Take the Sword of the Spirit

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Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to defend yourself against satans attacks. As I have stated in previous blogs my anxiety still likes to pop up from time to time, however, the difference now is that I know I can defeat my fears and worries quickly with Gods help. I have learned not to let satans attacks bear any frui t in my life. I stand firm in my belief that God is always with me. Recently I watched the Christian movie Courageous with my wife. The actor said, God never promised us an explanation for the hardships we face. He did promise us that He would walk with us through those difficult times. It is this precise concept that keeps me focused on the truth found in the Bible. I realize that at no point am I guaranteed an easy, worry free

ticket for life. However, I am promised that I have a Father that will never forsake me. The Scripture has the answers for all our problems, hopes, suffering, or whatever we are facing. To find these answers we must take time to study the Bible. If we do not stay focused and connected, on God, we can lose sight of what is tremendously important. When we lose sight of what genuinely is important, which is God; we lose faith, which in turn leads to hardships without help from our Heavenly Father. John 16:33 is a reminder of the promise that God has given us to realize He is in control of everything and can give us peace if we have faith. It states, I have told you these things, so that in me you many have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

We, as Christians, can use Scripture such as this one to have faith in overcoming the enemy. With Gods Word as part of our arsenal everything is possible. Gods Word is not only our weapon but part of our defense. It is with Gods Word that we are able deflect attacks and defend ourselves from everything satan has at his disposal. If you notice I do not capitalize satan in my blogs, even when it is grammatically correct to do so. I simply refuse to give him respect or identify him above anything. In my book, he is the lowest common denominator. Granted satan does have the powers he had before he was cast out of Heaven, but that does not mean I have to acknowledge him as an authoritative figure because I believe God is above all and can deal with satan just as He promised. It is my way of keeping satan in his rightful place at the bottom of Gods food chain. The sword of the Spirit is Gods Word. There is no power greater than Gods Word. If you believe in God you must believe in His Word. He spoke everything into existence. As Christian Soldiers, it is our responsibility and duty to use Gods Word to as He commanded. Notice that Jesus Christ used the Bible to counter Satan's attacks Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 illustrates this very point. The verse from Matthew states,
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Jesus answered, It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
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Jesus answered him, It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.

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Jesus said to him, Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.

.We must also learn to live "by every word that is from the mouth of God. The reality, when studying Pauls writings, is that he only mentions one weapon. The reason Paul

mentions only one weapon is that the Word of God is all we need to defeat any attack in our lives. The Word of God will inspire you to victory in your circumstance. Trusting and having faith in Gods Word will deliver you from anything you experience.

We must also learn to live "by every word that is from the mouth of God. The reality, when studying Pauls writings, is that he only mentions one weapon. The reason Paul mentions only one weapon is that the Word of God is all we need to defeat any attack in our lives. The Word of God will move you to victory in your circumstance. Trusting and having faith in Gods word will deliver you from anything you face.

I can recall specific times in my life when fear, depression and anxiety stopped me from doing everyday tasks. Tasks that I used to do that never bothered me. During my ordination process, I remember how nervous I was about completing the oral interview. The interview took place in front of four member panel, all who were extremely accomplished ordained ministers. At another point in my life, I would have never been able to go through with such a nerve racking event. However, due to my decision years ago to turn my life over to Christ, I knew I would be able to handle the situation. I am not saying I was over confident, simply that I was secure in my belief that God would not put me through anything that I couldnt handle. You see Gods Word can comfort us and defend us even in our darkest most frightening hours. Shortly before the oral interview was to begin I recited the Lords Prayer over and over in my mind. Yes, like I said I was nervous; however, I was confident that my faith and knowledge in Gods Word would see me through. Romans 8:31,

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? I ask you today, never doubt Gods presence and power. He has promised to see you through till the end. All you have to do is accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, confess your sins, believe Jesus died on the cross for your sins, believe Jesus will return, declare He is Lord, and want Him to be a part of your life. As Christians, we are able to fight our battles with a certainty of victory. God has written that He will be victorious and, as believers, we shall be also. The promises in God's Word tell us that if we remain committed to Him and His Word, we will make it to the end, and we will be saved. There is no uncertainty in this statement. God promised Isaiah that He would bring it to pass. Isaiah 46:11 states,

Yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

All you need to do is take up the sword and win your battle. By using the most powerful weapon known to mankind your victory is certain. Gods Word is your VICTORY!!!!!

Points to Ponder until next time

1. As any sword yours needs to be sharpened. Study your Bible daily and learn how to defend yourself with the Word of God. 2. By keeping your sword sharp, through Bible study, your defense will be impenetrable and your attack will be swift. 3. Deuteronomy 31:11-13God commanded Moses to read His Word publicly before all Israel, including men and women, children and strangers. 4. Isaiah 66:2God says He esteems the person "who trembles at My word"

5. Luke 11:28 Luke recorded Jesus' words when He said, "... Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" 6. 2 Timothy 3:16-17Paul described the Old Testament Scriptures as "inspired by God" and "useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work"