The Lord is the Spirit

 and Happy Father's Day

First, I want to say "Happy Father's Day" to all of the dads out there.
     If your dad has moved on to the next life like mine has, I want you to know how much my heart breaks with you. We will all be reunited someday.
     Remember also our Father, our Creator who looks after you day and night. Give Him your praise and love always. He has sent to each of us a Helper so that we'll never be alone.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

John 14:26 ESV

William Newell wrote this a long time ago:

“Many sincere people are yet spiritually under John the Baptist’s ministry of repentance. Their state is practically that of the struggle of Romans Seven, where neither Christ nor the Holy Spirit is mentioned, but only a quickened but undelivered soul in struggle under a sense of ‘duty,’ not a sense of full acceptance in Christ and sealing by the Holy Spirit.”

If this sounds like you; if your "state" is one of struggle, then maybe you haven't fully accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior. Pray about it. Seek help and guidance from the Lord, and from your Pastor or Elders.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV


You may also like:
- "Father's Day" from 2015
- "Returning Home" from 2019 (my husband and I reconciled approximately 4 months later)

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Please join me this week in praising the Holy Spirit. Pray that those who consider themselves Christians yet bear no fruit come to question whether the Spirit is living within them. Let's pray that if they are not yet truly saved, they seek Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Let's pray that if they are saved, they grow in their faith and strive to become more Christlike. May we recognize those who are living on either cusp and offer them discipleship. Pray for words, encouragement, and guidance to help those who are lost. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #HolySpirit #Christian #salvation #comfort #discipleship #wisdom #fruitofthespirit #bearfruit #FathersDay #helper

John 7:37-39

 

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

John 7:37-39 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praising the Holy Spirit. Pray that those who consider themselves Christians yet bear no fruit come to question whether the Spirit is living within them. Let's pray that if they are not yet truly saved, they seek Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Let's pray that if they are saved, they grow in their faith and strive to become more Christlike. May we recognize those who are living on either cusp and offer them discipleship. Pray for words, encouragement, and guidance to help those who are lost. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #HolySpirit #Christian #salvation #comfort #discipleship #wisdom #fruitofthespirit #bearfruit

My writing process

 

Every morning, as soon as I wake up, one of my first thoughts is what am I going to write? Most of the time, a thought comes to me right (unintended pun: write/right, lol) then. I quickly pour my coffee, sit down at my laptop, and away I go.

     Other times I have to go through several Bible verses before I find one that speaks to me. Then, once in a blue moon, no words seem to come at all. Those are the days that I feel kind of empty like the Holy Spirit stepped away and left me alone to fend for myself. 

     I know He didn't, but I think those days serve an important purpose. They remind me that my words come from Him, that I am dependant on Him, and that sometimes, I need to ask Him for help - even though He knows what I need.

     This isn't to say that my words are God-breathed, but I think it's safe to say (and hopefully doesn't come across as boastful in any way - I'm not perfect and am very aware of that) they are God-inspired. I trust that whatever I write, God will use it to reach at least one person. I trust that it will be the exact thing that someone needs to read today.

     The Holy Spirit lives within each of His children. If He is such an integral part of our being, shouldn't we take the time to build a relationship with Him? Study the Bible and get to know His character. Ask God to reveal His presence to you. 

     Maybe you read about my big God experience, but in case you missed it, you can read it here: Faith as a mustard seed.

Luke 12:12 speaks to me (and to you):

The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them. (The Voice)

 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (NKJV)

You may also like:

- "Using our spiritual gifts" (update on this: I'm still writing her story and all of the other people's stories that God has brought to me. It's taking a lot longer than I anticipated. Stay tuned, though.)

- "Waiting for words"

Or click here for all my posts about writing 

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Please join me this week in praising the Holy Spirit. Pray that those who consider themselves Christians yet bear no fruit come to question whether the Spirit is living within them. Let's pray that if they are not yet truly saved, they seek Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Let's pray that if they are saved, they grow in their faith and strive to become more Christlike. May we recognize those who are living on either cusp and offer them discipleship. Pray for words, encouragement, and guidance to help those who are lost. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #HolySpirit #Christian #amwriting #comfort #discipleship #wisdom #fruitofthespirit #bearfruit #amediting

The fruit of light

 

I couldn't figure out where to stop and start with today's scripture, so I narrowed it down as best as I could (this is all really great information. I love how Paul explains things!)

