USING THE WORD

Quoting, reciting, or reading passages from The Holy Bible are activities that demonstrate many things, not excluding one's ability to read, memorize, and regurgitate what one has read. It is not, however, a surefire indicator of one's relationship with God, or affinity to Christian values. 

Actions speak louder than the words one reads...in public. 

If you're trying to convince ME that you love God, you already have a problem with your relationship with Him that demands your immediate attention. 

I am impressed and motivated by the Word of God all by itself--because I've read it. It doesn't need endorsement or revival. Beating people over the head with it has always backfired. 

There’s a reason why the Bible is consistently a best seller.

"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

I'm not impressed when the contents of the Bible are trotted out as a manipulative tool to trick those whose discernment, Christian education, and moral compass is a little off kilter. 

Don't use the Bible like a side chick. Love, and embrace it regularly, genuinely, passionately and wholeheartedly, all the time, not just when it suits you, or your agenda.

The devil knows the Word, too. 

Keep on swinging that sword irresponsibly, and you’re going to get cut.

 #tryagain

"Then the devil took Him to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. “If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone. Jesus replied, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’..." ~Matthew 4:5-7