The Importance of Prayer

Prayer enables us to fight the battle successfully. We cannot fight the battle by our own power but only through the power and strength of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Prayer enables us to tap into God’s power. Prayer is the power for victory.

Paul teaches us how to pray if we are to defeat Satan and his demonic clan:

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” Ephesians 6:18-20.

First of all, we are to pray always. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) essentially says “Always be in communion with God. When we are in constant communion with God our hearts are right and we are open vessels in which God can work. When we fall out of communion with God the devil is then able to attack and tempt us. Secondly, we are to pray with “all prayer and supplication”. Supplication is an appeal made to somebody in authority. It is a humble and sincere appeal to somebody who has the power and authority to grant a request. The only person that has such power is God himself. We are instructed in the Bible to pray: to the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit. It is through the Spirit’s power alone that we can pray for the will of God. Outside of praying for the will of God our motives are selfish and impure. We are to watch when we pray. The word watching means keeping alert. We are to always be on alert for any wickedness that tries to creep into our lives. We watch for the devils schemes lest we fall for them, but we also watch to see where God is working. We are to persevere in our prayer life. Just when we feel like giving up we mustn’t until we hear from God. We might not like his answers to our prayers but they are always the right answers. God may answer our prayers with a “Yes”, “No”, or even a “not now”, but God always answers us! Finally, we are to pray for all the saints. The Lord’s Prayer begins “Our Father” not “My Father”. We are to pray for each other so we can support one another in Christ Jesus and lift each of our burdens up before the Lord. A great example of this is when Aaron lifted Moses’ arms up during a battle because he was too weak do keep them up himself. (Exodus 17:12). We too are to lift one another up. We shouldn’t fight the good fight alone but with the help of all the saints, standing in battle together, battling the enemy together through prayer and petitions with thanksgiving making our request known to God (Philippians 4: 6-7).

Dear Father in heaven, May I never have to speak “Lord, I come into Thy presence” because I never want to leave Your presence. I want to commune with You always because I love you and I love to taste Your sweetness. I love fellowshipping with you and rejoice in Your wonderful, merciful works.

The Armor of God!

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” Ephesians 6:11.

We are fighting enemies in the spiritual realm and need special equipment for both offense and defense. Only God can provide us with the “full armor” and we should wear each piece lest we fall to the devil’s schemes. Each piece of the armor is significant for the Christian’s victory.

There are six pieces to this armor. Today we will look at the significance of each piece in terms of battling the devil.

“13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Ephesians 6: 13-17.

First we are to fasten the “belt of truth” around our waist. One of Satan’s tactics is lying. He wants to distort the Word of God. The devil is controlled by lies. To contrast that, the believer’s life should be only controlled by truth. The function of the belt is to hold all the other parts of the armor up. We are to uphold truth as well. The belt also holds the sword (sword of the Spirit). Unless Christians practice the truth we cannot have use of the Spirit.

Secondly, we are to have the “breastplate of righteousness in place”. Breastplates in battle protect the vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and most of the digestive system. Satan is an accuser but he cannot accuse the believer who is living right with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Without the breastplate of righteousness in place, Satan will attack the very essence of our being- our heart, our lifeline. Righteousness must be practiced by Christians on a daily basis or we open ourselves up for an attack from Satan!

Our next piece of armor is our shoes. We are to put on the shoes of the “Gospel of peace”. The shoes have two meanings. First, shoes help us stand and give us a firm foundation to stand upon. Roman sandals had hobnails in the shoes to give them firm footing, similar to the bottom of cleats today. The Christian should always stand firmly against the devil. Secondly, we must be prepared daily to share the Gospel of peace with the lost. When we wear the shoes of the gospel we are told that we have beautiful feet (Isaiah 52:7). I have to sadly admit that here lately my feet are not looking so beautiful. Are yours?

The Christian should also “take up the shield of faith”. It protects the soldier of Christ from the “fiery darts” of the devil. In Roman battles the soldiers would line up with the shields in front of them and march towards the enemy. They represented a tough wall that the enemy would have trouble penetrating. This suggests that Christians are not to face the battle alone. The “faith” mentioned here is not saving faith but “living faith”. Christians should support each other in their walk with God. We must always walk by faith using our shield to protect us.

The next piece of armor is the “helmet of salvation”. The helmet protects our mind. The devil is always trying to attack our thoughts and belief system. Our minds should always be controlled by God. When God controls the mind, the devil cannot lead anyone astray. To have a God controlled mind we must subject ourselves and our will to reading the Bible, studying it and meditating on it. We must learn the foundational doctrines of our faith and be ready to give an answer about the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). The devil will poke and prod you trying to make you doubt your salvation. Knowing the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith will give you the upper hand in defeating the devil.

The final piece of the armor of God is the “sword of the Spirit”. It’s the only offensive weapon listed. Material swords pierce only the body but God’s sword pierces straight to the heart of the inner man and conviction is the result. “The more you use a physical sword, the duller it become, but using God’s Word only makes it sharper in our lives” Wiersbe, Be Rich! The physical sword is used to wound and destroy but the “sword of the Spirit” us used to heal and give life! When the sword is used against Satan however, it will cripple him, defeat him and keep him from hindering God’s word. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11.

Because we are never out of harm’s reach this side of heaven, we must always be on guard to the schemes of the devil. Each morning before we step even a toe to the ground we must put on the whole armor of God. To not do so will be detrimental to the believer because the devil and the principalities of darkness along with the rulers of this world seek to destroy us. There is a definite army of demonic creatures out there seeking to attack us. When we put on the full armor of God we are given the weapons necessary to make war not with “flesh and blood” but against the very enemies of God.

Battleground - Defending Your Territory

Throughout this month I have been focused on destroyed the enemy – my bad habits! After destroying the enemy I must replace it good habits lest the bad habits return. The Christian’s spiritual life is no different. Once we rid ourselves of our spiritual bad habits it is imperative that we replace them with good ones that bring glory and honor to the Father in heaven. The Christian life should not be thought of as a playground because to do so would only invite the enemy in to play. The Christian life should be seen instead as a battleground, the Christian – the soldier, and the Christian life - as a battle. Who is the enemy that we battle? Satan and his helpers. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and against powers, and against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” Ephesians 6:12.

God provides us with the equipment we need to do battle successfully. It is called the armor of God and we find the description of this armor in Ephesians 6: 14-18:

“14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

Christians are in a battle every day. We cannot rest or the enemy may move into our territory. We cannot let down our guard. We must always “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We must deal with sin on a daily basis so we “do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). The Christian must also put on the armor of God each and every day. What type of soldier would march into battle without his gear? These are the ways we battle our enemy. These are the way we defend our Christian faith.

