The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart instructs and encourages us in the proper understanding and use of God’s Word. And don’t we all need a little help in this? Today’s reading is from pages 50 and 51:
“Throughout the course of His ministry, Jesus showed us the true nature of our warfare, and Paul enlarged on His example by calling us to be fully equipped for daily battle.
“The Word of God is a two-edged sword. It is doubly sharp to pierce chinks in the armor of the Lie, to expose the soft flesh of unbelief, and to penetrate to the depths of human souls, where it accomplishes the work for which God sends it out. And God has placed that two-edged Sword of the Spirit in the hands of His chosen people – heirs of His promises and ambassadors of His Kingdom – that we might use it each day to fight the good fight of faith, resisting the devil and his many temptations, exposing the lies of unbelief, and advancing the rule of King Jesus within our own spheres of influence.
“This is why it is so important that Christians work hard at learning how to handle the Word of God, following its story and structure, understanding its overall thrust and primary themes, becoming familiar with the whole counsel of God, reading, meditating, studying, discussing, and sharing the Word with one another. We are called to ‘take up arms’ in the cause of Christ and His Kingdom, and we will not be fit for the battles we must engage each day until we become adept at wielding the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
“The Word of God is the ultimate power tool for fighting the good fight and prevailing in the spiritual warfare.”
For reflection or discussion
1. How do you expect to use the Sword of the Spirit in serving the Lord and His Kingdom today?
2. What’s one thing you might begin to do that would help you be more effective in wielding the Word of God?
Lewis wrote that the task of the modern educator—and all disciples are educators—is to “cut down jungles.” Jungles of lies, frivolities, and folly have overgrown the hearts and minds of many people, including many believers, and the Word of God is the effective two-edged Sword for ridding ourselves of this mess. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to encourage one another in your study of God’s Word. Your copy of The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart awaits you at The Ailbe Bookstore today.
T. M. Moore
