When I flew a combat sortie (flight), my crewmembers and I prepared for battle by putting on a helmet, some body armor, and then we strapped on a big helicopter with armor plating and big guns. But when we were away from a perceived threat, we dressed down to a level associated with the threat level at whatever location we might land.
Paul tells the Ephesians about the importance of putting on the full armor of God:
Eph 6:11-17
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm
against the schemes of the devil.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,
15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;
16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
I don’t believe the threat level ever decreases when I am up against the “spiritual forces of wickedness of the heavenly places.” I may have periods where I am “feeling” pretty good and safe, but it is those times that I need the full armor of God. The “perceived” threat of the spiritual enemy may be low, but make no mistake, the threat is always there, and we should always be wearing God’s Armor!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The LOVE
I sure don't understand people saying they think it is icky to say they are "in love" with the Lord. Have we reduced the word "Love" and "in love" so much that it is a bad thing to be in Love with Love?
1 John 4:16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
How could I not be in love with the One who said in John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends," and then did just that. He called me friend, wow!!!!
Semantics, maybe, but I don't understand how its OK to say I am in love with my wife, but not in love with Love, with the One Who gave His life for me, Whose Words uphold creation, Who is the Creator of all things, love being one of those all things!
1 John 4:16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
How could I not be in love with the One who said in John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends," and then did just that. He called me friend, wow!!!!
Semantics, maybe, but I don't understand how its OK to say I am in love with my wife, but not in love with Love, with the One Who gave His life for me, Whose Words uphold creation, Who is the Creator of all things, love being one of those all things!
Friday, September 4, 2009
DEFINITIONS
Today, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of men and discuss God’s Provision and His Sovereignty. I am so thankful for this group and the effect it has on my faith already, and I know it will only deepen as we progress in our time together.
The kicker for me today was a discussion of blessings. I don’t know that I always associate blessings with “rewards” of material matters, but I know that it is easier for me to associate blessings with things that can be grasped.
Today it has been redefined in my heart. A blessing is something, anything, on so many levels that brings me closer to my Lord! Can a rough time be a blessing? Yep, if it brings me closer to the Lord. Can a wonderful time be a blessing? Absolutely, if it brings me closer to the Lord!
I am blessed to be in this group of guys that are seeking the Lord. I am blessed when I see God’s glory in the stars He created. It blesses me to read a story of the joy a Mom receives from hearing her baby laugh, while he is sleeping. I know she loves that boy, and God gave her that attribute. I am blessed that the trials and consequences in my life as a result of my poor decisions took me to a spiritual low that allowed me call upon my Heavenly Father! The coolest thing is that He was/is always there!
Our lives are full of blessings; we just need to recognize them!
The kicker for me today was a discussion of blessings. I don’t know that I always associate blessings with “rewards” of material matters, but I know that it is easier for me to associate blessings with things that can be grasped.
Today it has been redefined in my heart. A blessing is something, anything, on so many levels that brings me closer to my Lord! Can a rough time be a blessing? Yep, if it brings me closer to the Lord. Can a wonderful time be a blessing? Absolutely, if it brings me closer to the Lord!
I am blessed to be in this group of guys that are seeking the Lord. I am blessed when I see God’s glory in the stars He created. It blesses me to read a story of the joy a Mom receives from hearing her baby laugh, while he is sleeping. I know she loves that boy, and God gave her that attribute. I am blessed that the trials and consequences in my life as a result of my poor decisions took me to a spiritual low that allowed me call upon my Heavenly Father! The coolest thing is that He was/is always there!
Our lives are full of blessings; we just need to recognize them!
Monday, August 24, 2009
THE ROCK!
Have you ever read the Bible and been amazed to see something you have never seen before?
It happened again to me last night, and it has to do with Jesus in the Old Testament! I have often heard discussion of the Old Testament being filled with stories about Christ. I just recently reread the book of Luke and something stuck out to me like never before. Christ is speaking to his disciples after His resurrection and Luke 24: 27 says, “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” This is cool, but not the big one motivating me to write today!
Last night was such an amazing revelation to me that I found it hard to sleep. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, Paul is giving a reference to the period after the nation of Israel was allowed to leave Egypt and he says, “For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; AND THE ROCK WAS CHRIST.”
And the Rock was Christ! Isn’t that amazing, a direct reference to Old Testament scripture! I went through about a seven year period where I struggled with the Trinity; often times saying I couldn’t find any specific evidence. Well, my testimony is an indicator of a hardened heart and scaled over eyes to go with it. I am now amazed to find how full the scriptures are with reference to the Trinity. Deuteronomy 32:3-4 says, “For I proclaim the name of the LORD; Ascribe greatness to our God! THE ROCK! His way is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.” So “the Rock” is also a reference to God. Simply, wonderfully amazing!
I am not as well versed in the Bible as I will be, but if you are new to really putting your heart into the scripture, I want to recommend that you get an exhaustive concordance to help you find references. I remembered the story about the Israelites, but found the Deuteronomy reference by looking up “rock” in my concordance!
God is good, and I thank Him for what He is doing in my heart!
