Confronted by the Living Word
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12
Let’s be honest—many people don’t want to read the Bible, and it’s not because they don’t have time or can’t understand it. It’s because they know what it will do.
Hebrews 4:12 doesn’t describe a quiet, comforting book. It describes a living, active weapon—one that pierces. One that divides. One that judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. That’s why people avoid it. Not because it’s boring or irrelevant, but because it cuts too deep.
The Bible Isn't a Book—It's a Mirror with a Sword
We live in a world that runs from conviction. The culture says, “Live your truth,” but the Word says, “Here is the truth.” When you open the Bible, you’re not reading it—it’s reading you. It exposes sin. It uncovers pride. It shines light into the darkest corners of the soul that we’d rather keep hidden.
No one enjoys having their motives laid bare. No one likes being told that they’re wrong. But that’s exactly what the Word of God does. It doesn’t flatter. It doesn’t entertain. It confronts—and in that confrontation, there’s either repentance or rebellion.
People Don’t Want to Change
Most people don’t want to read the Bible because they don’t want to be changed. They want inspiration, not transformation. They want a motivational quote, not a spiritual autopsy. But Hebrews 4:12 says the Bible doesn’t just give us good advice—it discerns the heart.
When the Word cuts, it also reveals. That’s terrifying for someone who’s built their identity around sin, comfort, or cultural acceptance. The Bible doesn’t let you stay the same—it demands a response. And for some, that demand is too high.
It’s Easier to Numb Than to Kneel
Scrolling through social media, binge-watching Netflix, diving into work—these are all distractions we run to so we don’t have to face what God’s Word reveals. Why? Because facing the truth means we have to do something about it. We’d rather numb our conscience than kneel in surrender.
But here’s the irony: the very thing we run from is the only thing that can heal us. Yes, the Word of God cuts—but it only cuts to heal. Like a skilled surgeon, God uses His Word to remove the cancer of sin and restore what’s been broken. He wounds to bind up. He convicts to redeem.
If you’ve been avoiding the Bible, ask yourself why. Is it busyness—or is it fear of what it might reveal? Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word doesn’t play games. It exposes, divides, and judges—but only because it is alive and full of power.
So don’t fear the cut. Embrace it. Let the Word do its work. Because on the other side of conviction is freedom. On the other side of exposure is healing. On the other side of surrender is life.
Today, instead of avoiding the Bible, open it. Let it speak. Let it cut. Let it change you. God’s not trying to shame you—He’s trying to save you. And the scalpel of His Word is the start of something new.
Don’t run. Read. Don’t resist. Repent. That’s where revival begins.
In love,
Pastor Jody
Let’s be honest—many people don’t want to read the Bible, and it’s not because they don’t have time or can’t understand it. It’s because they know what it will do.
Hebrews 4:12 doesn’t describe a quiet, comforting book. It describes a living, active weapon—one that pierces. One that divides. One that judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. That’s why people avoid it. Not because it’s boring or irrelevant, but because it cuts too deep.
The Bible Isn't a Book—It's a Mirror with a Sword
We live in a world that runs from conviction. The culture says, “Live your truth,” but the Word says, “Here is the truth.” When you open the Bible, you’re not reading it—it’s reading you. It exposes sin. It uncovers pride. It shines light into the darkest corners of the soul that we’d rather keep hidden.
No one enjoys having their motives laid bare. No one likes being told that they’re wrong. But that’s exactly what the Word of God does. It doesn’t flatter. It doesn’t entertain. It confronts—and in that confrontation, there’s either repentance or rebellion.
People Don’t Want to Change
Most people don’t want to read the Bible because they don’t want to be changed. They want inspiration, not transformation. They want a motivational quote, not a spiritual autopsy. But Hebrews 4:12 says the Bible doesn’t just give us good advice—it discerns the heart.
When the Word cuts, it also reveals. That’s terrifying for someone who’s built their identity around sin, comfort, or cultural acceptance. The Bible doesn’t let you stay the same—it demands a response. And for some, that demand is too high.
It’s Easier to Numb Than to Kneel
Scrolling through social media, binge-watching Netflix, diving into work—these are all distractions we run to so we don’t have to face what God’s Word reveals. Why? Because facing the truth means we have to do something about it. We’d rather numb our conscience than kneel in surrender.
But here’s the irony: the very thing we run from is the only thing that can heal us. Yes, the Word of God cuts—but it only cuts to heal. Like a skilled surgeon, God uses His Word to remove the cancer of sin and restore what’s been broken. He wounds to bind up. He convicts to redeem.
