The Real Under Armor

(Ephesians 6:10-20)( ESV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. –The strength of Jesus’ might is that armor of God; the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus said that’s what He is. (John 14:6-7) (2Cor. 10:3-5)

First, let me remind you that God wants those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24) What’s that got to do with armor? Everything! You see, that armor is not the armor worn on the outside of a body. It’s the real under-armor; worn within to protect your spirit. Let’s take a look at each piece, shall we?

First, we put in the belt of truth. That’s where we take a look at sin, and acknowledge/admit it, and accept it for what it is. We look at how it affects us, what role we play in having that sin in our lives, and how we can overcome that sin in our lives. This is that list I’ve talked about before. We compare that list to the Word of God, which is the sword of the Spirit, and we see where we’re in alignment with His Word, and where we need to get in alignment with Him.

When I was studying this out, I thought about how one can tighten or loosen that belt. We’ve all heard that expression about hard times when we have to tighten our belts. We’re in a spiritual war for our eternal lives, and for freedom to live life as we were meant to, here on Earth. I want to starve those evil things out of my life, So, when I see that chocolate cake that’s going to put twenty pounds on me, I’m going to tighten my belt, so I won’t be hungry for it. LOL When I see all that good stuff God has to feed my spirit with, I’m going to loosen my belt so I can FEAST my soul on it. Guess what that chocolate cake represents. You got it; the devil is a busy, busy person.

The belt of truth helps us to say no when we need to; be it to a person, place, or thing. You know, like that guy that keeps telling you if you really loved him, or even cared at all, you’d have sex with him. Then there’s that girlfriend who’s trying to get you to use that credit card even though you’re already putting all your disposable income on payments to pay off what’s already on it. Yes, you are right; the belt of truth helps you to keep your pants from falling down and tripping you up too. It is directly connected with the breastplate of righteousness; which we’ll cover in tomorrow’s post. There are many scriptures in the Bible regarding truth. Each one gives us a clearer picture of how important truth is.

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Simply Put

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 116. It’s one that reminds us to just stand up and tell the truth. Simply put, “Get real,” it says. LOL I want to focus on verses 5-7, but I hope you’ll read the entire psalm for yourselves. It’s a good check point.

“Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.”

Did you get that part about God being righteous and merciful? The one reason we’re afraid to get real with Him, I think, is because we don’t get that. God always judges rightly. He sees our hearts. God is always merciful. It may not seem like it when the stuff hits the fan in your life. but God is always merciful. All that stuff is what you’re reaping from something you’ve sown. Even then, God is merciful to us and deals bountifully with us. He gives us the strength to get through it, and the wisdom to learn from it, if we allow Him to. That’s where that “get real,” thing comes in. You can’t play games with God; He knows everything! So, if you’re not fooling Jesus, who are you fooling? That’s right; you’re fooling yourself. I’m speaking from personal experience. It works so much better and so much faster when you just get real; with Him, and with yourself. Then, your soul can be at rest (peace) to learn, correct, and overcome that thing that got you. Before you know it, the mess is cleaned up, God loves you and has you loving yourself even more than you did back then, and it’s all good. LOL

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Through His Eyes

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 86. It’s a prayer of King David. When I read it, I think of my own childhood, and of my children. We all too often forget just how much we mean to them, and how they see us. Whenever I read this psalm, I have to thank God for my grandmother. And, when I think of my busy little self…oh, my gosh, Oma, I love you so much; and I’m so sorry I made you work so hard -and so thankful for your endless patience and love!

Verses 1-4 begin the prayer: “Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you—you are my God. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.” Poor and needy is a humble soul/spirit; a hungry spirit. Godly, yes! God doesn’t impute wickedness to His children. He sees the best in us! He assumes the best intentions on our part. I think of hearing that “Mama, Mama, Mama,” and later that “Mom” from the time they woke up to the time they fell asleep. LOL Their hearts are in our hands.

