EN GARDE

Today’s post is the seventh in a series about putting on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:17 Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The pen is mightier than the sword.  

There is power in words. The universe was spoken into being by God. How much mightier is His word than a mortal sword! 

A stick of iron that is sharpened becomes a sword. A blunt sword is still a valuable weapon—good for hitting and whacking. But a sharp sword is better. We can sharpen our swords (understand the Word of God) better when we sharpen them in the company and with the help of other Christians.  

Proverbs 27:7 tells us: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. 

We can gain better understanding when we read, meditate on, study and discuss God’s word in communion with other believers. Our swords—whether blunt or sharp—can be made sharper and therefore more powerful—when sharpened at the local sword sharpening shop of believers. 

We do this not simply to be able to spout scripture. But because an understanding and application of God’s truth at a soul level, builds us up, fortifies our faith and guards our minds and hearts in a proactive way. And perhaps builds up, fortifies the faith and guards the minds and hearts of other believers also. 

• When feeling afraid, we can recall: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4) 
• When we are in despair, we can recall: Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 51:11) 
• When we need protection and safety, we can recall: You, LORD, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked. (Psalm 12:4) 

The photograph of the sword at the beginning of this post is one of several “fantasy” swords hanging in my daughter’s room. It’s a thing of beauty.  

When I imagine the sword of the Spirit, I don’t think of a heavy, bulky club. I imagine a sword—intricate in detail, carved with depth of beauty, elegant in its enormous power.  

Except that God’s sword isn’t a “fantasy” sword. It is real. Grab hold. 

PRAYER: Thank you God for your Word. Thank you Jesus for leaving the Holy Spirit to live in us, allowing us to equip ourselves with your armor. Holy Spirit please protect us inside as well as out. Please help us dive into your Word to better arm ourselves against evil. Amen. 

WHAT ABOUT YOU? If you were making a movie, what would the sword of the Spirit look like?

HEADS UP

Today’s post is the sixth in a series about putting on the full armor of God.

Ephesians 6:17: Take the helmet of salvation

When he was 16, his motorcycle was barely tapped by a car. The cycle tipped over; his head landing on a curb.  

Today he’s a 50-year old man. If only he’d been wearing his helmet, who knows how bright his future might have been?  

When we think of the day we leave this earthly life; will we say “If only I’d worn my helmet of salvation”? 

The helmet of salvation is the fifth piece of God’s armor Paul tells us to put on. It protects our “right thinking” and helps us take every thought captive, to focus not on earthly desires, but on the things of God.

 
That’s hard, trying not to look at things that tempt us in the world. There are lots of types of helmets, but when I think of the helmet of salvation, I picture one like this replica from the Crusades [ArmorVenue.com]. The cross of Christ is front and center; bolted in place from the top of our head to the bottom of our chin.

More than that, the only way to see is directly through the center of the Cross; where our vision cannot be distracted. Like blinders for a horse running a race.

We, too, are running a race. That race Paul talks about, running a race of faith with Jesus.

If we wear, not blinders, but a helmet of salvation—focusing fixedly on Jesus’ saving grace and on where he leads us, how much easier will the race be? How less distracted will we be by the people around us; the crowds; the hot dog stands and ice cream vendors?

I, too want to see the world with the focus of Jesus. Through the cross of redemption. My throughts protected. My mind armed with the salvation that comes from Christ. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we love you so. Thank you for the protection you give us through your salvation. Please protect our minds and remind us that—whatever comes—we ultimately have salvation through Jesus. Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Do you wear the salvation of Christ like armor?