“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Ephesians 6:17
Not too long ago a friend was in need of some extra encouragement. Luckily for my friend I had just finished writing a paper on the Armor of God and had gained some insights that I thought would be encouraging and helpful. As I write this I suspect there are others who might find encouragement from the same words.
Today’s verse focuses on two parts of the armor God has prepared for us; really the helmet is one of the more important pieces. One of the commentaries I was using had this to say about this particular piece of the armor.
The purpose of the helmet, of course, was to protect the head from injury particularly from the dangerous broadsword commonly used in those days (Bible times). The fact that the helmet is related to salvation indicated that Satan’s blows are directed at the believer’s security and assurance in Christ. The two dangerous edges of Satan’s spiritual broadsword are discouragement and doubt. To discourage us he points to our failures, our sins, our unresolved problems, our poor health, or whatever else seems to be negative in our lives in order to make us lose confidence in the love and care of our heavenly father.
So take up arms against the one who wants you in the pit - the devil. Abide in the truth - live right in obedience to God - be ready by knowing God’s Word and claiming the peace it offers -grab hold of faith it will shield you from the arrows of discouragement - make sure you put your helmet on and that you have your sword at the ready. And there is a secret weapon - that makes all this armor indestructible. That weapon is prayer - pray always and for everything, pray for others and ask others to pray for you.
So this week if you feel like you are about to slip into a pit of despair, if you are discouraged and doubting the amazing grace and love of your heavenly Father… PUT A HELMET ON!
A Prayer
Father - Forgive us for the times when we allow the world to discourage us and to cause us to doubt You. Help us remember to put on Your armor and especially the helmet. Surround us with people who will encourage us when we are down and help us to live authentically, asking for help when we need it. Thank you for loving us even through our doubt. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
One
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit —just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4:3-6
Generally speaking, I am not a history buff - so taking graduate level history classes are not necessarily my idea of fun. Because of where my heart lies church history is a bit more interesting to me. History of course has a purpose; there is much we can learn from the things that have happened long ago. We can learn how to take advantage of the good that has been done and hopefully we can learn to avoid the mistakes.
One of the things that have really struck me on my journey through church history is that Christians do not seem to be any better at getting along than anyone else. I expect that makes the heart of God ache.
The scriptures have much to say about unity of the body, this week’s passage implores us to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. In other places Scripture says though we are many we are one body. We are supposed to be brothers and sisters - the world is supposed to know we are Christians because we love one another.
Now don’t get me wrong I am not trying to say that we have to agree all the time or that we should not hold one another accountable when we stray from what is right. I am also not saying that how we “do” church needs to be the same as the fellowship meeting across town. What I am saying is that we need to find unity in the things that really matter - that Jesus is God and that He died on a cross and rose from the grave to save us and restore us to a right relationship with God, being just one example of the immovable foundation of His church. When necessary we need to agree to disagree on the things that don’t, like the style of music used for our worship services, as an example.
Have you ever heard a sermon that talks about breaking generational curses? In this time on this planet we who call ourselves by the name of Christ, need to work to break what perhaps we can call the generational curse of Christianity. We are to reflect the love of Christ to a dying world by loving one another.
One God, one body, one Spirit - let’s learn from history to love one another. I think that will make our lives glorify God and his heart will sing over us.
A Prayer
Father - Thank you that you call us daughters and sons. Forgive us for the times when we do not act like brothers and sister who love each other and You. Jesus paid a great price to restore the family, help us to bring unity to the fellowship of believers, so that the light of Your love will outshine the darkness of this world. In the name of Jesus our Redeemer, Amen.
Ephesians 4:3-6
Generally speaking, I am not a history buff - so taking graduate level history classes are not necessarily my idea of fun. Because of where my heart lies church history is a bit more interesting to me. History of course has a purpose; there is much we can learn from the things that have happened long ago. We can learn how to take advantage of the good that has been done and hopefully we can learn to avoid the mistakes.
One of the things that have really struck me on my journey through church history is that Christians do not seem to be any better at getting along than anyone else. I expect that makes the heart of God ache.
The scriptures have much to say about unity of the body, this week’s passage implores us to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. In other places Scripture says though we are many we are one body. We are supposed to be brothers and sisters - the world is supposed to know we are Christians because we love one another.
