One of my New Year's resolutions is to read the entire Bible in 2011. So I've been making my way through Genesis, Matthew, Psalms, and Proverbs (see www.oneyearbibleonline.com for reading plans). And I've been seeing things I've never seen before. I grew up knowing the stories of the Old Testament, but it means so much more to read them now as an adult. I am mature and knowledgeable enough now to see the foreshadowing of the Son's and the Spirit's coming to earth as well as their work in the Old Testament.
For some years now, I have understood and felt strongly about the war that we are in---the war against the powers of darkness and evil. Our pastor has begun a series on spiritual warfare, and Satan has already tried to foul things up. So I feel it is all the more important that we immerse ourselves in God's Word as well as in prayer.
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:11-18).
I like that the Word of God is our weapon. I tend to look to God's Word for comfort. Yet it is not just for protecting us, but also for disabling our enemy.
So, friends, as I spend more time reading and studying God's Word, I may not be writing here as much or as often. Or maybe I'll write more; I just don't know. So please continue to pray for me, that I will have open lines of communication with our God. And I will do the same for you.
I'll end with a verse that stuck out to me this morning:
"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you" (Psalm 9:10).
