May 16, 2009
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“TAKE UP THE SHIELD OF FAITH”
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16.
The Shield of Faith is the third piece of armor you have with you. This one, unlike the previous three, is used directly in battle. For that reason this is not the faith that you are saved or your faith in your beliefs, but it is the everyday faith you will need going into battle. The faith that you are saved goes into your shoes of peace, and your beliefs are contained in the belt of truth and breastplate of righteousness. This faith is the everyday knowledge that God is in control and knows what is best for you.
To understand this, think of a shield. The shield the Apostle Paul is referring to in this scripture is the large one that covers the body almost head to toe. It protects the soldier’s armor, and it was used by soldiers to lock together with other’s shields to march into battle as a huge wall.
This scripture tells us that we are to take up the shield to “extinguish” the “flaming arrows of the evil one.” God is telling you through His word what your enemy is going to do. In New Testament times it was common to take arrows and tie cloth to the tops of them and light them on fire and then shoot them at the enemy. This practice is seen throughout our culture in movies such as Robin Hood.
Your enemy will not just shoot an arrow at you; he will light it on fire. Expect him to do everything he can to drive a wedge between you and God, and weaken your trust and faith in Him.
If your faith does weaken from your enemy attacks, what is the result? You get hit, and the arrows have a lasting effect until you get back up. What effect?
1) Fear. If you are fearful, you are not trusting in God. True faith in Him to handle everything means that you have no fear. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4.
In a world like the one we live in today, fear is a common attack. Every time you read the newspaper or watch the news you see so many things that cause you to fear. Satan knows that if you are afraid you are not completely trusting in God, and he will use it against you.
Know that your enemy will bring to light the very things that you fear the most. If it is failure, that is what he will plant in your head. If it is death, that is what he will attack you with. He knows your weaknesses. But remember you have the victory.
Have that blind faith that you will be taken care of even when faced with the most horrible circumstances. Remember that God loves you unconditionally and will be there with you at all times. In this picture, there can be no fear. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18.
2) Doubt. This is a horrible attack because it shatters what you know is true in your own heart about God. The attack of doubt works against yourself and others at the same time.
When you are going through a bad time or see something difficult your enemy is gauged to cause you to think differently. He wants you to question whether or not God is really listening to your prayers, whether or not God is present because something bad is happening, and wants you to believe that you are somehow being punished.
What else does he want you to doubt? God’s word and truth. He will convince you that the Bible is confusing, that it is contradictory, and that it does not make sense.
Other people. He wants you to doubt others and yourself. When you go somewhere and come home worrying that you embarrassed yourself and someone won’t like you, guess who is putting those thoughts into your mind? He wants you to doubt your spouse, your girlfriend or boyfriend. If you are convinced they are being unfaithful to you, you are more likely to lash out and cause a fight.
And he wants you to doubt his own existence. Today, more people believe in Heaven than in Hell. Your enemy will convince you that he is not real and that the doubts you are having are very real because there is no such thing as evil. Thus, he wants you to believe that anything bad that is happening is from God. But it is not. Remember all good things come from God, not bad. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.
3) Words. Satan will use others to speak words that fill you with anger and rage. And he will use you to speak words that cause you worry and anxiety. This is an attack that he can use to strike more than one person with only one arrow. If he gets you to speak negatively or harshly then you can affect someone else and make them angry. Then he caused you to sin, and them to feel bad and start to doubt God.
4) Confusion. Satan wants you confused. He wants you questioning God every hour of every day. This attack shows how sneaky he really is. Remember when he was tempting Jesus in the desert for 40 days, he used scripture when trying to argue with Jesus. But Jesus was armed with God’s true word; therefore his enemy could not win. He will try to confuse you about your relationship with God, your life, your relationships, your career, and everything else. You will worry constantly if you are with the right person, doing the right thing, in the right job, but know that does not come from God. You have to remember that God is a clear God. He wants you to have a clear mind. He does not bring on the spirit of confusion. That is always your enemy’s doing. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33.
YOUR SHIELD OF FAITH
To defeat these attacks you need to have your shield of faith ready. Start being proactive instead of reactive. Tell yourself God is in control every single day. How do you accomplish this?
1) Take control of your mind. This is where your enemy is attacking: thoughts and emotions. It is your own mind that God gave you. Take it back. Start to pay attention to the negative thoughts you are thinking and as soon as you feel them tell yourself your alarm is going off. Fear, doubt, anxiety, worry, and the like are warning signals to stop and talk to God. “So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34.
2) Be prepared. Your enemy strikes you without warning, and he hits you where you are weakest. Be prepared for these sudden attacks by not letting them catch you off guard. When something happens that seems shocking stop and talk to God. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3.
Know God’s word and promise, so you will know what is true. If you do not know God’s word or promise because you have not taken the time to learn it, remember your enemy knows that. God warns you about your enemy, and He also tells you what is reality about what you are thinking. Stop and talk to Him. Otherwise, you are going into battle without talking to your commander about who you are fighting and what you need to do to win. Recognize your weaknesses now and start preparing for Satan to attack them. Know better next time. Faith in God will never leave you in defeat. “He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20.
Combine God’s word with your faith. Your faith is believing in what He tells you, and knowing that it is truth. It is the confirmation that you are going to be alright no matter what. That is what makes it so valuable so believe it, walk in it, live it. “For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.” Hebrews 4:2.
Rely on God and no one else. “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. Your faith rests on God’s power and not man’s wisdom. Always keep that in mind.
Do not let your enemy know through your thoughts and actions that you will only believe in something that is seen. Give yourself over to the “unseen”. “We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7. When you allow him to convince you that faith can only be in something you see, he steals your hope, and hope in your future and in your everything is what you need to keep going. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1.
3) Hold your shield no matter what. In the darkest moments keep moving forward. Do not give up. If this seems hard remember Christ’s sacrifice. “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Hebrews 15:14. “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” Hebrews 15:17. You have victory on your side. “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12.
Keep seeking God and talking to Him. Do not let the enemy convince you that your dark moment is because of God. Do not be quick to blame God when you have not even bothered to talk to Him about the situation first. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6.
4) Do not let your enemy use you against others. Soldiers would frequently soak their shield in water to put out flaming arrows. If you fall because you are attacked while your shield is down, pick it back up and do not let your fire spread to someone else. Watch what you say to others. If you find yourself attacked and you fall get back up. Your shield is still there.
Hold one another up in Christ’s name. Make sure your relationships are in line with His word. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25. Prepare your own defense strategy. Walk with other believers and seek God through them. Lock your shield with theirs and grow united.
Share your faith and testimony with others. “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” Philemon 1:6. Chances are you have gone through something in life in order that you may help someone else going through the same situation and point them to God. “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.” Romans 1:12. And humble yourself enough to know that they are being attacked just as you are. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.1 Peter 5:8-9.
Make sure you have done everything you can to relate to people as Christ would have. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17. Then you will know that you have done everything good you could have, and be at peace no matter what someone else does. “They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.” 1 Timothy 3:9.
5) Live with your shield. Always work on your relationship with God. Talk to God every day all the time. Keep seeking Him. It may make your enemy more angry at you, but it will make you stronger. Know you are on the winning side. Your enemy’s fate is certain.
You already live by faith. When you are driving and press down on the brakes how do you know the car will slow down? Faith. When you are on an operating table how do you know you will wake up from surgery? Faith. When you sit in a chair how do you know it will hold you up and you won't come crashing to the ground? Faith. Give your Creator the faith that you are giving to everything else. He is the one that will not fail you, but your car brakes might.
Act. You do not just live by faith, you walk in faith. Do not count on your actions to make sense, or be explainable to others. If they are in line with God, do not worry about what this world thinks. Put your faith into practice. Live by it. “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” James 2:14-18.
If God tells you something is going to happen, start preparing for it and do not wait for the world to confirm it is true. He is above all things. Show Him that you only need His word to move and nothing else. "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5.
Living by your faith allows you to hear God’s truth. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6. If you are asking Him for something make sure you have made it easier on yourself, through your actions, to hear Him. “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:17.
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Shoes of Peace (Part IV)...
