Snapshots: Making Memories With Godنموونە

SCRIPTURE AS A LENS

God designed the world in a particular way. There was intelligent design in the way everything was created. I want to hear from the designer of a product what the purpose of a thing is and then how to use it in such a way that is congruent with the way in which it was created. That enables me to optimize the potential of the product in the best way possible. In the same way, God speaks through His Word to frame our lives. In other words, it brings context and clarity to our world. It shows us what is important. It becomes clear who God is and what He values. This helps us to frame our lives in a way that brings glory to Him and that is beneficial and helpful to us.

• Scripture:

Hebrews 4:12 (AMPC) – “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and the [immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.”

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (AMPC) – “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

• Personal story:

I remember studying the letter to the Ephesians at one time. Chapter 4:32 caught my attention: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” I prayed through it and didn’t think much further on it. Then later in the week I was worshipping in a group, and I told the Holy Spirit I would do whatever He asked of me, I would go anywhere He wanted me to go. Suddenly the above scripture popped into my mind as well as the face of a leader that I felt offended me. My mind engaged in a battle as to why I couldn’t forgive this person and also how I was justified in remaining angry and not forgiving him. I felt the Holy Spirit go quiet as I justified myself. Eventually I asked the Holy Spirit why He wanted me to forgive this person. As I asked this question, the Holy Spirit showed me how this person had been struggling. I felt compassion rise in my heart. As I remembered how Jesus had forgiven me, I found the courage to surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

• Prayer:

Jesus, You are the Living Word. Your Word is life to me. It trains me towards righteousness. Thank You for growing a deeper hunger in my spirit for your Word. Help me Holy Spirit to not just hear the Word, but to respond to it. Amen.

• Practical exercise:

Ask God for a verse for your current season and write it down as a caption for your life right now.