Stand firm then...Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The Romans used their swords both offensively and defensively. Used in a defensive manner, the sword, along with the other armor pieces, enabled the soldier to deflect the enemy's blows. As an offensive weapon, the sword was used to attack and counter-attack an enemy until the enemy was seriously wounded or killed.
Jesus, Who is the Word [John 1:1, 14], has graciously given us His written Word, the Bible. The Word is made alive by the Holy Spirit of God, causing it to be filled with divine energy and ability. God's Word, our sword of the Spirit, is able to cut down the strongholds of Satan.
The Psalmist says of the people of God, "Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand" [Psalm 149:6]. That double-edged sword is the Word of God, and it is a powerful spiritual weapon, perfectly suited for spiritual battles. The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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].
Learning to use the sword of God's Word comes with practice. You should not wait until youh ave been attacked to learn to use your sword. Rather, store up the word of God in your mind and heart on a regular basis through memorization and meditation. The more you memorize and meditate upon God's Word, the more natural it will become to use the sword. You will gain confidence in speaking the Word, praying the Word, and singing the Word. The Scriptures you hide in your heart and apply to your life will be with you at all times, even if your Bible is not nearby.
In trying to disarm you, the enemy will often try to convince you that a particular portion of scripture is not true or relevant for today. Remember that the sword is both an offensive and a defensive weapon. Used offensively, you hide God's Word in your heart, root out sin, and strengthen your inner man with God's promises before the enemy attacks. Used defensively, you deflect the devil's lies, doubts, and temptations with the truth of the Word. You shall not be disarmed. Stand firm today with the Sword of the Spirit.
Prayer: My Loving Father, thank You for Your word that is living, powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword. I thank You because You have made Your word available to me as both an offensive and defensive weapon for spiritual battle. I am sorry for times I may have taken Your word for granted. I pray for a renewed commitment to Your word - to spend time reading, memorizing and meditating on Your word. May Your word always remain hidden in my heart that I may not buckle under the lies and deception of the enemy. In Jesus Name, Amen.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Oct. 21 2010 - Malachi 4 (OT), Revelations 6 (NT).
Joyful 'Toon For Today
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