Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 August 2014 1 Peter 5:10

30 Aug 2014 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Peter 5:10.   But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish (confirm), strengthen, settle you.

 And then it was Saturday…gaudy, colourful, party-hopping Saturday! And to make matters even worse, it’s the Saturday before Labour Day, the last long weekend of the summer cottage season, and the return to school next week. So you can imagine the amount of activities we will try to get into that small, short window of opportunity.
 
But all I have to say on that is to remember Granny’s warning: ‘Sonny boy, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business.’ And I don’t care if you all are displeased at my reminder, because this weekend is a most appropriate time for it, especially in places like New York City, where the Carnival-like celebrations will be taking place, and the leggo-beast behaviour will be on full display.
 
And don’t fool yuh fat either Friends, that sly ole crook, Lucifer, the voracious wolf will certainly be there in his best sheep skin costume, avidly seeking those undisciplined, naïve, or simply unmindful and careless ones he can capture. Do enjoy yourselves, but please try not to be counted amongst that unfortunate lot.
 
And my people, the best antidote for Lucifer’s evil forays into our lives is to be fully clothed with the whole armour of God! Read, mark and inwardly digest, as Bruh Paul declares and describes the situation to the Ephesians. ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Let yourselves be constantly strengthened by the Lord’s mighty power).
 
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (evil schemes) of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world (age). Against (hosts of) spiritual wickedness in high places.
 
Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Having dressed in God’s armour, be prepared to resist Lucifer, for he will continually attack you). 
 
 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (girded your waist with) truth (a knowledge of the truth of God’s Word), and having on the breastplate of righteousness (holy character, moral conduct);
 
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (eagerness or willingness to take the fight to Lucifer, the gospel gives peace to the believer); Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench 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.6:10-18)
 
Yes Friends, we need all those accoutrements of war to fight a successful battle against the prince of darkness and his evil cohorts. Starting with the helmet of salvation to guard our minds, our thoughts, where the war always begins, and can be won and lost right there.
 
Then the breastplate of righteousness to guard our hearts and souls and spirit, so we can walk in obedience to Almighty God. And we need the sandals of peace so that we can walk in peace bravely, wherever we go, with the gospel as our peace initiative. In addition to that we must have the belt of truth, so that we can live in and by the truth.
 
The shield of faith is an enormous ally, because it will enable us to stand our ground and deflect the fiery arrows of the enemy as he tries to break through our defences. And last but not least, we definitely need our trusty sword, the Word of God, to mow down the enemy, bring them to their knees and have them acknowledge that Jesus Christ is indeed the Lord and Master of the universe.
 
But what we often fail to see in our rush to talk about the armour of God, is that last verse we quoted, ‘praying always with all prayer…and supplication for the saints.(vs.18) That’s because my people without prayer, God’s armour is inadequate to bring us victory. Prayer is the thing that cements it all. It’s indispensable and we need to use the Spirit’s help to pray for that divine aid.
 
And furthermore, we’re not only to pray for ourselves, but for all God’s people, because ‘spiritual combat is both an individual and corporate matter.’ And none of that is a joking matter my Friends, for as you read, Bruh Paul unequivocally states that we are in a constant war against the powers of darkness and spiritual wickedness, which are situated in high places.
 
That means the enemy is firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of our society, so they have great power and control over the general state of the world. But like ALL enemies of Jesus Christ, they too can be defeated if we stand strong and resolute, protected by God’s indestructible armour and prayer!
 
Now hear Peter’s take on the subject, with our Bit tacked on at the end. ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
 
Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in (experienced by) your brethren that are in the world.
 
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish (confirm) strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.’ (1 Pet.5:6-11)
 
Yes my brethren, in this wicked, ungodly world we have to be very careful in our manoeuvres. But NEVER NEVER FORGET that the God who reconciled us to Himself through the sacrificial death of His Son Jesus Christ, will NEVER EVER LEAVE OR FORSAKE US, but will LOVINGLY work on us, like the potter with His clay, until He has made us into Christ-like images of His BELOVED Son!
 
And for all that, we ought to be very thankful. So let’s show our gratitude by truly living for Jesus nuh, because that’s the ONLY philosophy that makes sense on this earth. It is the epitome of wisdom! MUCH LOVE!
 
…and we know…that all things work together for good…to them that LOVE God…to them who are called according to his purpose… (Rom.8:28)

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 October 2013 Ephesians 6:13

16 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 Ephesians 6:13.  Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
 
Oh Friends, can you believe it’s already Wednesday, the middle of the week? And even more surprisingly, that we’re already in the middle of October, which just began the other day? (smile) It’ll soon be Halloween, then U.S. Thanksgiving, then Christmas and New Years.
 
Wow! 2013 has indeed flown by rather quickly! And as usual, the conniving merchants have found a way that every few weeks there’s some big occasion for us to spend money on, money that most of us don’t have, because we’re either not working, or because of the measly wages those same merchants are paying.
 