May 15, 2009
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“FEET FITTED WITH THE READINESS THAT COMES FROM THE GOSPEL OF PEACE”
The Shoes of Peace are the third piece of armor that you must have on. Your shoes are extremely important because they are on your feet and affect how you walk and stand. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:14-15.
People generally wear different types of shoes depending on the occasion. Cleats are appropriate for sports, dress shoes appropriate for formal events, and flip flops for the pool or beach trips.
But a solider is careful about his shoes. They must wear shoes that can withstand the active nature of battle. The soldiers referred to in this chapter in Ephesians would frequently wear shoes that had metal or nails on the bottom so they could be protected from climbing rough terrain, and have firmer standing while engaged in battle.
Like the belt, the shoes are one of the last items put on, but also an item that is worn by the soldier whether he is actively fighting or not. If a solider has to travel on foot to a location to fight he may have to climb hills, mountains, and walk through numerous areas that could be dangerous. With these shoes he is ready for whatever he must do.
Your feet are to be “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” How do you do this? There are many ways, but only one true way (if that makes sense). The first is the most important and the true biblical “peace”. The others are ways for you to help yourself keep your shoes on by planning for possible attacks by your enemy through preparation.
I: THE TRUE GOSPEL PEACE
First, you stand strong in the Lord with faith and knowledge of His word and power. The Apostle Paul tells us right before he talks about the armor of God, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10. The Shoes of Peace are how to accomplish this. They are the foundation on which you stand.
God sent His son to the Earth to die for your sins. Before the New Testament (which contains the life of Jesus), the Old Testament predicts His coming repeatedly. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. He is the Prince of Peace, and His death brought that peace to you. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.
Knowing that you are forgiven and reconciled with God even though you are a sinner is your true peace. You have been set free and are a new creation, and you have gained access to the Heavenly Father through your faith in Jesus Christ. And you did not do anything to get this wonderful gift God gave you. He gave it to you because He loves you. Prior to Jesus, your sin separated you from Him. God could not be around sin because He is holy and perfect, and Jesus broke that barrier. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when 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 5:6-10.
Jesus’ sacrifice allows you access to God, and gives you peace with God in return. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2.
Think about how many parts of the armor are created through Christ’s sacrifice. Without Him, you would never live righteously because you would have no hope of getting to God because you are a sinner. Without Him, there would be no peace because you could not get to God who cannot be around sin. Without Him, understanding God’s truth would be more difficult because the Holy Spirit could not live within you. Accordingly without Jesus, you would not have the Spirit, salvation, or faith. But with Jesus, you have victory, salvation, faith, truth, hope, and the Spirit.
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39.
Jesus sent you the Holy Spirit to live within you after His death. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17. Prior to this time the Holy Spirit would be seen affecting people throughout the Old Testament sporadically, but after Jesus Christ all of His followers posses the Holy Spirit. That is why your body is called a “temple”. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Therefore Jesus left us with peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27. So stand firm, knowing that He has saved you. “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” Ephesians 2:14-16.
II: BE ACTIVE IN SEEKING PEACE
Second, be active in seeking peace and keeping your shoes on. Go after it and make it your goal. When you get tired and feel as if you want to give up remember Christ’s sacrifice. Give it your all, and remember God knows what your “all” is. He is fully aware of what you are capable of. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3. Remember to make “every effort”. Seek peace and pursue it. “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14
Do not give up your trust in God no matter what the enemy tells you. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13. Expect trouble and seek peace through it. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. Tell yourself that you “have” peace, not that you “want” or “will have” peace. You have it. The Spirit has given it to you. Repeat it over and over. Work on getting rid of doubt, worry, and other negative emotions that weaken your faith.
Watch what you say. Do not complain. Even if you have on the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and the rest of the armor, if you are verbally complaining you are giving your enemy a battle plan against you. You are telling him your weakness and even with the rest of the armor on he will know not to hit you in the chest or the waist. After he hears your words, he will look down and see you do not have your shoes of peace on or you would not be complaining. And he will strike you at your feet to knock you down. “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.” 1 Corinthians 10:10.
And remember complaining is a huge sign of weakness in your faith and trust in God. When you are complaining you are showing Him that you do not trust Him to be with you in battle. As soon as you feel those negative feelings, go to Him. “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.” Numbers 11:1.
Start working on getting the things out of your life that are causing you strife. Seek those relationships that are inherently peaceful because they are in God’s name. They will help keep you on your walk with God. “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22.
Lose the negative things in a positive way. Do not be judgmental or cruel. Just know that God can work through the positive relationships in your life to speak to you and be attentive to what you are asking from Him. “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:8-12.
Be sincere and honest. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18. Aim to act as your Savior would if He were in your situation. “True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.” Malachi 2:6.
Do not live your life acting on the thought of another person’s reaction. Remember it is your own action that counts. You are here to serve God and being kind to others pleases Him, whether the other person appreciates it or not. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18. Always remember it is “as far as depends on you” not someone else. “For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." Psalm 22:8.
III: KNOW AND HAVE FAITH IN GOD’S TRUTH
Third, know God’s truth and have faith in His promise. “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165. He is your everything, and your future. “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.” Psalm 37:37.
When you are obedient to God, He will give you peace even when you are suffering walking on rough ground or encountering enemy attacks. This will allow you to handle life’s challenges with a pure heart and clear mind. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. God will guide you through the bad times with His truth, and you will find yourself firmly planted and handling attacks with skill, understanding, and truth.
Put God’s word into practice in your own life. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9. Even if it is hard work it is well worth every effort you make. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11.
Knowing God’s truth will stop the enemy from being able to take your peace from you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Satan cannot tell you that you are not forgiven or that you should give up and have you believe it because you know what God’s word says. Make sure you pay attention to His word so you can keep your peace. “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18. God’s peace protects you from fear. “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isaiah 57:2. And your hard work will protect you from all your enemies. “When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7. .
Remember that one good thing from God brings another, and when you practice His word you inherit the reward of His promise. “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10. God wants to reward you greatly. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3. Keep your eyes on Him and be blessed. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9.
IV: BE READY TO SERVE
Fourth, be ready to serve Him at all times. Your feet are what move you forward and backwards. Prepare to move forward in God’s name and share His word. The Christ follower who is sharing their own faith and testimony with others is the one moving forward. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace,” Isaiah 52:7.
Be ready to share the good news of the Gospel with others. The Gospels, or the books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible contain the story of the life of Jesus. They are contained in the New Testament which is translated out of Greek and Aramaic. The Old Testament is Hebrew and Aramaic. The Greek word for “Gospel” or Euaggelizo means “good news”. Share the good news of Christ to everyone. And do not be afraid. After Jesus’ death, Peter and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, stood before the Sanhedrin (the supreme court of Israel that Jesus was brought before and that asked for His death). They were also questioned by the Sanhedrin, who was angry at their teaching because it blamed them for Jesus’ death, and even though they knew that the Sanhedrin was behind Jesus’ crucifixion, they did not fear because they knew they were serving God. “Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!” Acts 5:27-29. They were standing firm in peace because Jesus brought that to them, and they were not afraid to speak God’s truth.
V: WALK IN STEP
Fifth, walk in step with the Holy Spirit. Let Him guide you. He is from God and brings truth, guidance, and hope. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25.
The Holy Spirit will guide you to the good things in life, but you must work to grow that fruit on your tree. Living righteously, following God’s truth, and seeking peace will allow the good in you to grow, and the fruit of the Spirit will show through you. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
Know that you are a member of one body through Christ and let His words live in you through the Spirit. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15.
Yield to what the Spirit wants for you, and let go of what you desire. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5. The Spirit gives you life and peace and keeps you in your walk with God. “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.” Romans 8:6-7.
Remember God knows what is best for you even when you do not see it, and the Spirit is here to guide you into the good. “…to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." Luke 1:77-79. He wants to guide you in the paths of peace, so your shoes will be able to withstand any terrain, and any enemy attack. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33.
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17.
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“FEET FITTED WITH THE READINESS THAT COMES FROM THE GOSPEL OF PEACE”
The Shoes of Peace are the third piece of armor that you must have on. Your shoes are extremely important because they are on your feet and affect how you walk and stand. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:14-15.
