Bible Ballistics: BBs #255 A Blessing Or A Bother???

We’ve talked lately about ‘choices’, and today I’d like to talk about a popular ‘choice’ topic. Life—be it the unborn, the aged, the infirmed, or the inconvenient. People make ‘choices’ every day about these issues regarding giving life, continuing life, extending life and any other related issues of “life”. I’d like to share just a few scriptures as food for thought for your consideration.

“Except the Lord build the house,

they labour in vain that build it:

except the Lord keep the city,

the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,

to sit up late,

to eat the bread of sorrows:

for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:

and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;

so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full

of them: (CHILDREN)

they shall not be ashamed, (CHILDREN)

but they shall speak   (CHILDREN)

with the enemies in the gate.”   Psalm 127:1-5

I realize that this issue is very controversial, but I’d like to challenge us to examine whether the “biblical” view of life is our view of life? The Psalmist reminds us that only that which God is in, will prosper ultimately. Just as David in another Psalm was discouraged (for a time) when he saw the wicked prospering, but God answered his question by reminding him that often “what you see” isn’t all there is.

“Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm…….. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places:

thou castedst them down into destruction.

19 How are they brought into desolation,

as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors…….

Whom have I in heaven but thee?

and there is none upon earth that I desire

beside thee.

26 My flesh and my heart faileth:

but God is the strength of my heart,

and my portion for ever.

27 For, lo, they that are far from thee

shall perish:

thou hast destroyed all them

that go a whoring from thee.

28 But it is good for me to draw near to God:

I have put my trust in the Lord God,

that I may declare all thy works.”   Portions of Psalm73

It’s easy to let the corruption of the world discourage us—it did David. But then he took his discouragement to the Lord, and God opened his eyes to see the same thing that God revealed through Paul.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

God will accomplish His purpose and righteous judgment in HIS time. But in the meantime we are to judge righteous judgment and see things not through “rose-colored” glasses but through eyes of “truth”. And that truth includes the sacredness of life. Life that “ONLY” God can and does give!!! We are to value children and not consider them an inconvenience or a bother, but know that God says they are a blessing and we are blessed to have them. We are also to value multiple children, if God so blesses us. Yet so often we hear mothers and fathers ridiculed because they have a large family—they are inundated with that hurtful (and unbiblical) question, “Don’t you know what causes that?” Or “Can’t you count?” Or in my mind the worst, “Don’t you know how to ‘stop’ having children?” If we value life and believe that all life comes from God, why have we bought into the philosophy of the world that says, “You can’t afford children”, or “You’re too young, or too old”! How do we say with one side of our mouth, “I’m ‘pro-life”, and then ridicule the very life that we “claim” to support with such a mindset and worldview? Where is our mind set? Our worldview?

We have a similar incongruity toward the elderly, the infirmed, and the handicapped, anyone that is unable to meet our “quality” of living. If life is from God then either all life is sacred—ALL LIFE—or God can make mistakes! Surely He couldn’t have intended for “them” to have life, to live among us? Right? I know these are hard questions; questions that most of us avoid dealing with as much as possible, but I think it’s time for us to think, especially those who claim the name of Jesus. If we claim to belong to God, then we ought to have a godly and biblical value system. And to have that we need to know what God says about it.

“Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” Psalm 139:16

God knew you and me before we were even born, and He created us exactly the way that He intended for us to be created. It’s up to us what we will do with the gift of life He has given us, both our own life and the lives over which we have influence. Our confidence and hope are in God, for it is He alone that saves and delivers, and He keeps HIS word!!!

So what is the point to all of this? Well simply put, that we examine our thoughts and actions by God’s standard not man’s! That we who claim the name of Jesus seek God’s face and ask Him what is remiss in our lives, take action to rectify any thing that God calls us to change, repent where necessary and walk in HIS ways, not our own and surely not in the world’s ways. To heed the message of John:

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:5-9

It’s time for God’s people to do what God saved us to do, and that is to be salt and light in a world of corruption. We are to see life, children and ministry to all people as a blessing not a bother. It’s time!!!

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17

Bible Ballistics: BBs #254 Watch Your Choices???

