Why We Need the Word Now More Than Ever

      Recently, I have completed a wonderful book which I commend to you entitled "The Whole Armor of God" by Iain M. Duguid.  It is an excellent discussion of the armor with which the Lord has provided to believers as described in Ephesians 6:10-18.  However, one section really stood out to me in importance for us at this time.  We need the Word of God which is described by the Apostle Paul as the Sword of the Spirit.

     Certainly a sword is thought of as a weapon that can be used to defend ourselves.  The catch is that we need to know how to use the weapon if we are to be effective in combat.  Likewise, having a Bible that sits on the shelf gathering dust does us no good unless we open the pages and read it prayerfully.  Knowing how to skillfully handle God's Word is a powerful tool not only in sharing Christ with others but in also defending our belief in the Lord.  The more we know who God is and who we are in relationship to Him the more successful we will be in tearing down false arguments against our faith.

     When we think of the Olympics, we admire the athletes that compete because we know they have spent countless hours developing their skills in their chosen sport.  No one would dare compete who had not prepared physically for their event.  They are committed to doing their very best.  How about us as followers of Christ?  We say we believe, but are we willing to allow the Holy Spirit to teach us as we read God's Word?  There are many ways we can study the Word  by using a reading plan (I have personally followed a wonderful five day plan through the Bible in a year for some time now), getting into a Bible study with others, sitting under the preaching of God's Word on a regular basis to name a few.  I even found a wonderful Bible App called "Dwell" that offers the Bible to be read by various people with a beautiful music background.  Perfect for meditating on the Word as you drive down the highway.  It also allows you to hear someone read it as you read along in your Bible at the same time.  There are so many helps available if we will apply ourselves to learn how to wield the Sword of the Spirit.

     Secondly, the Word of God is a means of pruning us as we read it.  Trust me, I am no expert in tree trimming but here in Florida, if we do not prune our shrubs, trees and bushes, they will become overgrown quickly leading to problems.  In addition, pruning helps to direct the growth of the plant.  God does the pruning in our lives too.  As we read the Bible, He may make us aware of a sin that we need to confess.  Our Lord also may allow trials in our lives that drive us to seek answers in the Bible.  Honestly, pruning may not feel good at the time, but we must remember that God is doing a work in us to direct our growth that we may become more like His Son.  No one can bear good fruit unless we abide in Christ, His Word and yield to
the master skills of the Father who prunes us with care.

     Finally, Iain Duguid in his book likened the Bible to a scalpel.  I had never really thought about that before.  This past week, I had a procedure done on my face to remove a small growth.  A cancer cell had been identified so they had to go deeper to make certain they got it all.  I had stitches and some discomfort, but by far, that is much better than not having this removed.  In the same way, as we read God's Word, it goes deep into our hearts and searches out what we need to have taken away.  Hebrews 4:12-13 says:  "The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."  This is a wake-up call for all of us.  

     As we read and pray over the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will work in our hearts.  He will teach us to wield it as a Sword for our defense.  The Lord will work on pruning us so we can develop the fruit of the Spirit in greater abundance, and He will surgically remove those things in our lives that hinder us in our walk with Him.  This is why we need the Bible more than any other book today.  Just look at our world around us.  There are so many who need to know the truth.  We must be willing to become a student, a workman that is worthy of his hire as the Bible says.  So, if you haven't already, dust off your Bible and dive in.  God has so much to show us, teach us and reveal to us in the pages of His Word that will never pass away.  May He give us a heart on fire for His truth!  Selah!

     

Stress and Anxiety Do Not Have to Win

      Far too many people, including myself, have stress and anxiety that knocks at our door all too often.  While I have read a number of books on the issue, I recently ran across one that was a rich blessing to me written by Todd Friel, the host of Wretched Radio and Wretched T.V.  The title is "Stressed Out:  A Practical, Biblical Approach to Anxiety".   I cannot remember where I heard about this book, but I decided to check it out and it is worth the read.

      In his 206 pages, the author lays out what anxiety is and how as a Christian we need to face and deal with this issue of worry.  However, he does not give advice nor is this a self help format but rather, it is a biblical walk through the Bible on what God says concerning anxiety.  Every chapter confronts us with what the Lord has told us about anxiety.  Section 1 deals with our issues, thinking and our God.  Then, in Section two, Todd Friel covers the areas that should relieve all our anxieties based on the Bible promises we have been given.  Finally, in Section three, we are challenged to make a goal for ourselves and a plan to defeat this enemy that destroys our trust in God.

     As I read through the book, I could see how much my mind needs to be transformed as Scripture tells us in Romans 12:2:  "2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."  The problem is we have so much input from the world on a daily basis that we crowd out the positive, healing Word of God.  The best part is knowing that I am not alone.  Many struggle with the issues of worry, anxiety and stress in our "moving too fast" world.

     Throughout the pages, Todd Friel points to Jesus Christ as our high priest who understands and has been tempted in all the same ways we have been; yet, He did not fall into sin.  Instead. Jesus shows us the way even as He did His disciples in his last discourse with them (John 15-16).  He tried to calm them and let them know what lay ahead as He readied to face the cross.  All we need to do is read the high priestly prayer that Jesus made on our behalf in John 17 to know that He cares for us.  

     There are 12 anxiety relievers discussed in Section Two of the book which come from the Lord Jesus Christ.  By reading through these, I came to realize how I could replace my anxious thoughts with hopeful, positive thoughts based on Scripture.  It was eye opening and revealed to me where I have missed the boat in understanding the whole issue of anxiety.  As I said, this is not your ordinary self-help book.  Instead, I left reading it with a whole new outlook and plan of attack on dealing with this troublesome area in my life.  This is why I so highly recommend taking the time to read it.

     With all the pressure from jobs, children, and the world around us, we need to refocus our attention not only on God but on His Word.  There are answers to the things which trouble us when we look in the right place.  So, if you, like me, have been riding the roller coaster of anxiety, this book will open your eyes as it has mine.  Selah!

The book is available on Amazon also in Kindle format.

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!