Challenge Worry with Life Building Thoughts

Worry!

How can one possibly challenge worry? 

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 
Matthew 6:28 So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 
Matthew 6:31 Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.


If we look at the context of how this is given, we find that Matthew 6 points to do good to please God. Matthew 6:1 Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So seeking God is paramount and high over that of trying to gain praise from men.
Jesus goes on to enlist prayer in Matthew 6:5-15 and then He talks about fasting to be seen only by God and not to go tell the many you know of your fasting practices.
Then Jesus gives the warning of avarice. Because avarice had a friend attached and he is called anxiety! 
Now Jesus does not prohibit material possessions but He does object to material possessions having rule over us and tying us to this earth. For those selfish in nature will chase that extravagant materialism and we should seek not to have that kind of eye.
Jesus goes on to mention the importance of our eye and that if our eye is bad, our whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in us is darkness, how great is that darkness!
We should be running to have a relationship with the Lord so we have a developed commitment to Him, to His will and to His ways.

When we get to Matthew 6:24 we find Jesus talking about one cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve God and mammon. We will either serve God or we will serve money. Proverbs tells us that riches has wings and will fly away. 
Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not work to be rich; because or your own understanding, cease! 5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly can make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

I know about twenty years ago that there was much teaching about how God wanted us to prosper and they emphasized money. But God wants us to manage money so it will not manage us. I heard a report the other day of how many people are maxed out on their credit cards again just like those back in 2008 and 2009!  And we know a lot that happened and contributed to the scandalous practices of money lenders then was about bankers in many loaning departments loaned people money to buy homes they could not afford to pay back, for what they made monthly was short of their required payment needed monthly for repayment!


Worry causes us to be divided from our attention toward God. If our vision of God is divided by money matters, our vision is then divided. And division will divide one into portions and pieces. Daily needs occur, but it should not be that which brings division for that is unfruitful. Worry moves us out of faith and into unbelief. It is acting like God does not exist when He certainly does exist.

My husband and I just saw last week ( November 12) of the planet Neptune having the two moons, and one of them rotates around the planet, but the other moon is stationary. The one moon actively rotating does this oscillation move  that avoids the stationary moon when it makes its orbit close to it. NASA had just released this picture showing what it look like and I was in 'awe' of a great God who created these two moons that project the very existence of His glorious skill in being the Creator!
In viewing this orbit, this dancing motion of a moon, the orbiting moon moves consistently away out of line of the stationary moon and keeps right on moving through its ordered orbit around Neptune. Amazing!

So how could you or I be worried about tomorrow, about money or even healing when we have a God who has such strategy to move us out of harm's way to continue in the step of full light when we first seek Him and His plan for our lives? Our lives are in His hands. He has greater care for us because He has a plan for us.
Whatever provision we require, it will always follow that person whose priorities are concerned with God's ways, His work and His will which is His kingdom. If God's kingdom has come into our lives, then it is His rule we will see and His provision will flow to us without hindrances.
Jesus faced temptation at key moments of His ministry: in the wilderness prior to His public ministry, prior to His transfiguration and prior to His crucifixion.
Like Jesus, we have to know that we are a son of God, and when we know we have this walk of faith, we cannot be deterred by the Peter's in this life! For Jesus told them in Matthew 16:21-27 that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes and be killed and be raised the third day. ( Matthew 16:21) Yet Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 
Then Jesus rebuked Peter! Matthew 16:23 "Get behind Me Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
And remember Satan said the same to Jesus denoting that he could avoid suffering when Jesus met him in the wilderness and before the ministry began!
And right before Jesus was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane, it was time for praying, but the disciples could not stay awake one hour to pray with Him!

Worry can appear, but we must take it captive with the words of Jesus.  The kingdom is presented and we are to live by faith as Jesus did in that grace that was presented to the world! Although many will not heed the love of God that came in the package of Jesus Christ, still He is the only way to the Father. (John 14:6)
Jesus told us in John 14:7 If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." Jesus was always about revealing the Father and His love for His creation.