Choices are always confronting us—we meet them on every hand. What to wear, where to go, what’s for dinner, whom do I befriend? We make all those choices and countless others, but how are we to make those choices, and what criteria do we use? The Psalmist gives us a good starting place!

“Blessed is the man

that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  

2 But his delight is

in the law of the Lord;

and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  

4 The ungodly are not so:

but are like the chaff

which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly

shall not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knoweth

the way of the righteous:

but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”    Psalm 1:1-6

The Psalmist gives us good advise regarding our choices, he tells us that there are two types of choices—those made by the righteous, and those made by the ungodly. Let’s examine the differences.

The “righteous man” chooses wisely to:

Walk NOT in with the ungodly in their ways—

Doesn’t get his advise from the world–

He stands NOT in the way of sinners—

He doesn’t join their crowd—

He sits NOT in the seat of the scornful—

He doesn’t get comfortable in their ways!

He develops a godly focus by:

Delighting in God’s ways—

Meditating on God’s Word day and night!

And his choices yield evident consequences:

He is like a tree deeply rooted—

He is rooted by rivers of water—

He bears fruit in proper season—

He has leaves that never wither—

He will prosper in all his ways—

Because his ways are God’s ways—

But then the Psalmist makes the contrast with those who don’t choose God’s way, but their own, wicked way. They experience different consequences:

They are NOT like the ‘righteous’—

But are like chaff that the wind blows away—

They will NOT stand before God in the judgment—

Meaning they will have no defense–

The sinners will NOT stand with the righteous—

Because they don’t have Jesus’ righteousness—

The Psalmist goes on to remind us that the one who will judge is God. He has given us the free will to choose our actions, but not to determine our own consequences—God will do the judging, and HE will judge rightly, and the consequences will be irrevocable to those who have not bowed before Him in repentance and faith, and received the gift of salvation that Jesus bought for us at Calvary!! It’s your choice to make, as God gives each one opportunity to be saved. But if that opportunity is neglected or rejected, there is no other way. Jesus Himself told us that there is only one way.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

We can choose Jesus and walk in His ways, or we can choose to be our own God and reap the consequences.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

I invite you to join me and boldly proclaim as Joshua did:

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Bible Ballistics: BBs #253 Who Turned Off The Light???

Sometimes it’s easy to get a bit discouraged when we look around us at all the darkness and corruption. But we who follow Jesus, are called to be light in the darkness—

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” Matthew 5:13-15

We can observe that when light shines, darkness must flee and that is why darkness hates the light. We also observe in this passage that a light that is hidden “under a bushel” isn’t doing what it is intended to do. A light is to dispel the darkness by “shining”, so it “giveth light unto all that are in the house”!!! Where light shines, the darkness cannot abide. But we also must remember that we are not the “source” of the light, but our Lord Jesus is, and we are simply to reflect His light and glory.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Philippians 2:15

Our job is to “shine” the light of Jesus on a dark, lost and dying world. Jesus is “the light” and the only hope of real “abundant life”!!! Yet the world hates Him, because He is who He said He is, and ever shall be, and “SIN” is the issue!. Only Jesus can deliver us from the penalty and power of sin, and He alone will deliver us from the very presence of sin when HE returns. But, He hasn’t come yet, and we are to “Occupy till I come” (See Luke 19:13). Occupy can mean, dwell, possess, fill, or take up. And it most certainly doesn’t mean, “give up”!!! We are called to hold fast:

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23

And we must not only “hold fast”, but we must hold fast with the knowledge and understanding that things aren’t going to get better, but will get progressively worse and worse. Jesus also told us they would treat us in the same way that they treated Him. If we are following Him, we can expect the same treatment that He received—and they “loved” Him to “death”. What are we prepared to endure for our Lord? We must recognize the dark, and “shine”!

“This know also,

that in the last days

perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be

lovers of their own selves,

covetous,

boasters,

proud,

blasphemers,

disobedient to parents,

unthankful,

unholy,

3 Without natural affection,

trucebreakers,

false accusers,

incontinent,

fierce,

despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors,

heady,

highminded,

lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness,

but denying the power thereof:

from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

And in all reality, if we proclaim the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they will turn away from us, and even on occasion turn against us, at the very least, considering our devotion and holiness strange, to the point of ridicule.

“Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” 1 Peter 4:4

As we observe all that is going on around us, it’s almost as if Paul wrote this list yesterday, in light of events going on around us; but he was simply revealing what God said would come– A time when men would go so far from God that they not only seek and embrace wickedness, but delight in it, accept it, promote it, and support those that join in these wicked and ungodly behaviors.

So what can we do? Simply put, just follow Jesus and shine, reflecting His light!!! Don’t hide under a bushel!

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

Bible Ballistics: BBs #252   What Time Is It???

With all that is going on around us, politically, socially, morally and economically, we can often become afraid. But we can trust in our Lord Jesus, we don’t have to worry or fret, in fact, scripture continually tells us to “fret not”. Even though many of us are very good at it—we do it so well, because we’ve done it for so long—God tells us, “fret not”! He is able, capable and totally in control, and we can trust to HIS unfailing grace and will. We don’t have to “fret”, instead we can safely trust in Father, Son and Holy Spirit!!!

“Be merciful unto me, O God:

for man would swallow me up;

he fighting daily oppresseth me.

2 Mine enemies would daily swallow me up:

for they be many that fight against me,

O thou most High.

3 What time I am afraid,

I will trust in thee.

4 In God I will praise his word,

in God I have put my trust;

I will not fear

what flesh can do unto me.”    Psalm 56:1-3

So, regardless of who or what you are facing today, you can put your trust in God Almighty, and the Son Jesus Christ in all things. While we may not be able to count on politicians, the weather forecasters, the government or economics—we can trust in our God.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

“Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

Our confidence can rest in the power of our God. He is the Almighty God, the Sovereign King and Creator of all, and He also loves us and promises to care for His own, and accomplish His purpose in your life and mine. You can trust HIM! You are never alone.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”     Hebrews 13:5-6

Is something causing you to fear today? The culture? The economy? Your finances? Your health or the health of someone you love? A family crises? Your safety or security? Whatever is plaguing your mind today, remember that God knows exactly where you are and HE is waiting for you to hear His voice, and trust yourself to HIS care and provision. God isn’t caught by surprise by your crises—He is able to meet your needs, if you will but trust HIM with your cares. He cares about you.

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:  

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished

in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory

and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11

To sum it up, Peter calls us to take action:

Humble yourself before God—

Cast all your cares on God—

Be sober (be alert)—

Be vigilant (watch carefully)—

Resist the devil—

Endure suffering—

We can do all these things by knowing that God is working in and through our lives to:

Make us perfect (mature)—

Establish our faith—

Strengthen us—

Settle us (give us peace that supersedes the storm)—

Have a blessed week, and remember God cares for YOU!!! Right now!!! TODAY!!!

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 14 Armor NOT Armaments!!!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith

of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”    Galatians 2:20

While this is the same verse that we started with last week, it isn’t the same focus or emphasis, but rather a call to remember whose we are! If I belong to Jesus, then I am to “BE” crucified to myself and living for the Jesus to whom I belong. But not just living ‘for’ Him in the sense of giving a bit of my time, but realizing and truly yielding my all—body, mind and soul—for HIM to live through—“but Christ liveth in me”! A life that can only be lived in the power, presence and “the faith of the Son of God” who poured out His own life’s blood for MY sin. What can I rightly and legitimately refuse to yield to Him? I can think of nothing! Why? Because HE is the one “who loved me, and gave himself for me”!!!

