No small number of believers are aware of the words of Ephesians 6 with regards to the "armour" of God. However, no small number may also not be aware that merely quoting those words is akin to sitting on your couch and saying "I lock the door, I bar the windows and I turn on the security system" all without actually getting up and doing any of it. The Apostles words are not merely something to be stated - they are instructional in nature and are things to be done and known, not merely spoken.
For instance, if you wish to defend yourself against the lies, fear and doubts that the enemy tosses your way, you should 1) know what God has said to and about you and 2) stand on the validity of those words because of Who it was that said them. This is your shield and you will find knowing and doing this far more effective at stopping "arrows" than just quoting a verse about strapping on a "shield of faith."
Do not be caught unaware my Brother, do not be caught off guard my Sister, our enemy is not of flesh and blood, and they roam this plane like a hunting lion looking for prey. Know the truth and stand firm.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Sunday, January 14, 2018
A Brief Q & A
Q: Hey, what is required for me to be a part of the church?
A: Well, if you are talking about the Church, as in the Body of Christ as described in the Bible, the answer would be faith in Christ.
Q: But, what about all that other stuff about dressing a certain way, or talking certain ways or giving up habits, etc?
A: Ah, well, those would be requirements to join a local church, club, clique, etc set in place by someone at some point in time, not the Church as in the Body. That is not take anything away from your local church but God only requires faith and nothing else.
Q: Local church or Body?
A: A local church is like the baptist church down the road or even that interdenominational one across town - a relatively small group which typically meets in the same building once or more a week. Church - as in Body - is what the Bible frequently is talking about when it says church and that would be all of those people - regardless of who they are, where they live, when they meet, etc - who have a relationship with God via faith in Jesus Christ. So there is a pretty significant difference, for there are people who belong to the Body who have never been in a "church building", just as there are people who meet faithfully in a "church" who would not know Jesus if He knocked on their door selling cookies.
Thus concludes this evenings Q&A, we hope it has been informative.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Friday, April 21, 2017
And Your Challenger...
Day 1
This challenge involves social media (Facebook, twitter, etc).
Today, you will start praying through your entire friends list. Some of us have quite lengthy lists, so this may take more than a day to get through but I encourage you to continue at it until you have gotten through it at least once.
Pray for each person to be blessed - mention each one by name. Other things include (but not lmited to): that they come to know God, that He reveals Himself in new ways, that they feel His love for them, etc. Do not pray against anyone and try not to be overly specific with situations - leave God lots of play room/ don't try and limit Him. If you come to someone whom you feel you have something in your heart against, pray to release them and forgive them. Don't rush this - if you feel you are starting to rush along, stop and come back later.
This may seem kind of simple but you might be the only person who will be praying for <whomever> today, or ever, for that matter, so it is a bigger deal than you realize. Also, You may think that those in "vocational ministry" positions (pastors, etc) on your list have lots of people praying for them but that is not necessarily true either.
Day 2
One cannot underestimate just how much power there is in an unexpected encouraging word or kind action. There have been lives changed, and even saved, due to the words or actions of someone unexpected or a stranger. Today, you are going change lives.
As you go throughout your day, make an intentional effort to speak a word of encouragement or kindness to someone and I want you to do it for someone that you either do not know (at all, or well) or towards someone you feel does not deserve it. Do not falsely flatter someone, just say something honestly nice. You may also do something nice for someone. Something as simple as holding door open can sometimes make a huge difference. In addition to just "being nice", I want you to either add a "God bless you" or "God loves you" - because He does, and you are doing this as an extension of that as opposed to just feeling like being nice today (you are associating your words and actions with God's love as opposed to good manners, etc). You do not, however, take it any further than that - there are no strings attached, after all. God loves everyone - today, show people love; encourage them, say or do something that lifts them up and makes their day a bit brighter.
Some suggestions for people, if your stuck: cashiers, sanitation/janitorial workers, transportation workers, and, in your church, elders/deacons - all people who tend to not get shown much appreciation for what they do. And do not stress out about mentioning God - a simple God bless you will suffice - baby steps, after all.
PS: I also want you to make a point of doing this for someone very close to you as well - sometimes we can take people in our lives for granted.
Day 3
Someone you know - immediate / close family or friend - has something wrong. It might be something small, like a headache or it could be something bigger. Should they mention this thing when you are together (physically) sometime over the next 24 hours, I want you to ask if you can pray for them. If they know you, they will likely say "sure" and expect you to maybe remember to pray at some point for them. But I am not asking you to do that. I am asking for you to ask them if you can pray right then for them and, should they agree, I want you to reach out, and pray for them, then and there.
