my heart with an arrow.  I try to read that particular verse quickly without really taking it in.  This scripture confirms it:  For the word of God is alive 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 4:12-13.  Alas, I return to the scripture that gives me grief and sorrow and ask myself why I didn't want to hear it.  There is always a reason and it's because there are things that need to change in my life.  If I read the Word simply for the sake of reading it like an everyday novel and store it on the shelf when I'm finished, then it does me no good.  However, if I receive the conviction humbly and ask God to help me in that area of my life He is always faithful and I always feel better afterwards.  Removing sin from my life always makes me feel so clean.  Sin is not just the BIG things we think of as sin, it's also the little things, little white lies, rudeness, etc.  Do you get where I'm going with this?  


Are there areas in your life where God is speaking to you?  Is there a scripture that you avoid hoping it will go away?  Keep that scripture in your thoughts throughout the day and when that particular temptation comes to visit it will be easier to toss out that thing that keeps you bound.  Listen to the Word of God and set yourself free from bondage to sin.  


Blessings,
Tina

It's never wrong to do the right thing.  :)