“What?

know ye not

that your body

is the temple of the Holy Ghost

which is in you,

which ye have of God,

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price:

therefore glorify God

in your body,

and in your spirit,

which are God’s.”    1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Today we have often reduced the “Gospel” message to a heavenly ‘slot machine’ mentality—you pay a quarter, call on Jesus’ name, and ‘poof’ you have your ticket to heaven with no other obligation or responsibility toward God. NOT!!! Scripture is replete with the call to “BOW” before the LORD JESUS CHRIST—that’s LORD—the one I come to in abject desperation, knowing that only the blood of the LORD JESUS CHRIST can save me from sin, death and hell!!! Only Jesus! That only the LORD JESUS CHRST was, is and ever shall be the SON OF GOD who IS LORD of all and He demands the ‘God-ship’ in the relationship! I must get off the throne of my heart before I can invite the LORD JESUS CHRIST into my heart. There is only ONE throne! There can be only ONE LORD sitting on that throne! And that will be the LORD JESUS CHRIST or ME/YOU!!! It can’t be both. A car can have only one driver, and can follow only one set of directions. Yet we have often watered down the ‘Gospel’ and led people to believe that they can come to “Jesus”, put in your quarter/His name, and expect that you can enter heaven with a dictatorial, demanding perspective of heaven. Well in a word—NOT now, NOT then, NOT ever. Either you “bow” before the LORD Jesus Christ now and trust to HIS exclusive ability to save you here and now; or you will BOW before THE LORD/KING JESUS CHRIST in the time of judgment. And there will be one!

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”   John 14:6

Only ONE way—and that is to come to Jesus in repentance and faith, believing that He died for YOUR sin, that He was buried, and raised the 3^rd day, according to the scriptures, for OUR sin! So that we might have life and not death!!!

“I am the door:

by me

if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.” John 10:9-11

HE gave HIS life for you, if you will but come to Him! But if you refuse and/or neglect to hear HIS voice as HE is calling to you. You will still bow before HIM, but for judgment rather than salvation, because “every knee shall bow”!! In speaking of Jesus, Paul clearly reminds us:

“And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue

should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”    Philippians 2:8-11

And there is a day coming when every one who ever lived and rejected Christ, whether by willful rejection or negligent disregard, will give an account!!!

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead,

small and great,

stand before God;

and the books were opened:

and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books, according to their works. 1

3 And the sea

gave up the dead which were in it;

and death and hell

delivered up the dead which were in them:

and they were judged

every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”    Revelation 20:12-15

Death is real! Hell/The Lake of Fire is hot! And eternity is long! There is opportunity in this life alone to trust Jesus and be saved from our sins. But without Jesus blood applied to our sin, and our name being written in His Lamb’s Book of Life, we will spend eternity away from God, in that place of torment forever—there are no second chances after death!

But what does all this have to do with our title, “Armor NOT Armaments”? Well, I’ll tell you. When we belong to Jesus we’re not just headed for heaven, we are on a journey to heaven and we are in ‘enemy’ territory in this life, while we are in a body of flesh on planet earth. But God didn’t leave us unprotected or without resources, He has given us not only His Holy Spirit dwelling within true believers, but He has given us His Word and His Armor to utilize as we walk through hostile territory, and believe me we are in “HOSTILE” territory and if Jesus delays His return, the hostility will become greater still.

What I’d like us to consider is how we deal with the hostility. While I am firmly in favor of the “right to bear arms”, I am concerned that many Christians today are more focused on protecting that “right” than living for Jesus and depending on HIS ARMOR rather than the armaments that they are amassing! Oh, did I really say that? Am I trampling on “sacred” ground? The Lord knows, and time will tell. Let’s consider what scripture calls us to. I’ll just share the scripture and make a few comments—you must read the Word of God, consider what it says, and choose your response. Don’t “shoot the messenger”! Please? (Pun intended!)

“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” Matthew 26:52-54

“And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. 36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. 37 For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. 38 And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.” Luke 22:35-38

Here we have Jesus telling us that “all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword”, yet I believe He isn’t telling us it’s wrong to defend oneself or to do one’s civil duty as military personnel do, but He is telling us that the sword is never to be taken to do “God’s” work, and Jesus was doing God’s work in this contextual time and place. When we look at the passage in Luke, Jesus advises them that there are times when they may need to defend their physical person. The thing I believe we must consider is the context of both passages—we are not to “depend” on the physical, but on the spiritual power that God has given us and that is the “Armor of God” and the “Word of God” and the “Spirit of God” who dwells within each and every child of God. We are to remember to walk in His Spirit:

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…….. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:14-16 & 24-25

