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"THE DISCERNER OF THE HEART" "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)Notice first that the Word of God is quick, or alive. It has always been alive, and it will always be alive. God’s Word was breathing with life when it was written and it's still breathing with life today. God's Word was alive in past generations, and it's alive in this present generation. 1 Peter 1:25 declares, "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."The Word of God is also powerful. If you and I had the power to talk someone into something, someone else has the power to talk them out of it. But the Gospel is all powerful. When Paul wrote to those dear folks at Thessalonica, he reminded them, "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." (1Thessalonians 1:5) Did you experience that convicting, converting, and cleansing power of the Holy Spirit of God’s Word when you heard it or read it that day when God saved you? If so, then you know the power it has to reach, refresh, and redeem the soul and no one, not even Satan himself, has the power to talk you out of that miraculous moment with Jesus Christ. The Power of God's Word promises us our Heavenly Father's assurance!But it is also sharper than a twoedged sword. Now folks, that's real sharp, isn't it? It can cut in two ways. It will cut our heart with conviction when it's broadcasted and read, and it cuts with conversion when it's believed and received. Ephesians 6:17 tells us that God's Word is the Sword of the Spirit. Why do we need a sword? Because we are in a war. We are in a daily battle and the Sword of the Spirit is our weapon to deal with sin, self, and Satan. We need that twoedged sword to strengthen our faith and subdue our foes.Finally, God’s Word is called a discerner. The Truth of God’s Word teaches us to beware of the doctrines of the devil and the desires of the flesh which entice us. The Word of God is the perfect judge of us all as it discerns truth from error, good from evil, and right from wrong. Hebrews 5:13-14 tells us, "For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."Each of us stand in daily need of that quick (living), powerful, discerning, twoedged Sword. As to the deceptive heart of every one of us, the question is asked in Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Friends, may the Heart of the Master be the Master of your Heart.