People generally wear different types of shoes depending on the occasion. Cleats are appropriate for sports, dress shoes appropriate for formal events, and flip flops for the pool or beach trips.
But a solider is careful about his shoes. They must wear shoes that can withstand the active nature of battle. The soldiers referred to in this chapter in Ephesians would frequently wear shoes that had metal or nails on the bottom so they could be protected from climbing rough terrain, and have firmer standing while engaged in battle.
Like the belt, the shoes are one of the last items put on, but also an item that is worn by the soldier whether he is actively fighting or not. If a solider has to travel on foot to a location to fight he may have to climb hills, mountains, and walk through numerous areas that could be dangerous. With these shoes he is ready for whatever he must do.
Your feet are to be “fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” How do you do this? There are many ways, but only one true way (if that makes sense). The first is the most important and the true biblical “peace”. The others are ways for you to help yourself keep your shoes on by planning for possible attacks by your enemy through preparation.
I: THE TRUE GOSPEL PEACE
First, you stand strong in the Lord with faith and knowledge of His word and power. The Apostle Paul tells us right before he talks about the armor of God, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10. The Shoes of Peace are how to accomplish this. They are the foundation on which you stand.
God sent His son to the Earth to die for your sins. Before the New Testament (which contains the life of Jesus), the Old Testament predicts His coming repeatedly. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6. He is the Prince of Peace, and His death brought that peace to you. “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.
Knowing that you are forgiven and reconciled with God even though you are a sinner is your true peace. You have been set free and are a new creation, and you have gained access to the Heavenly Father through your faith in Jesus Christ. And you did not do anything to get this wonderful gift God gave you. He gave it to you because He loves you. Prior to Jesus, your sin separated you from Him. God could not be around sin because He is holy and perfect, and Jesus broke that barrier. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when 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 5:6-10.
Jesus’ sacrifice allows you access to God, and gives you peace with God in return. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1-2.
Think about how many parts of the armor are created through Christ’s sacrifice. Without Him, you would never live righteously because you would have no hope of getting to God because you are a sinner. Without Him, there would be no peace because you could not get to God who cannot be around sin. Without Him, understanding God’s truth would be more difficult because the Holy Spirit could not live within you. Accordingly without Jesus, you would not have the Spirit, salvation, or faith. But with Jesus, you have victory, salvation, faith, truth, hope, and the Spirit.
“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39.
Jesus sent you the Holy Spirit to live within you after His death. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17. Prior to this time the Holy Spirit would be seen affecting people throughout the Old Testament sporadically, but after Jesus Christ all of His followers posses the Holy Spirit. That is why your body is called a “temple”. “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Therefore Jesus left us with peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27. So stand firm, knowing that He has saved you. “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” Ephesians 2:14-16.
II: BE ACTIVE IN SEEKING PEACE
Second, be active in seeking peace and keeping your shoes on. Go after it and make it your goal. When you get tired and feel as if you want to give up remember Christ’s sacrifice. Give it your all, and remember God knows what your “all” is. He is fully aware of what you are capable of. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3. Remember to make “every effort”. Seek peace and pursue it. “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14
Do not give up your trust in God no matter what the enemy tells you. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13. Expect trouble and seek peace through it. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. Tell yourself that you “have” peace, not that you “want” or “will have” peace. You have it. The Spirit has given it to you. Repeat it over and over. Work on getting rid of doubt, worry, and other negative emotions that weaken your faith.
Watch what you say. Do not complain. Even if you have on the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and the rest of the armor, if you are verbally complaining you are giving your enemy a battle plan against you. You are telling him your weakness and even with the rest of the armor on he will know not to hit you in the chest or the waist. After he hears your words, he will look down and see you do not have your shoes of peace on or you would not be complaining. And he will strike you at your feet to knock you down. “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.” 1 Corinthians 10:10.
And remember complaining is a huge sign of weakness in your faith and trust in God. When you are complaining you are showing Him that you do not trust Him to be with you in battle. As soon as you feel those negative feelings, go to Him. “Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.” Numbers 11:1.
Start working on getting the things out of your life that are causing you strife. Seek those relationships that are inherently peaceful because they are in God’s name. They will help keep you on your walk with God. “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22.
Lose the negative things in a positive way. Do not be judgmental or cruel. Just know that God can work through the positive relationships in your life to speak to you and be attentive to what you are asking from Him. “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:8-12.
Be sincere and honest. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18. Aim to act as your Savior would if He were in your situation. “True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.” Malachi 2:6.
Do not live your life acting on the thought of another person’s reaction. Remember it is your own action that counts. You are here to serve God and being kind to others pleases Him, whether the other person appreciates it or not. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18. Always remember it is “as far as depends on you” not someone else. “For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." Psalm 22:8.
III: KNOW AND HAVE FAITH IN GOD’S TRUTH
Third, know God’s truth and have faith in His promise. “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165. He is your everything, and your future. “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.” Psalm 37:37.
When you are obedient to God, He will give you peace even when you are suffering walking on rough ground or encountering enemy attacks. This will allow you to handle life’s challenges with a pure heart and clear mind. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. God will guide you through the bad times with His truth, and you will find yourself firmly planted and handling attacks with skill, understanding, and truth.
Put God’s word into practice in your own life. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9. Even if it is hard work it is well worth every effort you make. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11.
Knowing God’s truth will stop the enemy from being able to take your peace from you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Satan cannot tell you that you are not forgiven or that you should give up and have you believe it because you know what God’s word says. Make sure you pay attention to His word so you can keep your peace. “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18. God’s peace protects you from fear. “Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isaiah 57:2. And your hard work will protect you from all your enemies. “When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7. .
Remember that one good thing from God brings another, and when you practice His word you inherit the reward of His promise. “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10. God wants to reward you greatly. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3. Keep your eyes on Him and be blessed. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9.
IV: BE READY TO SERVE
Fourth, be ready to serve Him at all times. Your feet are what move you forward and backwards. Prepare to move forward in God’s name and share His word. The Christ follower who is sharing their own faith and testimony with others is the one moving forward. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace,” Isaiah 52:7.
Be ready to share the good news of the Gospel with others. The Gospels, or the books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible contain the story of the life of Jesus. They are contained in the New Testament which is translated out of Greek and Aramaic. The Old Testament is Hebrew and Aramaic. The Greek word for “Gospel” or Euaggelizo means “good news”. Share the good news of Christ to everyone. And do not be afraid. After Jesus’ death, Peter and John, two of Jesus’ disciples, stood before the Sanhedrin (the supreme court of Israel that Jesus was brought before and that asked for His death). They were also questioned by the Sanhedrin, who was angry at their teaching because it blamed them for Jesus’ death, and even though they knew that the Sanhedrin was behind Jesus’ crucifixion, they did not fear because they knew they were serving God. “Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood." Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!” Acts 5:27-29. They were standing firm in peace because Jesus brought that to them, and they were not afraid to speak God’s truth.
V: WALK IN STEP
Fifth, walk in step with the Holy Spirit. Let Him guide you. He is from God and brings truth, guidance, and hope. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25.
The Holy Spirit will guide you to the good things in life, but you must work to grow that fruit on your tree. Living righteously, following God’s truth, and seeking peace will allow the good in you to grow, and the fruit of the Spirit will show through you. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
Know that you are a member of one body through Christ and let His words live in you through the Spirit. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15.
Yield to what the Spirit wants for you, and let go of what you desire. “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5. The Spirit gives you life and peace and keeps you in your walk with God. “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.” Romans 8:6-7.
Remember God knows what is best for you even when you do not see it, and the Spirit is here to guide you into the good. “…to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." Luke 1:77-79. He wants to guide you in the paths of peace, so your shoes will be able to withstand any terrain, and any enemy attack. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33.
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Breastplate of Righteousness (Part III)...
May 15, 2009
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN PLACE”
This is the second piece of armor that you will have on in order to stand against your enemy and fight the challenges that this world is giving to you. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,” Ephesians 6:14.
You are to wear the full armor as the Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians. “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.” Ephesians 6:13. The scripture tells us to put God’s armor on so when the attack comes “you may be able to stand your ground”.
