Paul warned his spiritual son and successor, Timothy: 'Know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power' (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV).

As you read this list, you realise Paul could easily have been describing the generation we live in today. So, what's the answer? Men and women of God who know how to skilfully wield the sword of his word. And, if you love God's word, rest assured Satan will target you, especially if you're teaching someone else biblical truths. He wants to blunt the sharp edge of your sword so that your message is ineffective. It's an old trick that the Philistines, Israel's archenemies, used to keep them in captivity. They got rid of all the blacksmiths in the land (see 1 Samuel 13:19). Consequently, the Israelites had no way to sharpen their swords, defend themselves and throw off the yoke of oppression.

And, if you're a leader, you're a spiritual blacksmith, called to help people sharpen their swords, and Satan will try and stop you in any way he can (see 1 Peter 5:8). So, live on your knees and live in God's word. The people of this world need God's word. God is counting on you to keep your sword sharp.

— SCRIPTURE —
'The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.' Ephesians 6:17 NKJV
— SOULFOOD —
Jer 1-3, Mark 14:66-72, Ps 144:1-8, Pro 14:1-4