Put on the full armor of God

On a daily basis it seems I find undeniable wisdom in my Bible. Today, I asked myself, “Why should that surprise me?”

I recently signed up for one such daily dose of wisdom from BibleStudyTools.com. Their staff chooses a Proverb-of-the-day, and emails it each morning. In fact, I blogged today’s Proverb earlier. It’s not that I can’t just read the book of Proverbs myself, but this daily reminder gets me immersed in his Word first thing every morning.

In addition to the Proverbs email, I also get a story and scripture passage from Our Daily Bread Ministries’ Our Daily Journey series. As with other ODB titles, this is truly one of my favorites of all time. Perhaps I have mentioned this before, but I have been an Our Daily Bread devotional reader since before my daughter was born, and she’ll turn 34 in March. That’s a long time to never miss a day of a single publication. It never fails to amaze me how many time the devotion for a particular day is just what I needed. Seems God’s hand is everywhere in my life, and I humbly thank him for his guidance, and, at times, intervention.

Then, there’s the reason I started today’s journal entry, BibleGateway.com’s verse-of-the-day, which, in light of the mess this country’s in, seemed more than appropriate for some deep thought on God’s take on the subject of the earthly rulers of man. The verses that got me blogging comes from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 12 and 13 (NIV), where the apostle writes, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

As a Christian, I use the Bible as my armor/defense against the forces of evil, and you should too. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, he gave me protection against Satan’s attacks, and authorities who exude the devil’s ideals, through his Word.

Interestingly enough, my go-to study guide, the Quest Study Bible, nicely sums it up, explaining in its sidebar about Ephesians 6:12, “Spiritual warfare for believers, therefore, is fought in the mind, emotions and will…The more our minds are filled with the truth of God’s Word, the less susceptible we are to Satan’s deceptions and temptations.”

Makes sense to me. What about you? Do you pick up your cross (for me that’s my Bible) daily and, through the reading of his infallible Word, dedicate your day/life to Him?

Yes? Wonderful, keep up the good fight.

No? Isn’t it time to consider the peace and joy and defense against the evil in this world that you can get from accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Please think long and hard about it as none of us are guaranteed the next moment.

With that written, I end today’s post with this prayer:

May the Lord above guide us all and keep us safe from all kinds of evil. May those who believe on his Son, Jesus Christ continue to fight the good fight with the full armor his Son’s death on the cross provided us. May today be the day that those who do not believe in Jesus Christ make the decision to follow him.

Amen.

Luke 9:23-26 (NIV) ²³ Then [Jesus] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. ²⁵ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? ²⁶ Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

A proverb a day keeps the devil at bay

Proverbs 10:23 (NIV)

 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

Pray the 5-finger prayer with me

Working through a Tim Keller mini-study, "Prayer: A 14-Day Devotional" via the YouVersion Bible app on my phone.

As I read more about how prayer impacts our lives, I was led to delve deeper into the subject of prayer and how it can align my thoughts on Him throughout the day.

While most of my research has focused on biblical prayer instruction, this morning I came across a reminder for a method for prayer that I learned many moons ago and had since forgotten. Amazing how a reply to a post on a Facebook message brings back so many good memories of vacation Bible school at Patterson Park Brethren Church. Some of the best church experiences of my life, I might add.

Anyway, here's the simple guide to prayer that a lot of us learned in VBS and/or Sunday school in our formative years.

The 5-finger prayer:
1.    Thumb - Praise, Thanksgiving, Worship and Seeking the LORD;
2.    Index Finger - Pray for Revival around the world;
3.    Middle Finger - Pray for Church and Government Leaders;
4.    Ring Finger - Pray for Family and Friends;
5.    Pinkie Finger - Pray for your own needs.

As I reread the five-finger prayer guidelines, I thought it was interesting to note that praying for oneself comes last, requiring humility on our part. In fact, James mentioned this very thing in his epistle – James 4:10 (NKJV) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

I believe that it all comes down to this – pray as Paul recommended in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Praying that this method is a help for you in your prayer life as I know it will be in mine. 

