April 18

From Pastor Gary…

… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6: 17b)

The Roman weapon mentioned here was a short, sharp sword used in close combat. It refers to the Word of God, which is our offensive weapon in the battle with Satan. When he attacks with his lies, we counterattack with God’s holy Word. Even Jesus, when tempted by the devil, countered with the Scripture. He responded to each temptation with, “It is written”. The inspired Word of God is perfect and true (Psalm 18:30), upright (Psalm 33: 4), good (Isaiah 39: 8) eternal (Isaiah 40:8), and is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4: 12). The Word of God is effective, bringing about what God wants done. Isaiah wrote,  “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”  (Isaiah 55:11) We trust God’s Word for our life here on earth, and we trust His Word for eternity.

​Verse for today:
 If you abide in my word, you are my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31)