10) This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength. 11) Put on the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. 12) Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. 13) Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will still be standing. ~ Eph. 6:10-13 (NLV)
The Bible teaches that Satan has waged war against God and those who follow Him. This means that all Christians are on a spiritual battlefield.
In any conflict, soldiers should be given the right equipment and training in how to use it. Otherwise, it would be foolish to expect success. In a similar way, we should follow God’s directions on how best to utilize the effective spiritual armor He has provided for us.
Let’s explore each component. First, the belt of truth indicates that we should operate according to Scripture, which keeps us in the safety of God’s will. Second, the breastplate of righteousness protects our heart from wrong emotions. Third, we should have feet that are ready to stand firm against the Devil and bring the good news to others (Isa. 52:7). Fourth, the shield of faith stops the Enemy’s flaming missiles. Faith—or trust in Jesus—allows us to fight doubt, fear, and confusion. Fifth, the sword of the Spirit is the actual weapon used to cause damage to our opponent. Specifically, this is the Word of God. Scripture is “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12), transforming us to be like Jesus, shedding light in a dark world, and enabling the spiritually blind to see. And finally, the helmet of salvation is protection for our thoughts.
Do you truly realize that you have a living Enemy? He continually attempts to draw you away from Jesus. Satan’s path seems comfortable and good, but it leads only to destruction. There is no middle ground; either you are battling the Enemy, or he is deceptively pulling you away from the truth.
(via Pastor Charles Stanley)
Be Blesed!
Dawn
Friday, October 14, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A Genuine Love for God
How can you tell if you really love God? Here are some indicators of whether your love for God is real.
You will long for personal communion with Him. When you really love someone, you like to spend time with him or her. And if you really love God, then you will want to be in fellowship with Him.
You will love the things that He loves. We know what God loves by what He has declared in His Word. The psalmist said, "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure" (Psalm 119:162).
You will hate the things that He hates. Psalm 97:10 says, "Let those who love the Lord hate evil. . . ." Romans 12:9 tells us to "abhor what is evil" and "cling to what is good." See evil as God sees it.
You will love other Christians. In 1 John 3:14 we read, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." Don't say that you love God while you harbor hatred toward fellow believers.
You will long for the return of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul wrote, "Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8). A Christian who loves God looks forward to Christ's return.
You will keep His commandments. Jesus said, "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me . . ." (John 14:21). If you love God, then you will do what He says.
If you love God, the proof will be in your actions.
(via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
You will long for personal communion with Him. When you really love someone, you like to spend time with him or her. And if you really love God, then you will want to be in fellowship with Him.
You will love the things that He loves. We know what God loves by what He has declared in His Word. The psalmist said, "I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure" (Psalm 119:162).
You will hate the things that He hates. Psalm 97:10 says, "Let those who love the Lord hate evil. . . ." Romans 12:9 tells us to "abhor what is evil" and "cling to what is good." See evil as God sees it.
You will love other Christians. In 1 John 3:14 we read, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." Don't say that you love God while you harbor hatred toward fellow believers.
You will long for the return of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul wrote, "Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8). A Christian who loves God looks forward to Christ's return.
You will keep His commandments. Jesus said, "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me . . ." (John 14:21). If you love God, then you will do what He says.
If you love God, the proof will be in your actions.
(via Greg Laurie)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, October 10, 2011
God Works Within Us
20) Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21) to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations [a]forever and ever. Amen. ~ Eph. 3: 20-21 (NASB)
Let these words slowly sink into your understanding: “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (v. 20). What an amazing description of God’s ability to work within us.
Yet so often our focus is mainly on what we want Him to do around us: If He would change this situation or fix that problem, then my life would be better. But He invites us to think and ask bigger—He wants to change us!
The Holy Spirit has more than enough power to transform lives from the inside out, but working change within is usually a slow process. Spiritual fruit takes time to grow and mature. That’s why we need patience and faith to believe He is working even when we don’t see the results right away. God is never in a hurry and will never give up on us.
The Lord has a purpose for your life, and He is constantly working to achieve it. Although He has an individualized plan for each one of His children, He also has an overarching goal—to conform every believer to the image of His Son Jesus Christ. In order to accomplish this, He may have to bring us through some struggles and heartaches. It might make no sense to us, but God knows exactly what He’s doing.
What would you like to see the Lord do within you? As you read the Scriptures, look for qualities that God considers precious, and ask Him to work them out in your life. Then rely on His wonderful promise to do even more than you have asked or imagined.
(Via Pastor Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Let these words slowly sink into your understanding: “able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (v. 20). What an amazing description of God’s ability to work within us.
Yet so often our focus is mainly on what we want Him to do around us: If He would change this situation or fix that problem, then my life would be better. But He invites us to think and ask bigger—He wants to change us!
The Holy Spirit has more than enough power to transform lives from the inside out, but working change within is usually a slow process. Spiritual fruit takes time to grow and mature. That’s why we need patience and faith to believe He is working even when we don’t see the results right away. God is never in a hurry and will never give up on us.
The Lord has a purpose for your life, and He is constantly working to achieve it. Although He has an individualized plan for each one of His children, He also has an overarching goal—to conform every believer to the image of His Son Jesus Christ. In order to accomplish this, He may have to bring us through some struggles and heartaches. It might make no sense to us, but God knows exactly what He’s doing.
What would you like to see the Lord do within you? As you read the Scriptures, look for qualities that God considers precious, and ask Him to work them out in your life. Then rely on His wonderful promise to do even more than you have asked or imagined.
(Via Pastor Charles Stanley)
Be Blessed!
Dawn
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