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,

    and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:6-21 ESV

(Emphasis mine)

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Please join me this week in praising the Holy Spirit. Pray that those who consider themselves Christians yet bear no fruit come to question whether the Spirit is living within them. Let's pray that if they are not yet truly saved, they seek Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Let's pray that if they are saved, they grow in their faith and strive to become more Christlike. May we recognize those who are living on either cusp and offer them discipleship. Pray for words, encouragement, and guidance to help those who are lost. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #HolySpirit #Christian #salvation #comfort #discipleship #wisdom #fruitofthespirit #bearfruit

To bear fruit

 

I love this photo. When I first glanced at it, it reminded me of babies wrapped in blankets. The figs are the babies' heads, and the leaves are the blankets. It made me think of how the Holy Spirit wraps us up in His loving arms when we are babes in Christ. He protects us just as these leaves are protecting their precious fruits. Eventually, the leaves will open and the fruit will mature. It will be picked and eventually offer nourishment to a stranger.

To bear fruit is to be Christlike. The Spirit gives us this fruit. I really like what David Guzik (EnduringWord.com) wrote:

Fruit has several important characteristics.
· Fruit isn’t achieved by working, but is birthed by abiding.
· Fruit is fragile.
· Fruit reproduces itself.
· Fruit is attractive.
· Fruit nourishes.

     I often think of the barren fig trees in the Bible. One was a parable (Luke 13:6-9) and the other an event where Jesus cursed the fig tree for not bearing any fruit. (Mark 11:12-20) Non-believers watch believers. I believe they want to see that we're different, that we have special "insight" and peace. They even recognize the ways in which we're different. How many times have you had a non-believer ask you to pray for them? I think that shows that they want to believe, that they know there's truth to what we say, but they're just not quite there yet.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

You may also like:
- Bear more fruit
- My word produces fruit

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Please join me this week in praising the Holy Spirit. Pray that those who consider themselves Christians yet bear no fruit come to question whether the Spirit is living within them. Let's pray that if they are not yet truly saved, they seek Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Let's pray that if they are saved, they grow in their faith and strive to become more Christlike. May we recognize those who are living on either cusp and offer them discipleship. Pray for words, encouragement, and guidance to help those who are lost. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #HolySpirit #Christian #salvation #comfort #discipleship #wisdom #fruitofthespirit #bearfruit

Learning from the Holy Spirit

 

This is really good stuff. Paul explains the Holy Spirit so well, and the fact that we can only understand God's wisdom because the Holy Spirit reveals it to us.

From 1 Corinthians 2:

9 But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,

    nor the heart of man imagined,

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

This is what God has prepared for us in the here and now if we love Him. (It's paraphrased from Isaiah 64:4).

     Sometimes I find reading Paul's letters a little confusing, but the rest of this chapter seems crystal clear. Mankind, who doesn't have the Spirit, cannot understand the mysteries of God, but those of us with the Spirit have the potential and the desire to comprehend what He imparts on us. God shares this information with us freely, but I believe we need to actively desire to know it. In other words, we need to pray for understanding and comprehension before we dive into the word. We need to pray that He reveals wisdom to us. Sure, we have those AHA moments, but think how much more we could be understanding if we open ourselves up to receive it.

10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

     Verse 15 below isn't saying that believers can't be judged or shouldn't be judged. David Guzik wrote: "Paul is not saying that every Christian is above every criticism (after all, much of this letter is criticism). The point is clear: no natural man is equipped to judge a spiritual man." (Found at EnduringWord.com) 

14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

     I just love to research and learn, so all of this just feeds into that. There are so many concepts and teachings in the Bible that we, as humans, cannot comprehend because of our finite minds (the Trinity, for one), but God wants us to understand as much as humanly possible while we're here. Then, when we get to Heaven, I believe, it's going to be like, "POW" and everything else is just going to make sense. It's really exciting if you think about it!

P.S. I really like the above photo because it has a "3" on the coffee cup. I immediately thought of the Trinity teaching us.

You may also like:

- "Seek wisdom and understanding" (This is one of those AHA moments.)

