Verses 14-17 "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..."
Paul tells us to stand firm prepared and ready to do battle because we are fully equipped with the armor of God.
The belt of truth holds all the other armor in place; without the belt a warrior would lose all the rest of his protective covering. If the belt of truth is lost then the rest of the armor of God falls off and we are defenseless; the belt of truth is an essential piece of armor.
Paul wants us to speak the truth, to follow the example of Jesus who is the truth. Everything we do and say should be marked by truth. Living by the truth simplifies life; whatever is true we embrace while anything that is not true we reject. If a thought comes into our mind that is not in agreement with God’s word, then we dismiss it. If we have an opportunity to do or say anything that compromises or conflicts with the truth we avoid it. Adopt a simple rule for living: if it is true act upon it, build upon it, make it part of your life; if it is not the truth eliminate it, turn your back on it.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
a. God cleanses us from all unrighteousness and puts the righteousness of Christ upon us.
Putting on the breastplate of righteousness means two important things in our lives.
The breastplate of righteousness puts us in agreement with God about our sin.
We put on the breastplate of righteousness as we confess our sins to God. Confession is not simply saying, “O God I’m sorry.” Some of us are only sorry because we got caught.
Confession comes from the Greek word “homologeo” which is made up of two Greek words: “homo” meaning one or the same, and “logos” meaning word. So literally confession means to speak the same word. We agree with God about our sin; we don’t try to rationalize or make excuses for our sin, but we agree with God and say, “Lord what I have done or said is sin, now come and forgive me; wash me and make me clean again.”
Putting on the breastplate of righteousness does not mean you will never sin again. Rather it means you recognize sin in your life and turn from it immediately; when you sin you are quick to agree with God that He might again clothe you with His righteousness.
Likewise the breastplate of righteousness does not give us an excuse to continue in habitual sin. God wants us to become more and more like Jesus to live in victory over sin.
The breastplate of righteousness protects us from the accuser of the brethren.
If Satan cannot keep you from agreeing with God about your sin, he will try to defeat you by continually reminding you of your sin and unrighteousness. Satan will remind you of your past sin, right up to the point you agreed with God about it and received God’s forgiveness.
When Satan reminds you of your past, that’s the time to remind him of his future. The breastplate of righteousness protects you from Satan’s flaming arrows of accusation. You can continue to agree with God about your sin saying, “I’m forgiven for God has cleansed me of all unrighteousness.”
The breastplate of righteousness protects you form Satan finger pointing; the devil’s indictment holds no authority. Christ has purchased your pardon on the cross of Calvary! Don’t live in continual defeat; agree with God and have victory over your sin, past and present!
-
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Dream Something Beautiful
There was a time when nursing was thought of as a woman's profession and the answer somehow seemed not to satisfy. She had, after all, just returned from a NOW conference.
"You can be anything you want to be," she reminded her daughter. "You can be a lawyer, a surgeon, a banker, president of the country - you can be anything." "Anything?" Lisa asked. "Anything!" her mother smiled. "I know," Lisa said. "I want to be a horse!"
Lisa's dream may need some refinement, but there is plenty of time for that. When do we quit dreaming about the future? When do we resign ourselves to simply replaying dreams from the past?
Maybe her dream needs to mature a bit, but would you rather have the optimism of a five-year-old girl who wants to be a horse, or the pessimism of an adult who says in despair, "I can't be anything at all"?
Teddy Roosevelt said, "Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground." I believe that is the way to make those dreams come true. It begins with looking up and dreaming something beautiful.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Deceived
Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
We are in a battle with Satan, and he would like nothing better than for us to live a life of lies and deceit. The root of our sin nature is from lust, lies, and deception. We need Bible truth alive in us through salvation and we need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We know what the result would be otherwise:
Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
We also know how God would have us prepare for this battle. We can see how the Christian prepares for this spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:10-20.
Satan, has not changed his primary mode of operation since Eden. Jesus provides us a great illustration of the Christian's battle when he speaks to Peter:
Luke 22:31, 32 "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Satan desires to sift each of us, and through his lies and deception and from our participation in lust, lies, and deception, he would turn us away from Christ or destroy our testimony.
1 Timothy 1:18-20 "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."
-We have a battle.
