There was not a moment of hesitation…not one look of disbelief or word of doubt that came from the brothers when Jesus approached them with His request. Rather, they left all, giving up any claim to their property…turning from everything they knew to follow a stranger. And with that decision, began a journey for them of fellowship, faith, and eternal life.
Month: February 2016
Ecclesiastes 1:2 ” ‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!’ “
King Solomon had spent his life searching after the pleasures of this world. And as he became older and wiser, he realized that he was just chasing after fleeting fantasies. There is and will never be peace and joy in the pursuit of the empty things of this world. All temporal things will disappear in a cloud of smoke… for they are empty and futile in the view of eternal life.
Lamentations 3: 55-57 ” I called on Your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: ‘Do not close Your ears to my cry for relief.’ You came near when I called You, and You said, ‘Do not fear.’ “
I sit… shrouded by the darkest depths of the mire, for I know Lord, I am living with the despair of bad choices I have made…and choices I had no control over. So I cry out to You for deliverance, for I believe that You will not only hear, but also draw close and comfort me. Because I put my trust in You… I know I can face all my fears.
Ephesians 6: 17 ” Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
The Roman soldier’s helmet was a defensive weapon…covering and protecting the head, while the sword was an offensive weapon…used to attack the enemy. Each day we need to intentionally cover our mind with the blood of Jesus…asking Him to guard what we look at, listen to, and think about. We need to then take up our sword – the Scriptures – and armed with that Truth, we are then able to cut through the deception of the enemy.
Ephesians 6: 16 ” In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”
The shield of the Roman soldier was long and rectangular in shape…and almost as tall as he was. Its protection was superb, and when groups of soldiers closed ranks, fit the shields together, and advanced as one, the line was impenetrable. They would also hold the shields overhead, forming a circle of protection from arrows flying down from enemy walls above. Our saving faith…that firm and confident belief in Jesus and His Gospel covers us with complete protection from the devil. And when the Body of Believers band together with our shields of faith…we are unstoppable…we are victorious.
Ephesians 6: 14-15 ” Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
The first piece of equipment the Roman soldier put on was his belt…and the first thing every morning, we too need to be equipping ourselves with the truth from the Word of God. The only way we will ever be able to withstand the barrage of the enemy is with Truth. The breastplate was then hooked onto the belt… covering the vital organs, especially the heart. When we’re in right relationship, or right standing with God, our heart is protected from the flaming darts of the enemy. Finally, some historians credit the footwear of the Roman army as one of the greatest reasons why they were so victorious. Their shoes had spikes in the soles enabling them to maintain tremendous stance and balance whatever the terrain. When you know who you are in Christ and have that confidence…your “spiked soul ” enables you to stand firm and unmoved by the enemy threats and lies.
Ephesians 6:13 ” 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.”
It doesn’t say, ” If maybe someday pain or sorrow possibly comes into your life.” It’s not if, but when bad things happen that we need to be prepared. By putting on the protection and presence of God we’ll be able to not only resist, but to stand firm in the face of evil. For the battle is not ours, but the Lord’s. (II Chronicles 20:15).
Ephesians 6:12 ” For our strength 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.”
It’s the age-old battle of good versus evil…but the battle isn’t against our fellow-man, but against what initiates the evil within us. The armor of God isn’t made for battles with man. Rather, its strength and protection is for battles from forces so powerful that without it we would be completely defenseless. It’s made for battles far beyond what we can comprehend…and battles that come from deep within.
Ephesians 6: 10-11 ” Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Satan is out there trying to trick and mislead us everyday with false and slanted truths. It’s hard to filter out what’s true…what’s a lie, and what’s just drivel . That’s why it’s so important to put on the entire protection of God. No part of us can be left vulnerable…all must be covered by God’s presence and strength…for it’s then that we can stand strong.
Psalm 116: 8-9 ” For You O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living.”
Living according to the Will of God brings life, peace, and harmony within our soul. Even when the tough times come, we can run and hide in His sanctuary until the storm passes over. Thank You Lord for rescuing me and giving me new life. Thank You for that haven of hope and safety I can rest in during those times of turmoil and strife.
Safetypinlove 