- "Know the word of truth"

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Please join me this week in praising the Holy Spirit. Pray that those who consider themselves Christians yet bear no fruit come to question whether the Spirit is living within them. Let's pray that if they are not yet truly saved, they seek Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Let's pray that if they are saved, they grow in their faith and strive to become more Christlike. May we recognize those who are living on either cusp and offer them discipleship. Pray for words, encouragement, and guidance to help those who are lost. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #HolySpirit #Christian #salvation #comfort #discipleship #wisdom

The magnitude of the Holy Spirit

 

What is your perception of the Holy Spirit? I picture Him as the "comforter" (John 14:25-26) who dwells within us. Since He dwells within each one of us (believers), I see Him as my size. It wasn't until we were discussing Romans yesterday in Women's Bible Study that I realized the breadth and magnitude of the Holy Spirit. I mean, I knew He was huge, Omni-everything like our Father and Jesus, but still, I pictured this more personal, scaled-down version, too. Then I read: 

"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

Romans 8:11 ESV

     Think about that...the Holy Spirit who "raised Jesus from the dead" is the very same Holy Spirit who dwells within each of us and comforts us! Isn't that amazing?! I have no idea how many times I've read that passage, but I'm thankful that this time, it sank in. We as believers are so very blessed to have the Holy Spirit with us always. He comforts us, guides us, encourages us. He's that still small voice inside of us. What a blessing!

You may also like:

- Paul's Prayer is My Prayer

- Your body is a temple

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Please join me this week in praising the Holy Spirit. Pray that those who consider themselves Christians yet bear no fruit come to question whether the Spirit is living within them. Let's pray that if they are not yet truly saved, they seek Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Let's pray that if they are saved, they grow in their faith and strive to become more Christlike. May we recognize those who are living on either cusp and offer them discipleship. Pray for words, encouragement, and guidance to help those who are lost. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #bibleverse #bible #HolySpirit #Christian #salvation #comfort #discipleship 

Sword of the Spirit

 

The last article of the Full Armor of God is the sword of the Spirit.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Ephesians 6:17

David Guzik wrote at EnduringWord.com: To effectively use the sword, we must regard it as the word of God – which is the word of God. If we are not confident in the inspiration of Scripture, that the sword really came from the Spirit, then we will not use it effectively at all.
  But we must also take the sword of the Spirit in the sense of depending that He helps us to use it. Not only did the Spirit give us the Scriptures, but also He makes them alive to us (or us alive to them), and He equips us with the right thrust of the sword at the right time.

     We are taught over and over again that we must know truth in order to recognize lies. How can we know truth if we don't study it? It's so critical to be in the word, reading, studying, always learning, always gaining wisdom. If you haven't read the entire Bible, I really encourage you to do that. The Old Testament is so very important to understanding and knowing God's character. Jesus is shown throughout the Old Testament as well. Every time you read the Bible you'll find new information, glean new wisdom from it. It is one cohesive book. If you're only reading the last 23%, think about all that you're missing out on.

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:18-20 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #sword #gospel #HolySpirit #blog #blogpost #blogger

Helmet of salvation

The helmet of salvation is a reminder of the "hope of salvation" (see 1 Thessalonians 5:8, and Isaiah 59:17) because Satan's most utilized weapons are creating doubt and/or discouragement. He gets us to doubt or discourages us in our relationships, our faith, and even our salvation. 

Just always remember:

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Romans 8:16 ESV

And take the helmet of salvation...

Ephesians 6:17a NKJV

You may also like: "Waging War" from October 28, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #helmet #gospel #salvation #blog #blogpost #blogger

Shield of faith

 

This commentary by John MacArthur really spoke to me. Being under attack by the enemy for an extended period of time, we sometimes start to believe Satan's lies, and we're more apt to give in to his temptations. He wears us down. Unless we take the time to talk to our Father, confirming our steadfast trust in Him, strengthening our bond with Him, we become weak. Reaffirm your faith in Jesus Christ continuously. Tell Satan his 'fiery darts' are no good here.

"The believer's continual trust in God's word and promise is "above all" absolutely necessary to protect him from temptations to every sort of sin. All sin comes when the victim falls to Satan's lies and promises of pleasure, rejecting the better choice of obedience and blessing." "Temptations are likened to the flaming arrows shot by the enemy and quenched by the oil-treated leather shield."*

*MacArthur, John (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible, New King James version.

     Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN.

above all, taking the shield of faith 

with which you will be able to 

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Ephesians 6:16 NKJV

This song is such an inspiration to me...sing along at the top of your lungs and drive the enemy away!