My prayer for you today –

May Jesus, the author and perfecter or our faith, guide and direct you today and every single day of your life from this day forward. Amen.

Luke 9:23-26 (NIV) ²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. ²⁵ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? ²⁶ Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Started a new devotional

Started a few new devotionals today through a Bible app I have on my phone and computer. Most offerings are short and to the point, others are longer and more in depth. 

My choices included Experiencing God's Renewal, One Word that will change your life, Finding Real Happiness and Live Your Calling. I am also working through Tim Keller's Prayer:A 14-Day Devotional.

Sound interesting to you? Why not check out these along with YouVersion's other applications, which you can find here.

The One Word that will change your life devotional ended with a prayer I would like to share with you today - 

"Dear Lord, I ask that you will make it a life-changing year. Reveal Yourself to me as You show me what my One Word theme will be. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I realize that it is a journey of learning not a task to accomplish. Strengthen me as I live out my One Word every day. In Jesus’ name, amen."

True...

The old has gone

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

This was today's verse-of-the-day from BibleGateway.com, a site I use frequently for checking different translations and to research general Bible questions.

Definitely a verse that applies to today, Jan. 1, 2016, agreed? WOW, I really cannot believe it is 2016 already.

Seems 2015 flew by and with it came visits from family – all the way from Yuma, Arizona, as well as some great summer weather with just the right amount of rain to keep my garden going and my water bill lower than normal.

There was tragedy as well. I lost my daddy on April 1, a void that will never be refilled. Also lost another, very young member of our extended family, Taylor, to a car crash. Then there was Pepper, my African gray parrot who shared my life for 24 wonderful years. When there was no one else, there was always Pep Buddy Bird.

After Taylor’s death, I had a serious crisis of faith, and still do to some extent, which is why my blog posts have been few and far between in the last several months.

I am thinking that this verse may be just the inspiration I need to get back on track and back to my faith.

The question posed about this verse in the Quest study bible is, “What is new when someone is in Christ?” The answer, “Everything. A sinner is changed radically – turned inside out and upside down.”

The text goes on to explain that life in Christ should have a new direction and purpose. A life in Jesus should be one in which we focus on our Lord and Savior, and not on ourselves.

Perhaps in my grief, I have found it difficult, if not impossible, to direct my focus to the Jesus I profess to follow. Perhaps the pain of the losses of 2015 have created in me a hardened heart that finds it challenging to reorient, not only my heart, but my mind and soul as well to God’s only Son.

This situation makes me think back to the revivals of my youth at Patterson Park Brethren Church in Dayton, Ohio.

At those revivals folks were invited to accept Jesus as their savior by walking down the aisle and praying with the pastor. There was also an invitation to recommit one’s life to Jesus. While the majority of those who made the walk were new converts, many were reaffirming their faith after life tragedies that sidetracked them and their faith in the Almighty.

Perhaps that is what I need, a recommitment to the Savior of the Bible; you know the One, the One who, in Luke 9:23 said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Maybe I need a personal revival of faith. Maybe I need to walk that aisle. Maybe I need to take up my cross. Maybe I need to recommit my life to Him. Maybe, just maybe I…

As I ponder this, I would pray –

May God guide and protect each and every one of us every day in every way.

Amen.

Is it time for us to forgive?

Yesterday Rev. Tim Callow (Newberry United Methodist Church) talked about forgiveness as just one means of “clothing ourselves with Christ’s qualities.”

In fact, the Epistle lesson for the day came from Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV), in which the Apostle Paul wrote in verse 13, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

As I think about forgiving those who have wronged or slighted or otherwise defamed me, I think about a recent marketing sensation that focused on the question, “What Would Jesus Do?” Paul’s last sentence in the verse references exactly what Jesus would do, he would forgive the offending party.

After all, Jesus came to this earth to bear the sins of all who believe in Him as explained by the unknown writer of Hebrews, chapter nine, verses 27 and 28 (NIV) [emphasis mine] “27 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, 28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”

So, if God can forgive all our sins, and believe me, we have tons of them whether we want to admit it or not, the least we can do is try to forgive our fellow human beings, right?