It happened again to me last night, and it has to do with Jesus in the Old Testament! I have often heard discussion of the Old Testament being filled with stories about Christ. I just recently reread the book of Luke and something stuck out to me like never before. Christ is speaking to his disciples after His resurrection and Luke 24: 27 says, “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” This is cool, but not the big one motivating me to write today!
Last night was such an amazing revelation to me that I found it hard to sleep. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, Paul is giving a reference to the period after the nation of Israel was allowed to leave Egypt and he says, “For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; AND THE ROCK WAS CHRIST.”
And the Rock was Christ! Isn’t that amazing, a direct reference to Old Testament scripture! I went through about a seven year period where I struggled with the Trinity; often times saying I couldn’t find any specific evidence. Well, my testimony is an indicator of a hardened heart and scaled over eyes to go with it. I am now amazed to find how full the scriptures are with reference to the Trinity. Deuteronomy 32:3-4 says, “For I proclaim the name of the LORD; Ascribe greatness to our God! THE ROCK! His way is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.” So “the Rock” is also a reference to God. Simply, wonderfully amazing!
I am not as well versed in the Bible as I will be, but if you are new to really putting your heart into the scripture, I want to recommend that you get an exhaustive concordance to help you find references. I remembered the story about the Israelites, but found the Deuteronomy reference by looking up “rock” in my concordance!
God is good, and I thank Him for what He is doing in my heart!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Irony
So I was reading Luke 22:1 and something occurred to me that never had before, concerning the Passover celebration and the irony of Christ's death.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also known as the Passover (Exodus 12:14 and Luke 22:1) is a 7 day remembrance of the Lord protecting Israel from the destroyer, who would take the lives of the firstborn throughout Egypt. This plague was the final one the Lord would use to get His people out of Egypt, so they could worship Him as He required.
Fast forward to Luke 22:1, where Christ is directing His disciples to go and prepare the Passover meal. So Christ, God's only begotten Son (John 3:16), the Firstborn of many (Romans 8:29), also the Firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15), will now give His life as the perfect sacrifice during this period of celebration of the night that God showed great mercy on the firstborn of Israel.
So to summarize…Our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus (Titus 2:13) brought plagues on the Egyptians, but mercy on the firstborn of the Israelites so that He could have the proper relationship with His children in the place of His choosing (the promised land). He would later come in human form as Christ Jesus (the Firstborn of all creation) to die for His children (any who would believe in Him), and His death would occurr during the celebration of His mercy on the firstborn of Israel. This was so that He could have the relationship He desired with us, in the location of His choosing...our hearts!!!!
Ironic that the Firstborn of all creation would give His life during this specific celebration is not a strong enough word...but LOVE is!!!
Thank You, Lord!!!
The Feast of Unleavened Bread, also known as the Passover (Exodus 12:14 and Luke 22:1) is a 7 day remembrance of the Lord protecting Israel from the destroyer, who would take the lives of the firstborn throughout Egypt. This plague was the final one the Lord would use to get His people out of Egypt, so they could worship Him as He required.
Fast forward to Luke 22:1, where Christ is directing His disciples to go and prepare the Passover meal. So Christ, God's only begotten Son (John 3:16), the Firstborn of many (Romans 8:29), also the Firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15), will now give His life as the perfect sacrifice during this period of celebration of the night that God showed great mercy on the firstborn of Israel.
So to summarize…Our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus (Titus 2:13) brought plagues on the Egyptians, but mercy on the firstborn of the Israelites so that He could have the proper relationship with His children in the place of His choosing (the promised land). He would later come in human form as Christ Jesus (the Firstborn of all creation) to die for His children (any who would believe in Him), and His death would occurr during the celebration of His mercy on the firstborn of Israel. This was so that He could have the relationship He desired with us, in the location of His choosing...our hearts!!!!
Ironic that the Firstborn of all creation would give His life during this specific celebration is not a strong enough word...but LOVE is!!!
Thank You, Lord!!!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Inevitable
It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come…
Over that last few months, I have been humbled by the opportunity to speak with folks who are struggling in there marriage. An amazing time in my life, considering the stumbling blocks I have experienced in my marriage and the victory the Lord has given Michelle and me over our past. I am truly, and only the Lord knows a better word, amazed and in awe of the way He has turned my marriage around. James 4:8 says “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” One of the most significant ways to draw near to God is through His Word, the written Word, the Bible.
As I talked about in my last post, I once again recognize a common thread among those who chose to dissolve their marriage. And let me just say, I am aware that at any given moment, I am capable and will hold on tight at times to that common thread. That thread that I see is…..not keeping my heart in God’s word. I know in the depths of my sin, I was purposely choosing to not read the bible, as I knew I would be convicted. I knew the overwhelming power in the Word of my God, and yet I chose to not read it, because I wanted to wallow with the pigs. For whatever reason, I thought it felt better to root around in the mud, than to live in the glory of my Creator.
He has also given us a community of believers to help us through our struggles. This morning I was reading His Word, and I saw a perfect example of the community helping us in our struggles. It is during the time when Moses had lead Israel out of Egypt and they were in the desert about to battle Amalek.
