Category Archives: Readiness

What Armor??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #464

05 Sunday Jul 2026

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Armor of God, Ask God For Wisdom, Assurance IN GOD!, Power of The Cross, Purity, Pursuing Excellence?, Readiness, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Weariness, Well Done Thou good and faithful servant!

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What Armor??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #464

“God that made the world

and all things therein,

seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth,

dwelleth not

in temples made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands,

as though he needed any thing,

seeing he giveth to all

life, and breath, and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood

all nations of men

for to dwell on all the face of the earth,

and hath determined

the times before appointed,

and the bounds of their habitation;

27 That they should seek the Lord,

if haply they might feel after him,

and find him,

though he be not far

from every one of us:

28 For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”  Acts 17:24-28

God is creator of all things, including us; a fact that most of the world continually denies.  I want us to consider today how we are to live according to God’s Word, and in particular one passage that is my daily go to!  I pray that this will be an encouragement to you and that you will make it a habit to put on your armor first thing each day.

“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;

19 And for me,

that utterance may be given unto me,

that I may open my mouth boldly,

to make known the mystery of the gospel…”.  Ephesians 6:10-19

As we consider this amazing practice that Paul has given us through the power of The Holy Spirit, I want to share some things that I consider most helpful to me as I put on this armor each day.

Whose power: “These words spake Jesus,

and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,

Father, the hour is come;

glorify thy Son,

that thy Son also may glorify thee:

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh,

that he should give eternal life

to as many as thou hast given him.”   John 17:1-2

And the verses I recall as I put on the armor of God each morning may help you have confidence in all that we have in Jesus!

Truth: “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

Righteousness: “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

Peace: “Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:”  Romans 5:1

Shield of Faith: “1 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

Helmet of Salvation: “Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:”  Philippians 2:5

Sword of The Spirit: “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.”  Hebrews 4:12

I pray that God will encourage you in these words from God’s Word!

Amen and Amen!!!

Don’t Grow Weary??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #64

01 Wednesday Feb 2023

Posted by in A Father's Love, A heart of faith, Readiness, Reaping & Sowing, Resting In Jesus, Resting Or Wrestling?, The Word, Weariness

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Don’t Grow Weary???      A Word from THE WORD!!! #64

I have what I hope will be an encouraging word to share with you this morning, for like some of you, I deal with weariness too, yet Paul encourages us to “not be weary”; and while this is good advice we need to observe and take note of the context and then walk in the truth that God speaks to our heart! In fact Paul shares it on two different occasions, which ought to call us to take note!

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:7-10

       “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”   2 Thessalonians 3:13

Let’s consider what Paul is calling our attention to as he brings his letter to the Galatians to a close.

Don’t be deceived—deception is all around us, Jesus said:

“Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.”  John 8:44

What YOU sow, YOU will reap–Of the Spirit or the flesh–

So, watch what you do… (doing comes out of being) which is what Paul is reminding us of–living (being) in The Spirit, not the flesh…

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

 and many there be

which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be

that find it.”  Matthew 7:12-14

So, choose wisely–there is a test!  And when we walk with Jesus, we can cast all our cares upon HIM…and “find rest…”

Do good, as we have “opportunity” –not chasing the crowd but following Jesus and learning to see what HE sees, and acting as HE leads, not presuming to labor in our own effort.

May you “find rest unto your souls” today, knowing that Jesus wants to carry those heavy burdens, if we will but give them to HIM.  Today!  Today!!  Today!!!

“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.”  1 Peter 5:6-7

Amen!!!

Maybe Not Today Or Tomorrow?? A Word from THE WORD!!! $42

14 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Conformed to HIS image, Consider Your ways, Forgiveness, Holiness, Holy Living, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Readiness, Ready or NOT Here Jesus Comes!, Reaping & Sowing, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Salvation, Saved by Grace Through Faith, Seeing Truth

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Maybe Not Today Or Tomorrow?? A Word from THE WORD!!! #42

Maybe not today or tomorrow but you will reap what you sow, God makes that clear; and while we tend to think we can “slide” into heaven on another’s coattail, we must be born again by the blood of Jesus, and when Jesus saves us, HE transforms our lives.  No, we’re not made perfect and mature in an instant, but we do become the redeemed children of God, and grow IN JESUS!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him

were all things created,

that are in heaven,

and that are in earth,

visible

and invisible,

whether they be thrones,

or dominions,

or principalities,

or powers:

all things were created

by him,

and for him:

17 And he is before all things,

and by him all things consist.”  Colossians 1:12-17

Has your sin been forgiven?  Paul reminded the Philippian believers that God is the ONE who is working in and through us to bring us to Himself—to glorify Jesus and His Father God through us, when we are saved!!  Who and what are you and I glorifying?  Are we yielding to the work of God in our heart and life—every day? Any day?