Maybe you step out and do it and the headache (for example) stays. At least they know you actually prayed for them, since they were there for it. Then again, maybe it goes away ... that changes things a bit, for both of you.
The Final Challenge
Here is your final challenge: keep doing these.
None of these things - praying for people both in private and in person, encouraging people and sharing God's love, forgiving people and seeking His leading - are odd or over the top - they are all normal, practical Christianity. Unfortunately, we sometimes can find ourselves lulled in complacency and start believing that if we go to church now and then, or a Bible study or even post "inspirational" pics on social media that somehow we are living our faith. That is not quite true. Our God is active and alive, therefore, our faith should be as well.
So yes, keep doing these things as often as you can - even if you do have to stick to doing them on day 1, day 2, etc, the important thing is that you start, and continue, to do these things.
May God bless each and every one of you and give you wisdom, insight and boldness as you do each (or any) of these challenges that have been set before you this day.
This challenge involves social media (Facebook, twitter, etc).
Today, you will start praying through your entire friends list. Some of us have quite lengthy lists, so this may take more than a day to get through but I encourage you to continue at it until you have gotten through it at least once.
Pray for each person to be blessed - mention each one by name. Other things include (but not lmited to): that they come to know God, that He reveals Himself in new ways, that they feel His love for them, etc. Do not pray against anyone and try not to be overly specific with situations - leave God lots of play room/ don't try and limit Him. If you come to someone whom you feel you have something in your heart against, pray to release them and forgive them. Don't rush this - if you feel you are starting to rush along, stop and come back later.
This may seem kind of simple but you might be the only person who will be praying for <whomever> today, or ever, for that matter, so it is a bigger deal than you realize. Also, You may think that those in "vocational ministry" positions (pastors, etc) on your list have lots of people praying for them but that is not necessarily true either.
Day 2
One cannot underestimate just how much power there is in an unexpected encouraging word or kind action. There have been lives changed, and even saved, due to the words or actions of someone unexpected or a stranger. Today, you are going change lives.
As you go throughout your day, make an intentional effort to speak a word of encouragement or kindness to someone and I want you to do it for someone that you either do not know (at all, or well) or towards someone you feel does not deserve it. Do not falsely flatter someone, just say something honestly nice. You may also do something nice for someone. Something as simple as holding door open can sometimes make a huge difference. In addition to just "being nice", I want you to either add a "God bless you" or "God loves you" - because He does, and you are doing this as an extension of that as opposed to just feeling like being nice today (you are associating your words and actions with God's love as opposed to good manners, etc). You do not, however, take it any further than that - there are no strings attached, after all. God loves everyone - today, show people love; encourage them, say or do something that lifts them up and makes their day a bit brighter.
Some suggestions for people, if your stuck: cashiers, sanitation/janitorial workers, transportation workers, and, in your church, elders/deacons - all people who tend to not get shown much appreciation for what they do. And do not stress out about mentioning God - a simple God bless you will suffice - baby steps, after all.
PS: I also want you to make a point of doing this for someone very close to you as well - sometimes we can take people in our lives for granted.
Day 3
Someone you know - immediate / close family or friend - has something wrong. It might be something small, like a headache or it could be something bigger. Should they mention this thing when you are together (physically) sometime over the next 24 hours, I want you to ask if you can pray for them. If they know you, they will likely say "sure" and expect you to maybe remember to pray at some point for them. But I am not asking you to do that. I am asking for you to ask them if you can pray right then for them and, should they agree, I want you to reach out, and pray for them, then and there.
Maybe you step out and do it and the headache (for example) stays. At least they know you actually prayed for them, since they were there for it. Then again, maybe it goes away ... that changes things a bit, for both of you.
The Final Challenge
Here is your final challenge: keep doing these.
None of these things - praying for people both in private and in person, encouraging people and sharing God's love, forgiving people and seeking His leading - are odd or over the top - they are all normal, practical Christianity. Unfortunately, we sometimes can find ourselves lulled in complacency and start believing that if we go to church now and then, or a Bible study or even post "inspirational" pics on social media that somehow we are living our faith. That is not quite true. Our God is active and alive, therefore, our faith should be as well.
So yes, keep doing these things as often as you can - even if you do have to stick to doing them on day 1, day 2, etc, the important thing is that you start, and continue, to do these things.
May God bless each and every one of you and give you wisdom, insight and boldness as you do each (or any) of these challenges that have been set before you this day.