A word for Children, Fathers, Servants and Masters

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.” Ephesians 6:1-9.

A new heart and a new mind along with a new submission to Christ as Lord of your life will help bring about spiritual harmony. It begins in the lives of Christians who submit themselves to the Lordship of Christ. In this passage Paul instructs four groups of people: children, parents, servants and masters.

Paul begins with children (vs. 1-3). First of all they are Christians because they are “in the Lord”. This goes along with the theme of Ephesians: Walking in Unity. When we walk in unity, “in the Lord”, with one another we are being obedient. Secondly, obedience is right. When God ordained the world He put in an order of nature. This rightness is evidence of His Supreme authority over the earth. We were created too, to be obedient to our heavenly Father. “A modern translation of Ephesians 6:1 would be “Parents, obey your children, for this will keep them happy and bring peace to the home.” But this is contrary to God’s order in nature” Wiersbe, Be Rich! Obedience is commanded (vs.2) and is reinforced by quoting the Fifth Commandment. There is also a blessing for children who are obedient: “That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (vs.3). Disobedience to parents is a rebellion against God and the results can be seen in many homes around the world.

Paul then addresses the parents; fathers specifically because they are “head of the household” (Eph. 5:23). Paul gives father’s specific instructions on dealing with their children. First, he is not to provoke them. The opposite of provoke is encourage. Father’s should instead encourage their children and accept them for who they are in God’s eyes and not abuse them with their authority. Fathers must also be nurturers. I believe Paul was directly speaking to the Fathers at this time because mothers, by nature, are nurturers. It is not enough to physically nurture their children by providing food, shelter and clothing. Paul wanted fathers to nurture their children emotionally and spiritually as well. This allows for balanced and well nurtured growth intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Fathers must discipline and instruct their children while encouraging them in the Lord. Consistent, loving discipline gives assurance to children. Assurance so many children desperately seek. Children may not always agree with our counsel and disciplinary actions but that should not stop us as parents from our obligations to train them up in the Lord.

Paul proceeds to address Christian servants. Undoubtedly, Paul is talking about Christian slaves but this applies today to Christian employees. We are not to be obedient merely when the boss is watching but always because God is always watching and judging our actions. Christian employees should be first serving the Lord. The second thing they should be responsible for is doing a good job all the time because this is the will of God. A Christian should perform all their works as “unto the Lord”. We do not serve man but God! Employees walking in obedience to the Lord will receive a reward. It might not be on this side of heaven but a reward is coming to the faithful and obedient!

Finally, Paul addresses the masters or employers. Servant and master, employee and employer are serving the Lord so they may please Him. Employers must seek their employee’s welfare. He must also not threaten them (vs. 9). Instead, the employer should encourage his workers to do what is right and noble. Encouraging obedience is always better than threats of punishment and yields better results. The Christian employer is also subject to the Lord and should not play favorites just as God does not play favorites with His people. God is no respecter of persons and neither should the employer be. Just as God judges the employee and the employer so can the employer judge his employees work and reward accordingly as long as it is fair and just.

Submitting oneself to the Lordship of Christ will be sacrificial at times but also rewarding. Willingly obeying the Father and seeking His will in all things will bring those loving word from the Father in heaven: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

“Therefore, having so vast a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, and throwing off everything that hinders us and especially the sin that so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us, looking off to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith, who, in view of the joy set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:1,2. May we always do the right thing because so many are watching us and they should always see the Father through us.

Joy, Thanksgiving, and Submission!

Three powerful words can be used to express characteristics of the believer found in Ephesians 5:19-21.

“ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,  always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-21.

In the Christian home one should find: joy, thanksgiving and submission.

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is not conditional to our circumstances around us but rather it determines how we react to them. The Christian can be joyful in the midst of trials and tribulations because our joy comes from the Lord and what He has done for us. A Christian that is controlled by the Spirit of God will experience deep joy and will not afraid to express the glory of God through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. The Christian will “sing and make music from the heart to the Lord” (vs. 19).

A thankful heart promotes harmony on the home. Christians are instructed to “give thanks to God the Father for everything” (vs. 20). “A thankful heart is usually humble, a heart that gladly acknowledges God as the giver of “every good and perfect gift” Wiersbe, Be Rich! All Christians are grateful for some things but Paul instructs us to be thankful of all things, all the time. Since it is difficult to be thankful for our trials and tribulations it shows us another reason we must rely so heavily upon the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit’s help we will find the strength we need to obey this commandment to be thankful in all things.

Because of our own sinful nature we want to promote ourselves and make ourselves important. However, Scripture says that we are to esteem others “more highly than ourselves” (Philippians 2:1-4, Romans 12:10). If Christian homes are to be seen as pictures of Christ’s relationship to His church, then each believer, as a member of Christ’s Body, must practice submission to each other: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (vs. 21).

My prayer for my own home (and all Christian homes) is as others peer into our lives they will see a joyful heart, a thankful attitude and a submissive mindset. No, we won’t be perfect but I pray that they will see evidence of our love for Christ in the way our homes are ran and seek the same things for their own homes.

Dear Jesus, I pray that we seek each day finding ways to show love and thankfulness for one another. I pray that You put a new song in my heart each and every day. Lord, I humbly ask You to forgive me when I fall short of this awesome task and ask for the Holy Spirit’s strength and guidance each day to make joy, thankfulness and submission a part of our home each and every day.

Having a Spirit Led Home

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” Ephesians 5:18.

“Be filled with the Spirit” is a command. The command is plural so it applies to all believers. The verb is in the present tense – it is an experience we should enjoy every day not just on special occasions. The verb is also passive. We do not try to fill ourselves with the Spirit but instead we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us. The word “filled” mean to be” controlled by”. We are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. To be “filled with the Spirit” means that we allow the Holy Spirit to control our mind, emotions and our will.

If our homes are our sanctuaries, then to “Be filled with the Spirit” is a command from God that must be taken seriously. So many homes end up broken. The divorce rate in America is over 50% for first time marriages. That is a profound number and we must look into the cause of it. While there are many reasons that cause divorces today I believe there is only main one root cause. People today do not take seriously the command to “be filled with the Spirit”.

