by Victoria Heinecke

Leaning on God’s understanding.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.…”
James 7:8a New International Version

It was cold on the Glen Eyrie Castle grounds. The high temperatures were in single digits, and the snow fell softly in the breathless air. We saw a herd of Bighorn Sheep gnawing on clumps of grass, and a flock of turkeys were walking among the buildings, then flying to the tops of tall lodgepole pines. (Yes, Mr Carlson, turkeys can fly!)

We did not see any snakes.

There’s a warning sign, but it’s too cold for snakes to appear. The weather may grow warm soon, and with it the chance of encountering a snake increases.

God’s Word is filled with instruction for righteous living, as well as warnings regarding the consequences of sin. Sometimes, when life is going well, we may not spend as much time with God as we should. We can let down our guard until a crisis or a temptation, or a rattlesnake, is set before us.

This is not to say that the Bible is a talisman, and that reading it continually will protect us from harm.  Nor is it the proverbial genie in a bottle, ready to grant you wishes when you need help. It is the living, breathing word of God – our constant guide, encourager, counselor, and friend. Yet we live in a sinful world, and we will continue to stumble.

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

Sometimes we can grow comfortable with our knowledge of the Bible. We can recite the books of the Bible in order, or we can commit specific passages to memory. It’s one thing to read the Word. It’s another thing to live it.

Stay in the Word regularly. You will continue to learn it and live it throughout your entire life. Cherished passages committed to memory can take on a fresh perspective later in life, and confusing chapters may be finally revealed by the Holy Spirit, in God’s perfect time for you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado