His word is alive, active and more relevant today than you could ever begin to imagine. Girl, read your Bible!
I was quietly listening to all that was being spoken in the group. One woman after another shared how the loved the said bible app or devotional because it speaks to them. I was nodding in agreement because that’s exactly what Hebrews 4:12 says it’s supposed to do–it’s alive and active and penetrates our soul. But then they continued and shared if it doesn’t speak to them then they just peruse the next scripture image that catches their eye or flip to the next day of that devotional book until they find something that hits the spot.
Ladies, I am so guilty of flipping through the Bible and looking for a verse that speaks to my heart. Especially now that we have access to so many beautiful designed images of scripture, which I love. I will scroll through my favorite app and read how the verse is worded and then voila I find one that hits the spot.
Now hear me out, there’s nothing wrong with looking to apply the Word of God to our situation. The caution I have for you today is we must be careful we are not taking verses out of context and trying to make them say something God never intended so they can fit our situation.
We will miss a huge chunk of scripture when we only reflect and take in the tweetable, pinnable, instagramable scriptures in His Word.
God is not defined by your experience.
God is the same today, yesterday and forever. (Heb 13:8) He does not change because our experiences change. His word says, “Love your neighbor” when someone from your small group brought you over a meal because you were sick AND it still says the same thing “love your neighbor” when your coworker betrayed your trust or a friend gossiped about you.
In that moment the last thing you want to do is Instagram or like a beautiful designed image that says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
But He does not change! Let’s be women who are known for knowing God’s word. Girls who read their Bible.
God has given us the Bible to tell His story. A story of who He is, who we are in Him, His redemption for the lost, His character and His glory. Let’s dive into it and absorb all of His truth so when our feelings want to dictate our actions we have the Truth reminding us what to do.
So when that popular blogger, author, co-worker or friend starts sharing worldly cliche advice instead of God’s wisdom you know the difference or at least have some inkling that something doesn’t sound right.
Girl, read your Bible!
God is not defined by who you think He is.
God is not defined by your experience.
God is not defined by how you feel about Him.
God is defined by His word and who He says He is.
Girl, read your Bible!
You are not defined by what others think about you.
You are not defined by your experiences, successes or failures.
You are not defined by how you feel.
Be the girl who allows Him to define you because you know you’re a daughter of the King. You’re a woman after God’s own heart not a woman after the latest trend or popular advice.
I am here to tell you that God can use anything and everything to bring us closer to Him but let’s be women who are known for fighting our battles not from a place of lightly snacking on His word, pulling a verse here and there to meet our needs.
But from a place of fullness. Fullness because we have sat down at His table and we’ve been feasting on His truth and filled with His presence.
