Put the whole Armour of God on

" Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."  

Ephesians 6:10-20

The first part of this passage clearly explains that we are not fighting against people! 

People are merely used by the enemy to get to us. That does not mean we have no conflict to resolve with people. It just means that if there is a conflict, our battle is foremost with the enemy and his demons. 

Not making light of feelings hurt, damage to self and property. But in the end, we are to battle in the Spirit rather than in the flesh. I wish I would have understood early on in my walk with God. Could have saved me unnecessary pain. 

The second part is giving us a strategy on how to protect against the onslaught of the devil. I can tell you: It works!! But it doesn't say, we will not have trouble, just simply states that we will be protected. 

Speak the Armour of God over you, every morning. Sometimes more than once during the day. When we do this we declare that this passage is true and that we submit ourselves to God's ways.

 

Father, help us every day to clothe ourselves in Your Armour. Remind us Holy Spirit to speak God's Word over our lives  We thank you for Your provision to stand against the enemy of our souls!

In Jesus' name, AMEN

Let us be transformed

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

'Believers are to dedicate themselves to God. To be humble, and faithfully to use their spiritual gifts, in their sphere of influence. Exhortations to various duties. And to peaceable conduct towards all men, with forbearance and benevolence.'

Transformation is necessary for our lives. Changing the way we think, believe and respond. The transformation will come through our close relationship with God. Moving away from the edge of fear, shame and lies that we believed before accepting Christ Jesus as our Lord. Meditating on God's Word.

God knows better than we do, that total transformation in us on our own is NOT possible.
His love, grace, and power will be our dynamo (Holy Spirit) and move us forward. All we really have to do is study and agree with God's Word. 

Studying can come in various forms. Reading God's Word, hearing the testimonies of others who have overcome difficulties, time for worship and prayer. Surrounding and being in fellowship with other believers. Being part of a bible believing church. 

The key to transformation is: We have to participate with God!


But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

We have often have seen the "church" not being what God has intended it to be. It is the temple of God and support for the lost and His people. But we are not in charge of judgment toward the Church, He is!

But to BE the church/Body of Christ. It starts with me and you. We have to be the best arm, leg, shoulder, eyes, hands that we can be. Laying down our own plans and ideas for our lives. Picking up His plans daily! Choosing to be the body part we are made to be. 

My philosophy has always been: I cannot criticise without having a solution. 
Empty words without a plan to resolve problems just add fool to a destructing fire. 

So be the part God is calling you, give yourself up and find life in Him. This kind of life is so much sweeter and greater than we could possibly choose for ourselves. 

Life is hard, that is a fact! But with God the Father/Jesus/The Holy Spirit, life is so much more meaningful and fulfilling. Once we have tasted His goodness; peace and love there is just no going back. 

There are definite consequences in refusing to step into our place in the Body.
Lifes will crumble, people are being tossed and turned by fear, pride, and hunger for peace. 

God's desire for us is to be loved by Him and to love others as we love ourselves. To have our souls transformed for the here and now, as well as for eternity!

Father, we need You in all Your fullness to be the Body of Christ and Church you have intended for us to be. You say in your word that the Church will prevail and so we ask for us individually to be added to it. Help us to be transformed into the image of Christ Jesus! In His name, we pray. AMEN