“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword.” Hebrews 4:12a
On your mark, get set, go. Today is Monday. While not the first day of the week, that honor is set aside for Sunday, for many it is the first day of their work week. But wait—this week there is sometime way bigger. Wednesday is January 1st, the start of a new month and, wait for it, the start of another New Year.
In Psalm 118:24, we are reminded that, “this is the day the Lord has made.” We are also told what we are to do with that truth, “We will rejoice and be glad in it.” He makes each day and we get to celebrate each day. So if God is the author of each day then He is also the author of each week, month, and year and we should celebrate each one.
One of the best ways to celebrate all this newness is by reading and celebrating God’s Word. I cannot, we cannot, overstate the importance of God’s Word to each and every Jesus follower. You see, reading, studying, meditating and ingesting God’s Word is vital to our intimacy with our Abba Father—our Dearest Daddy. God’s Word is our weapon to fight against our arch enemy Satan. The Word is alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. But wait there is more. When we hide Scripture in our heart, it helps us battle with the forces of evil. We have an enemy, and the last thing he wants us to do is trust God and His Word.
You can take this to the bank. Our spiritual enemy wants to keep us in a place of doubt, fear, guilt, shame and insecurity. But when we know who we are, children of the Most High God, we can confidently demolish every lie that distracts us. Jesus said of Satan, “He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Don’t miss that—no truth in him. Just think, whatever comes out of Satan is a lie so we must be careful to believe nothing he says.
I was reading one day and came across this list of some common lies we’ve all believed, and the truth we need to remember to overcome them. These powerful truths will help equip us and help us to overcomer the enemy this year.
Satan Says — You are a failure, and can’t do anything right.
God Says — You may struggle, but you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Satan Says – If God cared, why would He let these hardships happen to you?
God Says — I cause everything to work together for My glory and My good (Romans 8:28). My grace is sufficient for you, and My power is perfected through your weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Satan Says — You will always be the way you are.
God Says — You can change because you belong to Christ. The old you has gone and the new you is here (2 Corinthians 5:17)!
Think through the lies you’ve believed. Unfortunately the list is probably longer than we want to admit. It’s easier to entertain lies when we allow them to become a part of us. But once you recognize the lies you’ve internalized, you’re halfway to victory. God gave us His Word so that we could know the truth … and it’s His truth that sets us free. As we launch into this New Year, let’s start living more like the conquerors we are, and apply the life-giving, hope-delivering truth provided to us through God’s Word. Let’s make the commitment to live and believe that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 