However, it also tells us that we will be able to stand our ground after we “have done everything, to stand”. Wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness is a sign that you have done everything to keep your feet firmly planted. And the Breastplate of Righteousness is vital to survival. Think again of a Roman soldier. This breastplate was worn from the neck down to the waist to protect the solider. It guards his heart and other vital organs.
The Belt of Truth has given you God’s truth, and you have placed it into your heart; therefore, it should be guarded accordingly. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11.
What is the Breastplate of Righteousness?
First, it is righteousness that comes through your faith. You believe in Christ. “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:21-24.
Because Jesus was the Son of God, the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, and holy and perfect, you have been set free from sin, which started with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19.
Confess your commitment to Him. “But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Romans 10:8-11.
However, this righteousness protects you from death through sin by going to Hell. It does not stop Satan’s attacks on you while you are here on Earth. Although your faith in Christ makes you victorious, you will still face challenges here. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.
Because God’s grace saved you through sending His Son to die for you, does that mean that there are no consequences if you keep sinning? No, because obedience leads to righteousness.
Second, it is a lifestyle. It is not self-righteousness, which leads you into sin. It is obedience to God’s word. This in turn protects the believer. If you have a police car behind you do you speed? No, you obey the law as you know it because you know the consequence.
Not obeying God’s word opens you up to Satan’s attacks. And if you have ever lived with self-doubt, worry, anxiety, anger, envy, greed, jealousy, guilt, and the like, then you know the consequences of not obeying God’s word and opening yourself up to attack. Your lifestyle can change that, and it can protect your heart. Set your goal to live to honor God in all you do. Because of Jesus’ death you “have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:18.
This is where things can get tricky. What sort of obedience does this require? Do you have to memorize the entire Bible? Are you to never sin again? Be prepared for Satan to jump in when you start to think this way and do not fall into self-doubt. He will try to convince you that unless you are completely observant to God’s law then you are doomed to Hell. Satan wants you to feel horrible every time you sin so that you will turn further away from God.
So understand that you are saved and you are forgiven. Every time you feel horrible about something you have done and you start to fall away from God because of that guilt, pull yourself back up. Living righteously means coming back to Him and asking for forgiveness. It means getting back up and trying over and over again even when you know you did wrong. That is when you defeat Satan’s schemes and do not buy into the attacks. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14.
Your human nature is prone to sin, and God knows that. Every time you start to turn away because of shame, picture Jesus on that Cross. Regarding the human nature, the Apostle Paul told us, “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” Romans 7:14-25.
Your goal is to work as hard as you can to kill the sinful nature by living in the Spirit. All good things come from God and the Holy Spirit will guide you to them. The Spirit is completely opposite of your own sinful nature. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:16-17.
Notice that in the scriptures from the last two paragraphs the point is made over and over that “you do not do what you want” because your nature is prone to sin. Admit that to yourself and ask God to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. However, be willing to give up things that you may want but are contrary to God’s will.
Surrender to His will and remember it is not your will that counts. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” Hebrews 12:11-13.
Although the Bible is full of God’s word on how to live righteously, here is a list of some of the key points. However, it is not a complete list by any means and you should actively seek His word on your own as well.
1) Have a Christ-like approach and attitude. “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.” 1 Peter 4:1-6.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11.
Model Christian Behavior. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.
2) Know who you are serving and who your obligation is to: God. And He sent you the Holy Spirit so that you could be guided in truth and turn from the ways of the world in order to have peace. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:1-14.
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:1-3.
3) Do not brag or be hypocritical. “…if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?” Romans 2:19-24.
4) Know your obligation to yourself and others: Help others, test yourself, and do not compare yourself with others. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:1-10.
Pray for those who harm you. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14.
Love one another and forgive. “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:8-11.
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4.
Encourage each other. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25.
5) Let the Spirit transform you and renew your mind: Do not give into your former ways, and do nothing to give Satan a foothold over you. “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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:22-32.
Set your new mind and new actions on things above. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:1-10.
6) Be cautious how you live and live in light. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." Ephesians 5:1-12.
“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1 John 1:5-10.
7) Make the most of every opportunity. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17.
8) Do not complain or argue. “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” Philippians 2:14-16.
9) Be self-controlled. “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:19-27.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16.
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” 1 John 3:7-8.
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7.
10) Never give up. “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36.
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17.
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN PLACE”
This is the second piece of armor that you will have on in order to stand against your enemy and fight the challenges that this world is giving to you. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,” Ephesians 6:14.
You are to wear the full armor as the Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians. “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.” Ephesians 6:13. The scripture tells us to put God’s armor on so when the attack comes “you may be able to stand your ground”.
However, it also tells us that we will be able to stand our ground after we “have done everything, to stand”. Wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness is a sign that you have done everything to keep your feet firmly planted. And the Breastplate of Righteousness is vital to survival. Think again of a Roman soldier. This breastplate was worn from the neck down to the waist to protect the solider. It guards his heart and other vital organs.
The Belt of Truth has given you God’s truth, and you have placed it into your heart; therefore, it should be guarded accordingly. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11.
What is the Breastplate of Righteousness?
First, it is righteousness that comes through your faith. You believe in Christ. “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:21-24.
Because Jesus was the Son of God, the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, and holy and perfect, you have been set free from sin, which started with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19.
Confess your commitment to Him. “But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." Romans 10:8-11.
However, this righteousness protects you from death through sin by going to Hell. It does not stop Satan’s attacks on you while you are here on Earth. Although your faith in Christ makes you victorious, you will still face challenges here. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.
Because God’s grace saved you through sending His Son to die for you, does that mean that there are no consequences if you keep sinning? No, because obedience leads to righteousness.
Second, it is a lifestyle. It is not self-righteousness, which leads you into sin. It is obedience to God’s word. This in turn protects the believer. If you have a police car behind you do you speed? No, you obey the law as you know it because you know the consequence.
Not obeying God’s word opens you up to Satan’s attacks. And if you have ever lived with self-doubt, worry, anxiety, anger, envy, greed, jealousy, guilt, and the like, then you know the consequences of not obeying God’s word and opening yourself up to attack. Your lifestyle can change that, and it can protect your heart. Set your goal to live to honor God in all you do. Because of Jesus’ death you “have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:18.
This is where things can get tricky. What sort of obedience does this require? Do you have to memorize the entire Bible? Are you to never sin again? Be prepared for Satan to jump in when you start to think this way and do not fall into self-doubt. He will try to convince you that unless you are completely observant to God’s law then you are doomed to Hell. Satan wants you to feel horrible every time you sin so that you will turn further away from God.
So understand that you are saved and you are forgiven. Every time you feel horrible about something you have done and you start to fall away from God because of that guilt, pull yourself back up. Living righteously means coming back to Him and asking for forgiveness. It means getting back up and trying over and over again even when you know you did wrong. That is when you defeat Satan’s schemes and do not buy into the attacks. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14.
Your human nature is prone to sin, and God knows that. Every time you start to turn away because of shame, picture Jesus on that Cross. Regarding the human nature, the Apostle Paul told us, “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” Romans 7:14-25.
Your goal is to work as hard as you can to kill the sinful nature by living in the Spirit. All good things come from God and the Holy Spirit will guide you to them. The Spirit is completely opposite of your own sinful nature. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:16-17.
Notice that in the scriptures from the last two paragraphs the point is made over and over that “you do not do what you want” because your nature is prone to sin. Admit that to yourself and ask God to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. However, be willing to give up things that you may want but are contrary to God’s will.
Surrender to His will and remember it is not your will that counts. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” Hebrews 12:11-13.
Although the Bible is full of God’s word on how to live righteously, here is a list of some of the key points. However, it is not a complete list by any means and you should actively seek His word on your own as well.
1) Have a Christ-like approach and attitude. “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.” 1 Peter 4:1-6.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11.
Model Christian Behavior. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.
2) Know who you are serving and who your obligation is to: God. And He sent you the Holy Spirit so that you could be guided in truth and turn from the ways of the world in order to have peace. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:1-14.
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:1-3.
3) Do not brag or be hypocritical. “…if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?” Romans 2:19-24.
4) Know your obligation to yourself and others: Help others, test yourself, and do not compare yourself with others. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:1-10.
Pray for those who harm you. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14.
Love one another and forgive. “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:8-11.
