The whole armor of God is described in Ephesians 6:10-20. Please take time to read it. It says, "10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle 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. 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
We as christians need armor..........
1. to resist temptation! -There are many sinful temptations in this world but to resist them you must have on your armor of God.
2. to be a servant for God and tell other! -We need to know the bible to tell others right? Get to know your bible and learn what Jesus did to be a servant and tie this into your daily life.
3. to remove doubt and ignorance! -Satan will try to put doubt into your life. Don't let him! Hold tight to God and use your armor. When someone asks you a question about the bible, don't be ignorant. Know your bible and know God!
The armor consists of....
1. the belt of truth - know the truth about God, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
2. the breastplate of righteousness - The holy and perfect righteousness of Jesus in those who are "born again" and filled with His Spirit
3. the sandals of peace - have inner peace and readiness
4. the shield of faith - live by faith
5. the helmet of salvation - salvation through Jesus Christ today and forever!
6. the sword (God's Word) - the double sided sword of truth and accusation
How can I get this armor?
1. Know your bible!
2. Ask God for strength and guidance!
3. Memorize scripture!
The battle is the LORD'S
1 Sam. 17:47 (NKJ) [David, speaking to Goliath] "Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hands."
Deut. 20:3-4 (NIV) ..."Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faint-hearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
Psalm 18:32-35 (NIV) It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Examine Yourself Before Others
Good afternoon! Today we will be looking at the parable in Luke 6:41-42 and the meaning behind it. Luke 6:41-42 says
41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
1. The meaning ~ We all know a christian like the men in this parable. Parables are often told as stories but can be related to a real life situation. This parable speaks of a person who will point out a very small sin in another person's life but fails to notice the giant unforgiven sin in there own life. Admit it, it is easier to pick faults out in other people rather than ourselves. You may sin the same sin but we are reluctant to examine our own lives and faults.
2. Don't misunderstand what God is telling us ~ This parable does not mean to not point out sins and a person's need to get it right. It just means we need to examine ourselves before we do so. I have plenty of posts that I have gotten about half way through but I did not post because I was not ready. I do not post on this website to change others. If it does, praise the Lord but when I make a new blog post I am straightening out myself. I didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for a while and yes I did give up on God once and that is why I posted those blogs!
3. This is a visually understandable parable ~ Jesus tries to make it simple for us in this parable. Think about a speck of saw dust in someone's eye. Now think about a plank in someone's eye. Do you see the obvious difference?
4. Other lessons learned by this passage ~ Jesus shows us the factor of hypocrisy as being a problem. I write blogs and I make sure to enforce them in my daily life. I would not write "Obey your parents" and then not obey my parents. I would then become a hypocrite. We should not point out faults in others yet not notice our own! He also doesn't want us to judge. Only God knows their heart and we are wrong to jump to conclusions. Guilty of any of these sins? I know I am. Get your heart right with God. Before I posted this I prayed to God and asked Him that His will be done and to prepare me for this passage. I always do, and I hope this will bless you as much as it has blessed me.
41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
1. The meaning ~ We all know a christian like the men in this parable. Parables are often told as stories but can be related to a real life situation. This parable speaks of a person who will point out a very small sin in another person's life but fails to notice the giant unforgiven sin in there own life. Admit it, it is easier to pick faults out in other people rather than ourselves. You may sin the same sin but we are reluctant to examine our own lives and faults.
2. Don't misunderstand what God is telling us ~ This parable does not mean to not point out sins and a person's need to get it right. It just means we need to examine ourselves before we do so. I have plenty of posts that I have gotten about half way through but I did not post because I was not ready. I do not post on this website to change others. If it does, praise the Lord but when I make a new blog post I am straightening out myself. I didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ for a while and yes I did give up on God once and that is why I posted those blogs!
3. This is a visually understandable parable ~ Jesus tries to make it simple for us in this parable. Think about a speck of saw dust in someone's eye. Now think about a plank in someone's eye. Do you see the obvious difference?