It is God’s will for us to walk in harmony with each other through the power of the Holy Spirit. God wishes to see not only husbands and wives in harmony with each other but also parents and children, sibling with sibling, employers and employees and most of all, God wishes for us to walk in harmony with Him. The only way for this to happen is to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit’s fullness is needed in our lives if we are going to have a Spirit led home. Once we deny ourselves and hand over the reins to the Holy Spirit, then and only then, will we see a change in our home and in our relationships with one another. We will be able to see the joy return to our homes and relationships. Thanksgivings will be on our lips for one another and praises to God will be sang (vs.19, 20). We will be submissive to one another putting the needs of others before ourselves (vs.21). This is what it looks like to have a Spirit led home.

Tomorrow I will dive into three evidences of the Spirit led home: joyfulness, thankfulness, and submissiveness as found in Ephesians 5: 19-33.

Dear Jesus, I hand over the reins to myself. I give You permission to fill me with the Holy Spirit today so I may walk in a way worthy to You. May my home always be a sanctuary. May my home always be filled with love for one another and love for You! In Jesus name, Amen.

Walk in Wisdom

March’s focus this month is getting rid of our bad habits and replacing them with good habits that are pleasing to the Lord and bring him glory and honor. What better way to do this than to seek His wisdom and His will for our lives?

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17.

There are several reasons why walking in wisdom is very important. First of all, God has a plan for our lives. He made us for a purpose. God reveals this plan through His Word (Col 1:9-10), the Holy Spirits work in our hearts and minds (Col 3:15), and through the circumstances that God allows us to go through (Romans 8:28).

Secondly, God has given us a mind and He intended for us to use it! Discovering God’s will for our lives is rewarding. It involves gathering facts, examining them, weighing the options and praying for wisdom. We discover His will as God starts transforming our minds and that transformation starts at conversion. The transformation continues as we study His Word, pray, meditate on Scripture, worship God and give Him thanks for everything. Our mind is transformed as we spend time getting to know the Savior!

Thirdly, the “days are evil” and our time on earth is short. It is foolish of us to waste our time away pursuing our own agendas when God’s has given us a greater agenda! How foolish of us to waste opportunities to lead the lost to Christ. We are not promised another day, another hour, or even another minute. We should remember the Latin saying “Carpe Diem!” It means “Seize the day!” We should live for the moment and enjoy the present as we search out His will for our lives so we may bring glory and honor to Him!

If we leave the Christian life to chance we are walking carelessly without proper guidance and forethought. Instead we should purposely seek His will with our whole being. To not do so would be like walking around as a vagabond wandering to and fro with no purpose or direction. May we seek His will for our lives and encourage one another in the Lord.

Dear Jesus, I am searching Your heart today. What specific tasks do you want me to accomplish for You today that will bring You glory and honor? Lord, I do not want to be as a vagabond wandering aimlessly through life but a soldier for Your army fulfilling Your purposes. Lord, here I am. Use me!

Walk in the Light!

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” Ephesians 5:8.

All Christians were once partakers of darkness but now are partakers of light! It is impossible to be both at the same time. Light produces goodness, righteousness and truth (vs. 9). “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” John 3:20, 21.

Walking in light reveals God’s light in our daily lives. By our conduct we bring God’s light into a dark world. We carry the torch that exposes people’s sin and ungodliness. But we cannot stop there. We must produce fruit. What good is it to tell someone their house is on fire and not do anything to help them? Do we just tell them that the house is on fire and walk away leaving them to battle the fire on their own? No, we pitch in! First we get everyone to safety and then we call in help! Once the fire is out we pitch in to help clean up the mess. This same scenario should be true for the believer’s life. As children of the light we are exposing a child of darkness’ need for light. We reveal God’s true holiness to them and show the unbeliever their true condition without Christ. Simply put, we show them the fire. Then we get them to safety. We witness to them. We tell them of the safety of eternal security in Christ. They might not have a conversion experience at that time but the seed is planted. They have heard the Gospel message and it’s up to the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts. Next, we “pitch in and help clean up”! This is called discipleship. We do not go in and start wagging our fingers but instead we IN LOVE, teach them God’s truth. We help them begin their spiritual walk with the Father of Light!

Dear Jesus, I pray that my life reveals Your light to others. My sincere prayer is that I may witness to someone today and show them how wonderful and gracious You are Lord. I pray that I am a beacon of light in such a dark world. I pray that Your light shines through me to reach the lost and dying.

Walk in Love!

Walking in love is a fundamental factor in the Christian life. If we walk in love we are doing what pleases God and obeying the greatest commandment: “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.” (Matthew 22:36-37). Paul mentions in Ephesians 5: 1-2 two reasons why walking in love is so important.

First of all, we are God’s child. Just as my children look up to my husband and I and try to imitate us, so are we to look to our heavenly Father and try to imitate Him. Everything God does for His children are wrapped in the confines of love because “God is love”. Secondly, Christ gave himself up as a sacrifice for us. We are not our own for we are bought with a price. The price of innocent blood was shed for us so we may have the opportunity to be reconciled with the Father. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13). Yet, we were once God’s enemies: “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” (Romans 5:10). Do you love others to the point where you are you willing to die for your enemies so that they may have eternal life? God did.

When we become born again we are born with a new nature. Our new nature should be loving, kind, generous and peaceful. We are to “walk in love” and we are able to do this because God puts this love in our hearts at conversion because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Just as we have a loving relationship with the Father, we too should have a loving relationship with others. Examine your heart this morning. Do you “walk in love”? Are you imitating the Father? Can others see the Father through your love for them?

Dear Jesus, I pray that I walk daily in your steps. I pray that others may see Your love for them through my words and actions. I know I fail miserably because, let’s just face it, Your shoes are big to fill! But, I do not do anything by my own power and might. Anything I do that has any lasting impact is because of Your work through me by Your power and strength! Thank goodness I am not asked to do anything by my own strength but through the power of the Holy Spirit enabling me. Help me Lord to walk in love daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Put Away These Things!

“ 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:25-32.
Paul writes about five specific sins in this passage and follows up with why the Christian should do away with them. The five includes lying, anger, stealing, corrupt speech, and bitterness. All of these sins destroy the unity of the church body. Paul is calling us to walk in purity not only for our own sake but for the sake of the church as a whole. Satan wants a foothold in our lives and when we walk in sin, Satan will grab on tightly to try to destroy the church unity and fellowship.

Lying – A lie is a statement that is contrary to fact with the intent to deceive. As a believer we should only speak truthfully to people because, “we are all member of one body” (vs. 25). We are to build up Christ’s church in truth (4:15) and in love (4:16). Truth builds up but lies tear down.

