Some days you need a newspaper. Other days, you need money from your bank. Still other days, you need a prescription for illness. More than not, you need your phone – or some other form of technology. Then there’s the day you need a good friend to talk to. But more often than you might expect, are days when you need something sharp – like a sword! For protection, accuracy, carving away, cutting a path, and making a point.
When You Need Something Sharp
I hope to provide a word picture you can take forward into daily challenges. Let’s face it. In today’s world, you need a practical tool that’s reliable, effective, safe, and strong. And it needs to be applicable and versatile with current life issues. So – you need something sharp. You need a sword.
A Sword – Today? Really?!
It seems a bit odd to talk about needing a sword in most of today’s world. “When you need a sword” is different thinking – unless you’re exploring some kind of decorative relic, a form of recreation, or a look into history.
I’m also not talking about attractive letter openers on your desk or in a top drawer. In my China cabinet, I have some cool-looking hors d’oeuvre swords. They provide conversation at a snack table. But I’m not thinking about those, either. I’m certainly not talking about strapping a twenty inch blade with sturdy-grip handle onto your side – safely tucked inside a jeweled sheath.
So, what am I talking about? A sword – today? Really?!
What Is This Sharp Thing You Need?
I’m talking about God’s Word. Heb. 4:12 says, “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
When you need something sharp, Scripture is a great option.
How Something Sharp – A Sword – Helps
Today’s world is increasingly full of challenges and unknowns. People get tired, weary, discouraged, directionless, filled with grief, and ready to quit. Some also get mad and frustrated – often for good reasons. So what people need – what you need – is sincere time in God’s Word – eagerly expecting to hear from Him.
Scripture has a miraculous power to renew and rebuild your heart, clear your perspective, and provide options.
In today’s introduction, we said you need a sword for –
- Protection
- Accuracy
- Carves away
- Cuts a path
- Makes a point
Let’s look at these.
1. Protection
God’s Word provides protection on every side of your life. I like to think of a “force field.” If you stay inside the principles of Scripture, you are protected – even when you suffer. It’s a shield and a shelter.
Ps. 18:30b says, “. . . The Lord’s Word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.” God’s Written Word (Scripture) is flawless to protect your mind and heart – if you take refuge in Him.
Ps. 31:20 says, “In the shelter of Your presence, You hide them from all human intrigues; You keep them safe in Your dwelling from accusing tongues.” God’s Living Word (Jesus) covers you with protection from all assaults.
YOUR PART? “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Prov. 4:23) Also, Heb. 10:22a says, ” . . . draw near to God with a sincere heart . . .”
GOD’S PART? “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
So, stay under the protection of the Written and Living Word of God. Enjoy His faithfulness in this impenetrable force field.
2. Accuracy
Scripture overflows with practical guidance, history, and truth. It’s an accurate document for both study and practical living.
You get strength and insight from God’s Word to live effectively in peace. So, it’s like a super-powered battery, a plumb line, a compass, and a scale – ALL contained inside Scripture. This resource connects you to who you were created to be and your purpose. You can be accurate to God’s design for your life.
God’s Word also calls it like it is! It’s an accurate assessment of each individual. So, thoughts and attitudes you didn’t know were present become more clear. You have opportunity to change thoughts and attitudes – your very perspective – to align with God’s.
Is. 55:9 says, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” So, choose to be accurate to God’s ways and thoughts.
3. Carves Away
In a world where everything is upside-down from what God set upright, you must daily carve away things that are unhelpful, wrong, unimportant platforms, and energy-sucking issues.
Gain discernment to sort, identify, and expose tangled-up stuff that fills much of daily life. The Bible helps you carve away unhelpful data and identify “treasures” to hang onto.
God’s Word delicately carves into people’s hearts and carves through messes. It gives action steps that make each day successful.
Scripture carves away everything that interferes with your hope, peace, and joy. That’s another reason to be in your Bible. Nothing renews like Scripture. God’s Word carves away debilitation when you’ve been wounded.
4. Cuts A Path
Scripture changes the course of your life. It quite literally cuts a path to go forward. God’s Word has boundary-markers and protective rails. It powerfully cuts a path through curves, slopes, and dangers of life.
The path Scripture cuts passes through otherwise unseen beauty, adventure, and delight. You find doors opening and closing because you are in God’s Word each day. Plus, it cuts a path through what seems impossible or impassible. And it cuts a path through disbelief.
5. Makes A Point
You connect directly to God’s life when you spend time in His Word. As a child of God, you belong to Him. So Scripture makes a point about God, who loves you deeply. It also makes a point about the value God has placed over your life.
Scripture makes a point as it exposes motives and convicts of sin. This book should be your “go-to” life manual.
Because life is fast-paced, complicated, challenging, disappointing, and demanding – God’s Word makes a point of giving you:
- Simple steps
- Fresh ideas
- Practical tips
- Guidance
- Wisdom
- Encouragement
You get all this from God’s Word – if you believe and obey it. To believe and obey, you need to be in it.
The Word Became Flesh
Earlier, we mentioned Scripture is God’s Written Word. But – Jesus is God’s Living Word. Think of Scripture as “God on paper – Jesus in written form.” Jesus is referred to as The Word before He was named Jesus. And then the Word became flesh. (Jn. 1:1 and 14)
The Bible is the power of God’s life, which explains how this book is bursting with resources and glory. It’s always applicable, relevant, and practical – Alive and Active! (Heb. 4:12)
God wants to connect and share His love and power with you – to help you live well. You will lack nothing as you spend time in your Bible with an eager, believing heart. Further, God invites you into daily relationship and meaningful conversation with Him.
Eph. 6:17b says, “. . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” When you need something sharp – a sword, you have God’s Word – both Written and Living!
How can one book be so helpful? It’s just one of many books on earth. Yet, it certainly is special!
Get Familiar With Your Sword
Since these things are true, it becomes critical to make decisions about your Bible:
- Take in this Alive and Active power off the pages by reading it daily. Take in the very life of Jesus and the power of God.
- Spend time meditating how the Scriptures shape and sculpt your life. Welcome the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Be vulnerable and honest as its truth carves through your visible and unseen life. This is your partnership with God’s Spirit.
- Welcome, respect, and honor it. This is your privilege and testimony.
- Thank God for His life contained in His Word. Do what it says. Tell others about this amazing book. Your influence and legacy was designed by God to expand His Kingdom.
- Hold to Scripture’s promises. Look forward as you take in and apply “God on paper.”
Application Thoughts and Questions
Why not spend time in your Bible each day?- Do you come near to God in your heart by faith? (Jas. 4:8)
- What thoughts need to change to see God’s Word as –
- protection,
- accuracy,
- carving away,
- cutting a path,
- making a point?
- Do you value the one thing that will never pass away? (Mt. 24:35; Mk. 13:31; Lk. 21:33)
- How are you proving this commitment in daily choices?
This article is largely developed from Shadows of Things to Come: 56 Days in the Book of Hebrews. This Bible study book – and more wonderful resources in our bookstore – help you get into God’s Word.
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Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.
