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.
Tag: nothing is impossible with god
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.
Acts 19: 11-12 ” God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.”
Who do you think had more faith in this verse? The Apostle Paul, who laying hands on that handkerchief, believed for a miracle? Or was it the family member, who seeing Paul perform miracles, believed that they could take that same healing power to their bed-bound loved one via that handkerchief? Or was the one with the most faith the gravely ill person holding tightly to that anointed handkerchief… believing for a miracle?
Romans 15:13 ” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may over flow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
That deep inner psychological sense of hope, confidence and expectation can only be reached and fully satisfied when we allow the Lord to fill that “God shaped” void inside us. And that wonderful transformation then allows us to “spill over”….for the God of all hope fills us to over flowing so that we might give that hope to others.
Matthew 9:2 ” Jesus said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ “
Hopelessness can take on many faces, and be caused by many different reasons. But regardless, that bitterly piercing anguish of losing hope takes our spirit to the very depths of despair with seemingly no way out. The paralytic had lost all hope…there was nothing left for him to do but die…but then Jesus spoke hope back into him. You too may be facing hopelessness today…allow Jesus to speak hope back into your life right now…and believe.
Matthew 14: 26-27 ” When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost!’, they said, and cried in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ “
Fear will throw us into confusion…but the calm reassuring voice of the Lord can penetrate any chaos and be heard above any thunderous storm in our lives. But just listening to His voice is not enough…we need to then activate our faith. Because for a moment we might have lost our courage, but with the Lord’s encouraging words, we can find it again.
Hebrews 6:19 ” We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
The verse before this one says that we need to “take hold of hope”…to hold fast to our faith and confidence especially when times get tough. This confidence we have is the foundation that we can rely on. This ” soul certainty” will not waver when darkness falls around us…it is unmovable…unshakable… it’s that unfailing trust in God that will see us through anything.
II Chronicles 20:20 ” Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in His prophets and you will be successful.”
On this last day of 2015, whose report will you believe today? The pessimistic and slanted world’s view, or the Lord’s divine perspective on things? The most reliable truth comes from God and His people. His Word will sustain you, and cause you to prosper…to be happy and victorious in this next coming year. Look to Him and His people for this guidance as you move into 2016.
Isaiah 9:6 ” For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Jesus the Messiah has come to earth for you and me this Christmas Day. He offers mercy and love, peace and comfort, salvation and eternal life in place of the pain, loss, and hopelessness that may be in your life today. Allow Him to come into your life and change you from the inside out…taking all the negatives and transforming them into hope for the future. A Blessed Christmas to all of you!
Safetypinlove 