Verse 11 is the simple truth. “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” When I think of a united heart, I think of one that is sure of the truth, and sure of the teacher. That means there is no conflict, everything lines up. The actions prove the words.

Verses 14-16 give us a picture of doubt trying to sneak in and destroy truth and faith. Verse 17 gives us the remedy. “Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.” That sign of favor is the hug when they come in the door, that “you can do it, baby,” when they’re unsure, and even that mama racing across the parking lot with fire shooting out of her eyes because Baby was just threatened. Yes, that was this mama. LOL It ended peacefully, I’m happy to say.

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Let His Salvation Set You On High

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 69. It gives us some insight into our part in our salvation. Verse 2 of the psalm lets us know that there is no foothold in the mud. If it isn’t clear, or understandable to you, or the truth is obscured, and hidden to you, you have the responsibility to seek the truth, to get it clarified, and to gain understanding of it. One of the reasons I drank to excess was because I couldn’t hear my conscience when I did.

Verse 5 reminds us that we cannot hide anything from God. He sees, hears, and knows, even your most secret thoughts and feelings. The good news is that God loves you, and He’s on your side. He wants you to win. So you needn’t fear Him.

Verses 6-12 are powerful. I think about wanting to break those curses off for my children and grandchildren. I think about some of the things, precious things, I lost before I got serious with God about breaking free from it all. And, yes, there will be mockers, scoffers, deserters, and even haters. It’s designed that way by Satan, so he can keep you bound.

Verses 14 through 20 give us an idea of how we ought to help our children; especially when they’re struggling with sin, and the world’s view of it. Peer pressure can be a killer; literally. We make truth clear to them, and give them stable footing by clear and strong standards and boundaries. We deal with them according to mercy, not mood, not circumstance, not cost, etc. Verses 17 & 18 are very powerful. We sometimes have a tendency toward denial, ignoring the truth. We don’t do our children any favors when we ignore the truth about their behavior, or their goings -on. We leave them vulnerable to the enemy when we do that. We need to ask questions, and insist on getting answers. We rush to their aid.

Verse 29 says: “But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high! We need to humble ourselves and ask God for help. Then, we need to remain humble to obey Him; to do it His way. In this way, we will be set on high (over the enemy). We need to set our children on high through our teaching, correction, and salvation. That means we make empowerment with knowledge, instruction, and with dignity-even in the thing, the goal. This verse makes me think of Jesus’ words: “… the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” When we strive to break off those generational curses, we can ransom many. Think about the generations coming up behind you.

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Get Up And Keep Going

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 60. It causes me to think about back-sliding, and then running in the wrong direction. “Oh, God…you’ve made my sinfulness so HARD for me to enjoy!” LOL That’s the theme of the first few verses. Then, there’s the realization that God is in charge, God has decreed, and God will accomplish His purpose(s) for you! He’s not about to let the enemy prevail against you after everything you and He have been through together.

In verse 11, we realize that we cannot save ourselves. And verse 12 brings the truth: “With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies.” I’m reading from the Berean Study Bible, by the way. God will literally trample your enemies (fear, doubt, weakness, anger, everything that would hinder you.) You just have to pick up where you left off and get right back to it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself in this position. I can’t tell you how many times I went back to the Word of God, and back to the Word of God, and back some more, trying to find the way to get through something (back on track, etc.), and stay through with it! Sometimes I would write it down, and put it where I could see it daily-first thing in the morning. The enemy will always try to dissuade you by convincing you that you can’t go back. Satan is a liar! Get right back up, and go right back to the LORD/Lord and His way! Keep going; this isn’t a spring, it’s a marathon. I don’t know why, but I just thought of Forrest Gump. Remember when he started running and running…and then one day, Forrest was done. That’s kind of a picture of what this life is, isn’t it?

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Strengthen Me For Them, Lord

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 51, and it’s a psalm King David wrote after the prophet Nathan came to him about his adultery with Bathsheba.

