“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.” (Hebrews 4:12)
I had the opportunity to minister with art at a home gathering in Clinton, Iowa on Tuesday night. My desire was to deliver a special message from the Lord that specifically blessed the people who would be there that night. And I wanted to leave the family who invited me with a spectacular piece of art that would beautify their walls for years to come. When I was praying before the meeting God showed me this image. I was actually disappointed at first. I complained to God, “But God…it’s so simple…” Then God spoke into my heart, “Yes but it’s SO important!” I’m so grateful that God would use me in this way. He makes things simple for us. We are the ones who try to complicate it all.
In my artwork the sword is the spine of the Bible giving a visual representation of the true nature of this collection of writings. The Bible is often referred to as “The Word” because it is considered the word of God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16)
The scripture in Hebrews 4:12 likens the word of God to a powerful weapon that is useful for separating the natural things from spiritual things so that the spiritual battles can be won. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
My personal experiences when reading the Bible resonate the most with the last part of Hebrews 4:12, “…It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” So often when I’m reading I recognize thought