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

So, let’s consider today, and every day, what are we sowing?  What do we expect to reap?  Will it be to God’s glory or our shame.  And yes, we all sin and fail our Lord, but is our heart set on pleasing Jesus or self?  When we fail, do we run quicky to HIS feet for forgiveness and restoration?  Or do we fall to the lies of the enemy and run in the opposite direction?  It’s a question that we each must answer.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:7-10

Have you been born again, or are you just “playing church”, trying to convince yourself and others that you are “ok”? (See John 1:11-13 & John 3:16-21) Are you counting on your own good works or the blood of Jesus to save and redeem you by HIS substitutionary (in our place), atoning (paying the price for our sin—mine and yours) sacrifice (the cost of my sin and yours—the very blood of the Son of God, who came to shed HIS blood and “take away the sin of the world”!)?  I pray that God will speak to your heart today, as HE is speaking to me.  May we draw near to our God that we may “withstand in the evil day”, for it is here.  If you’re not aware, the “perilous times” have arrived.

“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

Is our behavior in this list of wickedness that identifies the world or are we exercising and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 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 5:22-25

Examine the two lists, and ask God to reveal to your heart and mine where we are really aligned—with our Lord or the enemy of the souls of men?  James had a most harsh and yet apropos word to close on today.  What will your answer be?

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses,

know ye not

that the friendship of the world

is enmity with God?

whosoever therefore

will be a friend of the world

is the enemy of God.

5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,

The spirit that dwelleth in us

lusteth to envy?

6 But he giveth more grace.

Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud,

but giveth grace unto the humble.

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil,

and he will flee from you.

8 Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.

Cleanse your hands,

ye sinners;

and purify your hearts,

ye double minded.”  James 4:4-8

I pray that God will help each of us to “withstand in the evil day” and be found faithful when HE calls us to Himself; and I can’t help but think that day is nearer than we expect (or are prepared for!).  And just one final reminder that when we fail, we have “an advocate with The Father”!

“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.

10 If we say that we have not sinned,

we make him a liar,

and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:6-10

Amen and Amen!!!

#2 Of The 5 “D”s Of Readiness Bible Ballistics: BBs #631

11 Wednesday Mar 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, Diligence, Readiness

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #631   #2 Of The 5 “D”s Of Readiness???

An Edited Repost of Bible Ballistics: BBs #12

 

As we continue with the physical side of being “ready” as well as the spiritual side, we’ll consider the 2nd of our 5 D’s:  Debt, Diligence, Discernment, Decency, and Dependence.

DILIGENCE– “Careful and persistent work or effort”.

To be “ready” for Jesus’ return, we must be careful in our walk and persistent in our loyalty and obedience to God each day.  Proverbs 4:23 says:

“Keep thy heart 

with all diligence;

for out of it

are the issues of life..”

Our heart is the seat of our emotions, our desires, and hence our life.  If you don’t guard your heart, no one else will.  It takes continual “work or effort” to truly guard your heart.  Do it –it will determine your present and future!!!

Peter tells us how we can keep our hearts right with God and others in 2 Peter 1:4-6:

“Whereby are given unto us 

exceeding great

and precious promises:

that by these 

ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world

through lust. 

5 And beside this,

giving all diligence,

add to your faith 

virtue;

and to virtue 

knowledge;

6 And to knowledge 

temperance;

and to temperance 

patience;

and to patience 

godliness;” 

As we guard our hearts and draw near to God, learning from Him and His Word, we will be developing the character traits of the One whom we love—God our Father, and Jesus His Son, through the power of His Holy Spirit. Looking into HIS mirror! (See Ja. 1:25)

Jude also calls believers not to take their faith for grated but to “contend” for it—in its truth and power!  It’s this same power that Paul told us to “be strong in” as we put on our armor of God! (See Ephesians 6:10-19)

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence 

to write unto you of the common salvation,

it was needful for me to write unto you,

and exhort you

that ye should earnestly contend

for the faith 

which was once delivered

unto the saints.”   Jude 1:3

Are you paying attention?  Are you ready?  Will you be diligent to walk God’s way?   When He comes will you be caught off guard and be ashamed in His presence?  Or will you hear “Well done” because you have been diligently growing in the 6 things Peter names.  I encourage each of us to keep looking up, walking in obedience, and living like He’s coming today—He could!!!  And remember—Debt free & Diligent.  Amen!!!