Welcome to Monday Morning Inspirational Blast Part 2—INTRODUCTION of GET THROUGH, GOING THROUGH – LIFE BOOK. Non-fiction (informational or factual) based on Ephesians 6:10-18. The truth of God’s Word. Like so for our hearing a reminder “To be strong in the LORD.” To be strong in the LORD we are to follow God’s instructions which takes action to “ Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Also failure to “Put on our weapons of warfare” many times results to not hearing from God, frustration, making mistakes, acting out of character or lacking self-control to do what is morally right, based on God’s way. Not what man thinks. “Yeah, you should have said, what you said, because they deserved it.
Now let us consider Ephesians 6:14 “Having put on the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate protects the vital body organs. According to the Cleveland Clinic the breastplate organs are the heart, lungs, esophagus (throat) is the food tube, the trachea is a long tube that sends air to the lungs and the thymus is a small gland that makes and train the T-cells to fight off disease and infections.
For this lesson we will focus on the heart since our spiritual connection to God lies in our hearts. Our hearts demonstrates our love for others and God. Within our hearts we cannot hide our truths—our actions from God. Also our strength, our ability to be strong in the LORD is rooted in our hearts.
More on the “Heart” which is protected by the breastplate of righteousness. Excerpts taken from Chapter 3. Working on new edition of Get Through Life book volume two. Now the “Breastplate of Righteousness represents the thickness of God’s protection of our hearts. God’s thickness and protection is His divine nature, absolute perfection and justice.
We say, “I am not God, I am not Jesus.” Of course we are not—but it is our intent to be more like our Triune God. Righteousness and holiness for all believers is through the sinless and supreme moral perfection revealed through the character and life of Jesus. So let us continue to pick up our Bibles and read, learn and internalize the life that Christ lived to become more like Him. Constantly remind us LORD our help comes from You. Again Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might.” Not ours.’ Psalm 29:11 “The LORD will give strength unto His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.”
Can anyone testify to the peace given by God during the storms of life---sometimes with winds to discourse us—get us way off track in trusting God. Yes, we can testify to God’s peace. John 16 is powerful. Our assurance of peace is in Christ. Verse 33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Now Ephesians 6:16 “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” Another metaphor comparing soldiers’ shield in physical battles to believers’ shield in spiritual battles.
The ancient shields in physical battle were usually tough, without sleeves, made with leather, beast’s skin, coats of metal, plate and scaled armor with embroidered tunics of felt and leather. It had curved point or square projection like a roof. A safeguard that covered the whole body in siege that normally measured two and a half feet by four feet. It was reported “Flaming arrows could not penetrate the fireproof shield.
Nor can the assaults of the devil penetrate the shield of those who have faith, trust and believe in the power of God. Our Father’s shield covers us from head to toe, inside and out, short to tall and skinny to fat. Therefore the LORD’s shield is above perfect and beyond our imagination to shield, protect and get us through. Second Samuel 22:31 “As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” Psalm 28:7 “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise Him.” Hebrew 9:14 “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Now our next weapon for battle. We realize the importance of protecting the head during physical and spiritual war. The head is the dwelling of our brain which lies our intelligence and emotions. To be brain dead is lifeless with no productivity. Therefore soldiers during physical war had to protect their heads with a helmet to win the battle.
Similar to believers in times of war with our adversary we must protect our head/brain. Not to be caught off guard or tricked by what we see. We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Then let us not lose confidence in God’s Word about our situations. Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Therefore with confidence and assurance Ephesians 6:17 “And take the helmet of Salvation,” the perfect gift from God.
Excerpts from Chapter 7 “Sword of the Spirit.” Therefore, this is not the time to play “Patty Cake,” an old card game we engaged in while children. Now fully grown the game of life is real. Thank You LORD for reminding us Ephesians 6:12 “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” but the true battle is against “Rulers of darkness, principalities, evilness, spiritual wickedness in high places” and more. You continue to instruct us on how to stand, believe, trust and use Your armor to defeat the adversary.
Just need to say, sometimes we operate in spirits not of God. Maybe there’s some stuff like unforgiveness, bitterness, overbearing (It has to be my way—want to take over) or jealousy that needs to be resolved within ourselves to move forward in: peace, joy, love and forgiveness. Then God is able to move more in our behalf to accomplish the truth of His Word.
Declaring the enemy will not hinder our faith, confidence and the assurances we have in the Word of God, in the “Sword of the Spirit? Here are some reminders of the power and truths we have in warfare to defeat those negative thoughts, to overcome fear and to remember the battle has already been won through the shedding of Jesus’ blood.
Psalm 23:1 “The LORD is my Shepherd. I shall not want;” Psalm 62:1-2 “Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved;” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;” and 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Hebrews 4:12-13 “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account;” 1 Peter 5:8-9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world;” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind;” and 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 “ Now may our LORD Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good Word and work.”
Excerpts: Chapter 9 “Victory is Driven Through Prayer.” Paul indicates victory or effectiveness in putting on the “Whole armor” of God to stand against the wiles, tricks and deceits of the devil is driven by prayer. Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” First Timothy 2:1-3 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”
When you and I pray it is importance to be in God’s presence. I know you are attentive LORD, I know You hear me and direct my prayers. Then sometimes LORD I’m not feeling You which is not intentionally. It’s due to life pressures like work, taking care of children, grandchildren or maybe a parent. So LORD when I pray, I desire You to be in my presence and I invite You in. Psalm 136 welcomes the presence of God, giving Him thanks for all He has done. We can pray this scripture as well as add what we are thankful for. A great way to evoke the presence of God, to feel He is in the midst of you and I. Singing a love song to God invites His presence. We can make up the lyrics or sing scriptures using your melody unto God.
We pray and hope something was said reminding us we are not in the battle of life-warfare by ourselves. Because we truly serve a God of provision “To stand against the wiles of the devil—To put on the Whole Armor of God.” Continue blessings and love, Neatbooks4u