We have so many opportunities to see the Father in all His glory, like the two moons around the planet Neptune, in the Scripture of His Son's crucifixion or even of His birth. But alas, those who truly believe are those who will do the same works as Jesus and will do greater works because Jesus returned to His Father who sent Him. For whatever we ask in His name, that he will do, that the Father be glorified in the Son.
Only faith, that trust in Jesus will bring the required results but worry will only bring a divided focus, a divided vision of what is before us. And if His name is on it, He will do it for He spoke it from the foundation of the world.
Worry today and be dismissed tomorrow to lack and no vision. But challenge worry and build your thought life with His thoughts and you will see and do greater things for it by His grace, that we achieve His kingdom's purposes for His glory indeed! Amen

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AND When You Stand Praying

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Not the Flavor of the Month Nor the Spice for Which the Church Body Needs

Voice of Prayer

Well, hold on to truth of what God has placed in you!

Sometimes we find ourselves motivated by the Holy Spirit to move in the “anointing” and to do it just like God asked only to find out months or years later that it is not the desired “thing” at the moment for that month or for that year.

Holy Spirit Fire does not exist within the body  of believer’s you find yourself surrounded by and you find there is no flavor you needed! YIKES! That would be a “hard” place to be. Yet, when we continue to seek God in all His counsel He will bring us to the place HE destined us to be.

The anointing of God is to enhance what He is doing. And there are seasons within the body in certain locations or regions around the world that either change leadership or the leadership dies, then the newly appointed leader or leaders desire a different venue, a different environment. Now whether it is of God, only God will know if there are prayer-people on sight to pray for those changes. But in truth, where we find ourselves can be much like Joseph did.

Potiphar’s wife desired him to be her flavor, but Joseph was headed into leadership from God and for God, but found himself in prison. His unique flavor belonged to God and Joseph did not fit. But times would change, and the needed flavor would be revealed.

 In that timing that God orchestrated, the event for Joseph would come forward. Yes, we learned he knew of the 7years of the fat and the 7 years of the lean that was to come to that region. After the “dream” that Potiphar had dreamed, famine was coming to that nation.

Joseph’s flavor was needed. He came forward by the promotion from God. It was under Joseph’s direction that Egypt worked for the positive.

Where will you enhance the needed flavor? Ask God!

Whatever opportunities and the needed connections will bring the visibility you require for the Lord’s glory.  If you have relationships strained or just cut-off due to jealousy of others, know God is God. God is for you. If you find you are in “prison” due to being cut-off like Joseph, then your advancement is coming and according to God’s standard.

No matter what your current status may be, understand God knows where you fit and by that flavor He put in you, you will thrive in the new place when it is revealed.

When the “right” place is revealed, no one can stop it. Stay faithful to God and He will remain faithful to see you moved into position for His glory. It will come, be patient and look for it for God is good and He will reveal His goodness for you in the right time and right place.

 In thinking on this, Moses was one who stood out today. Moses spoke as one might speak today: “What can I do, I am so weak and have no abilities.” Moses said, “I am not a man of words.” And in truth he spoke this. Without the Holy Spirit ,Moses might have been the one with the heavy tongue, yet when he spoke for God, his speech was of that of God for which God intended.

You know Stephen spoke this in the book of Acts. We find Stephen defending himself in chapter 7 of Acts.  Acts 7:22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

The Amplified for Acts 7:22 says this: So Moses was educated in all the wisdom and culture of the Egyptians, and he was mighty (powerful) in his speech and deeds.

 Did Stephen mis-speak about Moses….absolutely not. For these two both spoke accurately. Moses was not the eloquent speaker, but Stephen also spoke correctly in that Moses spoke in that which God ordained for him to speak to Pharaoh.

When it is time, one will shine for the glory of God. We must be persistence, but be patient as well.

Psalm 145:17-19 Amp Bible 17 The Lord is [rigidly] righteous in all His ways and gracious and merciful in all His works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.19 He will fulfill the desires of those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, He also will hear their cry and will save them.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14  Amp. Bible 13 Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ( your conviction respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us).

Amen!

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Distressed or JUST Upset!

1 Kings 17:8-24
8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink." 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." 12 So she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." 13 And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.' " 15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.

