A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day Feb.21, 2019
For 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)
Have you ever thought about how important the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) is to our well-being? Sometimes I think we have so many bibles in our USA culture that the power and importance of knowing the Word of God, and using it to direct our lives and fight the enemy has become old fashioned. This devotional is an attempt to remind us of how important that Sword is.
There is a great story in 2 Samuel 23:9-10 about Eleazar, one of David’s mighty men of valor:
And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the Lord wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.
This is a great picture of a great warrior that depended on his sword so much that it literally stuck to his hand. Even in the midst of battling the enemy he held on to that sword.
When Jesus started his ministry on this earth the first thing He had to face was temptations from the enemy. Each temptation was defeated by Jesus speaking the Word of God. If Jesus had to know and speak the Word, how much more important is it for us to know and speak the Word of God in our battles.
Each temptation Jesus faced was preceded by a statement from the enemy. Do you remember what that statement was? The statement was, “If you be the Son of God” and that statement was meant to plant doubt in the mind of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Remember, Jesus was also the Son of Man and as such operated in the same restrictions as you and I. How did He know He was the Son of God? How do you knowyou are a son or daughter of God? Jesus knew it because of the Word of God!!!
Ephesians 6:13-18 lists the seven pieces of armor that each one of us needs to put on if we expect to win the battle:
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
It is important that each one of us know the Word of God. If you know the Word of God you will know who you are in Christ Jesus. If you know the Word of God you will know you are in a spiritual battle and you will know how to fight. It is not enough for your Pastor or your spouse to know the Word. It has to be personal. You have to know it for yourself!!! That is the only way you will know the truth and if you know the truth the truth will set you free and equip you to fight.
