The Sword of the Spirit

From v.10 "be strong" means to be empowered, from the Greek. We have to take it up and do our part. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. It also say be strong in the power of His might. Not ours. (Link to Greek words used in Ephesians)

When they say the word of God, we think of the Bible. The word used in Ephesians is rhema--the spoken audible word of God for you. The word logos is meant for the printed word of God. Where else is the word rhema used?

John 8:47
John 15:7
Romans 10:17
Ephesians 5:26
Hebrews 1:3
1 Peter 1:25

The belt holds the scabbard which holds the sword. The Greek word, Machaira (photo), means a shorter sword and refers here to the Word of God which is the Sword of the Spirit.

The power of the word of God is seen in Genesis when God spoke and created the heavens and earth. "Death and Life are in the power of the tongue."--Prov 18:21 God desires to communicate with His people--He gives commands (laws, precepts, etc); He gives promises; He speaks testimony (he reveals who He is). He wants us to draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. "You are as close to God as you want to be"--Rick Joyner.

God knows what we need before we even ask Him. If God loves us so much why does He not, for example, save our children if we ask Him to? If we trust Him in that area, He will.

The story of Saint Augustine, is one of a prodigal son, whose mother prayed fervently for him.
Jack Deer's Surprised by the Voice of God

Isaiah 55:10-11. We have a great responsibility to make use of the Word of God and to use it correctly. Also, verses 8 and 9, we don't have to doubt because we don't have to worry about these things. Focusing on the doubts will "shrink" our Shield of faith; and focusing on God's promises will increase the size of the shield of Faith.