Be Strong In the Lord

Photo by Doreen Dawson-Becker

Ephesians 6 reminds us to be strong in the Lord by putting on the full spiritual armor of God to stand against the enemy. We are told to stand our ground by first putting on the belt of truth and then the full armor including breast plate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. 

Each piece of armor is provided by God to allow you to stand as you are “not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

God provides the armor as a gift, but you need to put it on daily in order for it to serve its purpose. If not, it is like owning a raincoat and umbrella and forgetting to put them on for protection as you walk in a rainstorm.

God's belt of truth is the most important piece or armor. In Roman times, the belt was important to secure the soldier's tunic and had a place to hold their sword. Jesus is the "way, truth, and the life." John 14:6 and through Him you come to God. In accepting Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in you and will provide gentle nudges to discern truth.  

The Breastplate of Righteousness protects you from the condemnation of the enemy. In Roman times, breastplates protected a soldier heart and vital organs. As salvation protects the head, righteousness protects the heart. In Jesus Christ, you are righteous because He gave his life as a sacrifice for you on the cross. The blood of Jesus and his righteousness covers all your sin. Think of putting on righteousness as wearing a royal robe provided to you by Christ. 

Shoes allow for sure footedness, even on shaky ground. God's shoes are Gospel shoes of peace. When you meet people in the peace of Jesus Christ and share your testimony, you will be able to stand firm and defend the Gospel.

Shield of Faith: The shield is your first line of defense against the enemies fiery darts of doubt, deception, and discouragement which are meant to destroy your faith. Without faith in God you are likely to give up on believing the truth of who you are in Christ and perhaps your walk with Jesus. 

The Helmet of Salvation: protects your mind which is the major battleground. The enemy wants you to believe you are not worthy of salvation. Don’t listen to those lies! Pray and declare the blood of Jesus over your mind. Put on the mind of Christ and take captive thoughts of guilt, shame, and doubt. You cannot earn salvation. When you accepted Jesus as your Savior, you became His.The price has been paid in full; the helmet reminds you of that and protects you. Nothing can take you from Jesus.Your identity and hope are in Him. 

Sword of the Spirit: The sword is the Word of God. While all the other pieces of armor are for defense, the sword is an offensive piece of armor. God's Word stands as the final authority over darkness. Speaking the Word of God has great power against the enemy. Jesus gave us an example of this when tempted by the devil in the desert saying "it is written" and wielding the Sword of the Spirit to defeat the enemy. 

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.‭‭

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭

Don't Take it Back

Photo by Groovypat

One of the main reasons I order from Amazon is if I am not satisfied with the merchandise, I can simply send it back. Taking things back is an easy process. There are no questions asked and no return fee.

This works great for Amazon but not for God. You may have surrendered a problem or need to him and decided you will handle it on your own. Or you may have become impatient with waiting on God and think you need to step in and help him out. That's taking it back!

When you take something back from God, it demonstrates a lack of faith and trust. Do you think you are more powerful than God or have more knowledge? That's absurd. God is beyond capable of addressing any need you have and orchestrating the perfect solution.

The next time you hand over an issue, or a loved one, to the care of God remember, the Creator of the Universe knows what he is doing. You don't need to be God's project manager. He has been managing the entire universe way longer that you have been alive. Don't give into doubt and fear. God, has it covered. You just need to trust him and be still.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 

Victorious in Christ

You know the story of David and Goliath. It’s a miraculous Bible story showcasing the way God uses the most unassuming and seemingly unprepared individual. That’s God! He knows all about the heart of people and their potential once their heart is set on him. 

You have your own Goliath story whether you realize it or not. There is someone or something you are up against that only God working in you can overcome.  A second cup of coffee won’t add clarity for how to tackle the problem head on. No, you don’t need advice from your friend, or a pep talk from your husband to plan a strategy. What you need is to bring the matter to God and hear what he has to say. He may say “be still” or “just let it go”. He could ask “why are you worried?” or “why is your faith so lacking?”. Whatever he says, trust God for exactly what is needed. You see, God has you covered, and he won’t let you down. Just like David, you will be victorious in Christ. 

"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; 

for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

1 Samuel 17:47

Welcome to 2025

Is this the year that Jesus will return? Only the Father knows, and still I wonder if it will be. If it is, are you ready? Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and asked Him into your life? We don’t know the day or time. We can’t see into the future. All we know is the One who created time and that we can trust Him.

  

No matter whether it’s this year or another, our responsibility is to follow Jesus, share the Gospel, and love no matter what. Be present. Don’t be distracted. Pay attention. You were  not created for an intermittent relationship with the Most High. You were created to focus and be aligned in fullness with God. In this way, you will experience all you are intended to know and be for the purposes of the Kingdom. Set down your disbelief and skepticism. Know the truth and live in such a way that all who meet you will get a glimpse of Christ 

 

So, celebrate the New Year and embrace the future. Love, worship, pray and remain in Jesus. There you will find comfort in all the days ahead will hold. You are not alone. God sees you. He is walking into 2025 beside you smiling at the masterpiece you are.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Just Believing

 

Autumn provides a great opportunity for reflection on the thoughtfulness, love, and order of God. Autumn is a living testimony to the fact that God knows exactly what He is doing. It’s a time for you to recognize the power and provision of the Lord. The harvest is rich with color and abundance of the season. What a perfect plan God established. Summer blends into autumn. The result is a variety of flavorful and colorful fruits and vegetables hand made by God for your pleasure. The weather is cooler, the sky clearer, and the air crisper. It is all by perfect design of the LORD.

 

Jesus Christ is on the throne. His purposes and plans prevail. You may encounter times when it is difficult to believe this, but God will always find a way to remind you. He is in charge. He reigns over everything including the change of seasons and your life. No one can prevent Him from unfolding His plans for your life. Your blessings already have your name on them! Believe that Jesus has your best interest at hand. Believe that His way is the answer. Believe that He loves you and desires to be close to you. Seeing is believing. When you open the eyes of your heart you will see Jesus at work in your life. 

 

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Ecclesiastes 3:11