The new year is finally here. Can you believe it? I can’t. You may have mixed emotions as you transition between the past of last year and the future of the coming year. But rest assured, God has a good plan for you.

Next week I would like to focus on forming a personal “Life Theme” for 2016. With that in mind, be thinking of where you want to go this next year. More balance? More focus? More healthy Choices? Be praying about what in your life needs a more focused energy.

Now, back to the business at hand. This week we finish our Armor of God blog series with a look at the Sword of the Spirit. It is the sixth and final piece of armor God calls us to use for powerful and effective living.

As Christians, what is our most powerful and effective weapon?

Hands down it is Scripture—The Word of God.

It is the sword of the spirit. And it is our weapon of choice in any given battle.

The sword of the spirit is double-edged and double-duty. It is not only to be used defensively, to ward off a direct hit from the enemy. But we are encouraged to use it offensively as well—to attack proactively with force and power.

While some parts of scripture are short on detail, our verse for this week is rich in meaning as it describes the word of God being living and active. It also describes it as sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. Now those are some powerful words!

In essence, Scripture is designed to affect us as a whole—body, mind, spirit. It is also designed to influence how we interact with others and how we interact with God. In order for us to use it properly and effectively, we need to know it, and more importantly, understand its power.

Our best example is when Jesus went into the wilderness to be tempted by evil. What did he use to survive the temptation and the agony of the situation? Scripture.

Pure. Simple. Powerful.

Jesus refuted every accusation, overcame every temptation, and challenged every lie with the truth of scripture.

Proverbs 30:5; “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”

Every word my friends! Are you using the truth of Gods word as a living and active tool to dispel the negativity in your life? The lies? The accusations? The temptations?

Reflect and Respond:

My challenge to you this week is to pick one or two scriptures that speak directly to a battle you are currently facing. Use them! Give Gods word a chance to fight that battle for you. Scripture is completely relevant for anything and everything we may face this coming year. Let’s use it as the powerful tool God designed it to be, and watch our mountains move.

My hope is that you have been able to add some effective lessons to your “Life Toolbox” over the last few weeks. If so, share your comments with the MomsHope community. We would love to hear from you.

Remember, you are not alone. Be blessed this week, Mighty Warrior.