You might also like: "Boastfulness" from June 19, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #shield #gospel #faith #blog #blogpost #blogger

Like shoes for your feet

 

I found this explanation of verse 15 in Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, 1878:

sandals, of the Roman soldiers were heavy sandals studded with hobnails, to give a secure foothold to those who would stand firm. St. Paul identifies these with the firm "footing of the gospel of peace." Clearly the word "peace" is here emphatic. The gospel is looked upon as the declaration of "peace on earth, goodwill towards men." The firm stand on this message is the firm assurance of God's love. In this, and this alone, we stand. No doubt, this is in some sense faith...

and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Ephesians 6:15 NKJV

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:15 ESV

You may also like: Front-line workers

This is interesting because it's from March 30, 2020. At that time we had 24 Covid-19 cases in my county. That seemed like a lot back then but now it's just a drop in the bucket. Our state has had 891,181 confirmed cases or 1,058,395 probable cases. 

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #shoes #gospel #peace #blog #blogpost #blogger

Breastplate of righteousness

 

"Righteousness is represented as a breastplate which provides essential protection for the most vital organs. We can no sooner battle against spiritual enemies in our own righteousness than a soldier can effectively fight without his breastplate."

     "This is not our own earned righteousness, not a feeling of righteousness, but a righteousness received by faith in Jesus. It gives us a general sense of confidence, an awareness of our standing and position."

     "The breastplate of righteousness is your best defense against the sense of spiritual depression and gloom that comes against us." (emphasis mine).

     All of these statements are by David Guzik, found at EnduringWord.com

     I always struggle with the idea of "being righteous" because I know how imperfect I am. But, that's not the kind of righteousness that we're to count on. From what I understand, we are righteous because of our relationship with Christ. Since He paid the price for our sins, we are able to stand righteous before our Father. It's not anything that we can do or take credit for. It's part of God's free gift of salvation. Since we are His, no one, not even Satan can snatch us from His hand. (See John 10:27-29)

having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 

Ephesians 6:14b NKJV

You may also like: 

"The enemy" from January 28, 2020

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #breastplate #righteousness #blog #blogpost #blogger

Belt of truth

 

Knowing that we will be entangled in spiritual warfare, God provides us with the armour necessary to do battle with our adversary. We'll look at one piece of armour each day this week.

    But first, I need to quote John MacArthur because sometimes we need a reminder as to all of the ways Satan attacks us... "Whether confronting Satan's efforts to distrust God, forsaking obedience, producing doctrinal confusion and falsehood, hindering service to God, bringing division, serving God in the flesh, living hypocritically, being worldly, or in any other way rejecting biblical obedience, this armor is our defense."*

     The first article of defense is to be girded with truth, which you could also refer to as the 'belt of truth.' Back then to "gird up" meant to pull up the tunic through the belt or girdle so that it wasn't in the way. 

     David Guzik wrote: " When a man sat down and was relaxed, he took off his belt. Putting on the belt prepared for action, it freed one for movement, and it put a soldier in a battle frame of mind." (EnduringWord.com)

     "The soldier might be furnished with every other part of his equipment, and yet, wanting the girdle, would neither be fully accoutered nor securely armed." (Salmond, S.D.F., 1897)

     I see it as the foundation of our defense. We have to know truth, therefore Scripture, before we can recognize lies, especially the lies of Satan.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, 

Ephesians 6:14a NKJV

*MacArthur, John (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible, New King James version.
     Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN.

See also: What are you wearing today? from October 6, 2019. 

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #blog #blogpost #blogger

I lost the battle but not the war

Whenever I am all in for God, completely consumed with doing His will for me, trying desperately to be a "good" Christian, Satan always steps in and tries to tear me down. I must have really been on track with my faith and my works because this past week has been a horrendous spiritual battle.

     Everything that I felt called to do, everything that I'm on fire for has one by one been under attack by people who I looked up to. 

     I'm reminded of how Satan deceived Eve. He cast doubt. He made the fruit look so appealing that she gave into temptation. He's still using those methods on us today.

     Yesterday I hit rock bottom. Satan preyed on something that is like an exposed nerve of mine. I don't mean to be vague, it's just that if I try to explain it, it won't make any sense anyway. The result was I had a meltdown; the things I yelled at God, my thoughts, ... I even told Satan, "Fine, you win! Now leave me alone!" 

     After a while, I calmed down enough to keep from doing anything drastic (because I was really considering drastic measures (non-violent, of course)). Anything I did or said in that state of emotion would have made me look very non-Christian.

