Several years ago, I smoked some pork loins to take to my grandparents’ house for Thanksgiving dinner. They were so pretty and tasty-looking. The knife Manette gave me to use was rather dull (as were all of her knives), so when I began slicing the pork loin, the meat looked like it had been through a meat grinder. If her knife had been sharpened, the blade would have cut through evenly and left my roast nice and neat. In other words, it would have done the job and done it well. As we walk through life, we will face many trials, temptations, and storms. One of our biggest weapons to use in these situations is the “Sword of the Spirit”, which is the Word of God. If we haven’t spent time studying the Word and hiding it in our hearts, our sword becomes dull and ineffective, much like Manette’s knife.
God’s Word itself hasn’t lost its power or effectiveness, but we aren’t able to “cut” the enemy like we should. As we spend time n the Word, it grows in our hearts and our understanding of the scripture increases. We are better able to apply the Word to situations and fight the enemy during trials and temptations — just as Jesus did in the wilderness — because our sword has been sharpened. If your sword is dull today, start honing it by making time to study. Even if all you have is 15 minutes while waiting in the school pick up line, 15 minutes on your lunch break, or 15 minutes between work and getting dinner cooked, start with that 15 minutes! As you dig into the Word, you will find that it is increasingly easier to make that time for Bible study. The more you read and study the Word, the hungrier you will be for more of it! We can’t expect to fight the enemy with a dull sword. Sharpen yours today!!
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
Job 22:22 Receive I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Proverbs 4:4 He taught me also and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live.