Verse 1 is David’s plea: “Have mercy on me according to your steadfast love, and your abundant mercy.” Blot out my transgressions. In terms of generational curses and life recovery, this is so crucial. Discipline coming from anger, frustration, even hatred, or self-loathing, is never, ever, effective. it’s destructive. Love builds up, these others tear down and tear apart. Love is merciful, and remembers the weakness and frailty of the soul. that’s why the first thing we do is make sure the person is alright, and assure him/her, reassure him/her that the world is not about to end. We need to do that with ourselves, our own souls, as well. Blotting out the transgressions is the act of not counting them against a person. (“This is the fifteenth time…,” “All you do is cause trouble and make messes…”) No, we wash that one from his/her iniquity (attitude about sin) through that reassurance and mercy. We cleanse that one from his/her sin by discovering the truth about the sin (motivation, what really happened, and how we can correct it). Verse 6 confirms that for us: “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. (ESV)

Verse 7 brings us a revelation: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” I looked up Hyssop. {In the Old Testament hyssop was used to sprinkle blood as part of the Jewish Passover. Hyssop was mentioned in the Bible for its cleansing effect in connection with plague, leprosy and chest ailments and symbolically in cleansing the soul.- (arborgate.com) The word plague, when used as a verb, means to cause continual trouble or distress to. Does sin do that to us? -Yes, and to others in our lives, right? When I looked up leprosy, I found some symptoms that are common in sin and iniquity too: Symptoms include light colored or red skin patches with reduced sensation, numbness and weakness in hands and feet. (Mayo Clinic) I’ve spoken before about Jesus’ hands and feet being pierced by the nails. When you’re mind is hedged in (iniquity) your hands usually don’t achieve much-or not as much as you could. Your feet don’t get you nearly as far as you could go, and where they do lead you often, is into more sin. Those chest aliments can kill you. When it’s hard to breathe, it’s hard to live.

Verses 10-12 are the most important ones in this psalm. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. When we deal with our loved ones, and ourselves in the admonition of the LORD/Lord, we are creating a clean heart, renewing a right, or steadfast spirit. The presence of a loved one is a powerful weapon; especially in troubled times. The memory of that one brings that power back to us. The Holy Spirit is ever present with us, and counsels, guides, comforts, encourages, and builds us up. In Verse 13 David tells us why that’s important: “Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” We want those loved ones to come to us for help, rather than end up in the wrong hands with the wrong people.

Finally, in verse 17 we learn the importance of being ready and able to receive that correction and instruction. (Matthew 13:4-9) I remember well how many times I turned around and did the exact same thing I’d done the last time…and regretted it…until I finally regretted it enough to actually want to receive the truth, correction, and instruction…and make the needed changes! Thank you. Lord, for your fathomless mercy, grace, and patience!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Power Of Knowledge

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 44. “We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us the work You did in their days, in the days of old.” This is the very first verse of the psalm; and it speaks loudly to us of the power of knowledge. Here’s how it works: Until you can see/realize the truth, you may not be able to discern the right or wrong of something you’re doing, something that’s going on, etc. Until you see/realize, and accept that truth, you cannot change it. Satan is a master of deception, illusion, and a false sense of security, pride, and worth.

Verses 2-8 of this psalm tell us who’s responsible for that empowerment. “…You are my King, O’God…through you we repel our foes…you save us…” We need to choose life for our children, and make it our creed. (Joshua 24:15) It’s through our standards and boundaries that they overcome the darkness and destruction in the world. *This works both ways. When we choose the wrong standards and don’t establish boundaries, or enforce them, the darkness and destruction in the world overcomes them.

Verses 23-26 Let us know that they can’t do it without us. Without us they will be afflicted and oppressed. This makes me think of Jesus’ words: “In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33) “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18-19). When we teach our children God’s Word, testify about His love and working in our lives, we are empowering them with the knowledge of God. *Actually, God’s Word empowers us with the knowledge of good and evil. When we do this, we empower and reinforce, and redeem, identity, dignity, peace, power, and authority. We also strengthen and preserve the bond of relationship.