17 Now it happened after these things that the son of the woman who owned the house became sick. And his sickness was so serious that there was no breath left in him. 18 So she said to Elijah, "What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?" 19 And he said to her, "Give me your son." So he took him out of her arms and carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 Then he cried out to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?" 21 And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the LORD and said, "O LORD my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him." 22 Then the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper room into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, "See, your son lives!" 24 Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth." 



How many opportunities to we get to help another person out during a day, week or even a month? In reading the above, seeing a woman give that of which she had so little of, became much in the hands of the prophet! When Elijah came to her, she was gathering what little she had and adding the needed sticks for the fire to bake her meager portion of bread. The prophet told her to prepare without fear, a portion and bring to him first. Yikes, what little only to give to someone else. What was this prophet thinking? Yet, she obeyed him, and prepared the small cake from it first and brought it to him, and then she and her son ate. And it was as the prophet spoke. "The bin of flour shall not be used up, not shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth."

Every year about this time, I always recall a lady who had three daughters. While working at the gym, I encountered her and learned she was far from family and friends. It was late in November of 2003, and her husband had been sent to the northwest to work for this well known company. He was good at his work and was considered valuable there. In this relocation of coming across an entire country, brings one to those thoughts of loneliness and distress or despair. Although they had two healthy daughters ranging in ages of 3-6 years of age, the baby had been born with severe allergy to most foods and formulas for a baby to have. Whatever went into that little tummy, would have a bad outcome to her causing much abdominal pain and gas. She would cry out in her distress and pain. The mother was alone at times to care for the children, as the husband had to fly overseas and her only time away from home was the gym. 

She would appear at the door of the establishment. Although very tired and pale looking, she would present the baby to whoever was at the desk, make her apologies of the baby's pain and tears, and make her way toward the locker room to change. She always told whoever was at the desk that they could come and get her if it "was just too much crying for them to handle." "She said she understood the crying was non-stop and very loud and painful to hear for long periods. " 

The supervisor would tell the Mom to be at peace, exercise and rest while she could, and just come back when she was ready. The limit of time for any child or baby was two hours, and the Mom always appeared right on time to get the child. Off she would go, with much thanks rolling from her like a torrent of water that runs along a gorge. In two days, she would be back looking tired and haggard again.

After about two months of seeing the baby and hearing her terrifying cries, the Dr. was trying out some new rice formulas but alas, they did not work. Again, one could hear those cries all over the gym. About a year after the baby's birth, the specialists were finding things the child could have with much less pain and agony. She began to grow somewhat more quiet with her new schedules of feedings and much more activity of playing and not just being held anymore. Another year went by, and now the child had a sweet smile on her face. She had a laugh that was beautiful to hear. And her mother, well, she could come to the gym and enjoy some time to herself, and work out without any fear of someone coming to get her because of the crying baby!

One day while in a supermarket picking up a few things to add for an evening meal, I heard this cry. I recognized it as the small child we would see at the gym. But this cry was more like just being upset! Yes, I like many others had grown accustomed to her "cry" of distress. But now this cry represented a small one who was just upset at something within the boundary of the store. As I checked out with the cashier, and walked out those sliding doors, I could still hear that cry!

Years passed, and one day the Mom came to say they were moving back to the East Coast. What her husband had come to do had been accomplished. They would be leaving and before they did, they would be coming in to give a farewell to those within the gym and the childcare department. It was a difficult moment. She came in with all three girls. They wanted to thank everyone there, but particularly two who would hold that baby for hour each while she exercised, gained her composure to fight another battle with stomach cramps and pains of a tiny baby. She shed tears of thankfulness and great love for those who gave of what they had within them. She was gracious indeed and I will never forget her or those three fine young ladies.

Today, I reflect on that which this mother had in feeding her son. I wonder at the pain they both might have experienced and looking at what remained to keep them alive was so little and somewhat bleak. The prophet said, "please bring me a little water in a cup". Yes, she was off to get the water, but then a demand came for a morsel of bread.

What we hold in our hands can certainly help another person! What we regard as lack or even in famine still has value that can be given for one in need. Sometimes people just need to know that they are not alone. As with this mother and her son, it would prove to her advantage when her son would fall dead some time later.