Monday, April 3, 2017
Matter of Life and Death
Faith in Christ does not make you sinless or "sin-free". The Bible tells us that anyone who thinks they are without sin is not only fooling themselves but is making God out to be liar (1 John 1:1-10) - strong words. It is not sin we are free from but rather the power of sin, which is death, that we are freed (not will "eventually" be free) from (Romans 8:2). But we still all die right? Physically, yes, we do all die regardless of what we believe, but that is not the death we speak of.
Let us contrast this "death" with the eternal life we have through Christ.
What is eternal life? It is not that we will live forever, for all of us - believers or not - are, in a very real sense, immortal. That part which makes us "us" - our soul - does not die when our physical forms fade away and decay; this part of our being lives on. So eternal life cannot refer to immortality. Jesus Himself defined this in John 17:3: "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." So eternal life actually refers to knowing - and being known by - God. Something we have in the here and now through Christ, for "the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:23).
Romans 5 tells us that sin brought death into the world and the prophet Isaiah says that sin has cut us off - separated us - from God (Isaiah 59:2). So we see that the power of sin is in stark contrast to eternal life, for sin has the power to keep us apart from God. But this is not in the sins we commit, for it is not the act of sinning which makes us sinners, it is the fact that we are all born as sinners which makes us sin. If the reverse were true, then every stray thought or bit of frustration would plunge us back into darkness, but this is not what happens for God is faithful to us even when are less than faithful to Him (2 Tim.2:13) which, if you are anything like me, is really good news.
So, if you are a believer - that is, you have made the conscious decision to follow Jesus - know this: you are free. Sin no longer has the power to keep you and God apart, for God Himself took that power away from it on the cross and nothing - not angels or demons or anything else - can separate us from God (Romans 8:38-39).
Let us contrast this "death" with the eternal life we have through Christ.
What is eternal life? It is not that we will live forever, for all of us - believers or not - are, in a very real sense, immortal. That part which makes us "us" - our soul - does not die when our physical forms fade away and decay; this part of our being lives on. So eternal life cannot refer to immortality. Jesus Himself defined this in John 17:3: "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." So eternal life actually refers to knowing - and being known by - God. Something we have in the here and now through Christ, for "the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:23).
Romans 5 tells us that sin brought death into the world and the prophet Isaiah says that sin has cut us off - separated us - from God (Isaiah 59:2). So we see that the power of sin is in stark contrast to eternal life, for sin has the power to keep us apart from God. But this is not in the sins we commit, for it is not the act of sinning which makes us sinners, it is the fact that we are all born as sinners which makes us sin. If the reverse were true, then every stray thought or bit of frustration would plunge us back into darkness, but this is not what happens for God is faithful to us even when are less than faithful to Him (2 Tim.2:13) which, if you are anything like me, is really good news.
So, if you are a believer - that is, you have made the conscious decision to follow Jesus - know this: you are free. Sin no longer has the power to keep you and God apart, for God Himself took that power away from it on the cross and nothing - not angels or demons or anything else - can separate us from God (Romans 8:38-39).
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
*DING* You Have Mail
From: God@eternalthrone.div
RE: your life
Heya,
Now that you're into a new year, I had a few things on my mind that I wanted you to know so I thought I would try out this digital communication thing so many of you down there are using lately and drop you a quick note. So, here goes.
Don't be concerned about yourself.
There is no sense in you worrying about anything because it doesn't do you any good. And don't go complaining about what you don't have either. I'll take care of everything. Things you need and even a fair few of your wants I will gladly provide in due time every time. I don't mean you should run out and tell your boss off in the morning but stop getting all panicky about stuff, especially things well out of your own control. I got this, k.
Stop trying to be good enough.
I gave you my own righteousness, how in blazes do you figure you're gonna improve on that exactly? What, you figure by you forcing yourself via your own will power to not check out that girl that just walked by somehow means you're earned what I have given you? Really? Everything you have - everything - I have given you. You not only have not earned it but you can't earn it - that is kind of the point of it being a gift from me to you. Although, that is not quite the same as when I ask you to do something small to get you ready for something bigger. You still didn't earn it initially but seeing it through does prepare you for the next item I send your way - so don't get those things confused.
Actually try loving each other.
I showed you mercy, grace and compassion - all of which you did not deserve nor, do you actually deserve it now. So perhaps you could tell me why you feel you do not have to show that to other people, especially other siblings of yours in the Body? You know, I am certain I did not put conditions on that whole "love one another" thing like you only have to love people from churches you like or who dress a certain way or who only work in jobs you personally approve of. So maybe you should stop picking and choosing who you are going to show love to and just show it every chance you get. And no, judging people is not loving. Like, do you really want me to judge you? Trust me when I say this: the answer is no. I know you wayyy better than you know yourself after all, including all those little things you think no one else knows about. And don't just stop with loving other Christians either - love everyone. I do. I made every single one of them in my own image, trust me, I love them all. So stop acting like judge, jury and executioner and start showing some real mercy and compassion.
In short: LIVE.
Live this life I have called you to. Don't let yourself become self centered - focus on me first then everyone else. I'll take care of you.
Oh, one last thing: Don't confuse the instruction above with me being mad at you - I certainly am not mad. I love you. I love every part of you and I always will. I will always be in your corner, cheering you on and holding you tight when you get overwhelmed. I will never, ever leave you - after all, your are my beautiful, wonderful, perfect child, how could I ever bear us being apart.
Love always,
Dad
RE: your life
Heya,
Now that you're into a new year, I had a few things on my mind that I wanted you to know so I thought I would try out this digital communication thing so many of you down there are using lately and drop you a quick note. So, here goes.
Don't be concerned about yourself.
There is no sense in you worrying about anything because it doesn't do you any good. And don't go complaining about what you don't have either. I'll take care of everything. Things you need and even a fair few of your wants I will gladly provide in due time every time. I don't mean you should run out and tell your boss off in the morning but stop getting all panicky about stuff, especially things well out of your own control. I got this, k.
Stop trying to be good enough.
I gave you my own righteousness, how in blazes do you figure you're gonna improve on that exactly? What, you figure by you forcing yourself via your own will power to not check out that girl that just walked by somehow means you're earned what I have given you? Really? Everything you have - everything - I have given you. You not only have not earned it but you can't earn it - that is kind of the point of it being a gift from me to you. Although, that is not quite the same as when I ask you to do something small to get you ready for something bigger. You still didn't earn it initially but seeing it through does prepare you for the next item I send your way - so don't get those things confused.
Actually try loving each other.
I showed you mercy, grace and compassion - all of which you did not deserve nor, do you actually deserve it now. So perhaps you could tell me why you feel you do not have to show that to other people, especially other siblings of yours in the Body? You know, I am certain I did not put conditions on that whole "love one another" thing like you only have to love people from churches you like or who dress a certain way or who only work in jobs you personally approve of. So maybe you should stop picking and choosing who you are going to show love to and just show it every chance you get. And no, judging people is not loving. Like, do you really want me to judge you? Trust me when I say this: the answer is no. I know you wayyy better than you know yourself after all, including all those little things you think no one else knows about. And don't just stop with loving other Christians either - love everyone. I do. I made every single one of them in my own image, trust me, I love them all. So stop acting like judge, jury and executioner and start showing some real mercy and compassion.
In short: LIVE.
Live this life I have called you to. Don't let yourself become self centered - focus on me first then everyone else. I'll take care of you.
Oh, one last thing: Don't confuse the instruction above with me being mad at you - I certainly am not mad. I love you. I love every part of you and I always will. I will always be in your corner, cheering you on and holding you tight when you get overwhelmed. I will never, ever leave you - after all, your are my beautiful, wonderful, perfect child, how could I ever bear us being apart.
Love always,
Dad
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Simply Said...
Since we tend to make things more complicated than necessary...
1. Love God.
2. Love others.
"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ~ Matt. 22:37
"The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Rom. 13:9-10
No check list involved or required, for a "checklist" only serves to gives one a false sense of personal righteousness - making one smug, cocky or judgmental - for "..all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" ~ Isaiah 64:6
Thanks be to God it is not our righteousness we wear: "not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith" ~ Phil 3:9 and "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" ~ Rom 3:22
Therefore there is no room for feeling superior or better than another "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast" ~ Eph 2:8-9
Any questions?
Good. Now let's go live it shall we.
1. Love God.
2. Love others.
"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ~ Matt. 22:37
"The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Rom. 13:9-10
No check list involved or required, for a "checklist" only serves to gives one a false sense of personal righteousness - making one smug, cocky or judgmental - for "..all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" ~ Isaiah 64:6
Thanks be to God it is not our righteousness we wear: "not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith" ~ Phil 3:9 and "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe" ~ Rom 3:22
Therefore there is no room for feeling superior or better than another "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast" ~ Eph 2:8-9
Any questions?
Good. Now let's go live it shall we.
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