     I started reading my Bible. My husband came home from church and we talked about it. I apologized to God. Maybe this was a test. If it was, I failed miserably. But, I'm not going to beat myself up about it because even Peter failed once in a while.

     We need to always be prepared for spiritual warfare. We need to be prepared to fight everything Satan can and will throw at us. He knows how to strike a nerve. He knows what we most hate, what we most fear, what we most dread and he will use those things against us. His whole purpose in life is to bring himself glory by taking it away from the one, true, living God.

     Be prepared. Don't fail. If you do fail like I did, brush yourself off, clean up your armour and jump right back into the battle.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:10-13 NKJV

Are you ready for battle?

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Please join me this week in praying for all Christians, with a special emphasis on those who are heavily involved in spiritual warfare. Pray that they recognize it for what it is and don't give in to Satan's ploys or deceptions. Pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance. Pray that they get through the battle, shielded with the full armour of God and come out triumphant. Pray that they know God's will for their lives and that they keep their focus on Him alone.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @7DegreesOfMe
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerse #bible #SpiritualWarfare #GodsWill #Satan #battle #ArmorOfGod #Christian #Ephesians #blog #blogpost #blogger
 

Respect fellow Christians

 

I like these verses because they're a reminder that we respect our brothers and sisters in Christ, our Pastors, and our Elders. We may not always agree with one another, especially about earthly things, but we need to remember this life is temporary.
     We need to stay focused on what's important and why we're here. The world should see us united in one cause, loving one another despite our differences.
     I just really feel that now more than ever, we need to positive, compassionate image-bearers. I feel a sense that the last line, "Be at peace among yourselves" is extremely important.

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you 

and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and 

to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. 

Be at peace among yourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying that we remember to treat one another with respect. During this time of incredible divisiveness, when it's so easy to get angry with those who have opposing viewpoints, we have to remember, that no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters. Our goal here is to bring the lost to know Christ. We can't do that without showing respect to everyone we meet. 

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible  #respect #Christian

Behave like a Christian

I think this verse says it all; I have allowed the evil in someone to overcome me. I've allowed it to affect me, how I feel, how I think.
     The bible that I copied this from has the heading for this section: Behave Like a Christian. You can't ask for a clearer sign that that. God is good!!

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.  Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:9-21 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for how we, as individuals of the Church, deal with the unsaved. Pray that the Spirit will guide us to portray the characteristics of Christ when our own human instincts are to act and react in a not-so-Christian way sometimes. Let’s also pray our hearts are softened toward those who test our love and patience.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Pray for an accepting heart

I would love for the above verse to be the focus of our prayers this week. There is so much in this world that divides us, that it's easy to lose sight of our purpose here. I personally want to take this week to hone my focus on the Trinity, praying for an open heart; one that is accepting and loving and non-judgmental.
     It was a tough week for me as far as being caught up in a spiritual battle. I'm 100% all-in with Christ and that bothers Satan to no end. I could feel him tugging at my heart and mind and there were several days when he was able to bring me down a notch or two, but I prayed through it and read my bible and sang praise and worship songs at the top of my lungs. This week I'm going to spend a lot of time in prayer for the things that Satan is specifically attacking me for, thus the theme for this week's prayers. I belong to Jesus, therefore Satan has no hold on me and he can't take me away; I just need to endure the battle until I wear him down.

May the God of endurance and encouragement 

grant you to live in such harmony with one another, 

in accord with Christ Jesus, 

that together you may with one voice 

glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, 

for the glory of God.

Romans 15:5-7 ESV

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Please join me this week in praying for an accepting and understanding heart. Pray that we focus on why we're here and not get caught up in the things of man. Pray for harmony and a united front as members of the Church.

I'll post daily reminders on:

twitter @7DegreesOfMe

Instagram @archadia27
Pinterest Prayer Group #7thHourPrayerPower

Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Hope doesn't disappoint

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:3-5 NKJV

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Please join me this week in praying for perseverance to talk about Christ.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Race of Faith

I love the imagery of this passage and so wish I could draw it. Meditate on it and feed on the power of  Paul's words.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:1

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Please join me this week in praying for perseverance to talk about Christ.
I'll post daily reminders on:
twitter @7DegreesOfMe
Instagram @archadia27
Facebook group 7th Hour Prayer Power

Crown of life

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; 

for when he has been approved, 

he will receive the crown of life 

which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12 NKJV