Now don’t get me wrong I am not trying to say that we have to agree all the time or that we should not hold one another accountable when we stray from what is right. I am also not saying that how we “do” church needs to be the same as the fellowship meeting across town. What I am saying is that we need to find unity in the things that really matter - that Jesus is God and that He died on a cross and rose from the grave to save us and restore us to a right relationship with God, being just one example of the immovable foundation of His church. When necessary we need to agree to disagree on the things that don’t, like the style of music used for our worship services, as an example.
Have you ever heard a sermon that talks about breaking generational curses? In this time on this planet we who call ourselves by the name of Christ, need to work to break what perhaps we can call the generational curse of Christianity. We are to reflect the love of Christ to a dying world by loving one another.
One God, one body, one Spirit - let’s learn from history to love one another. I think that will make our lives glorify God and his heart will sing over us.
A Prayer
Father - Thank you that you call us daughters and sons. Forgive us for the times when we do not act like brothers and sister who love each other and You. Jesus paid a great price to restore the family, help us to bring unity to the fellowship of believers, so that the light of Your love will outshine the darkness of this world. In the name of Jesus our Redeemer, Amen.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Joy of the Redeemed
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’ Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow."
Isaiah 35:1-7
I recently ran across something I had written a number of years ago for a class I was taking at the Nazarene Bible College, so I thought I would share it with you.
The Old Testament context of this passage is the state of the Hebrew people at the time the passage was written. The Israelite kingdom is divided. Judah – the Southern kingdom, where Isaiah resides is living in relative peace, having been protected from Assyrian and Egyptian attacks. Israel – the Northern Kingdom has been destroyed by the Assyrians. Israel must have been in rebellion against God and they are under judgment and have been exiled.
Isaiah is writing about a time when the people of Israel will turn back to God and be restored to their city Jerusalem. The two kingdoms may indeed be united at this time with all of the Hebrew people redeemed and living once again in obedience to God.
Having turned from God, Israel is like the dessert, barren and uninhabitable. Isaiah tells us that when the people have been returned to their right relationship with the Living God. They will once again be a Holy People. What was barren will become like a garden, land and soul alike. The people will rejoice at their healing. Holiness brings healing, to the relationship between God and the individual as well as to the nations – even to all of creation.
If I were to put this passage from Isaiah into my own words it might read something like this: My parched soul will be glad. My dry life will be made joyful. I will be restored to my former glory, before I fell. I will sing praise for the goodness and mercy shown me. Fear will no longer rule my life. I will be strong in the Lord. My eyes will be opened to the destruction of my sin and to the light of my salvation. I will hear God’s voice – He will heal my sin-sickened heart and I will be new and fresh and my relationship with God will make me holy.
The prophet Isaiah has such a clear vision of what it will be like when God’s people truly turn from their selfish desires, and return to Him. Barren hearts will bloom with joy. Eyes blinded by the deception of sin will be opened to the beauty of obedience to a Holy and Loving God. Cities and Nations will live in safety and peace for God will protect His people from the enemy.
Then we will find joy in God’s redemption.
A Prayer
Father - only you can make us holy as You are holy. We have been fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image to be holy, yet we often make the choice to allow ourselves to be blinded by the things of this world. We allow our relationship with You to be crippled by doubt. Redeem us from our selfishness. Draw us back to Your heart. Hear our hearts cry out in surrender and helplessness. Restore us to who you made us to be. In the name of Jesus our Redeemer, Amen.
Isaiah 35:1-7
I recently ran across something I had written a number of years ago for a class I was taking at the Nazarene Bible College, so I thought I would share it with you.
The Old Testament context of this passage is the state of the Hebrew people at the time the passage was written. The Israelite kingdom is divided. Judah – the Southern kingdom, where Isaiah resides is living in relative peace, having been protected from Assyrian and Egyptian attacks. Israel – the Northern Kingdom has been destroyed by the Assyrians. Israel must have been in rebellion against God and they are under judgment and have been exiled.
Isaiah is writing about a time when the people of Israel will turn back to God and be restored to their city Jerusalem. The two kingdoms may indeed be united at this time with all of the Hebrew people redeemed and living once again in obedience to God.
