Thought for Friday, 27 January

Ephesians 6:14-17

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate

of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...

 

Any armour, including the Armour of God, is useless without a sword - for the enemy can keep attacking until the armour gives way - how important then is it to be acquainted with the Sword of the Spirit.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:12)

When Jesus was in the wilderness Satan tempted Him by quoting scripture, but Jesus was able to reply by also using God’s word as answer. Satan knows the word of God as well as we do, better, so we must be able to beat him at his own game.

The world is changing so fast now that every day seems to bring new evil being perpetrated somewhere in the world. Children, women, men all being trafficked as slaves of one kind or another. I heard last night that some places are censoring church sermons if they do not ‘respect’ the new laws being passed by men (and women) without a thought of what God’s word says.

Even some preachers are adapting scripture to fit in with what certain congregations want to hear. Yet another reason to be sure that God’s word is known in our hearts.

In addition to the rest of God’s armour we need to be aware of the sword of truth and be able to wield it with confidence.

 

Prayer

Protecting Father, we are under attack on all sides, by agents of wickedness. Help us to hold onto Your word and to be able to wield the sword of Your truth. Help us to be able to explain the necessity of Your protection to those who don’t have the strength of Your armour to protect them against weapons of evil. Please allow Your word to penetrate deeply into our hearts as we face the enemy. Amen