Anger – Anger is an emotional arousal caused by something that displeases us. Paul did not write “never get angry” but he wrote “in you anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (vs. 27). The reason is to not “give the devil a foothold”. “It is difficult for us to practice a true holy anger or righteous indignation because our emotions are tainted by sin, and we do not have the same knowledge that God has in all matters” Wiersbe, Be Rich! Christians should be angry at sin yet love the sinner. Psalm 97:10 states: “ Ye that love the Lord hate evil.” If we do become angry, we should settle the matter quickly and “do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”. I have heard many marriage counselors say that couples should “sleep on it” when couples get in a heated argument. It becomes a “blessed escape” from heated discussions. However, this is contrary to what the Bible says. The disagreement does not have to be “settled” but our anger should be. Anger erodes relationships, resides deep in a person’s soul, affects responses to the other person and outsiders, inhibits you to love the agape way, affect your physical health and gives the devil a foothold.

Stealing – Simply put, stealing is taking something that does not already belong to you. “Thou shalt not steal” is one of the Ten Commandments. I have not thought of myself as a “thief”. But I have used office supplies for my own personal use, the internet at work to send personal emails on company time. Taking the office pen home is the same as stealing a loaf of bread from the grocery store or even stealing a car. Sin is sin, and stealing is stealing. Paul teaches us in this package the better way: “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” (vs. 28). Laboring has been lifted to a higher level: “that they may have something to share with those in need”. We do not labor to keep everything for ourselves. We labor so we can give!

Corrupt Speech – Corrupt means that which is worthless, bad or rotten. Corrupt speech is filthy communication. Matthew 12:34 states it beautifully. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh”. What is in your heart? What is in mine? You can tell my examining your speech. To remedy corrupt speech, fill your heart with the things from above. Meditate on Scripture, lift up thanksgivings to the Lord, sing praises to God and always keep in mind that your words have power: power to heal or power to kill and destroy.

Bitterness – Bitterness refers to a settled hostility that poisons all the way down to the depths of the soul. Bitterness stems from unresolved anger that leads to wrath. It like a fire that smolders and is not put out. The coals are always warm and the fire of hatred and anger can burn again readily and easily when it is provoked by even the slightest thing.

After being told how not to behave, Paul teaches us what we should do instead. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (vs. 32). To do the things we ought to brings glory and honor to God, keeps us in fellowship with our Creator and brings unity to the body of Christ!

The three “A’s” of Ephesians 4: 17 - 32

1. Admonition
Paul begins with an earnest rebuke: “ 17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.” Ephesians 4: 17-19. Paul warns the believers to live not as the Gentiles live nor are they to think as the Gentiles think. As new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), we are to have a different walk and mindset. Christians are not to imitate unsaved people for we are now “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1).

2. Argument
Paul thus begins to put forth the reason in support of his rebuke: “20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:20-24. The emphasis is on the mind and outlook of the believer. The early church made better disciples out of new converts than churches do today. Many churches today lack in discipleship growth and do not stir the inner man to be more Christ- like and to learn more God and His ways. Churches today have settled for mediocrity so they can please the masses instead of pleasing the Lord. Paul argues that since we have been born again we should put off our old self. We are reminded here, once again, that we are created to be like God (not to be God but to be like him). We are to grow in righteousness and holiness. We have believed the truth and received life; therefore, we should walk in a way pleasing to our Lord.

3. Application
Paul finally brings us to how we as Christians should carry ourselves in order to bring glory and honor to Him: “ 25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4: 25-32.

Tomorrow I will focus more on the application part of this portion of Scripture. But today, my prayer is that we put off our old self, repent of our trespasses against God and others and prepare our hearts and minds for the change God wants to do in our lives!

Using Our Spiritual Gifts for God's Glory!

As this month keeps marching by (pun intended!) and I am stomping out my bad habits, I am trying to replace them with habits that bring glory to God. One of the ways I can bring glory to God is to exercise my God given gifts. I want both my natural abilities and my spiritual abilities that were appointed to me upon conversion, to be used for God’s glory.

First, I want to distinguish between the two. When I was born, God gave me certain natural talents. I am musically inclined and creative. I am not super athletic, but I tend to do ok in sports. I was born with the genetic makeup to be able to do these things and through learning and nurturing them I can succeed. When I became a Christian, God bestowed upon me spiritual gifts. Each believer has at least one gift and sometimes several gifts to utilize. A spiritual gift is given to bring glory and honor to God.

Just as Paul writes about believers being part of “one body”, the body has several parts. Each person functions in the body differently by doing his/her job according to their spiritual gifts making the body work completely and in unity.

“ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. “ Ephesians 4:16.

The Bible has three different passages that list spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31; Romans 12:3-8; and Ephesians 4:11. God equips his saints to do the work he has called them to do. I encourage you to read over these passages and pray about the spiritual gifts God has given you. Pray and ask God to reveal to you which gifts He gave you. You may already know and use them to bring glory to God or you may be as I was 13 years ago and stumbling around these gifts trying to figure out which one(s) God has given you. My pastor at the time gave his congregation a spiritual gifts test. It was such an eye opener. There are free spiritual gifts test you can take online or you may be so inclined as to take the written test. Either way I pray that you search for and develop your spiritual gifts in Christ to bring Him the glory, honor and praise He deserves!

Reverse

7 Basic Spiritual Realities that Unite all Believers

Just as Paul wrote about the seven graces that Christians must possess to help preserve Christian unity, there are also seven basic spiritual realities that make up the foundation of Christianity.

“4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6. (Emphasis mine)

First, there is one body. This is the body of Christ. The fact that there is one body and Christians are members of the body does not excuse him from being part of the local church body. Christians should participate in the local church, grow in the Lord, participate in worship, and exercise their spiritual gifts.

There is one Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells each believer and is important in our daily Christian walk with Christ. We also read in this passage the “one hope when you were called”. This is our hope in the return of our Lord Jesus Christ to gather the saints together with Him and take us to heaven.

Another basic spiritual truth is “one Lord”. He is the one who took our place on the cross. He died for our sins, conquered death and now sits on the right hand side of the Father in heaven. We have one faith. There are foundational truths in the Christian faith that all must agree on to be called Christian. We might have disagreements on minor matters of interpretation and church practices but the foundational truths must never be waivered on.

There is one baptism. Because Paul is discussing “one body”, he is referring to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We are baptized by the Spirit at conversion. We do not have to pray for it to come upon us or hope it will. When we are saved, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. But as far as the local body of believers goes, there are two baptisms: baptism of the Spirit and the baptism of water

Finally, there is “one God and Father of all”. God is of all, over all, works through all and in all. We are the children of one Father. We have different biological fathers but only one spiritual Father.

