Author: rbeaird

THE POWER OF BEING SATURATED IN THE WORD…


Spiritual Blog - Word

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 – “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 20 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth.”  NKJV

 

When Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil He continually refuted the devil with IT IS WRITTEN.  Our Lord said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word, that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”  The Bible makes it clear that THE WORD is Jesus and that TRUTH is the Word of the Father.  We also know from Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  THE WORD OF GOD is not just important it is Life and Death.  We are told in Proverbs 18:21 that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”  Nothing is more vital to Life than God’s Word and Words.

As the people of God were about to enter the Promised Land, Canaan God gave them in instruction as to how they were to saturate themselves with the word of God.  He informed that it would be critical to their longevity in the land.  The prescription of God for the success, longevity, prosperity, and permanence of Israel in the land involved their saturating themselves with the Word of God.  Moses instructed them that every adult was to so invest themselves in the Word of God that they were literally saturated.  They were also to instill in the hearts and minds of their children with the Word of God.  This was not simply praying over the children and occasionally reading a passage but to teach the children in the home, when they got up in the morning and before they lay down at night, and when they walked by the way.  Simply, they were to consistently and continually inculcate that word in the hearts and minds of the children.  This is part of training up a child in the way he/she should go and he/she will not depart from it.  This is or should be a massive undertaking with a sense of incredible importance.

America was founded with an understanding of that principle and one of the Founders and Framers, Benjamin Rush took the lead in promoting and insisting on the Bible being included in public education.  Rush founded five universities and wrote numerous textbooks based on the importance of the Bible being taught to our children.  He and many if not most of our founders believe that God’s Word, Principles, and Precepts were vital for the longevity of the nation and the continuation of that ideal that was at the heart of the Republic they established for us.

He gave five reasons for preferring the Bible as a schoolbook over all over compositions.  He contended, and I agree, that Christianity is the only true and perfect religion; and that in proportion as mankind adopt its principles and obey its precepts, they will be wise and happy.  He contended that a better knowledge of this religion is to be acquired by reading the Bible than in any other way.  Additionally, his basis was that the Bible contains more knowledge necessary to man in his present state than any other book in the world.  Also, he contended that knowledge is most durable and religious instruction most useful when imparted in early life.  Finally, he believed that the Bible, when not read in schools is seldom read in any subsequent period of life.  He believed that the earlier we impart the knowledge of the Bible to our children the more likely they are to not stray from its precepts and thereby preserve the Republic from generation to generation.

We cannot KNOW God if we do not know His Word.  We cannot KNOW God if we do not commune with Him.  We cannot KNOW God if we abandon His precepts and principles taught in His word.  If we saturate ourselves in His word we will find that we have an answer for every man for the reason of the hope that is in us.  We also find that when the enemy comes in like a flood we have a shield (God’s Word) can block that attack.  We are able to face the deceiver, as Jesus did in the wilderness and having done all to stand to stand in the Word and declare IT IS WRITTEN!

I encourage you to invest and immerse yourself in the Word of God and become Saturated with that Word.  For it brings healing, hope, salvation, deliverance, and victory!  God, bless you richly is my prayer!

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THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD – Prayer!


Spiritual Blog - Prayer

Ephesians 6:10-20 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  NASU

 

As we come to the finale of our consideration of the Whole or Full Armor of God we find the direction in verse 18 that we are to STAND utilizing ALL PRAYER and PETITION being WATCHFUL with PERSEVERANCE.  That is a critical key to maintaining the Armor of God in our lives and utilizing the Weapons of Spiritual Warfare effectively.  I cannot imagine why Prayer is not always included in any discussion of the Armor of God for without Prayer the Armor is ineffective and not fully utilized.  It is through Prayer that we tap into the Strength and Power of God.  It is through Prayer that we open the door for the Anointing of the Holy Spirit.  It is through Prayer that we hear the voice of God and find guidance and direction for our lives.  In a very real sense, PRAYER activates the Armor of God.  We do not fight as one that beats the air but we have a purpose and that purpose is discovered in Prayer and enables us to go into battle fully clothed and prepared for battle.

