Devotion: Jeremiah 23:29 “My message is like a fire, and like a hammer that breaks rocks to pieces.” GNB When we look at the world today, we can see the destruction, the immorality, the evil that is consuming everyone and everything. People have lost their way. They have turned their backs on God and mock those who still follow the path of righteousness. We are, in fact being tormented by Lucifer himself. He roams earth and seeks whom he can destroy. Revelation 12:9 & 17: “The huge dragon was thrown out – that ancient serpent, called the Devil, or Satan, that deceived the whole world. He was thrown down to earth, and all his angels with him….. The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to fight against the rest of her descendants, all those who obey God’s commandments and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus.” GNB Thus the battle is on-going and, if not for the help of the holy Host and God Himself, believers would be far worse off than they are. We have been forewarned, though, and we have been given a means to fight this battle. You see, God’s Word can be wielded in battle against the evil that seeks to destroy us! Ephesians 6:12: “For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, the authorities, and the cosmic powers of this dark age.” GNB The Word of God is a double-edged sword which can cut through to your soul. It is powerful and holds truths which can lead you to salvation. You will be unable to ignore the message. The Word of God is also a true weapon, a sharp sword that can defend us against the darkness in the world. It is described as part of the armour of God in Ephesians. Ephesians 6:17: “And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you.” GNB The onslaught of the enemy is subtle. He will come dressed up and pretty, like an angel of light, but in the end he will try to bring you down (2 Corinthians 11:14). But you don’t have to fear this fight, for God Himself and His angels, the Holy Host, will fight with you. If you wield the Word as a sword, you will be victorious. Look again at the scripture for today. God says His Word is like fire and like a hammer; it will burn those against you and break them into pieces. Jeremiah 5:14: “…I will make my words like a fire in your mouth. The people will be like wood, and the fire will burn them up.” GNB And here, directly from scripture, from the Word of God, comes comfort and encouragement, for God will NOT ABANDON you in the midst of your strife. He WILL fight with you with a power that no-one can imagine. 1 John 4:4: “But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world.” GNB #Jeremiah29 #spiritualwarfare #armorofgod