Living in the desert can be hard on annual spring flowers. The pansies we planted late in January recently succumbed to our 100+ temperatures, and it’s only May! Gone are those delicate, colorful faces … until we plant anew next year.

When we think of living things, people, plants, and animals typically come to mind, but the writer of the book of Hebrews adds this to the mix. “For the word of God is living and active” Hebrews 4:12a. In this instance, ‘living’ does not refer to something that’s changing and growing, but actually life giving! It speaks to and applies to our lives, no matter the decade or century in which we live.  

In Old Testament times, one way God spoke was through prophets. He yearned for His people to hear, see, listen, pay close attention, follow, obey, understand, and take to heart His message. (Isaiah 42) Unfortunately, their usual response was to ignore Him. God even accused them of being blind and deaf, paying no attention. 

Today we are blasted with information, teachings, and opinions from every side. ‘News’ is quickly outdated and discarded. So, instead of whiling away endless hours each week on something that will ‘wilt’ and tomorrow be gone or useless, may we use at least some of our precious time reading the living Word, hearing from a living God who has a message for each of us. May we have eyes that see, ears that listen, and a heart that desires to follow His plan for our lives.

I challenge you to open a Bible and experience God talking to you.