Believing in these seven spiritual truths does not automatically produce unity in believers. Many churches may have sound doctrine and yet are unsound in love (agape love) toward others. For this reason Paul couples this writing with “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4: 15). The first and greatest commandment is to love God with everything in you, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.

“Beloved, let us love one another. For loveth of God and everyone that loveth is born of God, knoweth God. He that loveth not, Knoweth not God for God is love. Beloved, let us love one another.” 1John 4:7, 8.

Reading: Slave by John MacAuthur

I'm only into the first chapter but this is an awesome book so far and I look forward to diving into it more tonight. Things I have learned thus far:

• "Servants are hired, slaves are owned. Servants have an element of freedom in choosing whom they work for and what they do. The idea of servant hood maintains some level of self-autonomy and personal rights. Slaves on the other hand, have no freedom, autonomy, or rights.In the Greco-Roman world, slaves were considered property, to the point that in the eyes of the law they were regarded as things rather than persons. To be someones slave was to be his possession, bound to obey his will without hesitation or argument."

• The word slave (doulas in Greek) appears 124 times in the original text. It is only correctly translated once in the King James. Most of our modern translations do only slightly better.

• " As one historian explained about the early martyrs, " They (would reply) to all questionings about them (with) the short but comprehensive answer, "I am Christian." Again and again they caused no little perplexity to their judges by the pertinacity with which they adhered to this brief profession of faith. The question was repeated, "Who are you?" and they replied, "I have already said that I am a Christian;and he who says that has thereby named his country, his family, his profession , and all things else beside."

Wow! I love that last statement! I cannot wait to read more of this book! Be encouraged and be fed! Open the book up for yourself!

Graces that Maketh Unity

Unity is not conformity. Unity comes from the graces God bestows upon us while conformity is the result of pressure from outside sources. Unity is a noun. It is not something you do but a concept of how something should be. As believers, we are to be unified with one another.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;” Ephesians 4:1-4.



There are seven Christian graces mentioned in this text: lowliness (humility), meekness, longsuffering, forbearance, love, endeavoring, and peace. The body of Christ cannot experience unity unless He first does a work within us.



Humility is simply putting Christ and others before you. Humility is recognizing our true condition in such a way that we do not think more highly of ourselves then we ought to, nor less highly of ourselves then we ought to.



Meekness is not a sign of weakness but a sign to others that we have control over the power that has been given to us. Coupled with this grace of meekness is longsuffering. Literally, longsuffering means “long-tempered”. Christians should be able to experience discomfort without retaliating. Ouch!

The definition of forbearing is to hold back from especially with an effort. This effort of holding back is intertwined with love, agape love, which makes it possible to do so. If Christ does not first fill us with His love we would be trying to accomplish something through our own power instead of relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.



Endeavoring means “being eager to maintain, or guard” Our responsibility as Christians is to eagerly “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). The final grace is peace. First and foremost we are to be at peace with God. If a believer cannot get along with God, he will not be able to get along with others. Peace stems from within ourselves after we have first been reconciled to God. Peace is broken through sin: unbelief, unconfessed sin, careless living, and worldliness in actions and attitude. When we repent of our sin, fellowship is restored and peace reigns in our hearts again. This builds unity.



Unity is not conformity. It is not for us to conform but instead for God to unify the body of Christ. Unity is a result of God’s work within our hearts. We must surrender to the work that God is doing in us if there is going to be unity in the body of Christ. Conformity is self made. Unity is God made.

Taking Hold of What's Yours in Christ!

Christians do not have to worry about having an inadequate supply of resources to help us in our walk in Christ.  Today, there is a plethora of ways to gain knowledge about God. There are good resources written in truth. We have many different Bible translations, commentaries, and devotionals.  We can tune into the television and watch preaching, hear singing about God, or watch a documentary on Creationism. We can turn on the radio and listen to preaching, Christian news, or music in the style we like to listen to. Man’s resources are vast but GOD’s resources are infinite!

No Christian ever has to worry about God’s resources to help us learn more about Him. We do not have to ever worry about His doctrine or theology! Through Christ, we have an infinite supply of resources at our disposal to meet the needs of life. When Christians pray for spiritual depth and spiritual strength, he will be able to apprehend all of God’s resources.

“May be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God” Ephesians 3:18-19. (Emphasis mine)

Comprehend means to mentally take hold of something for yourself. Paul wants us to really grasp the concept of Christ’s love. When we realize in full what Christ has done for us on the cross we will be able to truly bathe ourselves in Christ’s love.  It is only then that we in turn will make an impact on others and turn them towards the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What is the result of knowing and experiencing Christ’s love? Fullness. Paul wants us to be filled to the brim with the fullness of God! Positionally, we are complete in Christ but practically, we only experience and enjoy the grace that we apprehend by faith. Apprehend is different from comprehend as it suggests laying hold of something yourself. It is very possible to understand something but not make it your own. I did this before coming to a true knowledge of salvation. In my earlier years, I knew of God; I believed in God; I believed what the Bible said about what Christ did for me on the cross. But I did not make Him my own until sometime later. I did not truly take hold of what is mine and available to me in Christ Jesus. I’m so glad that I did! The resources are there once we accept Christ as our Savior. All we must do is accept them and enjoy them! God wants us to!

Dear Jesus, Thank You for saving me! Thank You for providing everything I will ever need. Thank You for Your grace and Your mercy. Thank You for loving me enough to die on the cross in my place and taking the punishment for my sins. What a merciful God You are!

Strength and Depth in Christ!

My Bible study has led me to spend time with Paul’s prayer to the saints found in Ephesians chapter three. Paul’s prayer does not ask God for physical healings or material items. Paul petitions God for the saint’s spiritual needs. I’m not saying that praying for our material and physical needs are not important. Too often, however, we only focus on these needs instead of focusing on the needs of our inner being.

“ 14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3: 14-21.

To summarize the prayer, Paul prays for the saints to have inner strength which leads to a deeper walk with Christ enabling them to experience God’s love for them in a more profound way and be filled with Christ. Today, I am just going to focus on the strength and depth that Paul prayed for.

The strength Paul writes about is the strength that comes from the Holy Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is evidence of salvation. The Spirit is the most important resource we have for Christian living. The Spirit gives us our gifts, convicts us, helps us remember Scripture, teaches us, and always works for God’s glory guiding us into all truth. It is important for believers to be strengthened with the power of the Holy Spirit so that in all we do; it will be for Christ’s glory.

