Saturday, May 03, 2008

TWG - May 3, 2008

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TWG - May 3, 2008
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com
Genesis 43; Psalm 1; Matthew 9

Today is May 3, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. TWG is a covenant to seek the LORD God with all our heart and with all our soul. If you seek Him, He will be found by you.

Today is Saturday. Today I’m headed to church for breakfast and work day. We will be building some sidewalks. Yesterday I put in a full day’s work on the message called “Be True” from 1 Timothy. It’s a message about the importance of avoiding error and how important it is to accurately understand what the Bible teaches. Marcia and Sonja stopped in for Music practice. And later on Ken came over to talk about softball. It sounds like he’s putting together a nice roster. Evie and the Grandkids also stopped in. Evie just got a haircut from Susan. It looks good. After work we had Carl, Rochelle and Holly over for dinner. We had a great time. We started talking about publishing and Susan brought out a book we wrote called “Johnny and the Bubble Gum.” We all laughed as Rochelle read through it. I put a picture of John & Colleen & group performing at Jays on the blog at www.timewithgod.mypodcast.com.

This week’s theme verse is Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Take up the sword of the Spirit. The sword in this passage of scripture was not the long, heavy broadsword we associate with the knights of the middle ages; this was a short sword or long knife. The Roman short sword is known as "the sword that conquered the world". One of the most well known Roman combat tactics was when a soldier stepped forward inside the enemy's "guard' so the longer sword could not be wielded. At this point, the Roman soldier could quickly cut-and-thrust. This tactic was perfect against enemies with longer swords or spears. The writer of the book of Hebrews had this in mind when he called God’s Word “quick and powerful.” The sword is the only offensive weapon mentioned (so far… prayer is also an offensive weapon). Lay down your sword, and you’re defenseless… you’d better hope you can run faster than your assailant and his weapons or, once again, “you are the weakest link! Goodbye!” What would cause a soldier to forget his sword? I can’t think of much besides stupidity, or perhaps he was in such a rush to get to the battlefield that he failed to put his sword into the sheath. Busyness is a problem for the Christian. We rush through life from one appointment to another. We have so much “important stuff” to do, that we sometimes forget the most important appointment of all… Time With God! Take up your sword. You must spend much time in “practice” reading the Word if you are to use its tactics of cut and thrust against the enemy. When Satan attacks, we should respond quickly, “Thus Saith The Lord!” A few well aimed thrusts will keep the enemy of your soul at bay. He doesn’t like to be stabbed with the Word! And when people throw out wild and erroneous beliefs we must quickly compare them to what God’s word says. Knowing what you believe will keep you safe! Now there is another reason a soldier might drop his sword… if he believes that all is lost! He might drop his sword and run. But God is on our side, so stand firm. Take up the sword of the spirit… oh and did I mention that the other reason people set their sword down is stupidity!

Dear Father. I want to take up the sword of the Spirit. I know that your Spirit and power flow through your Word. It is the Holy Spirit speaking and I am listening. I don’t want to be so foolish to forget my sword. Help me to believe it, read it and study it so that I will be ready when Satan attacks. Help me to remember to step inside his guard and thrust with a “thus says the Lord,” from your Word. Please bring to mind the exact Scripture I need to combat the enemy when I need it. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

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