I hope you’re asking now, just what does true forgiveness entail?

According to Nelson’s Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible, forgiveness is ‘the act of excusing or pardoning another in spite of his slights, shortcomings, and errors. As a theological term forgiveness refers to God’s pardon of the sins of human beings.’

The dictionary text on forgiveness concludes by explaining that because God forgives us, he demands that we forgive others. Drawing on references from the Gospel of Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV) and Mark 11:25 (NIV), the writer surmises, “A forgiving spirit shows that one is a true follower of Christ.”

Basically, if we truly want to forgive, we must abandon any thought of getting even. We must put our ire in God’s hands through prayer, and let Him take care of the situation for us.

Even though it’s next to impossible to forget, forgiveness is required. We all know that trying to forget is a waste of time. Besides, when you continue to try to forget, it seems to me that the forgiving gets abandoned in the less-than-comfortable memories of the problem.

According to one commentary I read, forgiving takes time. The article suggests that we forgive over and over and over again, until we get it down pat. Makes sense to me, especially since there are a few folks that I need to forgive, and, after quite some time, years in some cases, I still find it hard to make the leap to full, unrestricted forgiveness.

Bottom line, if Jesus can die on the cross to save you and me from our sin, to essentially forgive us, we can certainly put on His mantle, making sure we forgive one another no matter how grievous the slight.

I forgive, or at least I actively try to forgive. Do you? Think about it.

Today my prayer for all of us is -
May God give you and I the strength to forgive and get on with our lives minus the negativity that holding grudges brings. Let us put aside the pettiness and indulge in the satisfaction of being a true follower of Jesus.
In His holy name we ask these things.
Amen.

Luke 9:23 (NIV) Then [Jesus] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Make it your life mission to 'do all the good you can'

JOHN WESLEY

Do all the good you can.
By all the means you can.
In all the ways you can.
In all the places you can.
At all the times you can.
To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.
John Wesley

A pastor acquaintance of mine posted this online and I thought, why not share it? How could anyone argue with John Wesley’s message?

Many pages of the New Testament share episodes in Jesus’s life that deal with doing good by people. Seems to me that Christ’s focus was doing good for and to the people his Father created.

Probably the most recognizable is the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37. You probably recall that a man who was injured was ignored by several “godly” men, but the despised Samaritan opened his heart and his purse to care for the stranger. I would recommend that you pay particular attention to the last couple verses of this Gospel entry, and notice how Jesus describes the Samaritan’s actions – “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Certainly the example of the Good Samaritan is the ultimate act of doing good for another human being.

Jesus also did good by a group of lepers, cleansing them of that terrible disease, another incident that Luke recorded for posterity in his Gospel, Chapter 17:11-19.

Again, notice that only one of the 10 who was healed came back to thank Jesus, and he was a Samaritan – verses 15-19 read, One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then [Jesus] said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Notice, if you will, that neither account condemns. Both, however, praise the actions of the Samaritan men – one by telling a man of God to “go and do likewise,” and the other by explaining that “your faith has made you well.”

It's all about doing good, right?

And Jesus did good for all. He did not discriminate. He did not admonish. He did good because that was His Father’s will.

Shouldn’t we adopt this attitude of good-doing and loving and sharing with one another? Shouldn’t we, as followers of Christ, do good for all people at all times?

As one who daily tries to take up my cross and follow Him, Luke 9:23, I sincerely believe Wesley’s message of love and caring and doing good is exactly what Christ had in mind as he traversed the land of the Bible spreading the message of grace through His life’s mission and, ultimately, His resurrection.

Interestingly enough, one dictionary definition of grace reads: mercy; clemency; pardon.

God granted all of us His grace, His clemency, His pardon, if only we would believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.

What better way to be a follower of Jesus than by doing His bidding, by loving one another, by forgiving one another, by helping one another, by doing good by, and to one another?

Food for thought, don’t you agree?

