Tag Archives: God’s word

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

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NIV Bible

Truth! Are you Free in Christ??

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

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Who are you in Christ?? Not who you think you are on the days that you fail miserably…but Who does God’s word say you are??? You are FREE in Christ my friend!

I will continue to share more truths about our true identity. This is not an exhaustive list to be sure, but scripture that we can learn and lean on; especially when we don’t “feel” the truth. Even when we don’t “feel” it, we must lean on the truth of His word that teaches us that we are indeed “free” in Christ.

These truths were confirmed in my heart many times over with teachings from Bill and Annabelle Gillham. You can access their website...www.lifetime.org I encourage you to visit their site.

I am inadequate…..I am complete in Christ……“For in Christ all the fullness of Diety 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

Each person must live his own life…….Christ will express His life through me….“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:3-4

I would have made it on my own if I won lots of money…..I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing…“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

I am always the last one chosen….I am chosen by the One who makes the rules.….“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will to the praise of His glorious grace which He has freely given us in the One He loves.” Ephesians 1:4-6

I feel guilty all the time…..“The One who makes the rules says that I am forgiven….“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7

I worry about the future…My glorious future is set in spiritual concrete...“And he made know to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect wen the times will have reached their fulfillment, to bring all things in heaven and one earth together under one head, even Christ. In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” Ephesians 1:9-11

I feel so insecure and anxious...I have been sealed with the Spirit, I am safe...““And you were also included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14

I am so thankful for His word, the living WORD of God which breathes life into my parched soul!

Be blessed dear ones..
IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

http://www.lifetime.org
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Oh How HE Loves Us…

Spiritual Encouragement, , , , , , , , ,

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OH How He loves us! Are you hearing that special praise and worship song in your head right now? It is TRUE!!

I have been writing about our identity, but will deviate from it this time. I will go back to the listing of misconceptions we have about who we are next time!

I have been asked how we know His voice? How do we know that God is speaking to us? We listen to Him when reading His word and in prayer. He speaks to us through His creation, His world. The Lord wants us to know that we are loved and I believe that He does not want His presence to be a mystery to us.

John 1:1-2 says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.”

Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges thoughts and the attitude of the heart.

He speaks to us through His word and meets us right where we are in our lives. The supernatural thing is that He speaks to many, many people at the same time. He speaks to where our needs lie at the time. It does not matter if it is a three year old little boy listening to a Bible story or and eighty-three year old grandmother through an in depth Bible study…He speaks through His word! He loves us!

If we go back to the scripture, notice..The Word of God is LIVING. It is able to minister to me, to guide me, to fit my stage of life…WHY? Because it LIVES! It always has been and always will be! It lives and breathes..kind of like a good pair of shoes made of leather. Once you wear these shoes, they take on the shape and feel of your foot and fits perfectly! Oh how He loves us!

“Living” is a verb that translates to the word…zao in the Greek. It literally means to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead),to enjoy real life! Isn’t that awesome!?
God’s word is not only alive, it brings LIFE to us! God has given us this living, breathing Word of love to bring us victory in our everyday life! That is love like no other.

The Bible is not to be viewed as a list of “do’s and don’ts”, but a guide to live as He knows is best for us. Love is the key to living this life and living is so much more abundantly.

I actually wrote a devotional on this in 2001. I am (but shouldn’t be) amazed how He used it in my life then (as a stay at home mom who homeschooled and worked as a radio announcer) to today…a just retired special education teacher (I actually felt led to quit) who is now middle aged. An empty nester who is being healed, refreshed, and renewed. That’s just like my Abba Father, my Daddy. Meets me where I am….because of love.

My prayer is that you will be encouraged today, whichever season of life in which you are in…HE loves you and wants you to know it…He left His love letter for you. And it is alive.
Oh my….HOW HE loves us.

Blessings Dear Ones…
IN CHRIST ALONE

Isaiah 55:8-9

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