Put on the Armor

“But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval. Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit – which is the Word of God.” LIVING BIBLE



When I read this scripture, I think of an old movie I saw with Roman soldiers. I wondered how they could possibly fight in a battle with all that heavy, metal gear. How could they even stand up?! The Bible tells us to “put on the full armor of God” – but this kind of armor won’t weigh us down. Its purpose is to aid and protect us in the battle. Yes, we are in a battle every day. Satan will try to throw things at us to make us stumble and fall away from God. He will invade our minds to plant lies and seeds of discouragement. The influences of the world around us will quietly wear us down.


Truth, righteousness, the good news of peace, faith, salvation, and God’s word, are all parts of the armor God gives us to win the battles. Truth gives us stability to stand. Righteousness is God’s goodness in us – it shelters our heart, which is so vulnerable. The good news will give you sure footing and a reason to fight. Faith – our belief in God and His promises – is the shield that makes the temptations and other things that may hurt us bounce right off. Salvation, which is our hope, keeps us pointed in the right direction. God’s word is the ammunition we need to keep fighting. It’s all there anytime we want to put it on. We never have to go into battle unprepared or alone. God is faithful.

Mothers, teach your children to put on the armor each day before they enter the world. Their tender little hearts need the protection while they are away from your care.

Blessings all!

Just Say No

“And He said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.”

Mark 6:31

It’s difficult to escape the “yes syndrome” in this age of busy lives and abundance of opportunities for everyone in the family. Most of us find it hard to say no, especially when it’s presented as a need that only you can fill. But it’s a discipline that must be learned in order to preserve the best of you for the things God would have you do.

Even Jesus escaped the crowds from time to time. They brought to him their pleas and requests for help. He couldn’t reach them all, and at times had to put distance between himself and the agendas of others. He said no to some good things in order to say yes to the right things. Not all good things are right for you to do. Rest is an essential element to our effectiveness.

It’s understandable to want to avoid guilt and keep up appearances to your friends and church family. But saying yes to everything that comes along may take you away from the real calling God has for your life. The devil would like nothing better than for you to be so distracted by your obligations and commitments that you forget the purpose God has for your time and energy.

           

Take time to evaluate your priorities and ask God to help you know where He wants your energy to go. He can make peace and sense of the merry-go-round of our lives and bring about more fruit for blessings.

             

A Resting Place

“I find rest in God; only he gives me hope. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated. My honor and salvation come from God. His is my mighty rock and my protection.” Psalm 62: 5-7

There are times in our lives where we feel there is no resting place. Troubles and busyness cast a shadow on our spirit, leaving us in a dry, shallow place. Old memories or a repeat in unpleasant circumstances weigh heavy on us, and sap our energy.

These are the times when we long for rest in a peaceful place. For some, it may be a last cry of desperation – I need a resting place! Some of us have been in turmoil for so long that we have forgotten what real rest is and what it can do for us.

We all know how strong a rock foundation is. This is where we come to find that blessed rest. The rock of our salvation stands firm – strong enough to hold all the burdens we carry. The rock fortress is our protector and defender – holding us up on a higher place – a place where we can see far and wide. Then the face of our enemy can be seen. The quiet high place gives us the distance we need from our adversary. We can breathe again – we can trust again.

Run to your high place. Close the gate and distance yourself from the battle for a while. God will give you strength to carry on when He sees you are ready.

Thank you Jesus for a resting place. May I be ever mindful of the open invitation to run to my high place.