A Note from Mary Margaret West: Rebecca is continuing this series today, so click the link below for part one if you missed it last week! As a leader, there’s little that’s more important than leading by example. Know that we’re praying for you as you lead, wherever you are!
(This is part two in a three-part series. Here’s part one.)
A Sharp Sword
Hebrews 4:12 (New Living Translation) says, “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.” God is not vague about the purpose and power of his Word. He clearly tells us that his words are distinct; they are alive. The words that I read on the pages of mainstream Christian books are not unimportant. They are encouraging, inquisitive and practical, but the power of a human words is no match for the power of God’s words. God tells us his words are sharp and exposing. Any pretenses used to hide are uncovered by the Holy Spirit acting in conjunction with scripture.
I am faced with truth and the call to address the issue. The author of Hebrews asserts that it exposes my innermost thoughts and desires. I would argue that on a regular basis I am not even aware of what those are. My ability to manipulate actions to convey holiness is far too easy. I often ignore my need to hunt down the root causes of my complacency with sin. Scripture probes, always finding the real issue, deep down inside our motives and misbeliefs.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New Living Translation) says, “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. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
We need this in our lives, otherwise, we are faking the Christian journey and doing ministry out of our own feeble strength. Praise God that the essence of the gospel has nothing to do with my efforts or abilities. Our God has known, from the beginning of time, our frailties and imperfections. He offered the solution on which we would never have the guts to follow through. He offered his son, Jesus, to finish the work we could not do. Jesus left us a helper, the Holy Spirit, to literally hold our hand and heart as we stumble ever closer to eternity. We are richly blessed with the very words of life, possessing the power to produce life-change.
Read John 8:31-32.
Where do you search for truth as a substitute for the Bible?
Why is it easier to hide there instead of allowing scripture to probe and reveal what matters?
As you lead young women, what issues do they need freedom from?
Where do you desperately need God’s Word to come alive and give you freedom?
Rebecca Bradford is a mom of three who happily just sent her youngest off to kindergarten and skipped all the way home. She served for over 20 years in SAGE Ministries and as the Director of Girls Ministry at Lake Pointe Church for 15 years. Currently, Rebecca is called Queen of her own home, and teaches and volunteers in Girlz 4 God, Gather Moms, and discipling 4th grade girls. She loves encouraging girls and moms with transparent truth that helps them understand God’s grace and feel connected with others experiencing similar struggles. Her easy going spirit makes her a joy to be around and she is never short of laughs. She’s been married to her college sweetheart for 18 years and loves doing ministry together in their hometown of Rockwall, Texas.
Connect with Rebecca: Instagram // Facebook // Gather Moms