4. Other lessons learned by this passage ~ Jesus shows us the factor of hypocrisy as being a problem. I write blogs and I make sure to enforce them in my daily life. I would not write "Obey your parents" and then not obey my parents. I would then become a hypocrite. We should not point out faults in others yet not notice our own! He also doesn't want us to judge. Only God knows their heart and we are wrong to jump to conclusions. Guilty of any of these sins? I know I am. Get your heart right with God. Before I posted this I prayed to God and asked Him that His will be done and to prepare me for this passage. I always do, and I hope this will bless you as much as it has blessed me.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Don't Give Up On God
I would like to dedicate this post to all our veterans and currently serving soldiers. Also to all my family and others who are struggling through something in their life right now. Just don't give up on God...One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
I sometimes just have to stop and ask God why. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why are you not able to see one of your loved ones for a very long time? Why do people have to pass away? Why do small, innocent children get horrible deceases. Why God, why???
I do not have the answer to why God is doing something in your life and what is going to happen. I often just sit down and wonder how God thinks this will turn out to something good. I know I speak for myself and many others also. Talk to God whenever you get a chance. He will give you strength. Ask Him for faith that He will take care of you. Think back to others times when God has supplied for you and helped you through tough times. And always look through God's book of advice and help...the Holy Bible.
God's word doesn't talk about specific problems in our life. But some verses you read will remind you of your situation and give you sudden peace in our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah 29:11 ~ "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Romans 8:28 ~ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Philippians 4:19 ~ “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
John 16:33 says ~ “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Isaiah 41:10 ~ ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
God never gave up on us, even when we were sinners. Now don't give up on God even when things seem tough. Many have read this poem and some haven't. I encourage all to read it for the first time or again and think about how this relates to you.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish,
sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints,
so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The years when you have seen only one set of footprints,
my child, is when I carried you.”
Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson
Prayer :
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your many blessings upon me. We come to you right now seeking strength, power, and most of all faith. May your will be done in my life as you have planned for it to. Although I may not understand, guide me, O God, and show me your ways. Give me wisdom, that I may help others and understand this life on earth better. You are my refuge and may all the glory be to you, Lord. Forgive where I have forsaken you and help me through this temporary life in Satan's world. In Jesus name we pray...Amen
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
5 Things Jesus Has Done For Us
Out of hundreds of different examples of what Jesus has done for us, I have chosen five of my favorites. They are :
1. Jesus Loves Us - Jesus has shown his love for us many ways throughout our life. But the most important and best way he could have shown his love for us was by stretching out his arms and dying on the cross for us!
John 15:12 ~ "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
John 3:16 ~ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. Jesus Gives Us Victory - People in sports often experience victory when they beat/conquer their opposing team. Even people that do not play sports still battle sin and if they have faith in God they will overcome and have victory!
1 John 5:4 ~ For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
3. Jesus Supplies Our Needs - Jesus will supply our needs. Please remember the difference between a need and a want while reading this. Just have faith and God will take care of you!
1. Jesus Loves Us - Jesus has shown his love for us many ways throughout our life. But the most important and best way he could have shown his love for us was by stretching out his arms and dying on the cross for us!
John 15:12 ~ "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
John 3:16 ~ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. Jesus Gives Us Victory - People in sports often experience victory when they beat/conquer their opposing team. Even people that do not play sports still battle sin and if they have faith in God they will overcome and have victory!
1 John 5:4 ~ For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
3. Jesus Supplies Our Needs - Jesus will supply our needs. Please remember the difference between a need and a want while reading this. Just have faith and God will take care of you!
Philippians 4:19 ~ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
4. Jesus Knows Us By Name - He knows our name and everything about us out of everyone on earth. He knows our prayers before we even speak or pray them. He is an AWESOME God!
Luke 12:7 ~ Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
John 10:3-5 ~ 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
5. Jesus has overcome the devil - When the devil tempts us, we can hold onto the Lord because he has defeated Satan!! When Jesus took on Satan's area of speciality (humanity and death), he took it and then defeated it by rising from the dead and taking away our sins!
4. Jesus Knows Us By Name - He knows our name and everything about us out of everyone on earth. He knows our prayers before we even speak or pray them. He is an AWESOME God!
Luke 12:7 ~ Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
John 10:3-5 ~ 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”
5. Jesus has overcome the devil - When the devil tempts us, we can hold onto the Lord because he has defeated Satan!! When Jesus took on Satan's area of speciality (humanity and death), he took it and then defeated it by rising from the dead and taking away our sins!
Hebrews 2:14-15 ~ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
I hope everyone continues to have a great week and please keep tornado victims throughout the country in your prayers and thoughts. God bless!
