Personal Epistle

Dear Self,

remember: virtue lives

on the other side of redemption

through the door of the Word

in all its fullness.

Enter in to discover strength

to withstand every temptation

to find refreshment

at each battle’s end—

and yes, there are many.

Know, use, and rely upon

holy Scripture to learn

discernment, and to wisely divine

the secret strategies

of the enemy.

Even in our weakness

he is no match for those

who cling to

the One True Logos.

Still, our adversary is wily.

He will twist the Father’s Word

if we’re not careful

if we don’t have the truth

tattooed on our hearts

like our Wonderful Counselor.

The enemy can only

pick God’s Word apart

if we don’t know it, if we don’t

own the Word-Walking

for ourselves.

Matthew 4:1–11