No church or individual believer can move forward without prayer. As some have declared, “The Church moves forward on its knees.”  When we put on the Full Armor of God we can be assured that the devil is going to launch a full-scale attack.  He will hurl the fiery darts and flaming missiles of pride, envy, lust for the forbidden, the desire for recognition, itching ears, disappointment, discouragement, doubt, and division attempting to discredit and discourage.  That is why the apostle instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 for the believers to PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.

Prayer keeps the armor in good repair.  Prayer keeps our minds focused on the things of God. Prayer opens the door to the ministry of the Holy Spirit from whom we receive the Anointing to do whatever God has designed and desired for us.  Through Prayer, we discover our mission and purpose, receive marching orders, and whet our appetites for the things of God.  Through Prayer, we enter the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and as we petition heaven we see the hand of God move.

I know believers who teach and believe that you PRAY once and never pray again but that negates the idea of PERSEVERANCE.  What about the directive of Jesus to “Ask, Seek, and Knock” and those words in the Greek carry all three tenses, Past, Present, and Future.  Simply, the Lord was instructing us to Ask and keep on asking, Seek, and keep on seeking, and Knock and keep on knocking.  Remember the instruction of Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for IN DUE SEASON we shall reap, if we faint not.”  (Emphasis mine).  The instruction is to PERSEVERE and the promise is REAPING in Due Season IF and only IF we do not give up, give in and quit.

So, my beloved friend, I encourage you to make a personal study of the Armor of God and commit yourself to PRAYER and determine to PERSEVERE, having done all to stand you STAND and keep on Standing!

God, bless you richly is my prayer and desire.

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THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD – Sword of the Spirit…


Spiritual Blog - Sword

Ephesians 6:10-20 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  NASU

 

As we come to the conclusion of the list of outward armor that we are to be clothed with and utilize we find the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT.  We find in Hebrews 4:12 that, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  We read in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  In John 17:17 Jesus prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”  In John 1:1-5 we discover, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” 

Therefore, we know that the SWORD OF THE SPIRT is the Word of God and that Jesus is the Word and that Word is Truth.  Jesus said in John 8:32 that we would know TRUTH and TRUTH would make us free.  We know that there is no access to the Father but through Jesus and no Word of Truth but God’s word.  When Jesus went through His time of testing in the wilderness He repeatedly utilized the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT against the devil saying IT IS WRITTEN.  With the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, we can pull down strongholds and bring thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.  We can see mountains removed and cast into the sea. We can see demonic powers flee. We can utilize all the armor of God STANDING FIRM on the Promises and Precepts of God.  We can enforce the Victory of Calvary through the Word of God.  How did those martyrs of the Book of Revelation overcome?  By the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of their Testimony.  What was their Testimony?  The Word of God!

We need to Sharpen our Sword daily.  NO, we cannot add anything to God’s word nor should we take anything from it.  We cannot make it more powerful than it is or more complete, but we can STUDY to show ourselves approved as workmen not needing to be ashamed or put to shame by rightly dividing or interpreting and using the Word of Truth.  We do that through STUDY of the Word of God and in that endeavor coupled with prayer we sharpen our Sword daily and are ready for battle, clothed in the armor of God.  You can have all the protective armor you can find and never win the battle if all you do is hold a defensive position.  You need to take up the Weapon of Warfare and wield it against the enemy and when we resist the devil, the Bible clearly says HE WILL FLEE!

I want to move to the next portion of this command to Having Done All to Stand and address the often-omitted portion of the Full Armor of God, PRAYER, and PERSEVERANCE.  We will address that next time but until then, may the LORD richly bless you as you walk in His Word, Way, Will, and Warfare.

 

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THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD – Helmet of Salvation…


Spiritual Blog - Helmet

Ephesians 6:10-20 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  NASU

 

We have considered the GIRDLE or BELT OF TRUTH, the BREASTPLATE of RIGHTEOUSNESS, the GOSPEL SHOES, and the SHIELD of FAITH.  Now we come to the next and final defensive piece of armor, the HELMET of SALVATION.  In the armor of a soldier, the helmet protects the head or the brain and in the spiritual, it protects the MIND.  We are told in Philippians 2:5 to “Let this mind be in your which was also in Christ…”  We know that we are TRANSFORMED by the “Renewing” of our minds.  We know that the Mind of Christ is conveyed by the Holy Spirit as He teaches us all things.  As we have our heads or minds covered by the HELMET of SALVATION we can bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and think thoughts of heaven, not earth.  We need to be Saved or Sozoed in our Minds so that we can embrace the Full Salvation of Christ and Stand on His Promises with confidence.