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4.
Encourage each other. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25.
5) Let the Spirit transform you and renew your mind: Do not give into your former ways, and do nothing to give Satan a foothold over you. “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; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:22-32.
Set your new mind and new actions on things above. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:1-10.
6) Be cautious how you live and live in light. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." Ephesians 5:1-12.
“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” 1 John 1:5-10.
7) Make the most of every opportunity. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17.
8) Do not complain or argue. “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” Philippians 2:14-16.
9) Be self-controlled. “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:19-27.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16.
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” 1 John 3:7-8.
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:7.
10) Never give up. “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36.
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Belt of Truth (Part II)...
May 14, 2009
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“BELT OF TRUTH BUCKLED AROUND YOUR WAIST”
“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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:13-18.
The first piece of armor you are to put on is the Belt of Truth. Notice that in this scripture is it already “buckled” around your waist. You are not standing there with your belt undone. The buckle is fastened.
In this scripture, the Apostle Paul is describing a soldier. Think of a Roman solider. The belt is holding his armor in place. It is the place where he hangs his sword. The belt is a sign of readiness. It is the last item you put on after your clothing. It keeps the tunic (or shirt) of the solider tucked in and out of his way while he is fighting.
What is the belt of truth?
First, it is God’s word. God’s word in scripture is absolutely essential for you to go into battle. Would you fight for a country without understanding what the country’s beliefs and values are about? Would you fight without knowing what you were fighting against or for? Think of the American soldiers in World War II. Do you think they did not understand who Hitler was or what a concentration camp was? Did those soldiers go to war thinking they were fighting for Hitler?
You are to seek God’s word actively. This does not mean you will memorize the entire Bible but you have to be engaged in seeking it. If God wants to point you to a specific scripture to answer your prayer, how will you see it unless you are actively seeking it by reading the Bible?
Know that God is truth, and all good things come from Him. “Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me." John 8:14-18.
Second, it is your confidence. “Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.” Isaiah 11:5. It is your faithfulness to God and ability to stand up to Satan’s lies. God’s word is truth. Satan’s words are lies. “Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:42-44.
Remember to know your enemy. The way to know what your enemy is about and how he will attack you is to read God’s battle plan: His word. He has told you how to succeed in battle. Take the time to read it. If you tell yourself that you will not understand God’s word, that it is misleading or confusing without even seeking it first, you are buying into Satan’s lies. The most deceitful trick he has to play on you is to convince you that he is not lying to you because he does not really exist, and only God exists. He is a skilled liar and the “father of all lies”.
If you have your belt of truth buckled around your waist, then you are able to recognize Satan’s attempts to fool you with lies. You know the truth because you are wearing it, and can tell the difference. When the hard-to-tell moments come where Satan is appearing as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, you will not buy into what he says because you are in line with God’s truth. You have absolute, concrete proof of what the truth really is, and nothing can fool you.
Third, it is evidence of your willingness to serve in God’s army. You are not only seeking the truth and putting the belt on, but you have it buckled, which means you are following through on what the truth says. Put simply, you are practicing what God tells you to do. Memorizing the battle plan is one step, putting it into action through practicing is another. "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27.
Putting it into action means you are ready for battle, seeking God, and keeping watch on your enemy. "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.” Luke 12:35-36.
Fourth, it is the keeper of the sword. In the scripture regarding God’s armor, we are told to have the “sword of the spirit”. The belt is where that sword is attached. You have the Holy Spirit within you as a Christ follower. When Satan tries to fool you, and you need to lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance, you need to have God’s truth in you so He can talk to you. If you know God’s truth you are both speaking the same language, and you can understand Him. If not then it may be hard to understand what He is telling you. The difference in knowing truth and not knowing it when talking to Him is the equivalent of two people who speak English having a conversation and two people having a conversation where only one knows English and the other Spanish.
The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth. Jesus told His disciples that, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17.
He is your counselor, teacher, reminder, and guide. He guides you in God’s truth. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” John 16:13-15. Embrace Him by learning the same language.
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“BELT OF TRUTH BUCKLED AROUND YOUR WAIST”
“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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:13-18.
The first piece of armor you are to put on is the Belt of Truth. Notice that in this scripture is it already “buckled” around your waist. You are not standing there with your belt undone. The buckle is fastened.
In this scripture, the Apostle Paul is describing a soldier. Think of a Roman solider. The belt is holding his armor in place. It is the place where he hangs his sword. The belt is a sign of readiness. It is the last item you put on after your clothing. It keeps the tunic (or shirt) of the solider tucked in and out of his way while he is fighting.
What is the belt of truth?
First, it is God’s word. God’s word in scripture is absolutely essential for you to go into battle. Would you fight for a country without understanding what the country’s beliefs and values are about? Would you fight without knowing what you were fighting against or for? Think of the American soldiers in World War II. Do you think they did not understand who Hitler was or what a concentration camp was? Did those soldiers go to war thinking they were fighting for Hitler?
You are to seek God’s word actively. This does not mean you will memorize the entire Bible but you have to be engaged in seeking it. If God wants to point you to a specific scripture to answer your prayer, how will you see it unless you are actively seeking it by reading the Bible?
Know that God is truth, and all good things come from Him. “Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me." John 8:14-18.
Second, it is your confidence. “Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.” Isaiah 11:5. It is your faithfulness to God and ability to stand up to Satan’s lies. God’s word is truth. Satan’s words are lies. “Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:42-44.
Remember to know your enemy. The way to know what your enemy is about and how he will attack you is to read God’s battle plan: His word. He has told you how to succeed in battle. Take the time to read it. If you tell yourself that you will not understand God’s word, that it is misleading or confusing without even seeking it first, you are buying into Satan’s lies. The most deceitful trick he has to play on you is to convince you that he is not lying to you because he does not really exist, and only God exists. He is a skilled liar and the “father of all lies”.
If you have your belt of truth buckled around your waist, then you are able to recognize Satan’s attempts to fool you with lies. You know the truth because you are wearing it, and can tell the difference. When the hard-to-tell moments come where Satan is appearing as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, you will not buy into what he says because you are in line with God’s truth. You have absolute, concrete proof of what the truth really is, and nothing can fool you.
Third, it is evidence of your willingness to serve in God’s army. You are not only seeking the truth and putting the belt on, but you have it buckled, which means you are following through on what the truth says. Put simply, you are practicing what God tells you to do. Memorizing the battle plan is one step, putting it into action through practicing is another. "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27.
Putting it into action means you are ready for battle, seeking God, and keeping watch on your enemy. "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.” Luke 12:35-36.
Fourth, it is the keeper of the sword. In the scripture regarding God’s armor, we are told to have the “sword of the spirit”. The belt is where that sword is attached. You have the Holy Spirit within you as a Christ follower. When Satan tries to fool you, and you need to lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance, you need to have God’s truth in you so He can talk to you. If you know God’s truth you are both speaking the same language, and you can understand Him. If not then it may be hard to understand what He is telling you. The difference in knowing truth and not knowing it when talking to Him is the equivalent of two people who speak English having a conversation and two people having a conversation where only one knows English and the other Spanish.
The Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth. Jesus told His disciples that, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17.
He is your counselor, teacher, reminder, and guide. He guides you in God’s truth. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.” John 16:13-15. Embrace Him by learning the same language.
Armor of God (Part I)...
May 14, 2009
Danielle Joyner Kelley
Growing in your faith and learning to recognize God’s truth and the power of the Holy Spirit is the key to happiness and fulfillment. It is also a challenge, and God knows that. You not only have to battle yourself and your own ways, but you have to battle your enemy who has woken up to attack you because you are taking up a walk with God.
Therefore, you will need the keys to beat the odds stacked against you. Luckily enough, God is there to help you with His word, His Spirit, His salvation, His truth, His peace, His glory, and His righteousness. But remember you have to be active in seeking them. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.
We are told in His word that they are the key to the battle you have walked into. They are the new clothing you will wear on your walk with God no matter what the circumstances are around you. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11.
Be strong in Him and wear your full armor. Life will throw you so many challenges, and Satan will make them much bigger than they normally would have been. However, you can be strong because you are dressed for the occasion. You did the work to prepare for battle.