-We need to be prepared.
-We need to avoid being Satan’s tool.
-We can have real victory through Christ.
Ephesians 4:31, 32 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
We are in a battle with Satan, and he would like nothing better than for us to live a life of lies and deceit. The root of our sin nature is from lust, lies, and deception. We need Bible truth alive in us through salvation and we need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We know what the result would be otherwise:
Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
We also know how God would have us prepare for this battle. We can see how the Christian prepares for this spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:10-20.
Satan, has not changed his primary mode of operation since Eden. Jesus provides us a great illustration of the Christian's battle when he speaks to Peter:
Luke 22:31, 32 "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Satan desires to sift each of us, and through his lies and deception and from our participation in lust, lies, and deception, he would turn us away from Christ or destroy our testimony.
1 Timothy 1:18-20 "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."
-We have a battle.
-We need to be prepared.
-We need to avoid being Satan’s tool.
-We can have real victory through Christ.
Ephesians 4:31, 32 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Monday, February 25, 2013
What did the bulletin say.
These are funny, embarrassing, hilarious, and…oh, just read them yourself. Enjoy, and share them with someone at your church who needs a good laugh!
-Due to the Rector’s illness, Wednesday’s healing services will be discontinued until further notice.
-The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.
-On a church bulletin during the minister’s illness: GOD IS GOOD; Dr. Hargreaves is better.
-Applications are now being accepted for 2 year-old nursery workers.
-The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, “Break Forth Into Joy.”
-If you would like to make a donation, fill out a form, enclose a check, and drip in the collection basket.
-Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on “It’s a Terrible Experience.”
ADon’t miss this Saturday’s exhibit by Christian Martian Arts.
-We are grateful for the help of those who cleaned up the grounds around the church building and rector.
-A worm welcome to all who have come today.
ABarbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Nelson’s sermons.
-During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.
-Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
-The ushers will come forward and take our ties and offerings.
-The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Reverend and Mrs. Julius Belzer.
-The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
-Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help.
-Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person(s) you want remembered.
-Let us join David and Lisa in the celebration of their wedding and bring their happiness to a conclusion.
-Helpers are needed! Please sign up on the information sheep.
-Diana and Don request your presents at their wedding.
-The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister’s daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.
_The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.
-Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30p.m. Please use the back door.
-The 1991 Spring Council Retreat will be hell May 10 and 11.
-The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.
-Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
-22 members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs. Marsha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs. Crutchfield and Mrs. Rankin sang a duet, The Lord Knows Why.
-The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.
-At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?”. Come early and listen to our choir practice.
-The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.
-The music for today’s service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth.
-A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday.
-Today’s Sermon: How Much Can a Man Drink? with hymns from a full choir.
Hymn: “I Love Thee My Ford.”
-Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
-Women’s Luncheon: Each member bring a sandwich. Polly Phillips will give the medication.
-Announcement in the church bulletin for a National PRAYER & FASTING conference: “The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer conference includes meals.”
-The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, and gracious hostility.
-Tuesday at 4PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.
- Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
-Due to the Rector’s illness, Wednesday’s healing services will be discontinued until further notice.
-The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience.
-On a church bulletin during the minister’s illness: GOD IS GOOD; Dr. Hargreaves is better.
-Applications are now being accepted for 2 year-old nursery workers.
-The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, “Break Forth Into Joy.”
-If you would like to make a donation, fill out a form, enclose a check, and drip in the collection basket.
-Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on “It’s a Terrible Experience.”
ADon’t miss this Saturday’s exhibit by Christian Martian Arts.
-We are grateful for the help of those who cleaned up the grounds around the church building and rector.
-A worm welcome to all who have come today.
ABarbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Nelson’s sermons.
-During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.
-Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
-The ushers will come forward and take our ties and offerings.
-The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Reverend and Mrs. Julius Belzer.
-The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
-Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help.
-Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person(s) you want remembered.
-Let us join David and Lisa in the celebration of their wedding and bring their happiness to a conclusion.
-Helpers are needed! Please sign up on the information sheep.
-Diana and Don request your presents at their wedding.
-The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister’s daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.
_The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church.
-Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30p.m. Please use the back door.
-The 1991 Spring Council Retreat will be hell May 10 and 11.
