**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich. A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
-Hebrews 4:12 KJV
A woman sitting with a cup of tea in the ruins of her house after the heavy bombing of London, 1940.
As a fantasy author, I often have to write battle scenes. Reviewers and readers have told me that they’ve found my books engaging, intense, and adventurous. Some even said they loved my battle scenes. I always thank them, but I also feel embarrassed because of a small secret: I don’t like writing battle scenes.
One of my writing group acquaintances told me that my writing reminded him of Jane Austen: a bunch of characters talking over tea. I took it as a compliment. I’d much rather have drawing room drama than another combat scene.
Yet, I’ve read many fantasy books where I longed for more action. I actually wanted a sword fight to change things up. I laughed at my own preferences and shared with my editor, who knows my struggles, my sudden change of thought. What I came to realize through all of these interactions is that battle and drawing room drama can both be important to a story. It all depends on what the story needs.
During the time in which Hebrews was written, the audience was familiar with swords. They knew all too well the pitfalls and triumphs of war. Some of those reading this may have been veterans. Unlike us, who live in relative comfort (if you’re in the U.S. and other first world countries), they knew the pain of loss and the terror of battle. When the author made this reference, some of the readers knew it all too personally.
For those of us who have never experienced war, this metaphor may be harder to understand. However, we know the experience of a sharp remark that stung so deeply we still carry it with us today. Imagine that, but from the Word of God.
God’s Word is so powerful that it can convict, encourage, direct, teach, motivate, and transcend beyond our understanding. For example, when you sat in a sermon and heard a Bible verse that spoke so directly to your soul, that you wondered if the pastor knew what was in your heart. Or when a friend shares a Bible verse you had been memorizing. You wonder if she was there during your personal study. God’s Word sees and speaks in amazing ways, which is why Satan tries so hard to keep us from reading it and knowing it. There’s a song going around that talks about how we have dust on our Bibles, but brand new iPhones. How true that is!
Today, make time to read and apply God’s Word beyond this devotional. Don’t let God’s Word get dusty on your shelf. Please, my friend, pick it up, dust it off, and read.
See how it will change you.
Dear Lord, please help me to spend time in your Word every day. Make room in my schedule, give me time and space and quiet to read your Bible. Let me take it to heart what you have to say. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.
P.S. I am the author of these books, and they are available in all formats: paperback, ebook, and audiobook! Thank you for your weekly support of Sip Saturday.