Today’s Prayer:
May God bless each and every one of you every single day in every possible way. And may we always find an avenue to do good for and to one another. Amen

Editor's note: Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references on this blog are from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible.

Whether you agree with them or not, pray for our leaders

The Apostle Paul pens a letter.

Yesterday our pastor’s message stemmed from Romans 13:1-7 (NIV) where the apostle Paul admonishes the faithful to accept the governmental rulers as those established by God. I have to say I take issue with this passage and the minister’s interpretation of it, which is, basically, why I am blogging about it today.

Although I am by no means a biblical scholar, I do know in my follower’s heart that a morally bankrupt government should not be honored and should never stand in victory over the children of God.

We also need to better digest this message by putting it into context, understanding that Paul’s letter to the Roman believers was penned during the era of the Caesars. An era where one of those hung on a cross and killed beside Jesus because he was a thief, yes, a thief – not a murderer or a rapist or a terrorist – a thief. Christians were likewise murdered for their beliefs. Have you ever read the story of Stephen, the first martyr for Christ? You can find his biography in the book of Acts, Chapters 6 and 7, and, specifically, his stoning in Chapter 7, Verses 54-60.

I believe that when Paul wrote about submitting to authorities he was not just writing about following the law of the land; he was writing about doing what is right in the eyes of God, not just in the eyes of man.

I, in no way, shape, form or fashion believe that Paul was saying we should condone killing an unborn child (the law of the land – Roe v. Wade) or accepting one of the most recent Supreme Court decisions – that anyone can marry anyone with no legal, or moral, recriminations.

Consider verse five, which reads – “[Therefore], it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” My conscience has a real problem with both these law-of-the-land decisions. Does yours?

Now I ask you, how can any Christian, with a clear conscience, excuse such behavior as abortion or homosexual “marriage”? How can any Christian submit to any authority that not only allows these distasteful acts to happen, but actively supports them through healthcare laws and “spousal” privileges?

Peter, one of the original 12 disciples of Jesus, justifies the civil disobedience of Jesus’s chosen by telling the Sanhedrin, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29 NIV)

Of course it is not up to us to judge those who would actively defy God’s law. We are to pray for them and reserve condemnation and judgment for God. As Jesus said, and was recorded in Luke 6:37 (NIV) “Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned…”

Even so, Paul did share Scripture’s purpose for correction of evil in 2 Timothy 3:16-17(NIV) where he wrote, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Mentally, I know God requires rulers to fairly govern the people he created and to support an avenue for proper justice for wrongdoers.

After all Paul did pen in verse three, “For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.”

But I also know that God uses unfathomable circumstances to draw us closer to Him. Remember how the churches were filled after 9-11?

Many times in the Old Testament God allowed the forces of evil, the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Assyrians – to name a few, to punish his chosen people. He did so for the sole purpose of forcing the Israelites to return to the God of Abraham, the God of their fathers, the One, the True, the only God of the universe.

Perhaps today’s ruling class is just like those idol worshipers of old; a class of evil so vile our only hope is in the God of the Bible?

As we sat in the sanctuary, my husband (co-author of this blog) and I were collectively shaking our heads at the inference that this government of ours was God-appointed.

In fact, Charlie expressed his doubts to the pastor after the service. Pastor told him that even if we disagree with the current leaders of our great nation, we still have to pray for them.

I’ll end today by agreeing with the direction pastor shared with my husband. And maybe even accepting the fact that this administration is God’s tool to bring us closer to Him.

Seems I have come full circle as I wrote this blog post this morning. Amazing! The Lord does work in mysterious ways, and by forcing me to dig further into the Scriptures, I now understand more clearly Rev. Andrew Manwarren’s Sunday morning message.

I know that we must pray for our leaders today and every single day. Paul directed this as well in his first letter to Timothy, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

And now I am sharing this prayer (edited) from the A Spiritual Journey for Healing website…

A Prayer for Leaders in Your Life

Dear Heavenly Father,

I stop and think of those who are leaders in my life...
in my church…
in my home...
in my work...
in my country...
in the world...