If you’ve been avoiding the Bible, ask yourself why. Is it busyness—or is it fear of what it might reveal? Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that God’s Word doesn’t play games. It exposes, divides, and judges—but only because it is alive and full of power.
So don’t fear the cut. Embrace it. Let the Word do its work. Because on the other side of conviction is freedom. On the other side of exposure is healing. On the other side of surrender is life.
Today, instead of avoiding the Bible, open it. Let it speak. Let it cut. Let it change you. God’s not trying to shame you—He’s trying to save you. And the scalpel of His Word is the start of something new.
Don’t run. Read. Don’t resist. Repent. That’s where revival begins.
In love,
Pastor Jody
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Archive
2025
March
Back to the BasicsThe Danger of Walking Away from the CrossWhen the Lukewarm Get UncomfortableThe Top 10 Reasons a Church DiesA Call To Be Set ApartPursuing Holiness – Part 2: What It Looks Like in Our Lives and the ChurchBack to the Basics: The Role of Discipleship for the Mature BelieverBack to the Basics: Worship Is a Lifestyle, Not a Sunday Morning ThingBack to the Basics: Returning to a Life That Reflects ChristThe Worst Thing That Ever Happened Was the Best Thing That Ever HappenedBack to the Basics: Giving Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a DonationThe Process of Church Discipline A Pastor’s Heart on Tithing: Let’s Return to Faithful Giving
April
Back to the Basics: Evangelism Isn’t OptionalFrom Head to Heart: Reading Scripture for Transformation, Not Just InformationMan Up and Lead – God's Design for the HomeHead in the Sand: The Danger of Ignoring HolinessGossip: A Spiritual Battle We Must FightLaziness and Complacency in a Christian’s Life: A Wake-Up Call for the Family, the Church, and the KingdomWe’re Here for You—In the Valleys and on the Mountaintops
May
Would You Come to Church With Me?” – The Simple Words That Could Change a LifeGrace: The Power to Do What He’s Called You to DoOur Love for Jesus Should Look Like Hate to OthersWhy Is It Only Offensive When You Talk About Jesus?The Dangers of Deconstructing Christianity as a Christ FollowerPerfected in Christ — Not Perfect YetBattling Depression with Scripture and Prayer: A Pastor’s Heartfelt EncouragementAltar or Stage? The Difference That Changes EverythingThis Hit Me Today: Don’t Just Listen—Live ItWe Live By DyingThe Altar: A Sacred Space for Encounter and Surrender
June
Pride: The Root of All SinThe Difference Between Continual Sin and Oops SinGod Doesn’t Care About Your Happiness—He Cares About Your ObedienceBack to the Basics: 4 Non-Negotiables in the Kingdom of GodConfronted by the Living WordQuitting Has Become the American Way — But Fruit Comes Through Faithful EnduranceTwo Seas, Two Lives: What the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee Teach Us About DiscipleshipTrue Repentance: More Than Just Saying “Sorry”Why Do I Keep Running from God When I Know I Should Run Toward Him?If There Is Dust on Your Bible, There Is Dust on Your HeartWar or Murder? A Biblical Response to the Iran Conflict—and Why We Stand with IsraelChristianity Is Like a Rock TumblerThe Doctrine of Perfection: A Dangerous Heresy
2024
February
April
May
A Critical Examination of Michael Todd's TeachingsRevisiting Leadership and Accountability: A Critical Look at Mark Driscoll’s CharacterExamining The Teachings of Bill Johnson- Bethel ChurchA Critical Review of Andy Stanley’s Teachings: Lukewarm Understanding of ScriptureRecognizing False Teachers: A Guide for Church MembersGood Shepherds Understanding Bible Translations: Which Ones Should We Trust?Confronting Bad Theology in the Church5 Ways Christians Can Build Their Faith
July
Finding Comfort in the Midst of Loss: A Biblical Perspective on SufferingThe Seven Stages of Grieving: A Biblical PerspectiveUnderstanding Luke 11:1-4: The Lord's PrayerHistory of the AltarThe Power and Practice of Intercessory PrayerAre You A Christian Who Prays?The Power of Corporate Prayer: A Biblical Perspective
October
2023
January
Tips for a Consistent Prayer LifeRegular Church Attendance is Good for the SoulFastingPrayer and FastingBeing a Christian FriendBe SanctifiedGrow In The Grace and KnowledgeServing OthersBiblical StewardshipHow to Create Godly FriendsTaking Care of the Widows and OrphansEvangelize!Doctrine of AtonementSpiritual Disciplines
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