No one should go to war without training, and no one should go into battle without the proper equipment. We dress appropriately for where we are going. We don’t wear suits to go fishing, and we don’t wear bathing suits to church. And we do not go into battle without armor.
“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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:13-18.
Now that you have grown stronger in the Lord, you are to stand firm. If the ground is shaking you do not move. If it is raining you do not run away. Lightening does not scare you. You are firmly planted and safe. He is holding you.
How do you do this? You have the pieces of armor on listed above. Note that the first three are items that you have on at all times, whether engaged in battle or not in order to be ready when the time comes. The last items are used in the battle itself.
Time to get prepared…
Danielle Joyner Kelley
Growing in your faith and learning to recognize God’s truth and the power of the Holy Spirit is the key to happiness and fulfillment. It is also a challenge, and God knows that. You not only have to battle yourself and your own ways, but you have to battle your enemy who has woken up to attack you because you are taking up a walk with God.
Therefore, you will need the keys to beat the odds stacked against you. Luckily enough, God is there to help you with His word, His Spirit, His salvation, His truth, His peace, His glory, and His righteousness. But remember you have to be active in seeking them. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.
We are told in His word that they are the key to the battle you have walked into. They are the new clothing you will wear on your walk with God no matter what the circumstances are around you. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11.
Be strong in Him and wear your full armor. Life will throw you so many challenges, and Satan will make them much bigger than they normally would have been. However, you can be strong because you are dressed for the occasion. You did the work to prepare for battle.
No one should go to war without training, and no one should go into battle without the proper equipment. We dress appropriately for where we are going. We don’t wear suits to go fishing, and we don’t wear bathing suits to church. And we do not go into battle without armor.
“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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:13-18.
Now that you have grown stronger in the Lord, you are to stand firm. If the ground is shaking you do not move. If it is raining you do not run away. Lightening does not scare you. You are firmly planted and safe. He is holding you.
How do you do this? You have the pieces of armor on listed above. Note that the first three are items that you have on at all times, whether engaged in battle or not in order to be ready when the time comes. The last items are used in the battle itself.
Time to get prepared…
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Turning the Channel...
May 12, 2009
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38.
Today I woke up and received a phone call from my cousin in Alabama. I had been up all night with all my so-called problems, and whined to her about them. I asked her how she was doing and she told me that her and her husband had watched Joyce Meyer on television last night and that it really moved her.
I got some details from her about the sermon, but went on about my day thinking how bad everything has been lately and how I love God even more, but that I don’t know what to do. Tonight I was lying in bed and that sermon came on television. I decided to watch it and am so glad that I did. For a while now I have felt so close to God, and begged Him to keep me humble and on track with Him.
What I quickly forget is that when I ask for that and He answers me it may not always be a pleasant experience, but it is always an eye opening one. He wants us to see truth. And I will be honest. In this world today, truth can be ugly. We wake up every morning and hear from the television or others how bad the recession is, and how housing rates have fallen. Some of us have lost jobs, houses, and so much more. We cry out to God and wonder why He is allowing this to happen to us. And we want someone to come down with a sweet hand and hold us close.
The truth? We are so consumed with ourselves that we cannot remember for longer than a second that God can see the entire universe. You are sitting there worrying about whether or not your DVR is working, and God is watching a child being raped, a person being shot, a mother dying in childbirth. He is watching children digging through dumpsters trying to feed their family, children dying of starvation, and common illnesses that it takes us no longer than three days to conquer.
I am left with one question. Who do we think we are? When a recession happens what do you do? Do you moan and wail about how horrible it is on your life? No, you get up and show the world that you don’t want anyone else suffering financially by your own actions. We run around and tell everyone how much we love Jesus, and how grateful we are for His sacrifice to save ourselves. Do you ask yourself why that had to happen? Do you ask yourself truly why Jesus had to suffer? Or do you just think about the fact that His suffering saved your own hide? His suffering saved you, but it also provided an example of how you “are to” not “should” be. “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40.
I am not doing enough. I can write all day long, encourage all day long, and speak all day long about Him, but I am not doing enough when there is more I can do. It is that simple. If there is more you can do besides what you are doing then you are NOT doing enough. “If at all possible, as far as it depends on you, leave at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18. Does that say live in peace with Americans? Canadians? French? English? No. It says EVERYONE. The entire world. All of God’s creation. Who do we think we are?
It is simple. Love is nothing unless you show it. Selflessness is nothing unless you show it. You can be as loving and selfless as you can be, but if no one sees it what good does it do you? Jesus told us, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:46-48. I
If you are walking around looking at the world and complaining stop for a second and tell God thank you that you can walk and see. If you think that is hard imagine yourself not able to do either. Even though there is so much suffering, we are the ones who complain and ruin the waitress’s day for bringing us a Diet Coke instead of a Sprite. We are the ones who think we are so all-important that everyone should know what we want. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17.
Our individual hurt is horrible to us, and we individually feel it. And we can tell ourselves that we have the right to complain about not getting what we want because we work so hard. There are lots of people working harder than us and getting less though. What about them?
If you think you work hard so you deserve more and God sees everything we are not doing in the meantime, what do you think He will do? If you run around and say you have “done so much” and you complain that you don’t understand why you are not getting the reward for your work, what do you really think is wrong? You can do all the work you want but if you complain about it you just scratched the scoreboard back to zero. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.
When we see commercials about starving and abused children or animals we often turn it because we cannot stand to see such pain. The truth is that you can turn the channel all you want, but you are only saving one person pain: yourself. The child or animal is still feeling it. Turning the channel is not enough. Reaching out is plenty. “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7.
Stop thinking about what your own life is like here, and start thinking how much worse others have it. This is not truly life. As many times as I can I will always tell everyone the truth: this life is temporary and it is going to end – there is no getting around that fact. So concentrate on where you are going. Love is life. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” 1 John 3:14.
Right now being “rich” is not truly being “rich” as we think it is. Being “rich” is being “giving”. “Life” is not “life” as we think it is because true “life” is eternal not temporary. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 2 Timothy 6:17-19.
Stop concentrating on things that can be taken away from you in an instant. How valuable is your house when it is destroyed by fire or flood? How valuable is your ring with a lost diamond? How valuable is your gold when a thief steals it?
We don’t have to lose things or suffer affliction to understand what we are supposed to do. You don’t have to lose your own home in a fire in order to decide to help the homeless. You can start now. “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18.
You want to start seeing the reward? Start doing for others. Start showing God that you also love all His children. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17.
There is no love apart from God, and because He is love, He knows everything about love. We have only a grasp of that true meaning. But we know what we should do. We know what is right or we would not be bothered enough to turn the channel. You are a child of God and you are blessed with what is true. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8.
I got the answer to my prayer. I am being humbled. And as ugly as the truth can be, Praise to God for sharing with me what He sees so I can be His hands and feet here on Earth. I won’t turn the channel again. If He has to see it I have to also. To motivate me. To challenge me.
And most of all: to be more like my Teacher.
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38.
Today I woke up and received a phone call from my cousin in Alabama. I had been up all night with all my so-called problems, and whined to her about them. I asked her how she was doing and she told me that her and her husband had watched Joyce Meyer on television last night and that it really moved her.
I got some details from her about the sermon, but went on about my day thinking how bad everything has been lately and how I love God even more, but that I don’t know what to do. Tonight I was lying in bed and that sermon came on television. I decided to watch it and am so glad that I did. For a while now I have felt so close to God, and begged Him to keep me humble and on track with Him.
What I quickly forget is that when I ask for that and He answers me it may not always be a pleasant experience, but it is always an eye opening one. He wants us to see truth. And I will be honest. In this world today, truth can be ugly. We wake up every morning and hear from the television or others how bad the recession is, and how housing rates have fallen. Some of us have lost jobs, houses, and so much more. We cry out to God and wonder why He is allowing this to happen to us. And we want someone to come down with a sweet hand and hold us close.
The truth? We are so consumed with ourselves that we cannot remember for longer than a second that God can see the entire universe. You are sitting there worrying about whether or not your DVR is working, and God is watching a child being raped, a person being shot, a mother dying in childbirth. He is watching children digging through dumpsters trying to feed their family, children dying of starvation, and common illnesses that it takes us no longer than three days to conquer.