Perhaps there is someone I find it hard to think of with love. 

I hand over to you any anger or fear I feel. In this moment, I send them love.

However I feel about them, in this moment, I see your love flowing through me to them. 

Dear God, I ask you to feed these people on your wisdom and your understanding,
for their good and for the good of all they serve.

Let them recognize and take the authority that is theirs to take, remembering that the authority bestowed on them is not of man but of God.

Thank you God for guiding them in your way every step of the way.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen

And, may God bless each and every one of you every day in every way.

Ask God for your new heart

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

A few months ago I came across a phrase that has stuck with me –

     “For a new start, ask God for a new heart.”

I asked myself if I had asked God for a new heart when he saved me from my sins. After all, I confessed a relationship with Jesus when I was saved, but did I actually ask the great God above for a new heart – a heart devoid of malice and hate and envy and so many other afflictions common to a sinner’s heart?

Perhaps today is the day to take an inventory.

Really cannot say that I hate anyone, although I have come close to feelings of hate many times in the past, especially in dealing with local government “officials.”

Malice? According to the dictionary, malice is the desire to inflict injury, harm, or suffering on another, either because of a hostile impulse or out of deep-seated meanness. Cannot say my heart is guilty of that either, although, I, again, have to admit to coming close to feeling this way, but never close enough to act on these malicious impulses. Case(s) in point – Sept. 11, 2001, the Benghazi raid, the Paris bombings…

Then I thought about the envy part. I am not in the habit of coveting others possessions, so that probably does not apply to me either.

Then I thought, maybe asking for a new heart is something else entirely.

Unfortunately, when I look back, I have to admit asking for a new heart was probably the last thing on my mind as a 13-year-old girl making her way to the altar to ultimately ask Jesus to come into my heart.

So why did I make that, supposedly, life-altering journey?

In the 50 years since that encounter at the altar at Patterson Park Brethren Church, I have come to the realization that I did not ask nor did I receive the heart Jesus prepared for me by His sacrifice on the cross so many eons ago.

Why then did I travel to the altar?

I thought I was going to the altar to be liberated from my sin and my sinful ways, but perhaps I was not doing either.

Maybe I made that trip down the aisle to look saved. Maybe I made that trip down the aisle to be a part of something bigger than myself. Maybe I made that trip to make my parents proud of me.

Whatever the reason at the time, I now believe that it definitely was not to take Jesus into my heart. That trip was a self-serving commentary on what I believe is a sinner’s ultimate sin – accepting Jesus, but denying His influence in my life.

Many times since that fateful day, I have professed Jesus as my Lord and Savior, but, again, have I asked Him for a new heart?

Today, I am asking; today, I truly want Jesus to come into my heart; today, I want that new start; today, I want what Christ's death on the cross signified; today, I truly want to be saved; today I want to recommit my life to Jesus; today I pray this Prayer of Salvation and today, I mean it with all my sinner’s heart –

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.
Amen.

Yes, a new heart and a fresh start is a whole lot more than I originally thought. It is, in the words of Rev. Kyle Idleman, 'becoming a follower of Jesus, not [just] a fan.'

Is today the day you ask for your new heart? I sincerely pray that is the case, and invite you to take this journey with me. Ask the good Lord above to put Jesus in your life and the Holy Spirit in your heart.

But, I would caution (borrowing from our church bulletin):

1. The decision to follow Jesus is costly, so it must be carefully considered. Jesus said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62 (NIV)
2. The decision to follow Jesus is urgent, so make it soon. Jesus said, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" Luke 12:20 (NIV)
3. The decision to follow Jesus is worth it, so you want to make it. Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)

 

As my prayer today, I offer the Priestly Blessing God used to bless the Israelites. This blessing was given to Moses to share with Aaron and his sons, who were the Jewish priests during the time of Moses and beyond. You can find this blessing in the book of Numbers, chapter 6, verses 24-26 (NKJV):

“[May] The LORD bless you and keep you;
[May] The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
[May] The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’

AMEN