The Sword

When I think of a sword, I think of power. With its long, edged piece of metal, the main use of a sword is primarily a cutting or thrusting weapon, but also used to "club." There are many uses/descriptions in the Bible because of the importance of the sword during those times as a weapon.

Taking down of enemies
His word provides us with several instances in which a sword was used to take down enemies. Joshua used the sword to take down the Amalekites as Moses had to keep his hands raised (Exodus 17:8-14). Peter used a sword to cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest when Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:51).

"Bad" Behavior Comparisons
Comparisons of the sword and "bad" behaviors are also found. Take Provers 25:18 into consideration (Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor). Proverbs 30:14 tells us that those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind.
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise bring healing (Proverbs 12:18).

Our "Weapon"
The Bible is to be our sword (Ephesians 6:17). A verse that has really caught my eye this past week is Hebrews 4:12. For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Wow--that is powerful. If I want to know what God's will is for me, I have to know the "sword." This is how He communicates to us! You are in a battle every second of every day against Satan--in order to beat him, you have to know what our Heavenly Father expects of you and ways to fight off those temptations! Be diligent in getting your hands dirty and taking time to study!

The Path of Friendship-Choosing Your Friends Carefully

"Friends" can lead you down several different paths--some negative and some positive. Therefore, it is IMPORTANT who you choose to place in your life!

FRIENDS CAN...

Sharpen you (Proverbs 27:17). If you choose them carefully, they can lift you up just like the writer in Proverbs tells us (As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another). When you might not being doing things according to God's will, they can bring you back. Your conversations make you better people because maybe you study with them, talk about God's word, etc.

Counsel you in need (Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 24:5) Life is TOUGH, but the reward is worth fighting for. If we didn't face trials, where would our faith be? But, fortunately if you do surround yourself with friends, they can counsel you and help you through those rotten times! And you know, those trials you face WILL help others later on with circumstances just like you. I am amazed at some of the things I have gone through, and how many people are able to really understand it, because they were there once too.

But also lead you astray (Proverbs 13:20). He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Be diligent who you choose to be around. Walk with the wise, not with the fools. Surround yourself with those who have the same desires as you!

A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26

Which path are you going to take with your friends? Be very cautious with this decision!

Being Strong in the Lord

Fall is in the air, and along with that comes football. While watching The Blind Side recently, I was reminded of how strength plays a role in the game (Michael Oher could plow through people!). With a lot of determination, the offensive and defensive lines go up against each other hoping to "win" the short battle allowing movement (or lack thereof) with the ball.

We also see strength displayed in the animal world. It is said that a rhinoceros beetle can carry over 850 times its weight! That is remarkable!

Our STRENGTH comes from the LORD!
You can do everything through Him who strengthens you (Phillipeans 4:13). He is the strength of your life, so why should you be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) You have to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10).

He WILL help YOU!
He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Why should we fear if we believe that? He is with you and will uphold you with His righteous hand (Isaiah 40:10).

In order to continually find His strength within you, you MUST seek his presence (Psalm 105:4).

Standing Out

When you are in the midst of a group, do you stand out? If so, are your reasons for standing out positive or negative?
So many times it is easy for us conform to the world instead of being transformed (Romans 12:2). One biblical character we can turn to for this is Esther. She stood out. Something about her caught the eye of Hegai who was the custodian of ALL of those women who were brought to the palace to "fight" to be the next wife of the king. But, how did she do it?

Read the next verse and focus on the description of the unmarried:
1 Corinthians 7:34
There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world-how she may please her husband.

Do you stand out because of your love of the Lord? Esther did.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Here are some quick references for you to "check" your characteristics throughout the week.
Behave like a Christian: Romans 12: 9-21
Obey your parents: Ephesians 6:1-3
The Whatevers: Philippians 4:8-9
Don't let anyone look down on you because of your age: 1 Timothy 4:12