INDISPENSABLE
adj: absolutely necessary, extremely important, impossible to do without
God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential.
Ephesians 6:17-18 MSG
Things I don’t want to live without: coffee, flip-flops, toothpaste, my bed, dark chocolate.
The list of things I think I need is long and sometime silly.
But air, water, food, and shelter…these are critical. We couldn’t possibly forget about them, discard them, or think of them as optional. We cannot live on this earth without them.
They are indispensable, necessary for life.
And in our spiritual lives with Jesus, Paul tells us that there are just two critical things. Two things we absolutely need in order to grow and learn and simply survive: God’s Word and prayer. A small list with huge implications.
God’s Word. A weapon, he calls it. Not to attack others, of course, but to protect ourselves. It is the source of all truth and shows us the way to righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation. We don’t have to fall victim to the lies and traps of the enemy when we are holding on to what God tells us is true. Let’s read it, think about it, talk about it, and act on it. Often. Let’s keep it close and ready, not buried, dusty, ignored, or forgotten.
Prayer. This is our private conversation time with God. What a gift to be able to talk to the God of the universe, the Savior of the whole world! And how incredible that he hears us and talks to us too. Our good and caring Father, our strong protector, our closest friend.
Prayer connects us to Jesus, so it is essential that we keep this conversation going. It keeps us growing and alive. Whispering alone in the dark; gathering with friends; bowing together as a congregation; singing in our cars; journaling our worries, questions, thanks, and praise…We can pray in many different ways, anytime, anywhere. It’s so important.
INVITE HIM IN
You are his child. He loves it when you come and talk to him. You are always welcome. He has also given you a precious book with his message of life-changing love and truth. Hold tight to these indispensable gifts of God’s Word and prayer. Use them all the time. In them, you will find everything you need: protection, wisdom, hope, peace, grace, and freedom. They will save your life.
Excerpted with permission from Just One Word, by Susie Crosby, published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon, 97408. Copyright 2018, Susie Crosby. www.harvesthousepublishers.com