The Power of a Scripture (or Two)

This morning, my husband read these words to me out of our devotional book:  "Remember this:  It's the Word that does the work, not the one holding onto it."  I needed this!  I knew that God's Word is like a sharp sword...powerful and effective, but sometimes I act as though victory depends on MY strength rather than the power of God's Word. 

Signs like this advocating silence on the Abbey of Gethsemani property ensured that the atmosphere would be conducive to prayer and meditation.  Even on dining room tables there were signs saying, "Silence Spoken Here".  In that silence, I read--books and the Bible.  My journal contains several  specific Bible verses through which God "spoke" to me in the silence.  Here are a few.

Numbers 24:13 "What the Lord speaks, that will I speak."  (This in relationship to an upcoming speaking appointment I have.)

Numbers 33:55  "But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell."  (This is respect to a few lazy habits I have.)

Deuteronomy 1:6-8  "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey and go to the hill country....Go in and take possession of the land."  (Turn being the word that was significant to me.)

Deuteronomy 4:7  "For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us...?"  (God is near!)

Psalm 111:10  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding."  (Practicing the fear of the Lord brings understanding.)

Oh, dear!  I  realize it would be too long a post to recopy all the Scriptures I copied into my journal.  But I'm challenged to keep this Word in my mind and on my lips.  No matter what the world, my flesh or the devil tries to tell me, I will reply with what "is written".  I will let the Word fight its own fight.