Paul uses three verbs in this prayer to convey the depth Christians should have in Christ: dwell, rooted and grounded. Dwell means to be settled down and feel at home. Paul wants Christ to feel at home in the heart of the believer. Paul wants us to experience a deep fellowship with Christ. The verb rooted brings the image of a tree being strongly rooted in the ground. Strong deep roots bring water, nourishment and stability to the tree. Christians should have these same deep roots in Christ. Grounded is an architectural term that refers to the foundations in which one builds. An architect once said “If you don’t go deep, you can’t go high.” What a profound statement! If our relationship with Christ is not deep, how can we expect to do great and might things for Christ to bring him glory? The answer is we cannot. Our works will be made out of wood, hay and stubble and be consumed by the fire of judgment because our works would have been out of our own power. (1Cor. 3:12).

“If there is going to be power in the Christian life, then there must be depth. The roots must go deeper and deeper into the love of Christ. “ Wiersbe, Be Rich!

Paul’s prayer is that believers may experience a deeper relationship with Christ. Only a deep relationship will sustain the believer during severe trials and tribulations they experience in life. We must ask ourselves from where we draw our nourishment and stability. Do I have a deep relationship with Christ or just a surface relationship? If the Holy Spirit stopped working in my life would I even notice?

When we “bow the knee” is it for appearances or to satisfy our deep hunger for Christ? Are we yielding our inner man to the Holy Spirit or are we praying that God satisfy our materialistic and selfish wants? Are we feeding our inner man so we can grow in a deeper, heartfelt relationship with Christ?

Dear Jesus, I bow then knee today not for appearance sake but because I hunger for You Lord. I want a strong, deep relationship with You so when the trials of life come I will be able to stand firm and not be tossed around by the raging seas of turmoil and strife. Lord, I want You to work in my inner man so I may bring glory and honor to You. Amen.

Bow the knees!

What is the best way to stomp out my bad habits? The best way to kick old habits is by the bowing of the knee. I’m not talking about literally being in that posture but, you guessed it, prayer!

Currently I am finding it very difficult to curb my late night sweet attack cravings. I find it very difficult to say no to the Girl Scout cookies and chocolate sweets beckoning me to the kitchen. Once the thought of eating those pops into my mind it is difficult to think of anything else! As I was reading in my Bible study last night on Ephesians I came across Ephesians 3:14: “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” WOW!  As I was sitting there on the couch with a pack of Girl Scout cookies in my hands and my Bible study in my lap the answer to my problem became so clear to me. I was not giving my bad habits over to God!

“Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guide your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 7.

“It is through prayer that we lay hold of God’s riches that enable us to behave like Christians and battle like Christians.” Wiersbe, Be Rich! Here I was struggling with my bad habits, trying to overpower them with my own strength and not using the power and strength I have in Christ! I was battling myself with my own powers instead of relying on God to help me through the battle. Simply put, I was not practicing Philippians 4: 6, 7.

What are you battling right now that you should bathe in prayer? May I suggest bowing the knee and presenting your requests to God?

Dear God, I come before You with my knee and heart bowed. I want to start giving every little anxiousness and worry over to You. Thank You for showing me that I was trying to overcome my obstacles by my own strength. Today I give them over to You.

Is our theology making us poor?

March Stomp! – Is our theology making us poor?

A study on church history will reveal that many of the basic truths of the Word of God were lost during the centuries that followed. These truths became buried under man-made theologies, traditions, rituals, and legalism.

“The reason many churches are weak and ineffective is because they do not understand what they have in Christ,” Wiersbe, Be Rich! The main cause of this weakness is partly due to the spiritual leaders of the churches. They have not been good stewards of God’s Holy Word. False doctrines abound in many churches today. Ministers hold fast to legalistic teachings to keep their parishioners scared and powerless. Rituals become a type of bondage to the church body. Traditions are not necessarily bad in and of themselves but they can keep us chained to the past, not allowing God to move in fresh new ways. These man-made theologies, traditions, rituals and legalistic laws placed upon man rob us of our spiritual wealth in Christ.

We are rich in Christ! God has shown us in Scripture this truth over and over.  He has revealed this “mystery” (Eph 3:9) to us and wants us to experience His riches, His glory, and His power. We share in His inheritance. God wants us to know what He is doing in this world. God wants us to work with Him using His resources. He makes himself available to those who seek His will and want to accomplish His purposes on earth. God gives us every tool we will ever need to accomplish any task He may ask us to do for Him.

All of our activities should be Christ –centered instead of being centered on man’s philosophies. The church at Laodicea is a good example. They thought that they were rich and in need of nothing but Jesus counseled them to come to Him for all that they” thought” they had (Rev 3:17,18). The church thought they were rich, but in fact, they were poor. They became self sufficient and in doing so became spiritually poor.

Do we do the same thing with our rituals, legalism and traditions of the 21^st century? Are the activities in your church making you spiritually poor?

Prisoner of Christ!

Ephesian 3:1 – Paul was a prisoner of Christ for the Gentiles.

Paul was literally in prison because he dared to show the Judeo Christians that they still held prejudices against the Gentiles. Paul dared to confront them with their sin and it landed him in prison. As a follower in Christ we may face the same risks. We might not end up in jail here in the United States but in some countries missionary’s do. No, here in the United States our prisons are our own backyards, our churches and our own belief system. The devil works hard to keep us prisoners for him instead of being a prisoner for Christ.

The devil does this several ways. First of all he likes to keep us prisoner to our past sins. We forget that we are a new creation in Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Cor. 5:17). Psalms 103: 12 says it best: “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Hallelujah! But how many times do we drudge up our past sin and wallow in it and throw ourselves a pity party?

Another way the devil tries to keep us prisoner is through false doctrines in the church. We are prisoners to rituals and traditions and false teachings created by men and are often not supported by the Word of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5 states “ That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.” So many churches have fallen into the trap of rituals and traditions. How sad that God is not allowed freedom to move in the church and to change the direction of the church so that the needs of His people are met!

The devil will also keep us prisoner to our old belief system. “Well, we’ve always done it this way” sayings horrify me. Just as the Jews were prejudiced against the Gentiles in the early church we too have some of the same prejudices. We are prejudiced in regards to race, nationality and even wealth and social statuses. The Ephesus Judeo Christians were basically saying “It’s always been this way. Why are you trying to change things now?” We hold so tightly to our old belief system and it makes us resistant to hear from God and to follow His lead.