I hope everyone continues to have a great week and please keep tornado victims throughout the country in your prayers and thoughts. God bless!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Do Not Love The World!
Good afternoon! Today, we will look deeper into scripture about a human's love with the world. Where is your "home"? Would you give up everything if Jesus told you to? When Jesus commands you to go somewhere will you cling to your earthly possessions? God knew that many people would struggle with this throughout the different generations. So, in Mark 10:17-31 Jesus shows us a story of a rich young man. The man is first displayed as pious and polite as he knelt before Jesus and called him "Good teacher." He then asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" He thinks that there is a trick to earning eternal life just as he earned his wealth. Jesus first confronts him that only God is good and to him be the glory. The young rich man said he kept all the commandments but Jesus said he lacked one thing. Jesus said, "Go, sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this, the man went away sad because he had great wealth. Mark 10:25 says 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Think about that for a second.
Now, we will look at the scripture of 1 John 2:15-17.
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (New International Version)
Throughout the bible, the often used term "world" can be referred to as people or as the earth. In this scripture, it refers to both. I think Carrie Underwood explains our situation best in her popular song 'Temporary Home'. She sings, "This is just a stop on the way to where I'm going. I'm not afraid because I know... this is my temporary home." I am guilty of loving the world. Being a big horse racing fan, I often read more updates on the latest horse racing news than how much I read out of God's word! For the bible says, we have all sinned! Christians let the ruler of this world (Satan) rule their life and sinful temptations and we fall into his trap! Worship God today! Ask him for help with this certain topic. None of this other stuff here on Earth really matters! We as christians are here on Earth for a mission! Spread the good news and rejoice in him! He is coming soon! Be ready to leave all your stuff behind and go to live with him for eternity!
Now, we will look at the scripture of 1 John 2:15-17.
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (New International Version)
Throughout the bible, the often used term "world" can be referred to as people or as the earth. In this scripture, it refers to both. I think Carrie Underwood explains our situation best in her popular song 'Temporary Home'. She sings, "This is just a stop on the way to where I'm going. I'm not afraid because I know... this is my temporary home." I am guilty of loving the world. Being a big horse racing fan, I often read more updates on the latest horse racing news than how much I read out of God's word! For the bible says, we have all sinned! Christians let the ruler of this world (Satan) rule their life and sinful temptations and we fall into his trap! Worship God today! Ask him for help with this certain topic. None of this other stuff here on Earth really matters! We as christians are here on Earth for a mission! Spread the good news and rejoice in him! He is coming soon! Be ready to leave all your stuff behind and go to live with him for eternity!
Monday, May 9, 2011
A Mother's Love
I hope everyone had a great mother's day. My sincere prayers go out to everyone who has lost their mother or for some other reason are not able to celebrate mother's day. In some ways, a mother's love for her children can be very similar to God's love for sinners.
Mothers make sacrifices for their children. Our scripture for this lesson come from 1 Kings 3:16-28 and Exodus 2:1-10. I want to encourage you to take a few minutes and read those two passages from the bible.
1 Kings 3 :16-28 tells a story of two mothers. They both have children but one woman's child dies. The woman began to fight over who's child the living baby was. Then they went before the king and argued. The king ordered for his servant to bring him a sword. He proceeded to explain to the women how he planned to cut the baby in half and give one half to each. The real mother of the child was filled with compassion and instead of letting this happen, she told the king to give her child to the other women. The king then knew that she was the true mother.
The mother loved the child enough to give him up! The mother gave up her child for his own well being. A mother will do what she knows is best for the child. This can be compared to how God died on the cross for us and how although we may not understand, he does what is best for us throughout our lives.
Exodus 2:1-10 tells of Moses as a child. All of the boys being born in that area, were being killed. For his safety, she put him in a basket and sent him afloat down the river. He was recovered by the king's daughter. The mother then got to raise her own son!
God rewarded the mother for her sacrifice! Because of Jesus dying on the cross, our sins were forgiven!
Mothers today are still like those told of in bible time. Mother comfort their children. They provide their needs, and they love them. Let your mother know today how much you love her and appreciate her being in your life.
Mothers make sacrifices for their children. Our scripture for this lesson come from 1 Kings 3:16-28 and Exodus 2:1-10. I want to encourage you to take a few minutes and read those two passages from the bible.
