Draw Your Sword
When you think of a battle, you think of tanks, fighter jets, body armor, weapons, and tactical gear. You think of interpersonal communication, strategic planning, and a solid and cohesive team to carry out the military strikes. In short, to win a battle, you know that it takes careful consideration, tools, focused intent, and a dedicated team.
Did you also know that you need to bring the same battle strategies into your life? Since the beginning of time, a battle has been brewing, and your immortal soul is on the line. It’s the grand prize and the most precious resource you have (far more precious than oil or gold). To win and keep it, you need a powerful arsenal and a solid group of people on your side.
Luckily for you, you have both. God’s word, the Holy Spirit, your fellowship with the people in your local church, and your long-term relationship with Christ, equip you to handle this ongoing conflict for your soul and salvation.
One of your greatest weapons in this battle is God’s word, “the sword of the spirit,” and one of the best ways to sharpen this blade is by memorizing it and always keeping it close at hand.
That way, you can unsheathe it whenever faced with temptation or doubt.
- Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
The easiest way to memorize scripture is to start with the smaller verses known by most people, including John 3:16, Romans 1:16, and John 1:12.
The Holy Spirit will then bring these verses to mind in times that are truly anxious and troubling.
- John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
The great benefit of memorizing scripture is that you can draw upon verses to alter your attitude or disposition. Many testimonies have shown that people who have memorized scripture remain steady and strong during trying times, while others, who did not have this powerful tool, struggled to stay on solid ground.
- Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
These memorized verses will give you the comfort and strength necessary to overcome anything life throws at you.
Exercise: Review the verses you’ve underlined in your Bible. Choose one or two favorites, write them down, and begin to memorize them.
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TAKE THE HELMET OF SALVATION AND THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD.