What we see happen for another, God will see to it that it will be done for us, for our family. What I experienced was a baby who could not be comforted, but she knew we would not leave her alone in all that pain. For the mother, she came to know that she too was not alone, and that someone would be there to help. Sometimes people just need a moment of our time, not a lecture, not some great advice, but just be there. Just show up for that job, and see who needs that hug, maybe a card to encourage, maybe a joke or two to lighten the day for them, and then remind them that they are not alone in this moment of anguish, distress..........in a day of more of the same, when we, as the children of God, can bring light, bring hope, bring laughter to a somewhat turn down day for some.

If I could just in this moment help you see that what you have right now will help another. What you can give right now, is greater and of more value to one who has lack in some area of life.
What we can share, speak or even pray can help another see that God is with us. In that moment of time, when all is set and done, and it is time to leave, will we hear,  "Now by this I know that you are a man (or woman) of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth."

There may be an "Amanda" or maybe an Adam in your life. He or she may need some extra love and care today. Find that someone who needs that hug, a hand-up, and lift them in a way that will help them see God in you. You will touch their heart, change their life, and bring you to a place that You CAN SEE GOD!

Our character is seen when we respond to something out of control. In spiritual health, one is hinged on hearing the good news which brings health to us. It is of utmost importance that we remain the loyal, those who speak truth, tolerant of others, have that loving nature, and traits of one who is the patient and determined.

Father, we desire to be Your Witnesses forever. Help us to see where we should declare without hesitation that True Word that brings faith and hope. We desire our lives to be that which is the reverent before You Lord, obeying truth always, and to glorify Jesus, so that our faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:21) Help us to target that which must be corrected that hinders us from being a "help" to others. May we be those who are the trees of righteousness, for the healing of the nations. It is in Jesus' name and to His praise and glory. Amen!

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A Zealous Warrior at Dawn, or in the Dark of Night

Isaiah 42:13...........13 The LORD shall go forth like a mighty man;
He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war.
He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud;
He shall prevail against His enemies. NKJV

A mighty attack against the enemy, God sent His Son. He came to stir us up to life and living eternally. He sent His Son to the world so we could be saved from the wrath to come. What a beautiful love story and how His Son prevailed against satan.

Jesus fulfilled the promises to Israel and brought light of revelation to the Gentiles. Truly we were the captives set free from sin and to give glory that belongs to God alone.

Psalm 144:1-2..........Blessed be the LORD my Rock,

Who trains my hands for war,

And my fingers for battle-- 

2 My lovingkindness and my fortress,

My high tower and my deliverer,

My shield and the One in whom I take refuge,

Who subdues my people under me.  NKJV

Like David, we too can use our hands as the warrior. Whether for battle against the enemy or soothing King Saul of the spirit that gave him grief, we can know and use the works of our hands and fingers to give praise to God.  As David worshiped, danced and raised hands to the Lord, we too, can lift holy hands to worship and expect to see change. When we read about David, we see him use the harp to ease an embittered soul in King Saul.

In David's case, he could wield a sling shot with the expertise of a champion. With many military men looking on, David, truly brought down the giant that faced Israel in defiance. But David's skill also took him into the rooms of a palace to play music to a king who could not be consoled to peace in any manner.

I think it is interesting too, that David was out with the sheep. When the prophet Samuel came looking for him, David was out tending the sheep. His brothers stood together in the house when the prophet came calling with the horn of oil for anointing. We too, should consider that while all his other brothers were military men trained for battle with bows and arrows and battle axes as well, David too was probably different in that he was of small stature. Could he have been the son of a different mother than the rest of the other sons? Could Jesse's pride been just in the sons with the "look" of military might?

Like David out with the sheep, we can see everything is tested in the "wilderness". Like David, I too, think our hearts are measured in that place like I believe David's was tested. God always comes to check our motives, our devotion, faith, our relationship with Him and with others. David's skill came from what he used in the "wilderness" of what he had on or in his hand. He had to lean on God alone!

