Ouachita Stories

Two of the first Bible verses I learned as a child were in Vacation Bible School. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105) and "Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee" (Psalm 119: 12). Every year these verses were recited out loud in the opening sessions of VBS, and over the years they became a part of me and my belief structure. So when I read the verse for today’s devotional I recognized once again how the Word of God separates us from non-believers. The first line of this verse, "The Word of God is living and active," refers to Jesus Christ (the Word) who is alive and if we believe in Him, He is active within our souls to guide us and direct us.

 

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

 

The adage “What would Jesus do?” takes on a different meaning to those of us who claim Christ as our savior. For we are convicted to see others as Christ sees them, to respond to others as Christ would respond to them, and to serve others as Christ would serve them. The “Word” penetrates to our very soul, convicting us to be Christlike each moment of everyday. This is difficult, but it would be impossible without the Word dwelling within us and judging our thoughts and our attitudes.

As we go through this day, let us seek to know the Word (Jesus) so that we can remain steadfast and righteous, able to answer the question with discernment as to “What would Jesus do?”

By Scott Holsclaw, Dean of the School of Fine Arts