I am left with one question. Who do we think we are? When a recession happens what do you do? Do you moan and wail about how horrible it is on your life? No, you get up and show the world that you don’t want anyone else suffering financially by your own actions. We run around and tell everyone how much we love Jesus, and how grateful we are for His sacrifice to save ourselves. Do you ask yourself why that had to happen? Do you ask yourself truly why Jesus had to suffer? Or do you just think about the fact that His suffering saved your own hide? His suffering saved you, but it also provided an example of how you “are to” not “should” be. “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Luke 6:40.
I am not doing enough. I can write all day long, encourage all day long, and speak all day long about Him, but I am not doing enough when there is more I can do. It is that simple. If there is more you can do besides what you are doing then you are NOT doing enough. “If at all possible, as far as it depends on you, leave at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18. Does that say live in peace with Americans? Canadians? French? English? No. It says EVERYONE. The entire world. All of God’s creation. Who do we think we are?
It is simple. Love is nothing unless you show it. Selflessness is nothing unless you show it. You can be as loving and selfless as you can be, but if no one sees it what good does it do you? Jesus told us, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:46-48. I
If you are walking around looking at the world and complaining stop for a second and tell God thank you that you can walk and see. If you think that is hard imagine yourself not able to do either. Even though there is so much suffering, we are the ones who complain and ruin the waitress’s day for bringing us a Diet Coke instead of a Sprite. We are the ones who think we are so all-important that everyone should know what we want. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17.
Our individual hurt is horrible to us, and we individually feel it. And we can tell ourselves that we have the right to complain about not getting what we want because we work so hard. There are lots of people working harder than us and getting less though. What about them?
If you think you work hard so you deserve more and God sees everything we are not doing in the meantime, what do you think He will do? If you run around and say you have “done so much” and you complain that you don’t understand why you are not getting the reward for your work, what do you really think is wrong? You can do all the work you want but if you complain about it you just scratched the scoreboard back to zero. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.
When we see commercials about starving and abused children or animals we often turn it because we cannot stand to see such pain. The truth is that you can turn the channel all you want, but you are only saving one person pain: yourself. The child or animal is still feeling it. Turning the channel is not enough. Reaching out is plenty. “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7.
Stop thinking about what your own life is like here, and start thinking how much worse others have it. This is not truly life. As many times as I can I will always tell everyone the truth: this life is temporary and it is going to end – there is no getting around that fact. So concentrate on where you are going. Love is life. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” 1 John 3:14.
Right now being “rich” is not truly being “rich” as we think it is. Being “rich” is being “giving”. “Life” is not “life” as we think it is because true “life” is eternal not temporary. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 2 Timothy 6:17-19.
Stop concentrating on things that can be taken away from you in an instant. How valuable is your house when it is destroyed by fire or flood? How valuable is your ring with a lost diamond? How valuable is your gold when a thief steals it?
We don’t have to lose things or suffer affliction to understand what we are supposed to do. You don’t have to lose your own home in a fire in order to decide to help the homeless. You can start now. “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18.
You want to start seeing the reward? Start doing for others. Start showing God that you also love all His children. “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17.
There is no love apart from God, and because He is love, He knows everything about love. We have only a grasp of that true meaning. But we know what we should do. We know what is right or we would not be bothered enough to turn the channel. You are a child of God and you are blessed with what is true. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8.
I got the answer to my prayer. I am being humbled. And as ugly as the truth can be, Praise to God for sharing with me what He sees so I can be His hands and feet here on Earth. I won’t turn the channel again. If He has to see it I have to also. To motivate me. To challenge me.
And most of all: to be more like my Teacher.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Do Unto Others...
May 11, 2009
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” Proverbs 11:9.
There are many good qualities about us that God wants us to embrace. Some of the most important are mercy, compassion, humility, and forgiveness. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32.
It is important to forgive and to ask for forgiveness.If you do not forgive or you judge someone wrongly you will fall into temptation. What temptations? Being jealous, gossiping, lying about what you do not know is true, slandering, becoming angry and resentful – you name it. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41. And those temptations take your focus off of God. And it stays all stored up inside of you, and it boils and boils, so you spread it around for the rest of the world to hear, and you convince others you are right. “Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” 2 Timothy 2:23-24.
How many people follow this rule? We assume we know so much. We hold ourselves so high up. We either do not think about God when we judge others or we tell Him we know better than He does. And one day we will stand before Him and account of our words and all our so-called knowledge. “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37.
I can imagine how the conversation will go. The Bible shows us an example of one when God was talking to Job:“Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone- while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? "Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, 'This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt'? "Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment. The wicked are denied their light, and their upraised arm is broken. "Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been shown to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this.” Job 38:1-18.
The chapter is much longer, but you get the picture. If you didn’t create the universe and mankind then hush. It seems today that everyone is running their mouth, and listening to one of two messages: 1) Messages from other people, or 2) God’s message. I feel sorry for the former. Yet, people will create an entire wall around them based off something they heard about someone they do not even know.
For example, for years now, I have seen girls hate their boyfriend’s ex-girlfriends because of something their boyfriend told them. I have seen new girlfriends hate ex-girlfriends for no reason, when the ex-girlfriend was cheated on with the new girlfriend. I always wondered why they hate each other when they don’t know each other. Because the boyfriend said something? Is he God and no one told me?Once a girl was talking about personal issues and told me that her boyfriend’s ex-wife was crazy, and she did this or that wrong. I said, “How do you know, she did them to you?” She said, “No, but he told me.” My next question, “He who?” The answer? “My boyfriend.” Wrong answer. If you have not seen it in person or God has not told you then you just slandered, gossiped, poured out lies, and stirred up dissension. Uh-oh. “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:” Proverbs 6:16. One of these six things? “a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Proverbs 6:19.
Ouch! Doing something that God would “hate” is not something I want to do. And it is mentioned again in verse 17 where it says that God hates “a lying tongue” Proverbs 6:17. Count me out of the conversation. I cannot sit there and listen to blind judgments. Claiming to know something first-hand that you know second-hand is like me arguing with a tree about human emotions. I will not be a party to it, nor will I spread it around to make your relationship with your man look better. The truth is if you know so many bad things about her then chances are you are hearing them from your boyfriend and that means you are willing to waste your time listening to information about an ex-girlfriend or wife so my advice? I would reexamine your relationship with Him. "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness.” Exodus 23:1.
Another person I knew was cheated on by her boyfriend, and later found out that the girl that she was cheated on with (that she did not even know) hated her and was spreading rumors about her. She asked me what I thought. My answer was simple. Why hate the girl and still want the guy? He was forgiven by her, but he is the one who cheated. If you are staying with a guy and hating a girl that is not the one committed or supposedly loyal to you then you have issues, and big ones at that. Being a hypocrite is not something God endures.
You need to be aware that there are people who do not care about God, and are not worried about what He thinks of what they say. They are living in a fun moment heading to a tormented eternity. They are not thinking about where their soul will be when their body is in the ground, and at the same time they cannot dispute that they are going to die, as we all are. Pray for them. “Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34. They will get the picture sooner or later trust me. And you need to pray for them because the consequences are grave. “Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.” Psalm 101:5
By opening their mouths they will be subject to the same treatment by the same guy they think is so wonderful. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Luke 6:37-42. Judge and be judged, condemn and be condemned sounds like “what goes around comes around to me”.
When you stand in judgment of someone you don’t know you are showing quite a bit of pride. “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 16:5.
And if you are taking a man’s word over what is really God’s truth, whether or not you are following God at all, don’t expect it not to catch up with you. You make that man your entire life and world and don’t put God first just see what happens. "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27.
Yet another time I talked with a friend who was upset that an old friend of hers was passing judgment on her new friends that she did not even know. Again I was asked for advice. The answer? Once again, simple. She was jealous of the new friends. A mirror was being put in her face and she didn’t like the person she saw, or she would not have been afraid that the girl’s new friends could have some huge effect on their relationship. It is common sense.
We not only should not talk badly about each other, we should not think badly of each other. “And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah: "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'” Zechariah 7:8-10.