The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7 that, as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.  We are not to think of ourselves more than we ought but to think soberly, as God as given to each of us a measure of faith.  As our minds are under the covering of God, the Blood of Jesus, the Grace of God, and protected with the Armor of God we can apply the principles of Christ, utilize the Armor and Weapons, which are spiritual, pulling down strongholds.  We can direct our thoughts which formulate our actions in the direction God has designed and desired.  Our minds will not be filled with scattered and unrestrained thoughts which lead to confusion and destruction.  With the HELMET of SALVATION covering us, we are able to walk in Peace, prepare for our Purpose, and pursue His Purposes for our lives.

Ephesians 1:13-14 – “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”  In light of that passage, the HELMET of SALVATION is not only protection but a seal so that when the enemy sees us he sees Christ and knows that we belong to God.  He knows that when we speak, we speak with the Power and Authority of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In that light, the HELMET of SALVATION is not only defensive but offensive and becomes a weapon of warfare to use against the enemy and facilitates our ability to STAND after having done all to stand.

We will pause here and consider the next item tomorrow, the SWORD of the SPIRIT as we complete our Battle Clothing.  We are engaged in a Spiritual War and must not only have the biblically afforded protection but the spiritual weapons and know how to use them.

May the Lord be with you and bless you as you enjoy this day in Jesus!

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THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD – Shield of Faith…


Spiritual Blog - Shield

Ephesians 6:10-20 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  NASU

 

We have considered the BELT of TRUTH, the BREASTPLATE of RIGHTEOUSNESS, and the GOSPEL SHOES.  Now we turn our attention to the SHIELD of FAITH.  It would seem, on the surface that the listing of this piece of armor is out of place.  One would not anticipate taking up the shield before being fully clothed with armor but this is interposed between the GOSPEL SHOES and the HELMET of SALVATION.  Could there be a reason?  I can answer that in a simplistic fashion and realize that it will not fully suffice but what is one element required for Salvation?  It is Faith, right?  The Bible tells us that it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God without faith.  We are told that God has given to every man a, or the measure of faith and we are told that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  Faith is more a heart commodity than one of the head but the mind cannot be omitted for we are told that we are TRANSFORMED by the ‘renewing’ of our minds.

Faith is more than believing in the existence of God it is holding firm to the promises, precepts, and principles of God.  When our faith is strong our love is strong and our sense of security in His Grace is strong.  We know and believe that God is Who He says He is, will do what He says He will do and Keeps His Covenant to a thousand generations.  When our faith is strong in the Power of God it is impossible for the devil to break through and steal, kill, or destroy.  With the SHIELD of FAITH, we are able to protect the entire body, heart, soul, mind, spirit and being from the flaming missiles of the enemy.  Those thoughts that are to be brought captive to the obedience of Christ are protected and those foreign destructive doubtful thoughts are kept out or blocked by our SHIELD. 

Faith is an incredible protector for it leads us into the Presence of God and covers us like a shroud or shield us from the onslaught of the enemy.  Remember Daniel in the lion’s den, faith kept him safe.  Remember the three Hebrew Children in the furnace, faith kept them from the flames.  Remember Paul being shipwrecked, faith kept the serpent from harming him as well as countless other times.  The SHIELD of FAITH is not just personal protection, for when understood as the armor of a Roman Soldier, the shields would be joined together and protected the entire squad, troop, or legion.  We are iron sharpening iron and we draw from each other’s strength.  With the SHIELD of FAITH, we are able to protect each other as well as protect ourselves and the life that we now live in the flesh we live by the faith of the Son of God.  With faith, we can face any challenge, confident of the outcome because our Lord has already won the victory.

The SHIELD of FAITH enables us to take on the HELMET of SALVATION and take up the SWORD of the SPIRIT.  Let the faith of God rise in your heart and seek first Him and His kingdom.  Invest yourself in His word for we do not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. That Word produces faith.  I have said it this way, “Faith is a product of heaven, not earth.  When God speaks, faith is transmitted. When man hears, faith is received. When man acts, faith is released. When God acts, faith is complete.”  It is a product that begins and ends in God and He has given it to us through His Spirit and His Word.

