"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
Erasmus was known as a great scholar in the 1500's. One of his largest projects was the compilation of a Greek New Testament. His efforts became the basis for all of the English translations of the scriptures until the early part of the 1900's. He produced what has become known as the "Textus Receptus" or "Received Text" based on multiple languages and multiple manuscripts including the Latin translations.
What is not as widely known is that Erasmus was also a knight, and as such, developed some principles of good character for Christian soldiers. He has been called a "Paladin" knight by one particular West Point instructor who has republished some of those principles in an updated format.
But let me get to the point of this devotion..
Erasmus made this statement in his book entitled THE MILITANT CHRISTIAN: "We must forge a handy weapon , an enchiridion, a dagger, that you can always carry with you....Never allow yourself to be totally disarmed, even for a moment, lest your wily foe oppress you. Do not be ashamed to carry this little sword with you. For it is neither a hardship to bear nor useless in defending yourself. Though it is a small weapon, it will enable you, if you use it skillfully, to withstand the enemy's tumultuous assaults quite easily and avoid a deadly wound."
In this quote Erasmus is speaking of a spiritual dagger and the enemy he refers to is our adversary the Devil. The dagger is a verse of scripture or a list of verses that can be used against the devil. The Sword of the Lord, the Word of God, is powerful against the wiles of the devil. You may not be able to commit large portions of scripture to mind, but find the ones that are helpful to you. Take time to select them. Study them diligently and never be without them in your mind and heart.

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