Some years ago, three masked burglars broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris and stole the 152-year-old diamond-encrusted dress sword of the French king, Charles X. A museum spokesman said that the sword, made in 1824 by French artist Frederic Bapst for Charles' coronation, has such historical value that "one cannot set any value on it." The Bible is referred to as the Sword of the Spirit. Have you noticed how often it is under attack today? We speak of the Bible as God's Word, the Good Book, the Holy Scriptures, and the Sword of the Spirit. It is also known as the Book of books and the Living Word. Some call it simply THE Book. However we refer to it, the scripture is indispensable. George Mueller said, "The view of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts." The reason is clear as we look to what the Bible does:

As we study. meditate and apply biblical principles in life we begin to have a deeper appreciation for God's revelation. The Bible increases our faith by making us aware of God's promises. As we apply those promises to our life, and experience God's fulfillment, our faith increases. The Bible also promotes faith be revealing God's will and His provision for us to accomplish it. God's faithfulness, love strength and wisdom shown in the Bible all combine to increase our confidence in Him. Is your faith growing? Do you have a regular time of Bible study? It is the Word of God prevents us from being deceived by the lies of Satan, the world and the lusts of the flesh.

The word of God is piercing, sharp and discerning. God designed it that way to help us uncover and uproot those areas of sin that take away joy and destroy our fellowship. When God reveals sin to you, deal with it. Let His word have it's perfect work in your life. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. We need the conviction power of God's word to guide us in righteousness. David, the Psalm writer said, "For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me" (Psa 38:4). The rest of the Psalm reveals how God helped him, He can do the same for you.

The Bible is God's smoke alarm, fire detector and security system. It lets us know when danger is near and our spiritual well being is threatened. The Bible lets us know when sin intrudes into our fellowship with God. Not only does it make sin known, it shows us how to deal with it and gain the victory. The Bible hidden in the heart becomes a ready source of prevention to extinguish the flame of sin. Do you have a regular program of Bible memorization? If not, today would be a good day to start.

One of the major difficulties today is the tendency to compare ourselves with others. The error of determining a standard based on what our society believes to be right or wrong. God's word provides us with a perfect measure of that which is right. Not only does it reveal the right, but it guides us in accomplishing God's plan to implement it. Every aspect of Christian need is found in scripture. It shows us how to live, how to share our faith, how to gain the victory over sin, flesh and Satan, and how to prepare for eternity.

A factory ceased operations when a vital piece of machinery broke down. The firm's mechanics couldn't get it working again so an outside expert was called in. He looked at the machine, took a hammer and tapped in a certain spot. It started running beautifully. When he submitted a bill for $100 the plant owner demanded an explanation. His itemized bill: $1.00 for hitting machine; $99.00 for knowing where. God uses His word to "hit" us where we need fixing. Don't allow anyone or anything to separate you from it. We have centered our thoughts on the written word, but I certainly would not neglect the living Word the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know Him as your Savior? He is the only way to eternity in Heaven (Acts 4:12). God bless.