> The Two-Edged Sword <

I've been leading a Tuesday night Bible study over the past 18 months and it's been a blast! So many great conversations, laughs and powerful worship sessions. A couple days ago the group met to discuss "Motives of the Heart" -- why we do the things we do and how God sees and responds to our hearts. One verse in particular we observed was Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

This chilly January morning has me contemplating what my true intentions are, what idols (no matter how small) have my day to day attention -- what do I seek more? Pleasure? Prosperity? Pain? Attention?

I recall this one time after church when I collapsed in my room from exhaustion; I was an emotional wreck. Not only was school, the play, and basketball draining my waking hours but I had chores and friendships to maintain simultaneously. After our last production I just sat in my room, all in a stupor. "Why am I doing any of this? Is this what I find to be fun?" AND YES!! It was fun, for a time, but there comes a moment when you realize you are doing too much... more than you can handle... so you have to make the tough choices.

And cut things out.

Even if it really really hurts.

But this takes listening to the Holy Spirit, which is where Hebrews 4 comes in. We can try to discern God's Spiritual guidance from our flesh and the enemy, but sometimes we still struggle to hear correctly what He's trying to convey. This is when the Word of God comes in, and why it's so important to memorize! Something I really need to push myself towards doing again -- and I challenge other believers as well. When you know the voice of God, you can differentiate what is from the throne room above vs the earth below.

One last story before I depart: This week I've had a few deep conversations with some of my closest friends. My hearts desire so to always speak in clarity, peace and through discernment of the Holy Spirit -- so when people approach with difficult questions, I'm not quick to answer nor prideful in my responses (wasn't always the case). As I unraveled my answers and opinions, I continued to ask God for the appropriate wording, and sure enough when I finished my spiel I was receiving requests to be recorded next time XD

Listen to the voice that doesn't panic, rush or move from places of emotion. God does operate with hearts more than anything, but He also is structured and timely.

When you are handed a tough situation and need to speak out -- ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words. Use Scripture! Because remember it cuts like a double-edged sword, even to bone and marrow, spirit and soul. The more Word you have inside, the more you can bring forth at the appropriate time. You'll know when to cut things out when they are a burden, and when to pick things back up again.