We need to delve into the next piece of armor the HELMET of SALVATION but that will have to wait until next time.  Until then, God bless you richly is my prayer and desire!

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THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD – Gospel Combat Boots…


Spiritual Blog - Gospel Shoes

Ephesians 6:10-20 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  NASU

 

We have covered two pieces of the Full Armor of God, the GIRDLE or BELT of TRUTH, and the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.  Now we come to the third item listed in Paul’s discourse, the GOSPEL FOOTWEAR, “feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace.”  That description covers more than just Gospel Combat Boots or Shoes it covers the heart and root of the gospel and that is a vital area of consideration.  In Roman and Grecian militaries part of their success was attributed to the soldiers being well shod and able to endure long marches with incredible speed over very rough terrain.  Therefore, having our feet, which represents our walk and our life, shod with the Gospel of Peace is powerfully important in our Spiritual Warfare.  Notice this says,” …and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace.” 

PREPARATION is a key element in this piece of armor.  Preparation denotes readiness and is a continual reminder that we are to be workmen that need not be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of Truth and we are to be ready always, instant in season and out of season.  This is to be on ‘firm footing’ with the Gospel but it is more than just the Good News it is the Gospel of Peace.  The Peace of God and the Greek word is “Eirene (i-ray-nay) and means to be ‘set at one again.’  This is being firmly rooted and settled in Jesus, prepared and ready with a firm foundation to present the Gospel, the Good News to whomever, wherever, and whenever.  In Albert Barnes’ notes on the Bible, we find that the Roman soldier’s sandals were “often fitted with nails, or armed with spikes, to make them hold firm in the ground.”  That is our condition with the GOSPEL SHOES, standing on a firm foundation, ready and prepared to STAND FIRM and DECLARE THE GOSPEL.

PREPARATION or READINESS means constant vigilance as a good soldier is every alert and aware of his surroundings.  He cares for his armor and equipment for they may mean the difference between life and death or victory and defeat.  Our PEACE SHOES have a two-fold purpose, defensive and offensive.  Defensively we have to be able to stand on a solid foundation if we are going to lift the Shield of Faith and the Sword of the Spirit and do battle.  We have to have confidence in our position and condition in Christ, know that our foundation in His Grace is sure.  Offensively, we have to have sure footing that we can both withstand an assault and launch one.  The GOSPEL SHOES are shoes properly fitted for the journey, designed by the Lord Himself and empowered by the Holy Spirit’s Anointing.

Jesus is our Peace and when we are anchored in His Peace, secure in His Salvation, confident in His Grace and prepared for battle, we can deliver the Gospel with a power and authority the devil cannot withstand.  We truly can go into all the world and preach the gospel and expect the results Jesus declared.

I desire to address this more fully and take up the next piece of Spiritual Armor so we will pause here and deal with the SHIELD OF FAITH in the next devotional.  God, bless you richly is my prayer and desire!

 

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THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD – [Part 2] …


Spiritual Blog - Armor

Ephesians 6:10-20 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  NASU

 

Last time, we considered the first piece of armor mentioned, the GIRDLE or BELT of TRUTH and its importance and the reason for it being the first mentioned.  Now, I’d like us to proceed with the other items mentioned and their order.  The second piece of armor listed is the BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.  The Roman breastplate was what most would call the “Coat of Mail” which had a hole for the head to fit through and covered from the thorax to the thighs both front and back.  I have preached that we have no armor for the rear but if we use this analogy that would be inaccurate.  We know that, in the natural, enemies will try to sneak up from the rear and snipers pick off the stragglers in a column of soldiers.  God would never leave us defenseless to the rear although we are not people of retreat, we are covered from behind as well as from the front and sides.  I feel the need to remind you of Isaiah 52:12, “…for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”  Also, Psalm 91:11-12, “For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”  Also, Proverbs 2:7-8, “…He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”  Another powerful promise and reference is Isaiah 58:8-9, “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will call for help, and He will say: Here am I.”  Hallelujah!  

