The Story You Think You Know

“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 (NIV)

Arise and shine, dear one! God is with you!

"Mom, we're learning about Jesus' birth in class again. I already know it! Why do we keep reading the same story when I know everything about it?"

My eight-year-old was exasperated after her class at church. As a quick learner who loves to tackle new challenges, she couldn't understand why we'd revisit familiar territory. But her frustration opened the door to one of the most important truths I could share with her… the Bible isn't like any other book we study.

I gently reminded her that the Holy Spirit speaks to us through Scripture, and He's always ready to reveal something new, even in passages we've memorized or read countless times.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that God's Word is alive and active, not stale or static. Its truth penetrates our deepest thoughts and attitudes. The more time we spend in our Bibles, engaging with the Holy Spirit, the more we should expect to be changed. We may not notice those changes immediately, but like any spiritual discipline, consistency over time brings growth.

As you open your Bible today, dear one, invite the Holy Spirit to show you what He wants you to see. Maybe it's a fresh reminder of who God is or who you are in Christ. Perhaps you'll feel convicted about a sin or habit that needs attention. Or you might simply experience a deeper understanding of God's boundless love for you.

This Christmas, don't skip the story of Jesus' birth just because you've heard it before. Don't tune out during the sermon because you think you've mastered the details. Instead, open your heart to see it from a new perspective.

You just might be surprised at what you discover… because God's Word is alive and active, and it brings new life to our souls!