Be Careful How You Handle a Sword

      When it comes to kitchen skills, I am good with anything that is not sharp.  Somehow, whenever I handle a knife (whether dull or very sharp), I always manage to cut myself.  This has been true over the nearly fifty years we have been married.  I attempt to be careful but my hands just don't always cooperate.

     Growing up, I remember watching my mother peel potatoes at lightening speed, and my sister was equally gifted.  However, when it came to me, I was given the safety potato peeler and even then, I managed to cut off a finger nail too.  I believe the problem is that I get into a hurry and that is never a good thing when handling sharp objects.  This applies to the Sword of the Spirit as well which is the Word of God.

     Scripture tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15:  "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."  Paul admonished young Timothy to be careful how he handled the Word of God in his ministry.  Like a sword in the hand of a warrior, the Word is meant to be a weapon against the arguments of this world system.  In fact, we are told of its value in the

chapter that follows (2 Timothy 3:16): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness...."  

     In addition, the Bible is a valuable defense against all the flaming darts of the enemy.  What did Satan do when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)?  He came at Him with temptations, but Jesus wisely answered with Scripture speaking the truth to the lies of His enemy.  Eventually Satan left Him, and he will leave us alone too if we learn to handle the Word of God accurately.  Yet, I wonder....how many of us can accurately and effectively wield the Sword of the Spirit?  It is the weapon given us by God to defend our faith and tear down strongholds (Ephesians 6:17).  No good soldier goes into battle unarmed, so why are many Christians today struggling to fight off temptation and ideas that are contrary to the Word of God?  Could it be that we are not honing our weapon enough?  By that, I mean we may not be reading God's Word on a regular, daily basis.

     Soldiers train long and hard before they go into the field of combat.  It's important they know how to handle their weapons and wear their protective gear.  In the same way, we need to study the Bible so that when the day comes that we are tempted, we are able to stand firm on the Word.  Hebrews 4:12 tells us just how powerful the Sword of the Spirit is:  "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."  As we read the Bible, it shows us not only our sins, but it shows us God's character and love for us.  In its pages, we come to know the truth that will set us free from the lies of this world system.  

     As for me and kitchen knives, I have learned to slow down and watch more carefully what I am doing.  I am not perfect, but I am improving.  I am also working on handling God's Word with care as well.  As a Christian believer, I want to be able to handle the Sword of the Spirit in a manner that will bring glory to God.  Therefore, I read it daily and aim to study it for in it, lies the truth.  What about you?  Don't neglect this powerful weapon of God's truth which is your defense against the enemy of your soul.  Selah!

How About Something Positive?

     In our modern digital age where we can get the news 24/7 on our cell phones, laptops, tablets and desk tops, I find that I have to limit myself in looking at it.  There is so much crime, evil, and negative reports on the air around the clock that it would cause anyone to feel blue.  When I was growing up, we had local news and some national news but not to the extent that we have today. Unfortunately, today, we are overwhelmed by some of the stories we hear; so it is far better to reduce time on T.V. and increase time in God's Word.  After all, we need "Good News" each day, and along those lines, a dear friend and I began a Bible study some months ago on Romans 8.  Now there is something to cheer about!

     If we find ourselves dealing with any of the following, we need a good dose of Romans 8:  anxiety, depression, lack of assurance, condemnation, or fear (to name a few).  Of course the entire book of Romans is a power house of truth which makes clear our need for Christ.  When we started on chapter 8, it was supposedly a six-week study but we found that we needed more time to process and work our way through this.   The verses that really pack a positive punch are found in Romans 8:31-39:  "31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[b] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;

    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Please read these words over and over again.  In fact, read the entire chapters that come before these words.  What God has done for us is amazing beyond comprehension!  The best part is that nothing can ever separate us from His love.  No power, no political system, no person....absolutely nothing in this world can tear us out of His arms.  Now isn't that better than watching the news or reading it?  This news is what our souls need, my friends!

     Interestingly enough, after our Bible study today, I began to read Todd Friel's book entitled:  "Stressed Out:  A Practical, Biblical Approach to Anxiety" and part way through the book, he emphasized Romans 8:31-39.  Coincidence?  No, God's providence!  Defeating all the negative thinking in our lives requires us to be students of God's Word rather than listening to hours of the world's view on all things.  We know this is a fallen world so why spend lots of time hearing about all the negative news of the day?  Can we do anything about it?  Can we change things by getting upset?  No...but God can do miraculous things when we pray, read His Word and meditate on it.  He works in us and transforms our thinking.  If we are to be salt and light in this world, we must first immerse ourselves in the Good News of Jesus Christ.

     Instead of parking in front of the T.V. and allowing the enemy to shoot darts at my heart all evening through the bad news I listen to, I would much rather follow the Apostle Paul's advice found in Philippians 4:8:  "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  I commend to all that spending time reading and re-reading Romans 8:31-39  will do your heart good!  This will bring glory to God!  Selah!

With Awe and Reverence

     Ten years ago, my husband and I took an anniversary trip to Europe.  We flew first to Scotland and then drove into England to see the sights.  I had always dreamed of going there one day as I loved English Literature studies both in high school and college.  The old castles, the magnificent cathedrals, and the rich history made this a trip never to be forgotten, but the greatest highlight was a tour of Buckingham Palace.  When the queen is away, the palace is opened to the public for tours.  We happened to be fortunate enough to come at such a time.  

     To say the palace was beautiful is an understatement.  Pictures of previous royals hung on the walls as well as other breathtaking decorations.  I imagined what it would be like to meet the queen herself.  We certainly were not dressed to meet her that day, and it made me think about the kind of clothes that would be appropriate.  There is a certain protocol for such an event in order to show your respect. Most of us would wear our nicest clothing (no shorts and T-shirts here) and be on our best behavior.  After all, we are meeting someone very special!

     As I reflected on this memory, it made me wonder why we do not treat church in much the same way?  Each week, we have the privilege of entering the Lord's sanctuary to gather with other saints to worship our King.  Do we come with an attitude of reverence?  Praise?  Giving our full attention to the Lord?  I was taught as a child that Sunday meant we wore our very best to church to honor God. Then, when we entered the sanctuary, we were to think on His Word in an attitude of reverence.  That did not mean we could not greet others, but our first and foremost duty was to prepare our hearts to hear Him.  Visiting with others was reserved for after the service.  I realize that times have changed and people, in general, take things much more casually today.  In fact, some folks look like they have just walked off the golf course.  If shorts are all you have to wear, then don't let that keep you from coming to God's House, but let us
put things into perspective.

     Scripture tells us how to approach the Lord.  Psalm 29:1-2 says:  "1 Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."  Then in the letter to the Romans, Paul tells us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice:  "1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2).  In these two sets of verses, we learn that we must give God the glory as we enter His House of worship.  We demonstrate our respect and love for Him by not conforming to the way of the world but by offering up our lives to Him in service and praise.  Sometimes, I think we have lost the sense of awe before the Lord.  We come there to make Him the center of our attention and to encourage one another.

     If we were to meet Queen Elizabeth, we would wear our best clothes, show respect for her position, and be on our best behavior.  Yet, we often forget this when we come before the King of Kings on a Sunday.  Entering a House of Worship is a blessing and an opportunity to commune with Him and one another.  We must not take it lightly as though it were just another activity.  He wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth.  It all starts in our heart through prayer, Bible study and a sincere desire to grow in His grace.  Let us give Him our best in worship as we sing, pray and study His Word.  Selah!