Having turned from God, Israel is like the dessert, barren and uninhabitable. Isaiah tells us that when the people have been returned to their right relationship with the Living God. They will once again be a Holy People. What was barren will become like a garden, land and soul alike. The people will rejoice at their healing. Holiness brings healing, to the relationship between God and the individual as well as to the nations – even to all of creation.
If I were to put this passage from Isaiah into my own words it might read something like this: My parched soul will be glad. My dry life will be made joyful. I will be restored to my former glory, before I fell. I will sing praise for the goodness and mercy shown me. Fear will no longer rule my life. I will be strong in the Lord. My eyes will be opened to the destruction of my sin and to the light of my salvation. I will hear God’s voice – He will heal my sin-sickened heart and I will be new and fresh and my relationship with God will make me holy.
The prophet Isaiah has such a clear vision of what it will be like when God’s people truly turn from their selfish desires, and return to Him. Barren hearts will bloom with joy. Eyes blinded by the deception of sin will be opened to the beauty of obedience to a Holy and Loving God. Cities and Nations will live in safety and peace for God will protect His people from the enemy.
Then we will find joy in God’s redemption.
A Prayer
Father - only you can make us holy as You are holy. We have been fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image to be holy, yet we often make the choice to allow ourselves to be blinded by the things of this world. We allow our relationship with You to be crippled by doubt. Redeem us from our selfishness. Draw us back to Your heart. Hear our hearts cry out in surrender and helplessness. Restore us to who you made us to be. In the name of Jesus our Redeemer, Amen.
Monday, July 9, 2012
It's Not What You Know
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Matthew 15:8
Jesus is talking to a group of Pharisee’s when he quotes the Prophet Isaiah with the words from this week’s passage. It is quite an indictment of their spiritual emptiness and lack of understanding. The Pharisee’s were experts on the Scriptures; they would have had all of what we call the Old Testament committed to memory. Even though they should have known and recognized Jesus, they didn’t.
As I am writing this I am reading a terrific book by Pastor Kyle Idleman of Southeast Christian Church in Kentucky. The title of the book is Not a Fan. The subtitle is Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Christ. Where are you? Are you a fan of Jesus or are you a follower of Jesus? Do you know the difference? Writing about this verse from Matthew and how it relates to fans Kyle says: “That description seems to fit most fans I know. Like the Pharisees, many fans have given their minds to the study of God, but they never surrendered their hearts.” Do you know anyone who can quote scripture chapter and verse but whose life doesn’t reflect the life change that comes with a sold out relationship with Jesus?
Jesus himself has some harsh words for the people Kyle would call fans. In Matthew 7 we read Jesus’ words: “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (v. 21). Recently, I saw a comment on Facebook that said “God doesn’t judge” - I don’t know, but I think that could be the kind of comment a fan makes. Now don’t get me wrong we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, but once that gift of salvation has been accepted our actions should speak louder than words - not through a list of do’s and don’ts but out of hearts over flowing with love for God and our fellow humans.
Bottom line for the week - Jesus doesn’t really care all that much about what we know; He wants to know how much we care for HIM and our neighbors.
A Prayer
Father - Father thank for sending your son to repair the relationship between You and us. Help us to be all in followers of Jesus. Help us to know the things that break his heart and the things that bring him the greatest joy. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Matthew 15:8
Jesus is talking to a group of Pharisee’s when he quotes the Prophet Isaiah with the words from this week’s passage. It is quite an indictment of their spiritual emptiness and lack of understanding. The Pharisee’s were experts on the Scriptures; they would have had all of what we call the Old Testament committed to memory. Even though they should have known and recognized Jesus, they didn’t.
As I am writing this I am reading a terrific book by Pastor Kyle Idleman of Southeast Christian Church in Kentucky. The title of the book is Not a Fan. The subtitle is Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Christ. Where are you? Are you a fan of Jesus or are you a follower of Jesus? Do you know the difference? Writing about this verse from Matthew and how it relates to fans Kyle says: “That description seems to fit most fans I know. Like the Pharisees, many fans have given their minds to the study of God, but they never surrendered their hearts.” Do you know anyone who can quote scripture chapter and verse but whose life doesn’t reflect the life change that comes with a sold out relationship with Jesus?
