Receiving and giving the Word

**Joyce Meyer

Sometimes we suffer attacks from the enemy simply because of our involvement with the Word of God. Mark 4:17 speaks of those who hear the Word and endure it for a while, "...then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away."

Satan knows the Word will strengthen us and he wants to stop it, before we can spread it to others. So it is imperative to guard the Word in your heart and resist the devil when he comes to steal it from you. When you do, the trials the enemy brings will actually help bring others to the Lord.

The apostle Paul said there were many things that God allowed him to go through simply as object lessons for other people. Even during Paul's imprisonment, his stability and ability to be used by God was evident.

If we are to minister to others, we too must face some adverse circumstances. But if we stand in faith and confidences, God will bring us through to victory, and we will be a great encouragement to others in the process.

Prayer starter: God, I want to abide in You and Your Word every day. When trials come my way, I pray that You would use them to make me stronger and spread Your Word to those around me.

Philippians 1:12-14

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.

As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.