What skills do we hold in the "wilderness" area? Do we voice praise and worship or something else? What do we seek within our home when no one is watching us? Do I search the Bible for answers to a problem or do I seek the channel changer to be entertained? Do I think I can run from a situation that should be addressed, but choose to ignore it hoping it will just go away?
I think of people going camping when I think of David out in the field with the sheep. I think of the great beauty of stars that blanket the black sky in array of twinkle lights that sparkle on without delay or burnout till daylight breaks. How dark it can be in the "midnight" hour with no electricity to turn on, but that which only comes from the starlight sky. And then there is this "quiet" that seems to surround you and embrace you and then invade our body, to the core our being, that brings a most uncomfortable feeling of being alone in a "big world".
The quiet of the dark night seems to penetrate to the core of our being when standing or seated out on a dark night to watch the parade of majestic stars parade along for our viewing. Only those sounds that inhabit the night watches are heard. They either delight us or make us fear.
Whatever came to visit David and those sheep in the field during those night watches certainly had their idea of what they came for at the time, the dark of night, and the specific hour.

 And David proved ready when we see what he speaks in 1 Samuel 17: 34-37.........

1 Samuel 17:34-37...................34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." 37 Moreover David said, "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you!"   NKJV

It takes more than the prowess of a strengthened body and muscles twice the size of a weight lifter to prove the worth in battle. But ultimately, we face an enemy who works in the spirit world. We have to be trained in the Word that is "spirit and truth".
David said, "I caught it by its beard and struck and killed it." NOW THAT IS A WARRIOR IN ACTION THAT IS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL!

To take on the enemy, we must know who the adversary is and how to handle him.

Ephesians 6:12-19...........12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 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. 

Our strength to walk everyday is in knowing God and His ways and thoughts. We are to be clothed with that which looks like "the Christian soldier". We are to contend with faith that our trust is in God and His plan. We look expectantly to victory for He is our courage, and all the promises He has for us are in Him and Him alone!


As we know, the devil does not show up in a red suit and tail to dance around us, but he certainly works in darkness and to practice the ambush he wants  to set to destroy man. Like he came to Jesus in the "wilderness' time after the water baptism, he too, can come and tempt with the eye gate and ear gate. He always comes to people, not in a repulsive form but with some enticing temptation to allure to his way of sin and deceit. He comes with an invitation to entice one  to the pleasures of the world.

Any darkness can represent sin, and ignorance. We are to be those Christian soldiers who as warriors wage the war on the enemy. We are to light the way with God's Word and declare what He has done through His Son Jesus. We are those to stand against pride, ambition and of course, against any revenge against another person. Jesus taught what His Kingdom was and we are to operate within that kingdom. We are stand against anything that speaks crosswise to the Word of God.

Reading the Word of God is paramount and when we put on our righteousness, we are standing ready with the Word for battle. We are the warriors, who have put on truth in our hearts, and being sincere to speak knowing it is what our Father God speaks as well. It is the Light of God's word that will dispel the darkness.
As we continue to stay joined to truth, His measure of faith in us and His love poured into our hearts gives us the cover of the breastplate for safety.
Our preparation includes that His peace takes our steps where they are ordered according to the Word spoken. We can stay in His peace as we war with the devil and not by taking sides with the devil.
 That shield of faith is put in front of us and is  much like a door the size on a house is before us in the "spirit". It is the size of an oblong door. Some say the measurement is close to 4 feet long by 2 1/2 feet wide and not the shield size the Roman soldiers used in their parades. No this shield is a big shield to hide the soldier behind.

We stand in preparedness with the faith that conquers. 1 Peter 5:9-11.................9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. NKJV

Whatever the devil may bring, as to his darts of temptations or to wrath, lust, revenge or despair are stopped by the Word of God we speak.  We are the over-comers of the world and its devices. (1 John 5:4) And we overcome the prince of the air, satan, (1 John 5:18)

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Take, [dexasthe (NT:1209)] - different Greek from Ephesians 6:13,16. 'Receive' the helmet provided by the Lord-namely, "salvation," appropriated already, as 1 Thessalonians 5:8, "helmet, the hope of salvation;"

We guard our head, which is the seat of our mind.

The head is among the principal parts to be defended, as on it the deadliest strokes might fall, and it's importance to command the whole body. ( we can see today the importance for those who ride bikes or motorcycles to keep the head covered while riding out of doors on one)
The head is the seat of the mind, which, when it has the sure "hope" of eternal life, will not receive false doctrine, or give way to satan's temptation to despair. God, by this hope, "lifts up the head"

Psalm 3:3............3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head.  NKJV

Sword of the Spirit-i.e., furnished by the Spirit, who inspired the writers of the Word (2 Peter 1:21).

