I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Tuesday morning, the 19th of September, 2023, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. 

We start in 2 Timothy 3 and I am reading from verse 16: 

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 

And then we go straight to the Book of Ephesians 6:17:

"…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;…'" 

And then lastly the Gospel of John 1:1-3: 

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." 

We are talking about the Lord Jesus Christ of course. He is the Word. Now, some of us today have forgotten to use our swords. It's the only weapon that the Lord speaks about. All the other armour we put on, the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt - all for defence. The sword is the weapon that destroys the enemy. Now, come on, let's be honest, some of us haven't got our swords out for a very long time. They are rusty, they are blunt, you have even forgotten where you have put it! You know, I am laughing but it is not funny, is it?

You see, the devil will not leave your family, will not leave your home if you are standing there shouting, ranting and raving. No, he is not concerned about that. It is only when we get out that sharp two-edged sword, the word of God, and we quote scripture, that's Jesus speaking. "Man shall not live by bread alone" - scripture; "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - scripture; "My God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory" - scripture, that is when he backs off. This battle you and I are involved in is not physical. No, it's a spiritual battle that can only be won when we use spiritual weapons. 

"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the Lord of hosts."
Zachariah 4:6

Have you ever seen those sword-fighters, those fencers? It is an Olympic sport. It started a thousand years ago in ancient Egypt. Those people practice, and they are disciplined. You and I need to get that sword out, sharpen it up and start using it systematically daily. We need to understand what we are reading. If you need help understanding the translation, get an easy one you can understand. Read the Old Testament and the New Testament every single day. Read it in the first person, e.g., Psalm 23 - "The Lord is Angus' shepherd, Angus shall not want." Then the Bible will come alive, and you can use it effectively.

Have a wonderful day,
Jesus bless you and goodbye.