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.
Hebrews 4:12
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17
As an evangelical, I place central importance allowing the Bible to be my rule for faith and life, particularly as understood through the life giving message and ministry of Jesus Christ. Exposing ourselves to Scripture in a humble and vulnerable manner allows God to shape us for His purposes.
But there is a way to handle the sword of the Spirit that is less effectual. Like Sectumsempra in Harry Potter, there are many lacerations, much pain and blood, but the wound may not be that serious. It doesn’t get to the bone. It is not allowed to reach the heart.
Up to this point, I’ve been blogging devotionals under a stream of consciousness rubric. A thought comes to me and I examine it under the light of Scripture. I throw no shade on this approach, but it can (and perhaps has for me) lead to a superficial interaction with Scripture.
I am a plodder by nature. So I invite you to plod with me through a book of the Bible, namely, Matthew. Sometimes we can subconsciously avoid subjects or Scriptures we would rather ignore. Marching through a book verse by verse gives one the discipline to face these difficulties. So join me beginning Thursday, in Matthew 1:1.
Lord, Here I am. Have you way in me.
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