Sometimes, we read or hear of a quote which stops us in our tracks and causes us to examine what we know, considering what we just heard. I had such an experience the first time, I read the following words “Every encounter with the word of God releases a measure of truth to you!”
The word encounter here means to experience, engage with or come into contact with. There you are, reading your Bible, perhaps going over familiar parts, suddenly, the Holy Spirit shines a light on a portion or verse in the Bible. A fire is set ablaze in your heart and immediately, you receive a truth and insight you have not seen before. Consequently, you are armed to be victorious over an area or thing in your life. You have a knowing that came from you being impacted by the word, and the knowledge results in you being set free. “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes “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 ……….” Ephesians 6:11-14
Paul goes on to describe the armour of God. Little wonder, the list starts with the belt of truth, as this is the item on which your “sword” hangs. “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17
A belt was often worn as a part of the Roman Legion military outfit, to help hold the sword and other weapons. The belt of a Roman soldier in Paul’s day was not a simple leather strap such as we wear today. It was a thick, heavy leather and metal band with protective strips hanging down the front of it. The belt of truth protects us and prepares us for the battle that is part of every Christian’s life.
It is the first part of the armour listed, because without truth we are lost, and cannot withstand the schemes of the devil. ‘‘Jesus is the way the truth and the life and we can only come to God through Him.’’ John 14:6. Without truth, the rest of the armour would be of no use to us. You cannot know who you really are, and who you are truly made to be, apart from God! That is the Truth embodied in Jesus Christ!
When you encounter the word of God and receive the truth you need, a release and exchange of power is made. From word to truth, from truth to the sword of the Spirit. A sword not carnal in origin or purpose, sharper than any double-edged sword! (Heb 4:12). A sword mighty through God to demolish strongholds, including mindsets. 2 Cor 10:4- 5
Father, today, I pray that you let me encounter the word of truth I need, to unlock the weapons needed to demolish every stronghold in my life and family.
The word encounter also means to meet someone or something unexpectedly. We mostly tend to think of this in negative terms but that is not always the case. God is infinitely and indescribably good, therefore, every move of His is geared towards your well- being. An encounter with God or more particularly His word is at the very heart of it, a positive thing for a child of God.
Maybe you have been waiting to encounter Him in a particular area of your life, or in the lives of your loved ones, don’t give up hope, unexpectedly that encounter will happen! The day which signals God’s divine appointment will come to pass. Do not lose heart, help is on the way. God will show and He will show up for you!
The One who is a promise keeper and way maker gave this promise to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 33:26 NIV “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty.” He still stands by that promise today.
I pray that every encounter you have with the word of God this year, shall release a measure of truth to you, bringing you into to a fuller understanding of His will and purpose for your life. Amen.
Thanks for reading x
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