Example 5, a.k.a. List’s End

 Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

Ellisville Marsh lies along the shore of Cape Cod Bay. In this picture, the bay is just beyond the horizon…can you see it in your mind’s eye? Life in a salt marsh depends heavily on the tides. Fresh sea water flowing in during high tide provides nutrients for the marsh grasses, and at the same time helps clean out decomposing materials. If the marsh is cut off from the tides, it begins to die and turn into mud flats (not nearly as nice to look at). The marsh needs to be continually refreshed and cleansed.

Isn’t that just like us? In order to keep our hearts pure, we need to be continually in the Word of God.

[Christ] gave up his life for [the church] to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word (Ephesians 5:25-26).

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12).

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16).

What have you read in your Word today? How does it apply to your heart and life? Soak in what you read, and let it sink deep into your heart. Be purified and refreshed by God’s Word.