After studying this one little verse, I had to ask myself who am I a prisoner of? Am I a prisoner of Jesus Christ or am I a prisoner of Satan?

Who are you a prisoner of?

Dear Jesus, I want to be Your prisoner! I bow down my will and I seek Your will for my life. When satan tries to buffet me with guilt from my past I will remember to whom I belong. When he tries to take me prisoner I will remember I am Yours . I will remember John 17:10: and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. Lord, I give You all of me!

Where are my feet taking me?

I just read a story about a missionary who was preaching and some people were making fun of him because he was not a handsome man. After taking the blows for awhile he finally said to the crowd, “It is true that I do not have beautiful hair, for I am almost bald. Nor do I have beautiful teeth, for they are not really mine, they were made by the dentist. I do not have a beautiful face, nor can I afford to wear beautiful clothes. But this I know: I have beautiful feet!” And then he proceeded to quote Isaiah: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, the publisheth peace” (Isa 52:7).

Are my feet taking me on a peace mission? Where am I going? What do my feet look like? I had to ask myself these questions after reading this missionary’s story.

Because I am a true believer in Christ, having been reconciled with God, I want to help others learn to put their trust in Him also and receive reconciliation as well. This can be easily dubbed as my peace mission.

Let’s take a look at this peace mission.

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” 2 Corinthians 5:18. Read on to verse 20 which states: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Not only has God given me the ministry of reconciliation and to be an ambassador of peace but I should also shod my feet the Gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:15). Through this peace mission I will be called a child of God (Matt 5:9).

I have to repeatedly ask myself: where are my feet taking me and do my feet look beautiful in the eyes of God. This month is not just about stomping out my bad habits but putting in place good habits that coincide with the will of God. God’s will for my life is to love Him with all of my being, worshipping only Him and to tell others about how He has reconciled us together again with Him through His son Jesus when He died on the cross for our sins.

Dear Jesus, I want even my feet to be beautiful in Your eyes. Help me to get over any inhibition I may have so I can freely tell others about what Jesus did on the cross for our sins. Help me to show others just how much You love them and want to be at peace with them so they can experience sweet fellowship with You.

Circumcised!

Who I am in Christ!

Ephesians 2:11-12 : One in Christ

“11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

For centuries, the “circumcision” (Jews) had looked down upon the “uncircumcised” (Gentile) with an attitude that God never wanted them to have. The fact that the Jew had received the physical mark of the covenant was no proof that he was a man of the faith. It is the same way with the “Christians” of the world today.

God separated the Jews from the Gentiles for a purpose. He did not intend for the Jews to boast but to be a blessing and help to the Gentiles. Today, as Christ’s Bride, God also wants us to be separated from the world so we can be a light, a beacon of hope to the lost. Israel kept their difference nationally and ritually but not morally. How do we as Christians fare with this statement?

I’d like to make a couple comparisons. First of all, the Jews looked down upon the Gentiles. Today, many believers look down upon unbelievers. There was an arrogance about the Jews. I dare say we have the same arrogance. Oh, how I believe that breaks the Father’s heart!

Another comparison I would like to make deals with God’s chastisements. Because Israel only kept the ritual aspect of the law and did not internalize it so it could encompass their whole being, God often had to discipline the Jews because they did not maintain there spiritual separation and minister to the nations in the name of the true God. This is the same for believers today. God says in Hebrews 12:6 “because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." As Christians we are to be salt and light in our surroundings (Matthew 5:13-16) and spread the good news of the gospels (Matthew 28: 18-20). True believers today are chastised just as the Jews were chastised by God.

A word that best describes unbelievers and Gentiles is without. They are without Christ first and foremost. They are also without citizenship, without covenants and without hope. As a born again believer in Christ I have all of these things!

God wants me to be separate from the world so I may be able to reveal Christ to others so they may gain citizenship in heaven, begin their covenant with the Lord and have an everlasting hope. He does not want me to be separated to look down my nose an nonchristians and wag my finger at them. He wants to use me to reach the lost, the dying, and the hurting. Sadly, Israel became like the Gentiles and their light burns dimly even to this day. This is our warning also.

“When the church is least like the world, it does the most for the world.” Wiersbe, Be Rich!

Dear Jesus, Thank you for your chastisements because I am reminded that I belong to You. Lord keep me separated from the world yet not so far removed that I no longer am salt and light to those around me. Keep me humbly before You, always seeking to do Your will and to reach others in Your name so that no one will perish but come to You in repentance. Do not allow me to become a Pharisee and only having a knowledge of the Word but denying the power thereof. In Your Holy name I pray this prayer, Amen.

God Works Through Us!

I am “created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Eph 2:10).  I have a purpose! I have been created so God can do a mighty work through me. I can hardly believe it!

There are many “works” that the Bible addresses but one “works” tell me why I was created. Some of these other works include: works of the law ( which cannot save, Gal 2:16, 3:11), works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21), works of darkness (Romans 13:12, Eph 5:11), dead works (Heb 6:1) and the works of righteousness (Titus 3:5) that sinners try to do as a means to gain favor from God and receive salvation.

The “works” Paul writes about in Ephesians have two special characteristics about them. To begin with, they are called “good”.

“The believer has God working in him, and therefore his works are good.” Wiersbe, Be Rich!

My works are not good because I am good.  They are good because He is working through me despite my failures and my faults. In other words, my works are good in spite of me. Praise the LORD!

My good works are also testimonies to those that do not know Christ. Christ is being revealed to them through my works because they are being shown the Father’s love for them.

The second characteristics about works is they are “ordained” (Eph 2: 10). This means that God has a plan and a purpose for my life just as He has a plan for every believer’s life. God wants every believer to walk in His will and fulfill His plan.

After reading this text of Scripture these past few days I have to ask myself where I stand. Am I wearing the “graveclothes” or the “graceclothes”? Am I enjoying the freedom I have in Christ or am I still bound by the habits of the old life in the graveyard of sin? Am I practicing my position in Christ? Do I live my life as if I am seated in the heavenlies with Christ?  Am I allowing God to work in me and through me?

What about you?

Dear Jesus, Thank You for Your wonderful grace and mercy. Thank you for ordaining good works for me beforehand. Thank you for dying on the cross so I can get rid of my graveclothes and put on my graceclothes. I would want it know other way. Show me each and every day what Your will for me is and may I be obedient and walk in Your will for my life. O Lord, do a mighty work in and through me!

God's Work In Me

March Stomp! – God’s Work in Me!