Moral of the story: be careful judging anyone. “But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:1-7. There is only one judge. And although you are all-important to God, truthfully all you do with that kind of talk is bring the rest of us into Satan’s attack. So stop. Don’t be a tool for Satan to use. That is a horrible way to live an existence. And stop pretending you are ahead of everyone and everything, especially God. He wrote the law for you to use, not spit upon and try to change. “Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.” James 4:11.
For those of you who are on the condemned side of speech, when someone hurts you, you are to pray for them. As hard as it can be this is what God asks us to do. “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13. There is so much freedom in praying for someone who has hurt you. “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:44-45. Forgiving them allows you to take control back of your emotions. When you do not forgive them, you are giving them control over your happiness. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:25. God doesn’t forgive those who don’t forgive. And remember their action should not affect you. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18. Know that some people are miserable and not receptive to your new lifestyle of trusting God and doing His will. That is why the scripture says “If it is possible…”. What counts is the “as far as it depends on you”. You are to do God’s will without worrying what anyone else thinks. It is your action not their reaction. You show by your own actions what Christian behavior is like.
Do not let your pride get involved. “Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 18:12. Pride has no place before God. Jesus explained it in a well-known parable. “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14.
And don’t let evil comments about you cause you to harbor resentment in your heart. Otherwise, it becomes a weakness that the enemy can use against you to grow your resentment and anger. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:13-18.
Be willing to humble yourself. And forget what the reaction is because it is not what counts. Reactions will be left in the world. They will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, so let those who are in the world remain worldly. You aim for higher things. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:3-11.
You are a new you, here to serve God. Forget the way you used to react and start acting differently. “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” Colossians 3:7-9.
My old practices? Gone. My new practices? Whatever God tells me to do. Unlike situations where we talk without knowing the truth, I have sought out His truth and know it, and that is the truth I will keep in my heart and allow to come out of my mouth.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Danielle Joyner Kelley
“With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” Proverbs 11:9.
There are many good qualities about us that God wants us to embrace. Some of the most important are mercy, compassion, humility, and forgiveness. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32.
It is important to forgive and to ask for forgiveness.If you do not forgive or you judge someone wrongly you will fall into temptation. What temptations? Being jealous, gossiping, lying about what you do not know is true, slandering, becoming angry and resentful – you name it. "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41. And those temptations take your focus off of God. And it stays all stored up inside of you, and it boils and boils, so you spread it around for the rest of the world to hear, and you convince others you are right. “Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” 2 Timothy 2:23-24.
How many people follow this rule? We assume we know so much. We hold ourselves so high up. We either do not think about God when we judge others or we tell Him we know better than He does. And one day we will stand before Him and account of our words and all our so-called knowledge. “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37.
I can imagine how the conversation will go. The Bible shows us an example of one when God was talking to Job:“Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone- while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? "Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, 'This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt'? "Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment. The wicked are denied their light, and their upraised arm is broken. "Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been shown to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this.” Job 38:1-18.
The chapter is much longer, but you get the picture. If you didn’t create the universe and mankind then hush. It seems today that everyone is running their mouth, and listening to one of two messages: 1) Messages from other people, or 2) God’s message. I feel sorry for the former. Yet, people will create an entire wall around them based off something they heard about someone they do not even know.
For example, for years now, I have seen girls hate their boyfriend’s ex-girlfriends because of something their boyfriend told them. I have seen new girlfriends hate ex-girlfriends for no reason, when the ex-girlfriend was cheated on with the new girlfriend. I always wondered why they hate each other when they don’t know each other. Because the boyfriend said something? Is he God and no one told me?Once a girl was talking about personal issues and told me that her boyfriend’s ex-wife was crazy, and she did this or that wrong. I said, “How do you know, she did them to you?” She said, “No, but he told me.” My next question, “He who?” The answer? “My boyfriend.” Wrong answer. If you have not seen it in person or God has not told you then you just slandered, gossiped, poured out lies, and stirred up dissension. Uh-oh. “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:” Proverbs 6:16. One of these six things? “a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” Proverbs 6:19.
Ouch! Doing something that God would “hate” is not something I want to do. And it is mentioned again in verse 17 where it says that God hates “a lying tongue” Proverbs 6:17. Count me out of the conversation. I cannot sit there and listen to blind judgments. Claiming to know something first-hand that you know second-hand is like me arguing with a tree about human emotions. I will not be a party to it, nor will I spread it around to make your relationship with your man look better. The truth is if you know so many bad things about her then chances are you are hearing them from your boyfriend and that means you are willing to waste your time listening to information about an ex-girlfriend or wife so my advice? I would reexamine your relationship with Him. "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness.” Exodus 23:1.
Another person I knew was cheated on by her boyfriend, and later found out that the girl that she was cheated on with (that she did not even know) hated her and was spreading rumors about her. She asked me what I thought. My answer was simple. Why hate the girl and still want the guy? He was forgiven by her, but he is the one who cheated. If you are staying with a guy and hating a girl that is not the one committed or supposedly loyal to you then you have issues, and big ones at that. Being a hypocrite is not something God endures.
You need to be aware that there are people who do not care about God, and are not worried about what He thinks of what they say. They are living in a fun moment heading to a tormented eternity. They are not thinking about where their soul will be when their body is in the ground, and at the same time they cannot dispute that they are going to die, as we all are. Pray for them. “Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34. They will get the picture sooner or later trust me. And you need to pray for them because the consequences are grave. “Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.” Psalm 101:5
By opening their mouths they will be subject to the same treatment by the same guy they think is so wonderful. "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Luke 6:37-42. Judge and be judged, condemn and be condemned sounds like “what goes around comes around to me”.
When you stand in judgment of someone you don’t know you are showing quite a bit of pride. “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” Proverbs 16:5.
And if you are taking a man’s word over what is really God’s truth, whether or not you are following God at all, don’t expect it not to catch up with you. You make that man your entire life and world and don’t put God first just see what happens. "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27.
Yet another time I talked with a friend who was upset that an old friend of hers was passing judgment on her new friends that she did not even know. Again I was asked for advice. The answer? Once again, simple. She was jealous of the new friends. A mirror was being put in her face and she didn’t like the person she saw, or she would not have been afraid that the girl’s new friends could have some huge effect on their relationship. It is common sense.
We not only should not talk badly about each other, we should not think badly of each other. “And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah: "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'” Zechariah 7:8-10.
Moral of the story: be careful judging anyone. “But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:1-7. There is only one judge. And although you are all-important to God, truthfully all you do with that kind of talk is bring the rest of us into Satan’s attack. So stop. Don’t be a tool for Satan to use. That is a horrible way to live an existence. And stop pretending you are ahead of everyone and everything, especially God. He wrote the law for you to use, not spit upon and try to change. “Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.” James 4:11.
For those of you who are on the condemned side of speech, when someone hurts you, you are to pray for them. As hard as it can be this is what God asks us to do. “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13. There is so much freedom in praying for someone who has hurt you. “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:44-45. Forgiving them allows you to take control back of your emotions. When you do not forgive them, you are giving them control over your happiness. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Mark 11:25. God doesn’t forgive those who don’t forgive. And remember their action should not affect you. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18. Know that some people are miserable and not receptive to your new lifestyle of trusting God and doing His will. That is why the scripture says “If it is possible…”. What counts is the “as far as it depends on you”. You are to do God’s will without worrying what anyone else thinks. It is your action not their reaction. You show by your own actions what Christian behavior is like.
Do not let your pride get involved. “Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 18:12. Pride has no place before God. Jesus explained it in a well-known parable. “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14.
And don’t let evil comments about you cause you to harbor resentment in your heart. Otherwise, it becomes a weakness that the enemy can use against you to grow your resentment and anger. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:13-18.
Be willing to humble yourself. And forget what the reaction is because it is not what counts. Reactions will be left in the world. They will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, so let those who are in the world remain worldly. You aim for higher things. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:3-11.
You are a new you, here to serve God. Forget the way you used to react and start acting differently. “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” Colossians 3:7-9.
My old practices? Gone. My new practices? Whatever God tells me to do. Unlike situations where we talk without knowing the truth, I have sought out His truth and know it, and that is the truth I will keep in my heart and allow to come out of my mouth.
Nothing more, nothing less.
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