EXODUS 17:11-12 “So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.
So the chosen leader of Israel needed help for victory. Folks, we can’t do this alone. Who are your Aaron and Hur? It is the community of believers that you belong to! It is the Word of God! It is His Holy Spirit! He has provided all of these for us to crawl over, around, through the stumbling blocks that are inevitably coming our way!
I’m not speaking negative about those stumbling blocks, our Creator and Savior, is quoted in Luke 17:1 He said to his disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come:” Amazingly, He provides the way to victory around those blocks.
I have to stay in His word, because He says to, and he says to because He loves me, and He knows the paths I will take when I don’t.
Over that last few months, I have been humbled by the opportunity to speak with folks who are struggling in there marriage. An amazing time in my life, considering the stumbling blocks I have experienced in my marriage and the victory the Lord has given Michelle and me over our past. I am truly, and only the Lord knows a better word, amazed and in awe of the way He has turned my marriage around. James 4:8 says “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” One of the most significant ways to draw near to God is through His Word, the written Word, the Bible.
As I talked about in my last post, I once again recognize a common thread among those who chose to dissolve their marriage. And let me just say, I am aware that at any given moment, I am capable and will hold on tight at times to that common thread. That thread that I see is…..not keeping my heart in God’s word. I know in the depths of my sin, I was purposely choosing to not read the bible, as I knew I would be convicted. I knew the overwhelming power in the Word of my God, and yet I chose to not read it, because I wanted to wallow with the pigs. For whatever reason, I thought it felt better to root around in the mud, than to live in the glory of my Creator.
He has also given us a community of believers to help us through our struggles. This morning I was reading His Word, and I saw a perfect example of the community helping us in our struggles. It is during the time when Moses had lead Israel out of Egypt and they were in the desert about to battle Amalek.
EXODUS 17:11-12 “So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.
So the chosen leader of Israel needed help for victory. Folks, we can’t do this alone. Who are your Aaron and Hur? It is the community of believers that you belong to! It is the Word of God! It is His Holy Spirit! He has provided all of these for us to crawl over, around, through the stumbling blocks that are inevitably coming our way!
I’m not speaking negative about those stumbling blocks, our Creator and Savior, is quoted in Luke 17:1 He said to his disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come:” Amazingly, He provides the way to victory around those blocks.
I have to stay in His word, because He says to, and he says to because He loves me, and He knows the paths I will take when I don’t.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
An Ox to Grind
Today I was at Recovery at the Village and Michelle, my love, is in Chicago. It was a day for testimony, and the gentleman speaking spoke of how his sin was a result of a deceptive heart, but that the Lord is into changing hearts!
I was amazed to recognize the common thread woven through folks, myself being one of them, who suffer the consequences of repetitive sin. There is such personal disgrace one goes through in dealing with their choices, whatever the flavor of the sin, when it is unconfessed and hidden through a “double” life. I somehow believed enduring years of shame in order to hide my “addiction” was a better alternative to seeking help through a community of believers, the church. We as believers need to make others aware of our struggles, and share our burdens as the Lord intended His church to do. Galatians 6:2-3 says “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Am I helping or hindering a brother by “appearing” to be the “good” believer?
I am amazed at how the Lord has softened my heart towards the sinner, because I now recognize the undeserving grace that He has shown me. We as the church need to have a passion for those who choose to continue down the path of separation from their loving God in hopes of satisfying their desires with creation, instead of being fulfilled by the Creator.
It has been going on since the dawn of creation, the desire to sin. Even Psalm 106:20-21 says “Thus they exchanged their glory for the image of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God their Savior.”
Is it that I forget my God my Savior, or that I choose to do something that does not bring glory to Him. Sin is a choice, and I need to recognize it as that. Am I going to choose to give up my glory in exchange for an image of an ox – moooo – seems extremely jacked up when I think of it in those terms!!!
I was amazed to recognize the common thread woven through folks, myself being one of them, who suffer the consequences of repetitive sin. There is such personal disgrace one goes through in dealing with their choices, whatever the flavor of the sin, when it is unconfessed and hidden through a “double” life. I somehow believed enduring years of shame in order to hide my “addiction” was a better alternative to seeking help through a community of believers, the church. We as believers need to make others aware of our struggles, and share our burdens as the Lord intended His church to do. Galatians 6:2-3 says “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Am I helping or hindering a brother by “appearing” to be the “good” believer?
I am amazed at how the Lord has softened my heart towards the sinner, because I now recognize the undeserving grace that He has shown me. We as the church need to have a passion for those who choose to continue down the path of separation from their loving God in hopes of satisfying their desires with creation, instead of being fulfilled by the Creator.
It has been going on since the dawn of creation, the desire to sin. Even Psalm 106:20-21 says “Thus they exchanged their glory for the image of an ox that eats grass. They forgot God their Savior.”
Is it that I forget my God my Savior, or that I choose to do something that does not bring glory to Him. Sin is a choice, and I need to recognize it as that. Am I going to choose to give up my glory in exchange for an image of an ox – moooo – seems extremely jacked up when I think of it in those terms!!!
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