War with the Word

There are times in life when we feel surrounded. Perhaps the cares of this life have choked our desires for intimacy with Christ; tragedy has struck one too many times; our health or the health of those around us continues to suffer; or prayers remain unanswered. Everyone struggles—even the phrase “the struggle is real” has become a cliché.

Nevertheless, God is MORE real, and His Word is a weapon waiting to be wielded. I was reminded last weekend by a visiting minister to “wage war with the Word.” We cannot succumb to the pressures without or the voices within that constantly belittle and harangue us. Rather than look inward, we must look outward (in His Word) and upward (to our God), knowing the ultimate victory belongs to Christ and His followers. The Psalms are filled with David’s cries for relief, for justice and recompense, and every time he found the answer in God alone.

The answer is literally at our fingertips—online Bible commentaries and dictionaries offer us easy access to truth within the Word for any circumstance. I encourage you to read many translations and search the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek for full understanding of the passages. His Word is inexhaustible, infallible, unchangeable, and relevant for every issue in our lives and in the world. The Bible reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for instruction, for conviction , for correction , for training in righteousness ; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Included are a few of my favorite verses and a poem to remind you not to give up, dear reader! Meditate on His Word daily (recite it, sing it, turn it over-and-over in your mind until it becomes a living part of you). Fight the good fight of faith and remember—He has already won the war, but we must show up for battle!

Ephesians 6:10-13 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the full armor of God , so that you may be able to stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood , but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to resist and stand your ground in the evil day , and having done everything , to stand firm .

Acts 3:19-21 So repent and return , so that your sins may be wiped away , so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord ; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed for you, whom heaven must keep until the time for the restoration of all things about which God promised through the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.

Psalm 110:1 The Lord (Father) says to my Lord (the Messiah, His Son), “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet .”

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always ; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your requests known to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus .

We Are They

We are they, the Called
of the Lord

Who stand on this mountain and will not
be ignored

“Listen you dark ones, you hoards of hell

Jesus has chosen, and He’s chosen well

He’s awakened His warriors, and armed us with light,

Now we’re moving,
and shaking, and advancing the fight

And we won’t back down until we’ve set things right.

So back off, get lost, begin your retreat

We’re on to your lies, to your fear, and deceit.

No more, we cry out,
No More Defeat!”

We are they, the Called
of the Lord