Jesus himself has some harsh words for the people Kyle would call fans. In Matthew 7 we read Jesus’ words: “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (v. 21). Recently, I saw a comment on Facebook that said “God doesn’t judge” - I don’t know, but I think that could be the kind of comment a fan makes. Now don’t get me wrong we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, but once that gift of salvation has been accepted our actions should speak louder than words - not through a list of do’s and don’ts but out of hearts over flowing with love for God and our fellow humans.
Bottom line for the week - Jesus doesn’t really care all that much about what we know; He wants to know how much we care for HIM and our neighbors.
A Prayer
Father - Father thank for sending your son to repair the relationship between You and us. Help us to be all in followers of Jesus. Help us to know the things that break his heart and the things that bring him the greatest joy. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Very Special Armor
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:11
A battle is raging, unlike any battle the inhabitants of this planet have ever witnessed, it is a supernatural battle for the souls of mankind. Those who call themselves Christians have been called to a higher standard, a holy standard of living. Christians must draw their strength and power from the Lord, who clothes His warriors in the finest of supernatural armor. As Paul nears the end of his letter to the Ephesians he exhorts the people to take up the armor of God so that they might stand firm and fearless, upholding the call to holiness in the face of the enemy and his soldiers.
Ok, so I have to admit that I just finished writing a paper on the whole armor of God passage from Ephesians. Thought I would share a bit of it with you. The armor Paul is describing and encouraging his readers to “put on” is no ordinary armor. Check out Isaiah 59:17 Isaiah is describing God himself as wearing this armor “He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head…” Get that - God is giving us His armor to put on. Remember when King Saul gave a young David his armor in order to fight Goliath and it didn’t fit, so David couldn’t wear it. God’s armor is not too big, it will fit each of us perfectly for maximum protection and it will be comfortable so we can wear it always.
Paul’s words reach across the generations to remind modern followers of Christ that the same armor is available today. We, the people of Christ’s church must put on the armor so we can withstand the attacks of the enemy. Put on: truth, righteousness, readiness, the gospel of peace and take up faith, salvation and the Word of God. When the soldier in God’s army is fully prepared for battle he or she can then wield the most powerful weapon at their disposal - prayer.
What about it? Have you accepted God’s gift of His supernatural armor? Are you wearing it 24/7/365? Jesus has won the war with his death and resurrection, but Satan is still trying to pick a fight - so be prepared by putting on the whole armor of God.
A Prayer
Father - Thank you for the armor that gives us the power to stand against the enemy. Supplied with Your power will can live in the victory your Son has already gained. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Ephesians 6:11
A battle is raging, unlike any battle the inhabitants of this planet have ever witnessed, it is a supernatural battle for the souls of mankind. Those who call themselves Christians have been called to a higher standard, a holy standard of living. Christians must draw their strength and power from the Lord, who clothes His warriors in the finest of supernatural armor. As Paul nears the end of his letter to the Ephesians he exhorts the people to take up the armor of God so that they might stand firm and fearless, upholding the call to holiness in the face of the enemy and his soldiers.
Ok, so I have to admit that I just finished writing a paper on the whole armor of God passage from Ephesians. Thought I would share a bit of it with you. The armor Paul is describing and encouraging his readers to “put on” is no ordinary armor. Check out Isaiah 59:17 Isaiah is describing God himself as wearing this armor “He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head…” Get that - God is giving us His armor to put on. Remember when King Saul gave a young David his armor in order to fight Goliath and it didn’t fit, so David couldn’t wear it. God’s armor is not too big, it will fit each of us perfectly for maximum protection and it will be comfortable so we can wear it always.
Paul’s words reach across the generations to remind modern followers of Christ that the same armor is available today. We, the people of Christ’s church must put on the armor so we can withstand the attacks of the enemy. Put on: truth, righteousness, readiness, the gospel of peace and take up faith, salvation and the Word of God. When the soldier in God’s army is fully prepared for battle he or she can then wield the most powerful weapon at their disposal - prayer.
What about it? Have you accepted God’s gift of His supernatural armor? Are you wearing it 24/7/365? Jesus has won the war with his death and resurrection, but Satan is still trying to pick a fight - so be prepared by putting on the whole armor of God.
A Prayer
Father - Thank you for the armor that gives us the power to stand against the enemy. Supplied with Your power will can live in the victory your Son has already gained. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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