Thoughts for Life: The Power of the Word

Richard Spillman-

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) "For the word of God is living
and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints
and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes
of the heart."

"A number of years ago in Palo Alto, California, this verse was put to the test when Pastor Ray Stedman used it to change his community.

The zoning board held a hearing on a proposal to add a liquor store to a strip mall located between a church and a high school. (Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

Citizens expressed their outrage, citing the need to protect the city’s youth from such a store’s temptation. The owner of the store testified that if the students wanted alcohol they would get it, even if his store was located further away.

Pastor Stedman remained quiet during the testimony, but the crowd wanted to know his opinion. He walked up to address the zoning board and opened his Bible to Luke 17:1-2.

As he read the words aloud, a hush fell over the crowd.

“He said to His disciples,‘It is inevitable that stumbling
blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!
It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around
his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that
he would cause one of these little ones to stumble.’”

Without comment, Pastor Stedman walked back to his seat. After a few moments of silence, the liquor store owner stood up and withdrew his application.

On that day, the Word was living, active, and sharper than the arguments of man. It was powerful enough to strike at the heart of those at the meeting.

All too often we forget to look at the Word of God as more than just a Good Book. It is a sword in the hands of the righteous.

The next time you are faced with a conflict, pray and ask God to equip you with the raw power of His Word.

The Power of the Word (Used with permission)

DEVOTION BY Richard Spillman

POSTED 5/14/2018 12:00:01 AM

(Visit Christian Devotions for more devotions)

Richard Spillman is a retired computer scientist who typically writes Christian nonfiction as well as maintains a Christian blog (www.spillmanrichard.com). His latest passion, however, is Christian fiction. His first novel, The Awakened, is waiting for a publisher. He has authored The Passion of Job and Do What Jesus Did, both of which are available on Amazon. He is also active on twitter at

(https://twitter.com/awakenedtrilogy) and Instagram at (http://ink361.com/app/users/ig-3176880720/spillmanrichard/photos) where you can see pictures from his missionary travels around the world.

Religious man praying

Father, it is great to know that using Your Word can make hearts change, as it happened to the liquor store owner.

We can see that Your Word was living, active, and sharper than the arguments of man, and how it struck at the heart of those at the meeting.

We often forget the Your Word is more than just a Good Book, but that it is a sword in the hands of the righteous.

May we take heed to this message today, and with Your Spirit's guidance,

begin to use Your Word in our daily confrontations, as needed.

I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today's Bible verses-

2 Tim. 3:16 (KJV) "All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Eph. 6:14-17 (KJV) Stand therefore, having your loins
girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate
of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the
preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all,
taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And
take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Today's quotes-

~ John Wesley- "Be active. Give no place to indolence or sloth. Give no occasion for anyone to say, 'ye are idle.' Lose no shred of time. Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost. 'What soever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might . . . " Eccl. 9:10).

~ Charles H. Spurgeon- "What we need is spiritual power. O Spirit of the living God, we want Thee! Without the Spirit's power we can do nothing, but with it we may do all things."

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