The BREASTPLATE of RIGHTEOUSNESS is critical to our walk, work, word, and warfare in Christ.  Our hearts covered with His Righteousness is vital for us to walk in His peace, power, and protection.  He makes us the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.  It is not by works of righteousness that we have done but by His Grace that we are saved, protected, healed, and delivered.  The Bible makes it clear that God demands Holiness and desires His children to walk in Right Standing with Him demonstrating His Righteousness to an Unrighteous generation.  We are to be lights shining into a darkened world and that can only be a reality as we are clothed in Truth, The TRUTH, and filled with His RIGHTEOUSNESS.  His Righteousness will draw to Him and lead people into His Peace.

We walk, not in our righteousness but His.  Remember the human frailty and failure of David.  Remember the denial of Peter and the failure of men of God throughout history but then also remember that God’s Grace clothes us in God’s Righteousness and we walk JUSTIFIED before Him.  The BREASTPLATE of RIGHTEOUSNESS is vital if we are to be His epistles known and read of men and to fulfill the Great Commission and Go into all the World bringing people to Spiritual Freedom!

It seems that this will take longer than first anticipated but there is much more that I desire to convey about the FULL ARMOR of GOD so we will pause here and pick up next time with the GOSPEL SHOES.  May the Lord richly bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Jesus.

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THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD…


Spiritual Blog - Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-20 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”  NASU

 

I have heard many sermons, read many books, and heard many theories on the Armor of God and most of the time the omit the last few verses about Prayer and Perseverance.  I have heard sermons and theories that suggest that this is a formula to be done in a ritualistic fashion daily.  I usually resist spiritual formulas for I have found that frequently they result in trusting the formula rather than focusing on, seeking, and trusting God. That is tragic and troubling but human nature desires a simple 1-2-3 formula to make things both easy and convenient.  Christianity is neither and both depending on WHO we are trusting.

I believe that God’s Word, the Bible, is His infallible rule of faith and practice and it is GOD’S WORD, making it Truth of the highest order.  I also believe that God engineered every recorded passage in the order they were recorded for a reason.  I do not ascribe to random chance but that God had a plan and purpose and placed every passage in the place and order we find them for a reason.  Likewise, when I study things like the “Full or Whole Armor of God” I am convinced they are at the conclusion of Paul’s words to the Ephesians for a reason and to indicate their importance. I also believe that the order they are listed is of importance and it would behoove us to consider them in the order listed and seek to discover why they are listed and the purpose or significance of their order.  That is an impossible task in a short devotional and every time I examine this I discover something I had not seen before, so this is an ever, expanding journey for me, as is much of the Bible.

Let’s take my premise and theory that these pieces of armor are where they are for a purpose and in the order in which they are listed for a reason.  I also understand from a practical consideration of how a Roman Soldier would put on his armor the order listed is not necessarily the order he would follow.  Is that a discrepancy?  Not in my mind, but let’s consider what the armor is and what its function is as we consider the order and importance of each item.

The first piece of armor listed is the GIRDLE or BELT OF TRUTH.  The purpose of the belt for the Roman Soldier was to hold all the other pieces together and allow him to move freely as well as fight, without encumbrance.  I believe that this piece of Spiritual Armor is first because it is described as a covering for the loins rather than just being listed as a belt around the waist.  The latter could be exactly what is being described but it is my conviction that the loins were mentioned because of them being the source of reproduction and the BELT or GIRDLE OF TRUTH covers our sexual purity as well as is the source of Life that comes forth from us.  Therefore, ensuring that we are pure in our interpersonal relationships is critical to being a good Soldier of the Cross.  The Loins indicate the importance of reproduction and connecting it to the spiritual reminds us that all that is reproduced in us is to be filtered through TRUTH.  It also indicates the need to be READY and PREPARED for battle at all times!  The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is The TRUTH and Jesus made it clear that TRUTH is the Word of the Father.  We also know that Jesus is the Word of God and that Word was made flesh and dwelt among men.  It was through the Word that the worlds were framed and everything that was made was made or created.  TRUTH is the first piece of armor listed because of its importance.  When we put on the GIRDLE or BELT of Truth we are putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and He is holding everything together in our lives so that the rest of the armor can function and we can fight the good fight of faith.

We are told to SEEK FIRST the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and if we get first things first in our armament we will be able to more effectively receive and utilize the rest of the armor.  God is always about First Things First and if we allow that to become fixed in our minds we will become seekers of truth and truth is Jesus!