-The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession.
-Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
-22 members were present at the church meeting held at the home of Mrs. Marsha Crutchfield last evening. Mrs. Crutchfield and Mrs. Rankin sang a duet, The Lord Knows Why.
-The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.
-At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be “What is Hell?”. Come early and listen to our choir practice.
-The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment.
-The music for today’s service was all composed by George Friedrich Handel in celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth.
-A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday.
-Today’s Sermon: How Much Can a Man Drink? with hymns from a full choir.
Hymn: “I Love Thee My Ford.”
-Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again” giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
-Women’s Luncheon: Each member bring a sandwich. Polly Phillips will give the medication.
-Announcement in the church bulletin for a National PRAYER & FASTING conference: “The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer conference includes meals.”
-The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, and gracious hostility.
-Tuesday at 4PM there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.
- Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Tomorrow
James 4:13-17 "Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."
Sometimes our best plans are not enough. The harder we try the more difficult the way becomes. James is not saying don't plan for tomorrow, just be aware you are not promised tomorrow. Your plan and God's may often be two different things. Tomorrow's not guaranteed so we must do what we can today for today and surrender our will to God for our future.
We must depend on others all of our lives for our tomorrow's. One thing is certain-people will let you down, friends will forsake you, and circumstances can change in a split-second. One day you fell invulnerable and the next day you are wounded. One day on top of the mountain and then the next day the mountain be on top of you. I write this simply to say God is not interested in our arrogance, but our submission. If we seek His way and His will it's much easier to be prepared for tomorrow whether it comes or not.
Man can interfere with God's Will. He's done it through resistance, refusal, and resigning himself to his plan rather than God's. Sometime's it's easier to do that than to yield. But if you know to do good and fail to do it it becomes sin.
Just recently I know of a minister that was doing well for the Lord with a bright future, but because a former member got mad at him and started a bunch of junk on the Internet his future was shredded. All over something that was fabricated out of revenge and not God. He needs prayer today all because somebody wanted their way and didn't get it.
Today is your day. It's also the Lord's Day. Give Him His due and trust Him. Man may let you own, but God won't. Your tomorrow is still in His hand.
Sometimes our best plans are not enough. The harder we try the more difficult the way becomes. James is not saying don't plan for tomorrow, just be aware you are not promised tomorrow. Your plan and God's may often be two different things. Tomorrow's not guaranteed so we must do what we can today for today and surrender our will to God for our future.
We must depend on others all of our lives for our tomorrow's. One thing is certain-people will let you down, friends will forsake you, and circumstances can change in a split-second. One day you fell invulnerable and the next day you are wounded. One day on top of the mountain and then the next day the mountain be on top of you. I write this simply to say God is not interested in our arrogance, but our submission. If we seek His way and His will it's much easier to be prepared for tomorrow whether it comes or not.
Man can interfere with God's Will. He's done it through resistance, refusal, and resigning himself to his plan rather than God's. Sometime's it's easier to do that than to yield. But if you know to do good and fail to do it it becomes sin.
Just recently I know of a minister that was doing well for the Lord with a bright future, but because a former member got mad at him and started a bunch of junk on the Internet his future was shredded. All over something that was fabricated out of revenge and not God. He needs prayer today all because somebody wanted their way and didn't get it.
Today is your day. It's also the Lord's Day. Give Him His due and trust Him. Man may let you own, but God won't. Your tomorrow is still in His hand.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Praying for Restoration
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load."
Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV
It always amazes me how many people attack a person of God who has a weak moment and falls into a trap of the enemy. It's as though these critics have lived a perfect life and never made a mistake in their lives. They've never lied, cheated, lusted, gotten angry, gossiped, or done other things just as bad in their whole life. My answer is, "Huh?"
I find no glory in a fallen comrade of faith whether I agree with them or not.
Satan is a deceiver of the brethren and is seeking all he may devour. What irks me the most and keeps me on my knees are those who say they are Christians but have no mercy unless it applies to them and their family. Everybody else is fair game.
Some people rejoice when they hear of a minister or well-profiled individual fall, but unless you're perfect and will never fall remember it can happen to you. So instead of being curious and trying to figure it out, pray for those that have fallen and restore them if possible. To many are falling and it's time we become catchers of men as well as fishers. Who knows, you might need to be caught one day as well.
Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV
It always amazes me how many people attack a person of God who has a weak moment and falls into a trap of the enemy. It's as though these critics have lived a perfect life and never made a mistake in their lives. They've never lied, cheated, lusted, gotten angry, gossiped, or done other things just as bad in their whole life. My answer is, "Huh?"
I find no glory in a fallen comrade of faith whether I agree with them or not.
Satan is a deceiver of the brethren and is seeking all he may devour. What irks me the most and keeps me on my knees are those who say they are Christians but have no mercy unless it applies to them and their family. Everybody else is fair game.
Some people rejoice when they hear of a minister or well-profiled individual fall, but unless you're perfect and will never fall remember it can happen to you. So instead of being curious and trying to figure it out, pray for those that have fallen and restore them if possible. To many are falling and it's time we become catchers of men as well as fishers. Who knows, you might need to be caught one day as well.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Generational curses
Acts 16:31 "So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
What does the Bible say about breaking generational curses?
The Bible mentions “generational curses” in several places (Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9). God warns that He is “a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”
It sounds unfair for God to punish children for the sins of their fathers. However, there is more to it than that. The effects of sin are naturally passed down from one generation to the next. When a father has a sinful lifestyle, his children are likely to practice the same sinful lifestyle. Implied in the warning of Exodus 20:5 is the fact that the children will choose to repeat the sins of their fathers. A Jewish Targum specifies that this passage refers to “ungodly fathers” and “rebellious children.” So, it is not unjust for God to punish sin to the third or fourth generation – those generations are committing the same sins their ancestors did.
The cure for a generational curse has always been repentance. When Israel turned from idols to serve the living God, the “curse” was broken and God saved them (Judges 3:9, 15; 1 Samuel 12:10-11). Yes, God promised to visit Israel’s sin upon the third and fourth generations, but in the very next verse He promised that He would show “love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:6). In other words, God’s grace lasts a thousand times longer than His wrath.
For the Christian who is worried about a generational curse, the answer is salvation through Jesus Christ. A Christian is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). How can a child of God still be under God’s curse (Romans 8:1)? The cure for a “generational curse” is repentance of the sin in question, faith in Christ, and a life consecrated to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2).
5 ways to see your household changed and generational curses broken:
-Pray everyday or your family to be saved.
-Take authority over Satan for your loved ones.
-Believe for God to send a move of His Spirit through your family.
-Develop a spirit of worship in your household.
-Praise God from the depths of your heart that salvation is coming to you household.
What does the Bible say about breaking generational curses?
The Bible mentions “generational curses” in several places (Exodus 20:5; 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9). God warns that He is “a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”
It sounds unfair for God to punish children for the sins of their fathers. However, there is more to it than that. The effects of sin are naturally passed down from one generation to the next. When a father has a sinful lifestyle, his children are likely to practice the same sinful lifestyle. Implied in the warning of Exodus 20:5 is the fact that the children will choose to repeat the sins of their fathers. A Jewish Targum specifies that this passage refers to “ungodly fathers” and “rebellious children.” So, it is not unjust for God to punish sin to the third or fourth generation – those generations are committing the same sins their ancestors did.
The cure for a generational curse has always been repentance. When Israel turned from idols to serve the living God, the “curse” was broken and God saved them (Judges 3:9, 15; 1 Samuel 12:10-11). Yes, God promised to visit Israel’s sin upon the third and fourth generations, but in the very next verse He promised that He would show “love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:6). In other words, God’s grace lasts a thousand times longer than His wrath.
For the Christian who is worried about a generational curse, the answer is salvation through Jesus Christ. A Christian is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). How can a child of God still be under God’s curse (Romans 8:1)? The cure for a “generational curse” is repentance of the sin in question, faith in Christ, and a life consecrated to the Lord (Romans 12:1-2).
5 ways to see your household changed and generational curses broken:
-Pray everyday or your family to be saved.
-Take authority over Satan for your loved ones.
-Believe for God to send a move of His Spirit through your family.
-Develop a spirit of worship in your household.
-Praise God from the depths of your heart that salvation is coming to you household.
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