If we will but walk in tune with the Spirit of Christ who is within us, and yield to His voice and direction, we will fulfill the laws, principles and desires of our Father God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Our dependence is to be on the Armor of God, not the ‘armaments’ of the world. There is nothing that I can find wrong with having arms/guns, but when our reliance is on these instead of the sovereign control of our God, we are out of balance. Just as there is nothing wrong with having security systems to protect our person and our possessions, they shouldn’t be where we place our confidence and ultimate trust!!! We are to trust in our God, His ability, and His Sovereign control in all things, after all, HE is trustworthy and totally omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent—always present, always all knowing, and always powerful. I believe it was Charles Stanley that I heard describe it as God isn’t everywhere like a spying camera, but that everywhere we are, GOD IS! Love it!!!

“My help cometh from the Lord,

which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:

he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel

shall neither slumber nor sleep.”    Psalm 121:2-4

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

God is always there for His own. Even when we think He is far off, and we can’t hear His voice, or see His hand—He is there! And our great intercessor is always interceding for us.

“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

He not only saves us, He not only keeps us, but He is ever interceding for you and me. Praise God for His wondrous grace and mercy. I need Jesus, and I’m glad He’s always there!! Always. But there is a human side to this equation, we are to be diligent to have on the “Armor” of God, we are not to be nonchalant or flippant about life, it’s hard and we live in a very hostile world. A world that calls wrong right, and right wrong demands that we are diligent to have on the armor that God has provided. Realizing that while God fights for us, we must seek His face, know His Word and “suit up” in the armor that He provides.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

13 Wherefore

take unto you the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth,

and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod

with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;” Ephesians 6:10-18

So let’s share a little practical help on this armor so that we can all remember to put it on every day. I try to pray it on every morning before I get out of bed—when your feet hit the ground, you need to be ready for the battle with your:

Belt of Truth—Jesus is truth, and He holds all the other pieces of armor in place (in fact you’ll see HE is the armor!):

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

Breastplate of Righteousness—It’s Jesus righteousness given to cover me that is the defense, for my own righteousness is “as filthy rags”:

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace—Not only the “peace of God which passeth all understanding”, but “peace with God”, being reconciled to Him and no longer being His enemy. It is the Good News that Jesus saves, redeems and restores us to a place of “peace with God” rather than being His enemy. Our footprints should leave the message of that Good News everywhere we go!!

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:… 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Romans 5:1 & 8-10

Shield of Faith—Above all we are to take this shield of faith. That means that every thing that comes as me I am to take through eyes of faith! I am to know that God has it all and that my “faith” is pleasing to God, for without it I can’t even know Him. But when I know Jesus, He is my shield and my defender!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen….. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:1 & 6

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…..” Hebrews 12:2a

Helmet of Salvation—The battleground is the mind! I must keep my mind on Jesus and His sufficient grace, power and strength. Remember verse 10, “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might”, it’s all about HIS power not mine. His power to use my frailties to bring Him glory.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Philippians 2:5-6 (The mind of Christ is always on God and humble in Spirit)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Sword of the Spirit/Word of God—The Word of God is that which sustains our Spirit. It is God’s love letter to our hearts and minds, and to know it is to love it, but we must read it, study it, believe it and practice it for it to accomplish it’s full work in us. It is our only offensive weapon. And we are to always use it while “Praying always”, as it is our protection, and strength and our judge and plumb line!

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

“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. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:12-13

I hope you noticed that the “belt” that we are to have our “loins girt about” with, is what holds it all together, because if I have girt on the “truth” I will already have on the “breastplate” of His righteousness, therefore my feet can be shod with the same salvation, and I will leave footprints as I go. I am also to use the shield as my defense against the onslaughts of the enemy, putting on that helmet to protect my mind, while knowing my only “offensive” weapon, the Word of God, is at the ready. And to have it ready, I must do as the Psalmist did:

““Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm119:11

I hope this will help you be armored and ready for the battle that is at hand, and that you will remember that whether you are “armed” or not with the “armaments” of the world or not, God is your defender and  “the joy of the Lord is your strength”. Keep that armor on, and be ready for the fray, for the days are at hand. May God open your eyes and ears to see and know truth—Jesus IS truth, and He will lead you in it if you will but follow HIM!