Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV)

For the past few years, my youngest son and I have helped teach summer Sunday school. As we were leaving church a few weeks ago, we ran into the organizer, and my son offered to help again this year. We briefly discussed what would be covered this year, and I watched his eyes light up. We would be relaying the importance of the Bible, God's Word, the sword of the Spirit.

Recently, my son had worked hard and had saved enough money to buy an ornamental sword, which is proudly displayed on his bedroom wall. It is a reminder to him of his hard work and attaining his goal. And now, he could display it for this lesson.

As we prepared for the first lesson, his job was to review all the ways the sword could be used and to compare that to the Word of God. Meanwhile, God was getting ready to demonstrate to me one of those ways.

In preparation for a birthday/graduation, I had purchased a laptop computer online, to be delivered by courier. As the birthday drew near, I checked the online tracking number that had been provided and was surprised to find the status marked "Delivered". I was agitated and investigated further to find out that it had been dropped off at our garage. I searched the garage and surrounding area to no avail and called the store where the purchase was processed. They asked if I had checked with neighbours in case it had been delivered to an incorrect address. I confirmed that I had and questioned the process of signing for the delivery, which I had not, because I had never received the delivery. Outwardly, I politely conveyed my disappointment, while inwardly, I was quite the opposite. I was assured that they would conduct a shipping investigation and correct the situation within 24 hours. Within a couple of hours, I received an e-mail with an apology for the delay and informing me that another laptop would be sent the next day.

My husband arrived home, and I relayed the situation to him and went off to buy groceries. My husband soon phoned and told me that he had found the missing parcel behind our house. I was relieved, but quickly remembered that a second laptop would soon arrive. I told myself that the company is insured for these types of mistakes, and that I should keep the second laptop. Perhaps they would learn to get the proper signatures upon delivery. My own thinking caught me off guard; I knew that such thoughts were wrong and felt my conscience trying to realign me.

The next morning, I read this:

1 Timothy 1:18-19 – This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith. (ESV)

Convicted and sorry for my insidious thinking, I praised God for His Word, my sword. I do not want a shipwrecked faith and dull conscience. I want to receive God's guidance and protection through the Holy Spirit and His living Word and to model godly behaviour for my children. Is God prompting you for your own protection?

Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your living, loving Word. Keep us grounded in You and protect us from the subtle snares of the enemy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lisa McLaughlin-Kent <gotzboyz@rogers.com>
Scotland, Ontario, Canada
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