I have much more to say on this subject but will pause here and pray that the Holy Spirit will burn this in your heart and cause you to become a seeker of truth more than you have ever been.  God, bless you richly as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

 

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FIGHTING ALONE IS A FLAWED PHILOSOPHY…


Spiritual Blog - Fighting

2 Timothy 4:16-18 – “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also, I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”  NKJV

 

In life, everyone has battles, everyone!  Some attempt to deny their existence but they exist.  Some, desire such anonymity and privacy they never confess their struggles or the need of help from anyone and fight alone.  Some have a false sense of their importance and strength and believe they need no one, so they fight alone.  In the spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, or political fighting alone is a flawed philosophy that results in defeat or delayed victory.  It produces hurt, wounds, casualties, and difficulties that might well have been avoided by being UNITED with others of like precious faith.

I am cognizant of the importance of developing ability, courage, confidence, and trust as we endure the struggles of life.  There are some battles no one can fight for us, although they can stand with us in prayer, the battle is ours.  David knew what it was like to stand alone, or without human help as a shepherd.  It was his responsibility to defend the sheep with his life, if necessary, and he did as he defeated the lion and the bear.  Those events, inspired trust, and confidence in his heart that God to be that friend of Proverbs 18:24, who ‘sticks closer than a brother.’  Thus, when he was faced with his epic battle with Goliath the Philistine champion his words express the root of his confidence and awareness that he was NEVER ALONE.  When Goliath expressed anger over being disrespected by Israel for sending out a boy to fight him, David, revealed the heart of a warrior who knew an inner secret many never know.  David said, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you.” (1 Samuel 17:45-46).  David was alone but he was not alone!

Elijah felt that intense aloneness after his battle with Jezebel and the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel and told the LORD, “I alone am left; they seek my life.”  God chastened him and said, “Elijah, Elijah, Elijah, you forget who I am.  I have seven thousand in Israel, who have not bowed their knee to Baal and they will stand with you.”  (Roy’s paraphrase).  YOU ARE NOT ALONE so STOP BEING ALONE!  You are not invincible so stop pretending to be. You are not superman or superwoman you need others.  Remember the counsel given in Ecclesiastes 4 that two are better than one and that although one may be overpowered by another, two united can withstand and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  When two horses pull in tandem they get the strength of a third invisible horse added to their efforts.  Yes, God is with us but there are times when we need to open our hearts and allow others to join our struggle and the multiplied power of unity brings victory.  In 2 Chronicles when King Jehoshaphat and Israel were facing sure defeat God said told him to not be afraid because “the battle is not yours, but mine!” 

In America, today, in the church, society, and government there is a war raging that is destroying individuals, many of whom, are trying to stand alone.  In life, we sometimes face battles in potentially deadly disease and we err if we try to fight that fight alone.  The Bible tells us to CALL for the elders.  It did not say for the elders to seek us out but for us to open our hearts, acknowledge our need and REQUEST HELP.  We need others to join their faith with us to fight the fight before us.  In matters, spiritual, if we try to stand alone, we may well be overcome by the immensity of the assault and become discouraged or even so fatigued that we give up and give in.  But, if we UNITE with others of like precious faith we form a threefold cord where the one that is down is encouraged, the weak is strengthened, the feeble hands or lifted up, and TOGETHER we win the fight.

In America, we are dangerously divided to the point that even people of faith are at odds with each other.  Lasciviousness, selfishness, independence, and pride often prevent our willingness to UNITE with others to combat the destructive plague.  When we fight a unified fight, someone must lead otherwise there is chaos but the ultimate head must be Christ.  When we fight a unified fight, we must keep our eyes on the true objective rather than succumb to personal preferences and desires.  When we fight a unified fight, we commit to the struggle to the end or death as America did in World War II where we determined that it was Victory regardless the cost, sacrifice, struggle, duration, or demand.

Standing alone makes one an easy target and the stress of the battle will fatigue even the hardiest of souls.  Discouragement is often the key to defeat but when UNITED one encourages another and the courage of one becomes the courage of all.  We, as iron, sharpen the iron of each other and whereas individually we have only so much strength, collectively we have incredible power.  That is emphasized in Deuteronomy 32 where we find that one can chase a thousand, and two can put ten thousand to flight.  If you extrapolate that you discover that the threefold cord is enormous and the fourth man in the fire provides victorious strength.  YOU ARE NOT ALONE so STOP BEING ALONE.  We are the BODY of Christ and the UNITED States of America so whether physically, emotionally, spiritually, or politically seek and receive the help and strength of others and most importantly the LORD.