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A Great Meditation Piece

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms and Proverbs 26. Psalm 26 is actually a prayer of King David’s. I think it’s a great piece to meditate on.

Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind. For Your loving devotion is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites. I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD, to raise my voice in thanksgiving and declare all Your wonderful works. *This is about getting your heart right before the LORD/Lord. Confess if you have something to confess, ask for His forgiveness and help, and then your praise and thanksgiving won’t be hindered and robbed of its power. O LORD, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory resides. Do not take my soul away with sinners, or my life with men of bloodshed, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. *Don’t let me fall into their hands, or be taken in by their schemes.* But I will walk with integrity; redeem me and be merciful to me. My feet stand on level ground; in the congregations I will bless the LORD. I’ve italicized the points I meditate on; their my checklist when I’m doing self inventory. One thing I found is that, even when it’s been a week or stumbling and/or I find myself more than a little apathetic, God’s love has not changed, and He’s always ready, willing, and more than able to reveal, refresh, and restore me-body, mind, heart, and soul.

Proverbs 26 is an entire listing of some dos and don’ts for the child of God. It’s also a good meditation piece; maybe even one that one can take some notes on from time to time, in regard to personal happenings.

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According To Your Steadfast Love

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms and Proverbs 25. “To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.” This is our children, mates, and other family members, with us. To go one step further, anyone you lead, employ, and otherwise have charge of. It is our responsibility to instruct correctly. “Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” We play a big part in their successes and failures. And, they are eager to learn from us. “Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!” When we instruct, admonish, and discipline, we need to do so according to our love, and God’s love. Love always lifts one up through mercy, grace, and knowledge; it empowers uprightness. Love does not keep track of someone’s wrongs; it doesn’t throw them back up in their face. “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. If you’re not being instructed, but only belittled and shamed, you need to seek someone else to teach you and help you. If you are not instructing, but only belittling and shaming, you need to get help for yourself. All the paths should be steadfast love and faithfulness! That means check yourself/your motives and instruction against 1 Cor. 13-Love is…The faithfulness is not only faithfulness to God and His Will and Word. It is faithfulness to your loved ones/family/those who look to you. It is faithfulness regarding their well being and empowerment to succeed. (God forgive me, please, where I failed.) “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness preserve me…” Turn to me, meet me in my need. This is grace. There is loneliness (separation from the herd) and affliction (fear, guilt, shame, self loathing) *Satan’s favorite playthings, in sin, every time we sin, be it accidently (error) or knowingly (playing with fire, disobedience), until it finally captures us. That’s when we get into iniquity. We are the guardians of one another’s souls. That integrity and uprightness is not only theirs, but this refers to us/to ours, as well!

Proverbs 25 speaks to us about a king/queen’s ways; especially in the face of the wicked. The entire proverb gives a very clear and powerful picture of a child of God.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Ah, That Tongue Thing Again

Today’s message comes to us from Psalms and Proverbs 15. Psalms 15:1 Asks the question: Who shall be welcomed and able to dwell with God, in His presence; and who will be able to walk in the power of the Kingdom of Heaven, or the Holy Spirit? We have a whole list that begins in verse 2, and ends in verse 5.

“The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.” (NIV) *Most other versions do not include the word poor in that statement about lending money without interest. Also, that word despise means to avoid, in this sense. God hates the sin; but He loves the sinner. However, we can fall into some dire straits by hangin’ out with the wrong crowd; and by letting the wrong people into our inner circle…*living proof, I am.

When we move on to Proverbs 15, we find all kinds of revelation and admonition about keeping our hearts pure and our speech edifying, and honorable (Eph. 4:29) “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Verse 15:19 addresses sloth. Sloth is laziness. When we get lazy-in doing, in learning, and in being perfected in love, we’re in dangerous territory. Sloth/laziness will immobilize you, imprison you, and incapacitate you. All three of those are interchangeable in order.

I hope this song by MercyMe blesses you today. We don’t have to fall to the circumstances; we can, in Jesus’ Name, overcome them all.

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