The Gospel word is "the power of God" to the believer (Rom 1:16; 1 Cor 1:18). The two-edged sword, cutting both ways (Psalm 45:3,5), some with conviction and conversion, others with condemnation. That cutting will cut off what is not needed in our lives. It is important to take that "power capsule" of the Word everyday!

Christ's use of it in the temptation is our pattern of how we are to wield it against satan (Matthew 4:4,7,10). Matt 4:4-10..........4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

'He shall give His angels charge over you,'

and,  'In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' "

7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.' " 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "NKJV

We ARE TO always remain facing forward toward the enemy. ( I believe David faced the giant and kept his focus where that stone needed to fly to hit that big object of wrath which was against the Lord and His plan for David.) We never turn our back to him. Luke 9:62.....
62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." NKJV

Yeah, remember Lot's wife............looking back is not good!

And then as a warrior, we are to be praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.


Always, [en (NT:1722) panti (NT:3956) kairoo (NT:2540)] - 'in every season:' implying opportunity and exigency: the mind being always ready for prayer (Col 4:2).

With all-i.e., every kind of; implying the earnestness, being determined and serious about it,  of one leaving nothing untried.
We are to be watchful and not sleeping but observing, keeping guard, inspecting, all that is before us.


Remember about Saul, that it was while Saul slept that his spear and cruse were taken. It was while Samson slept in Delilah's lap that his locks came off his head. Sisera's head was indeed nailed to the ground (a type of those fastened to earthly things) while sleeping in Jael's tent. Or remember Jonah sleeping in the storm, those spiritually asleep shall only awake to be plunged in destruction. Yikes!

And then the most profound thing for us, is to be given a mouth that boldly declares the mystery of the Gospel!  We would do well to having courage to open and speak about the Lord and His goodness. Amen!

Like Paul, we too, are to look for utterance to be given us and not to depend on the  natural or acquired power.Our earnest prayer is to be for that God would open for us "a door" and be ready to open our mouths, so as to avail ourselves of every opportunity to speak to others about the Lord. Remember the Psalms written by David and know he had some conflicts to arise, but he met them head-on, not running but facing the enemy and had testimony after testimony of how great God is, was, and is to come!

Father, Your word is promises to me and those who pray this today. We go to possess in the name of Jesus. In His name we pray today and say that we are willing to take the chance, to take the risk and get back to the good fight of faith. Oppression and destruction will not come near us as we take up the armor of God and we stand enjoined with You for the purpose You have for our lives. We offer up thanksgiving to You Who has called us to be fellow workman.....laborers together with and for YOU! We have on the breastplate of righteousness that protects our love walk. We will not draw back  or shrink in fear, then Your soul would have no delight or pleasure in us. We rejoice today that You delivered us out of darkness and drew us to Yourself. We are transferred into the Son of Your love. We confess and praise You, O Lord our God with our whole heart; we will glorify Your name for evermore. We pray that we always and in every season, embrace opportunities to pray and confess the Word as the warrior. Today we commit to put aside our own desires and conveniences. We yield to Your leading and take our place in putting on the armor that qualifies us for a good future against rebellion and stubbornness. Anoint our ears to hear, and eyes to see, We stand with feet shod with the Gospel peace.  As our steps are ordered by You ( Psalm 85:13) righteousness will go before You O God, and shall make Your footsteps our pathway. We stand in readiness to receive Your instruction today. We pray for the saints, and endure with patience. We ask for a character that produces and sounds like a joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. We are free and our desire is to forget those things that lie behind us and we strain forward to what lies ahead. We press forward toward the goal to win the prize to which You in Christ Jesus are calling us upward. The past no longer will control our thinking patterns or our behavior. We have the mind of Christ and His wisdom is formed within us!
In the name of Jesus, we withstand the devil. We are firm in our faith. We are rooted established, strong, immovable and determined. We cease from human labor and are zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter into the rest of God and that we will know and experience that for ourselves. Father, thank YOU that Your presence goes with us and You give us rest. Amen.


You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV