We need all of the armor of God to be effective in spiritual warfare. The Roman legionnaire's sword was called the "gladius", and it was a short sword about two feet or 65 centimeters in length. It was very effective in battle when it was used with the Roman shield and other armor. The Word of God is like this in our life. It is effective for defense and attack when we have put on the full character of Christ and possess faith. In order to experience the full spiritual power of the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit, we must know it and believe it. John Piper wrote: "It's not just one thing, but two things that keep us from sinning and move us to glorify and enjoy God. It is not just having the word stored. Nor is it is just valuing the word. It is both. Both are crucial. We value the word and therefore we have it stored in our hearts. And the two together give us the power to stand against the temptations to sin. It is a superior treasure, present and active, that conquers sin." Go to the word daily. A few minutes of reading and meditating on God's Word is revolutionary in our spiritual walk. - Pastor David Packer
