SCRIP-BITS

Ephesians 6:13.    Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
 
Oh Friends, who says our God isn’t a wonderful Deity eh? Foolish people! Remember yesterday I was wondering whether I had the parts to stand strong during the adversity of a root canal operation? Well I believe I do, but the truth is it wasn’t necessary to prove it yesterday, for when I got to the dentist, he still couldn’t find anything wrong, and couldn’t guarantee that the root canal would solve my problem. In any case, it has improved over the last few weeks, so in our mutual wisdom (smile) we decided to leave well enough alone and see what happens in God’s good time. Praise the Lord! But what really amused me is that I was late getting there, and I don’t know anybody else who would be rushing to the dentist for a root canal. Hn! Most people would be delaying even more. I wasn’t really rushing, but trying to get there as fast as I could, given my penchant for hating to be late anywhere at all. Anyway, the important thing is that this morning my mouth isn’t all bloodied and battered. And that deserves a big: ‘Thank You Lord!’ But enough trivia for now. (smile) Let’s move on to more worthy matters like our Bit: ‘ Wherefore take (up) unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ Yes Friends, we’re continuing the message on spiritual warfare, which is vitally important for believers to understand, as there are truly evil, demonic forces at work in the spiritual world. Here’s what the scholars have to say about our Bit: ‘Wherefore means “because of this,” that is, because we face such a formidable foe, we must avail ourselves of God’s provision lest the enemy destroy our Christian witness and ministry. The evil day refers to the periodic demonic onslaughts and Satanic assaults. Having done all includes both dressing oneself in God’s armour and resisting Satan. Having done all these, be ready, for the Devil will attack again and again.’  And that my Friends, is the living, gospel and total truth! Beelzebub is guaranteed to keep coming at us every chance he gets, so it’s up to us to be clothed in God’s protective armour at ALL times, so we give him not even one iota of a chance to invade our bodies and souls. And what is the whole armour of God that Bruh Paul’s talking about? I’ll let him explain it. ‘Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (your waist girded) with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall 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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph.6:14-18) Yes my people, the basic accoutrements of spiritual warfare are: the helmet of Salvation, to guard our minds; the breastplate of Righteousness to guard our inner man, our hearts, will and emotions; the belt of Truth, so that we can stay centred in the Word, testifying to the truth at all times; the sandals of Peace, so that we’ll go everywhere in peace and tranquility, boldly anchoring our feet in the bedrock of Jesus; the shield of Faith, that massive protection that allows us to deflect the fiery arrows of the enemy and stand safely behind it in true faith.And then we need the almighty sword of the Spirit, the Good Book, the spiritual weapon that cuts deeply to bring about conviction and repentance. And finally, the catalyst that brings it all together my people, Prayer. With any of those missing from our arsenal Friends, we’re very vulnerable to the sneaky, conniving advances of Lucifer and his band of evildoers. So Friends, today, RIGHT NOW, let’s take serious stock of our spiritual armour, and make sure that we’re not vulnerable in any area. Let’s also be sober and diligent, so that we don’t give the enemy any chance at all to infiltrate our defences, for remember he’s always on the prowl, like a roaring lion, seeking to devour all and sundry. (1 Pet.5:8) More on this spiritual warfare stuff tomorrow, provided God’s willing, so that we can get it totally ingrained in our hearts, bodies and minds. Till then, please my people, let’s be very careful of our earthly walk, let’s stay under the LOVING protection of God’s embrace, and may He bless and keep us all in true peace. Much LOVE!…in this evil world…a believer can only fight successfully…when he’s totally prepared…that means…fully dressed in all God’s armour, with the catalyst of prayer right at hand…