1 Kings 3 :16-28 tells a story of two mothers. They both have children but one woman's child dies. The woman began to fight over who's child the living baby was. Then they went before the king and argued. The king ordered for his servant to bring him a sword. He proceeded to explain to the women how he planned to cut the baby in half and give one half to each. The real mother of the child was filled with compassion and instead of letting this happen, she told the king to give her child to the other women. The king then knew that she was the true mother.
The mother loved the child enough to give him up! The mother gave up her child for his own well being. A mother will do what she knows is best for the child. This can be compared to how God died on the cross for us and how although we may not understand, he does what is best for us throughout our lives.
Exodus 2:1-10 tells of Moses as a child. All of the boys being born in that area, were being killed. For his safety, she put him in a basket and sent him afloat down the river. He was recovered by the king's daughter. The mother then got to raise her own son!
God rewarded the mother for her sacrifice! Because of Jesus dying on the cross, our sins were forgiven!
Mothers today are still like those told of in bible time. Mother comfort their children. They provide their needs, and they love them. Let your mother know today how much you love her and appreciate her being in your life.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
In Matthew 18:1-9, the disciples ask Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of God?" Jesus then calls a little child to stand beside him. He said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Scripture from Matthew 18:2-4, New International Version)
What did Jesus mean when he explained children as the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Will adults go to hell or be second best in the kingdom of heaven? How could an adult possibly become a child?
To understand this better, we need to discuss some characteristics of children.
1. Children are needy. - Children seem to always want that new toy or a sweet unhealthy snack, but their parent will often not let them have what they want. Why? Because parents are much wiser, they know that their children do not need these things. They may want them but their parents will do what is best for them, even if the child doesn't understand.
2. Children look up to their parents. - I remember when I used to look up to my parents for everything. I always needed help either from tying my shoe or to riding my bike. I can remember even wanting to never move out and live with them forever. I always looked to them for help. I am a teenager now, and I think I know how to do everything. I don't look up to my parents as much as I used to and I have made many mistakes because of that. Even though I am not a little child anymore, I still need to look up to my parents.
3. Children have faith their parents will supply their needs. - When I was younger, my family's financial status never crossed my mind. I knew my parents were paying their bills and I didn't have to worry about a thing. Even as a teenager, I still don't think of financial stuff as much. I know once I start driving and go to college, I will begin to worry about these things. I will start to have less faith that my parents will supply my needs, and I will begin to worry more.
What does this have to do with our lesson????
1. We like children are needy before God. He will do what is best for us.
2. We need to look up to God and seek his help and guidance in everything.
3. We need to have more faith in the Lord that He will supply our needs and take care of us.
Jesus wants us to become humble (not proud or arrogant; modest) ourselves before the Lord like little children. In doing this, you will become the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
What did Jesus mean when he explained children as the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Will adults go to hell or be second best in the kingdom of heaven? How could an adult possibly become a child?
To understand this better, we need to discuss some characteristics of children.
1. Children are needy. - Children seem to always want that new toy or a sweet unhealthy snack, but their parent will often not let them have what they want. Why? Because parents are much wiser, they know that their children do not need these things. They may want them but their parents will do what is best for them, even if the child doesn't understand.
2. Children look up to their parents. - I remember when I used to look up to my parents for everything. I always needed help either from tying my shoe or to riding my bike. I can remember even wanting to never move out and live with them forever. I always looked to them for help. I am a teenager now, and I think I know how to do everything. I don't look up to my parents as much as I used to and I have made many mistakes because of that. Even though I am not a little child anymore, I still need to look up to my parents.
3. Children have faith their parents will supply their needs. - When I was younger, my family's financial status never crossed my mind. I knew my parents were paying their bills and I didn't have to worry about a thing. Even as a teenager, I still don't think of financial stuff as much. I know once I start driving and go to college, I will begin to worry about these things. I will start to have less faith that my parents will supply my needs, and I will begin to worry more.
What does this have to do with our lesson????
1. We like children are needy before God. He will do what is best for us.
2. We need to look up to God and seek his help and guidance in everything.
3. We need to have more faith in the Lord that He will supply our needs and take care of us.
Jesus wants us to become humble (not proud or arrogant; modest) ourselves before the Lord like little children. In doing this, you will become the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
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