January 9 - The Word of God is Alive

        Heb 4:12 - "The Word of God is living and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword and penetrates......judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

        Acts 7:37-38 - "This is that Moses.....[who] received living words to pass on to us."

        The Bible is not just a collection of spiritual stories, a history of people who had personal encounters with angels and with God himself. It is not just an inspirational book to help us live better lives in our communities. It contains the very words of God, the very thoughts of God, and his will for mankind. It is a collection (canon) of writings by individuals who were "carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:19-20). These latter verses also state that "we will do well to pay attention to it". Not only does this include the Old Testament canon (which Jesus recognized and used), but it also includes the words and history of Jesus, as well as the writings of the apostles (even before they were canonized); (cross-reference Matthew 24:35 and 1 Peter 3:2, 15-17.)

        I am not surprised at radical Muslims who kill in the name of Allah or the Quran. There are texts in the Quran that would, at least, suggest this action, and at most, command it. They are trying to follow their commander and his commands, as if they were following the words of Deuteronomy 32:45-46: "When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, he said to them , 'Take to heart all the words that I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to carefully obey all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you - they are your life." (emphasis mine)  Jesus then comes along and fulfills the law, giving us a broader and fuller revelation thereof, and of God our Father. Therefore, the active and living (written) word of God, should be your life and my life - not just the religious component for righteous living. It should be the guiding light for everything in our lives.