Women Embracing Their Eternal Influence
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EMBRACING THE CALL
Y O U A N D T I T U S 2 N E W S L E T T E R
May 2021
Vol. 5
The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
PSALM 119:130
For a period of time, I was a middle school math teacher. I truly enjoyed helping students who were mathematically delayed to diagnose what was hindering their progress. Often, the culprit was a basic operation that had been learned incorrectly. In fact, some students had to unlearn something they had been practicing for months or even years.
These young people were simply unaware of their root problems. Making matters worse, many had labeled themselves “bad at math.” I would spend time trying to diagnose the simple but consequential mistakes that caused them to ultimately come to the incorrect answers over and over again. What a joy it was to see the light bulbs come on as their opportunity for a better math grade was increased!
This type of diagnosis is similar to your role in the lives of younger Christian women. You can help them evaluate the simple but consequential mistakes tripping them up and causing the same problems over and over again. God has given you the joy of lovingly pointing them to biblical Truth which provides the Light to their path for future steps in their spiritual journey (Psalm 119:105). Something possibly practiced for months or years can be addressed and unlearned with the help of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual maturity will be hindered by undiagnosed scriptural blind spots. Problems like disrespect for their husband, anger toward others, or a gossiping tongue are a few that quickly come to mind. Perhaps the most basic is a lack of awareness concerning the crucial importance of God’s Word to their daily lives. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). If our feet need a lamp for the path, then we must be standing in complete darkness. Our loving Father will allow trips and falls to teach His children how relevant the Bible is for all of life. How can Christian women possibly move forward in their spiritual growth without the instructive light of God’s Word?
The culture, upbringing, peers, lack of discipleship, and a multitude of other things can influence women to consistently end up with the wrong answers. We must give careful attention to where they are possibly out of step with God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:25). I could not have expected a C student in one grade to become an A student in the next grade without attention to what was influencing their C status. I pray you will be available to the teachable hearts God has put in your sphere of influence. The “unfolding” of God’s Word (Psalm 119:130) will bring you great joy as you see the light bulbs come on and their opportunity for a closer walk with Christ is increased!
Hebrews 4:12 reveals some significant details about the Word of God. It is much too important to leave it on a shelf until Sunday morning. It is purposeful in your life, living and active to make you more like Christ. The Scriptures discern the thoughts and the intentions of the heart. You cannot trust your own thoughts (what might seem practical) or your own hearts (what might seem compassionate). But you can always trust the blessing of God's authority. To ignore it would be like saying to your gracious Heavenly Father, "I've got this God! I'll grope around in darkness today and be just fine" (see Psalm 119:105). I have never once heard a wise older Christian suggest she should have waited later in life to begin her study of God's Word. However, I have personally heard many testimonies of saints who wished they had been diligent in the study of the Bible from their youth!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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How does Psalm 119:105 indicate how personal God's Word is for each individual?
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What does the illustration of a lamp or a light (Psalm 119:105) indicate about the importance of being in the Bible daily?
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What do you think the term "unfolding" in Psalm 119:130 is referring to? How can you participate in the unfolding of God's Word?
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Consider that God's Word gives understanding to the simple (Psalm 119:130). When a woman refuses to study the Word of God how does this impact her and those around her?
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Why would a Christian woman desire the sharp, two-edged sword to pierce into the depths of her soul (Hebrews 4:12)? Explain how this might not always be a pleasant experience and yet is still best for you and others.
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The Holy Spirit works through His Word in the minds and hearts of believers. What kind of things can hinder this miraculous work in your own life?
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Ask God for a renewed hunger for the Bible and its application in your daily life.
Hebrews 4:12
For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Psalm 119:130 ESV
The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Learning about The Importance of God's Word
Psalm 119:105 ESV
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
