December 4, 2010

Yesterday was the end of the week and I think everyone welcomed a day at home and the privilege of sleeping in late.  After school I visited with Frank and Dorothy, we had snow, a new batch but it isn't blowing, thankfully.  I am sharing Greg Laurie's thoughts with you because I feel so strongly about wearing the armour of God.  I think I have told you about praying that for each of you.  but we need to be re reminded....

How to Win the Spiritual Battle

Like it or not, the moment you commit your life to Jesus Christ you are engaged in a spiritual battle. The believer may be known by his inward warfare as well as by his inward peace.

This battle is not with flesh and blood, but with a very real opponent called the devil.

We have looked at the various pieces of armor we are to wear as we face our opponent, including the utility belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and, of course, the gospel shoes.

Those are all primarily defensive weapons. In other words, you don't attack your enemy with your sandal, breastplate, or helmet. You need another weapon for that.

Paul calls the one piece of offensive weaponry that God has given us "the sword of the Spirit," or the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Many believers have all their armor in place, but they never use their sword. They leave it in the sheath. They talk about it, and brag about how sharp it is, but they never actually utilize the sword in spiritual battle.

The devil knows all too well the power and authority of the Bible and he will try to keep you from it at all costs.

Keep this in mind: Whether we know the value of our sword or not, Satan does. He will do everything he can to see that we keep our swords sheathed or that we don't put them on in the first place.

The enemy will certainly try to keep you from memorizing the Word of God.

Why? Because the Psalmist says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11). The devil has felt its sting and authority.

It's good to carry a Bible in your briefcase or purse, but the best place to carry the Word of God is in your heart.

I ask you now, what shape is your sword in?

Is it polished from daily use as you study the Scripture on a regular basis, and sharpened on the anvil of experience as you have applied and obeyed its truth in your life? Or is it rusty from lack of preparation or dulled by disobedience?

It's been said, "A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't."

If we neglect the study of the Scripture, our spiritual life will ultimately unravel because everything we need to know about God is taught in the Bible. And if it can't be found in the pages of Scripture, you don't need it.

You can win in this spiritual battle. Not by running away, but rather by putting on the whole armor of God and unsheathing your sword, which is the Word of God, and using it.

I encourage you to do that today.

I have added these verses from my time of study...

2 Samuel 10:12 Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God.  The Lord will do what is good in his sight.

Psalm 27:14  Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord.

Haggai 2:4  But now be strong,......Be strong, all you people of the land,.....and work1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong...Do everything in love

2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deds of darkness and put on the armor of light.