Category Archives: Who I am in Christ

Full Armor-New Fashion Trend?

Christ's rest, Freedom in Christ, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, To Rest in Christ, Who I am in Christ, , , , , , , , ,

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I am thinking I could start a new fashion trend!

At my age, wearing a full suit of armor might just do me some good. If I fell, I would not break my hip. If my face was dry from all the cold weather, it would protect my skin. If I did not have my clothes laid out already, at least I would have it laying out- or should I say “standing up”?

Thank goodness I don’t have to put on that suit. I doubt in comes in turquoise blue anyway! The truth of the matter is…I already have the suit on! Everyday! As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, He has equipped me to stand against the enemy and all the world throws my way.

“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. 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.” Ephesians 6:13-15

We know that the righteousness from the breastplate comes from Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. A breastplate actually protected the soldier’s heart and lungs. We have been made “right” before God through Jesus.

The feet of an ancient soldier had to be protected by the rough, rocky terrain. The gospel of peace fitted on us is a reminder of our protection, the grace through Jesus Christ.

A belt held the armor in place, and provided protection often times for the vital organs. The truth of course, is the Bible. If we know the word, the Truth…we can stand against any lie thrown our way!

So, let me continue a bit more on the lies(fiery darts) shot our way and see how the belt of “truth” protects us against these lies!

I cannot do anything, I am worthless…..God has given me the spirit of power…..”For God did not give me the spirit of timidity, but the spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I don’t know how to live the Christian life…..God has given me His love letter in the word for instruction….”All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I am not worthy of His love….It is not anything I do or have done to receive His love….”But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared he saved us through the washing and rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope in eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7

Now comes your part….Check out Hebrews 4:14-16 to find out how you can approach God.
How about Hebrews 13:5-6 about not having to handle life alone and finally Hebrews 13:8 on the never changing character of God and who He is.

If you haven’t put on your armor, and I am not talking about the turquoise suit, put it on. You might just start a fashion trend!

Blessings dear ones~
IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*Google image*
NIV Bible

HE’s not playing PeekaBoo!

Freedom in Christ, Jesus Christ, Spiritual Encouragement, To Rest in Christ, Who I am in Christ, , , , , , , , , ,

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PeekaBoo! Nope, God is not Hiding!

Why can’t I hear from God? I never know if it is Him talking to me. He’s a mystery, remember? How do I know His voice?

When my husband calls me on the phone, he does not have to identify himself to me. I recognize his voice immediately. Why? Because I spend time with him. I know his voice, and most of the time, after 34 years of marriage, can figure out what is on his mind! I believe that is how it is with the Father! We spend time with Him and His word and we begin to recognize His voice. He does not play “peekaboo, come find me.” He does not want it to be a mystery. He wants us to know Him.

Romans 16:25-27: “Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.”

Colossians 1:26-27 “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

In the Old Testament, Christ had not been revealed. The mystery of Christ has been made know to us!Now there are certain “mysteries” I believe that are of the Father, because His ways are higher than our ways. But staying hidden away from us is not one of those mysteries. He reveals himself to us through many means. Once we recognize His voice, we see those ways.

Again, if we don’t know who we are in Christ, we won’t recognize His voice. I am going to further reference some of those things we think of ourselves. The more we learn and hide in our heart and choose to believe, the easier it will be to “hear” Him.

God always seems so far away…..I have been brought near God…..“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 2:13

My problems are too trivial for God…I have boldness and confident access to God…“In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 2:13

I am so confused….His peace guards my heart and mind…..“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

I don’t understand Christ and have no wisdom when it comes to the Bible…..Christ in us is the mystery, wisdom, and our encouragement….“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God (namely Christ), in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3

I have no power and am constantly defeated and hurt….I have power in Christ and who I am….“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10

Dear ones, I feel it is of the utmost importance that we learn these things. Once we grasp the truth, we will be able to share our joy with others..even in the midst of these swirling circumstances of life. And, we will not have to solve a mystery…no peekaboo. Listen for His voice friends.

Blessings dear ones
IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

*Google image*

Marriage and Motherhood=Perfection (NOT)

Christianity, Love one another, mom, motherhood, Parenting, Spiritual Encouragement, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Marriage and Motherhood….Both are Perfect (NOT) Give it up!!

My marriage is perfect, my children were and still are perfect, my life is basically perfect….REALLY?

That’s what I want to say to those who profess this!  The one thing I never, ever want to do is sound like my life in these areas have been perfect!  Trust me, they have not been anywhere close.  If there is one thing that gets on my nerves it is people who profess perfection and then don’t even have any life experiences or truth in which to base this condition!!  My pet peeve.  There I said it.  I actually didn’t say everything that goes through my mind, I would be in lots of trouble….

I have been married 34 years to my high school sweetheart.  We have been together for 37 years.  So we have literally grown up together.  We have been through so much together, and learned in that process.  Nothing prepares you for marriage. Nothing.  Not all the “expert” books and articles.  Nothing.   From getting adjusted to way your spouse puts the toilet paper on the roll ….to how you will handle illness or the death of a loved one together…NOTHING will prepare you.

My children were exactly 2 and 1/2 years apart.  It is easy as a mother of adults now to look back at those years and remember only the good times.  But there were bad times.  Nothing prepares you for motherhood..nothing. At all.  Nothing.  From being pregnant with another person growing inside you……to staying up on the couch pretending to be awake while waiting on your teenager to come home…NOTHING prepares you for that.

 NOTHING prepares you for these things.  But Someone will be with you through all those things.  The Father will.  If there is one thing I have learned through the years that has proven invaluable to me it is to  I had to learn to give it up My titles as “wife” and “mother”had to be set aside sometimes.  I had to let Jesus be Jesus in me.  When my husband was upset with me..my first response was so full of my flesh.  I have learned over the years that I had to get rid of me and see him as Jesus saw him.  I had to love him as Jesus loved him.  I had to give up my needs at that time and listen to him.  And trust me, I could not do that on my own…at all.

When one of the boys would come to me with a heavy heart and tell me something (while acting like I had truly been awake watching television..you do what you have to) that as a mother I really did not want to hear…I had to give up.  I had to respond to him as Jesus would.  I couldn’t let my pride get in the way.  I couldn’t let my motherhood throw out advice.  I had to give that all up and love him like Jesus, point him to Jesus.

Minister to your family.  Give it up.  Don’t try to do it in your own strength.  You won’t be perfect, your marriage won’t be perfect, your kids won’t be perfect.  Only HE is perfect.  So “give it up” friend!!! 

Psalm 18:30: “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”

2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

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isn’t that just the “perfect” picture? wink,wink!

Blessings dear ones~

IN CHRIST ALONE
Isaiah 55:8-9

*personal photographs*