Some times as a Christian I can forget to whom I belong to.  The busyness of life, service in the church and taking care of my family is often forefront in my mind. I forget why I was created and just sometimes, I forget who created me.

“For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:10a). The Greek word for workmanship is poiema in which we derive our English word “poem.”  Workmanship means that which is made or is a manufactured product. While I am not fully Christ-like yet, He is working on me! His purpose is to make me more like Christ (Romans 8:20).

Christ equips me not only for my life eternally with Him in heaven but also for my walk here on earth.  He has three main tools: the Word of God (1 Thes 2:13), prayer (Eph 3:20, 21), and that dreaded word suffering (1 Peter 4:11-14).

“As we read God’s Word, understand it, meditate on it and feed on it, the Word goes to work in our lives to cleanse us and nourish us. As we pray, God’s Spirit works in us to release power. And as we suffer, the Spirit of God ministers to us. Suffering drives us back to the Word and prayer and the cycle is repeated.” Wiersbe, Be Rich!

When I was made alive in Christ I became a new creature.

"Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things are passed away; behold, new things have come." (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (Eph 4: 22-24).

“Since ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above.” (Colossians 3:1)

I can see Lazarus being raised from the dead in John 11:44, “Loose him, and let him go”. Another way of saying that is “This man is now alive. Get him out of those grave clothes!” AMEN!


When I become a new creature in Christ I should stop living as a dead man and start living! I am alive in Christ! Hallelujah!

March Stomp! It is all about living again with better habits and being more focused on Christ. God is conforming me to make me more like Christ. God will use whatever it takes to get me first in the position to want to be more Christ like and then willing to yield my spirit to Him so He can make me into something beautiful and wonderful!

God will not be able to work through me until He has done a work in me. I must remember that through my suffering God is working in me, through my Bible meditation God is working in me, and through my prayer life God is working in me.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for creating in me a new heart. I thank You now for loving me enough to allow me to go through trials and storms that only bring me running back to You , seeking You and wanting more of You. Thank You for Your Holy Word and that I can freely pray to You. Thank You Jesus for being my intercessor! Dear Lord, Here am I! Mold me, use me , fill me with You and only You!

Sin

From Where We Have Fallen
I believe that in order to live in victory over our sin we first need to know how we have fallen short of God’s high standards. We start in the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 2:15-17

“15 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

Then in Genesis Chapter 3 we see the fall of man.

Genesis 3: 1-6

“1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”

No longer did Adam and Eve experience fellowship with God as freely as they once did before sin entered the picture. Ever since that fateful day in the Garden of Eden men and women have been battling sin. In Ephesians 2: 1 – 5, we see sin’s work against us.

Ephesians 2: 1-5

“1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

Because of sin, we are dead. “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23). Death means separation. Just as in the the physical sense death means our soul is separated from our body, in the spiritual sense, we are separated from God (Isa 59:2). We are not sick in need of a doctor; we are dead in need of a Savior who can resurrect us.

Sin also causes us to be disobedient to God. There are three basic forces that cause us to be disobedient – the world, the devil, and the flesh. The world and its views put pressure on each person to conform to its ways, tolerances and practices. The devil and his demonic associates have control over this world and its influences on people. The devil’s main objective is to turn our attention away from Christ and onto him. He seeks to make us “children of disobedience” (Eph 2:2). One of the devil’s main tools to keep us disobedient is with lies as we have seen in Genesis 3: 4-5. The flesh refers to the fallen nature in which we are all born with due to the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Sin makes us depraved (Eph 2:3b). The sinner is incapable of “doing anything to merit salvation or meet the high standards of God’s holiness” Wiersbe, Be Rich! By nature we are doomed creatures. We are dead, totally depraved, and disobedient.

Without Christ, we have no victory. Without Christ, we have no hope to live a victorious life. So what must one do to experience this victorious life and have victory over sin? We must first acknowledge that we have a sin problem. We then repent of our sins. Repent means turning away. We turn away from sin and if we turn away from sin we must turn towards Christ. He is our only hope. Through Christ we can experience victory over our sin.

Dear Jesus,  Thank you for providing a way to live a victorious life. Thank you for being my Savior and resurrecting me. I acknowledge that through you I can live in triumph over sin. I have the victory because I have You!

Power Living

In order to stomp out March’s bad habits and live my days victoriously I need to remind myself I have God’s power living inside of me.

“By making us His inheritance, God has shown His love. By promising us a wonderful future, He has encouraged our hope.” Wiersbe, Be Rich!

Ephesians 1:19-23 teaches us that we have full access to God’s power.  We need God’s power because we are too weak to tap into His wealth.  God’s power and strength is dynamic, divine and available to us so when the enemy tries to overcome us and steal our joy, hope and blessings we can defeat him. Paul wants us to not only know about God’s power but use His power to live a victorious life!  The enemy is tricky. He prowls around seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). He seeks to rob us of our riches in Christ.

I am reminded that faith gives us ability to use God’s power and grace supplies it for us. I can not get rid of bad habits on my own.The greatest power we have in our personal lives is our walk with the Lord daily. God is to come before everything. We are called to live for God, be devoted to God and bring glory to God. 

I can stomp out my bad habits because I am seated in the heavenlies and all things are under my feet.

Ephesians 2:6

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Dear Jesus, Thank you for the miracle of Your resurrection . It reminds us just how powerful you are. You are magnificent, worthy of praise. I praise Your name today Lord because through my repentance  and salvation I too can experience Your power and grace. Oh! How wonderful You are!

March Stomp

March Stomp?

OK, this is the way I see it. March will stomp out this blistery cold, snowy, windy weather and bring in more sunshine and much warmer temps. Yes! March Stomp!

There is another reason for using this title. March will be a time for me to start stomping out my bad habits. Some habits I will be stomping out this month will be net time before God time, late night sugary snacks and other poor eating habits as well as poor housecleaning habits that I have developed out of sheer boredom.

I'm going to start stomping on the devil's head. February left me exhausted because I failed to block myself from the devil's attacks on me, my husband and my church family. This month I plan on using God's power that is in me to stomp out that ol devil. He has no place in my life and I will be victorious!

So yeah, I've labeled March as my "March Stomp" month. What things will you be stomping out of your life as well?

Philippians 4:13 -

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Dear Jesus, Through Your blood, power and strength I am able to conquer my bad habits. Thank you for the spring time as it teaches me that You do renew us and rejuvenate us. You cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You Lord are more powerful than anything for by You all things were created. Thank you Lord for Your unending grace and new mercies that are new to me every morning. In Jesus name, Amen