Steups! The shame of the whole matter though is that people who are working, sometimes even two jobs, still aren’t making enough money to look after their families and have to go to food banks for assistance. Ah Lord! What a crying shame in these rich countries!
 
Forty years ago, when I first came to Canada, I can’t remember ever hearing anything about food banks. If they existed, they were the exception. Today however, they are the rule; they’re all over the place. You also have food kitchens, where the down and out can go and get hot meals. The problem though is that there are too many who are down and out, many through no fault of their own. 
 
And my understanding re food banks and kitchens, was that those things only existed during times of war, when there’s usually a shortage of food. Hn! But I guess we’re at war right now. Steups!
 
Anyhow, the good thing about being a believer in Christ is that we also have another avenue for help, beside man, in this selfish, greedy, ungodly world. We have a heavenly Father who renews our spirit during sleep, then wakes us up with a wonderful perspective every morning, where He faithfully provides, daily manna, mercy and blessings to all who come to Him in sincere faith.
 
And all the God’s children gratefully declared: ‘Oh thank You, thank You Lord, for looking after us everyday! Thank you for Your mercy, blessings and guidance that keeps us on the straight and narrow path that leads straight to Your ever-LOVING heart! We bless and praise Your Holy Name! Amen!’
 
Yeh Friends, though life might be rough and tough, those are the times when believers hunker down and fight it, with God’s help. And please note that He doesn’t only look after our physical needs, but also our mental and spiritual, as our Bit boldly proclaims: ‘Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’
 
And how I LOVE that last part; ‘and having done all, to STAND.’ Oh my people, that’s exactly what all believers need to do in these wicked and ungodly times; put on God’s armour and STAND STRONG AGAINST THE ENEMY! 
 
Anyway, let’s get to what I couldn’t share yesterday, because of time and space commitments. Friends, for those of you who don’t have a Bible handy when you read the Bit, or are just too lazy to open it (smile)  – I refuse to believe that any follower of Jesus doesn’t have a Bible at all – I’ll just share the scripture that pertains to the different pieces of spiritual armour.
 
Please listen closely, because this could mean the difference between salvation and eternal life, or damnation and eternal separation from the Most High God Jehovah.
 
Bruh Paul tells the Ephesians after our Bit: ‘Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (girded your waist) 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 prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ (Eph,6:14-18) 
 
Oh Friends, doesn’t that just grab you by the heart and transport you to a much better place? It surely does!
 
Now hear the scholars’ take on all that: ‘6:14-17. The whole armour of God consists of six pieces. (1) Truth (v.14a) is a knowledge of the truth of God’s Word (cf. 4:21). The ancient soldier’s loins (waist) were girt about with a leather belt which held most of the other pieces of his armour in place. Similarly, the other pieces of the Christian’s armour depend on, are held in place by his spiritual “belt” or his knowledge of the truth of scripture.
 
(2) The breastplate of righteousness (v.14b) may be read “the breastplate which is righteousness.” It represents a holy character and moral conduct. Obedience to the “truth” known produces a godly life (righteousness).
 
(3) Preparation of the gospel of peace (v.15) means “eagerness that comes from the gospel of peace.” That is, as the Roman soldier wore special shoes called ‘caligae’ on his feet, enabling him to advance against his enemy, so the Christian must have on his feet (possess) a sense of ‘eagerness’ or willingness to advance against the Devil and take the fight to him. Such ‘eagerness’ to contend with Satan “comes from the gospel of peace.” The gospel gives peace to the believer, freeing him from anxiety though he advances against such a powerful opponent.
 
(4) The shield of (which is) faith (v.16) means taking God at His word by believing His promises. Such trust will protect one from the doubts induced by Satan.
 
(5) The helmet of salvation (v.17a): Since the readers are already Christians (2:8), they are not here urged to be saved. First Thessalonians 5:8 describes this helmet as “the hope of salvation” that is, the certainty (assurance) of salvation.
 
(6) The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (v.17b): The Greek term rendered “word” is not ‘logos,’ referring to the whole Word of God, but ‘rhema,’ referring to certain portions or selected verses of Scripture.
 
6:18. Praying is grammatically linked to “stand” in verse 14. Without prayer, God’s armour is inadequate to achieve victory. Prayer is indispensable. Always means “on every occasion,” that is, when Satan attacks. In the Spirit signifies that with the Spirit’s help such prayer for divine aid is to be made.
 
Watching thereunto means “being vigilant in this very matter” of prayer. They are to pray not just for themselves but also for all saints; spiritual combat is both an individual and corporate matter.’
 
Oh my brethren, I know that it’s long and heavy, but it’s all in a day’s understanding of the scriptures. We can’t always look for the short, easy stuff, else we won’t grow in Christ.
 
So please let’s take our time to read, study and inwardly digest all that we’ve said today. For if we sincerely do that, there’s no doubt whatsoever that our maturity level in Christ will rise. And that’s our goal; to mature some in Christ everyday. Much LOVE!
 
…oh what peace our souls derive…when we have the Word of God planted deep inside…
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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