Pick up your sword. Daily Devotional - August 5, 2010

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 19, Acts 23, Jeremiah 42, Luke 2

I can understand why Jesus felt the need to withdraw often to pray. Many times throughout our day we can be bombarded with negativity. Whether it be from media, people, or the devil throwing thoughts our way--I know at least for me, I need a recharge! I need to be reminded of God’s goodness, his promises and his opinion of me.

When I was a new Christian, I thought that quoting scripture during times of discouragement was like the “self-talk” you hear about at motivational meetings or in self-help/inspiration books. To be honest, I didn’t buy it. Once I began to learn about the power--supernatural power--there is in the word of God, it changed my perspective drastically.

Did you know that the word of God is God? Did you know that when you read scripture you are filling yourself up with God? Did you know that when you speak scripture you are replacing lies with truth? John 1:1 tells us,“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

In Luke 2:34-35, Simeon came to visit the newborn Jesus: “Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

The prophecy he spoke about Jesus was parallel to the scripture about the word of God in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Throughout the Bible, the word of God is often referred to as a sword. The scriptures are not just words on a page, they are not self-help talk, they are a weapon! The word is a sword against negativity, discouragement, deception and lies! We are not reading something inactive, purposeless and void but we are reading something that brings life, truth and clarity.

Pick up your sword today and read with expectation!
Mel Miller