God, bless you richly is my prayer and desire!

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THE LOST MESSAGE – – Commitment… [Conclusion]


Spiritual Blog - Commitment

Matthew 16:24-27 – “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  25 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.  26 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.”  NASU

 

If commitment is as important as I am contending and the Bible declares then I must ask, “Why is it not more prevalent and evident in today’s church?”  That is a question that I hope sticks in your consciousness and propels you to conduct an examination of your own heart, life, and condition.  If it does that, God will bring you to a conclusion that will help you enter into a Covenant Relationship with Him that is anchored in COMMITMENT.

WHEN JESUS TAKES TOTAL LORDSHIP OF YOUR LIFE, YOU WILL FIND AN OVERFLOW OF SPONTANEOUS JOY…

In short, being a Christian who is totally committed to God will make you a fun person.  No, you won’t sit, soak, and sour but you will be filled with the oil of gladness and enjoy life.  You will become somewhat magnetic because of the excellent spirit in you.  There will be a Spirit of Joy in your life that will draw people like honey draws flies.  The presence of Jesus brings Joy unspeakable and full of glory!

I heard the story of a preacher who had been invited to speak at a college and in the course of events he was invited to a prayer meeting.  In that meeting one of the people praying kept praying for someone, describing their life, where they lived and called them by name.  The prayer was focused on this individual’s plans to leave his wife and family and run off with another woman.  He prayed, it over and over.  After the prayer meeting, this guest speaker got in his car to drive back to his hotel and encountered a man on the turnpike and felt prompted to pick him up.  The man got in the car expressing his gratitude for the ride and gave his name.  The name of the man targeted in prayer just minutes before.  The preacher exited the freeway and headed back to the prayer meeting area to the surprise of his passenger. The man asked, “What are you doing?”  The preacher said, “I’m taking you home.”  The passenger asked, “Why?”  The preacher said, “Because you are leaving your wife and children and you need to go home.”  The man was in shock and asked, “How do you know that?”  The preacher said, “God told me.”  There is no greater joy than knowing that your life is under the control of the Holy Spirit.

WHEN JESUS TAKES TOTAL LORDSHIP OF YOUR LIFE EXPECT TIMES OF SORROW AND SUFFERING TO FOLLOW…

One of the results of coming to Christ in total commitment is that your heart will be broken by what breaks His heart. The things that make Him cry will make you cry. You will have His heart and mind.  There are places in the world where children are intentionally crippled to make them better beggars.  Imagine standing in a bread line and having to tell the next person in line, “Sorry there is nothing else?”  We focus so much on ourselves that we are insulated from the plight of much of the world.  When we become possessed by the Lord in total commitment and His mind becomes our mind we will enter into His suffering and the suffering of others will impact our lives.  There is incredible Joy in walking in Jesus, but there is also Agony.  We are told to “Bear one another’s burdens.”

WHEN JESUS TAKES TOTAL LORDSHIP OF OUR LIVES WE WILL EXPERIENCE HIS ANGER AND IT WILL BECOME OURS…

We will hate sin and the ravages of sin.  I believe that political oppression, racism, sexism, abortion, homosexuality, perversion, pedophilia, terrorism, drugs, humanism, and apathy make Him angry.  1 John 3:8 tells us that, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil…  When you become a Christian, those things that break the heart of God and anger Him will do the same to you.  We will rise up and declare, “Lord, I am ready to join you in destroying the works of the devil and recovering our inheritance in Jesus.”

The Gospel is not simply that we go to heaven when we die it is that Jesus is here and now and He will enter into your life and remove those things that hinder and defile.  He will purge you of many cultural ideas and traditions that hinder.  The Gospel causes you to LOVE, to Love God and to Love People like you have never loved before.  When Jesus takes total control of your life He transforms you into somebody He can use to change your world and in so doing change the world.  That will never happen without COMMITMENT!

God, bless you as you enjoy this day in Him!

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