Monthly Archives: January 2020

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11 NKJV)

How can we stand against the wiles of the devil if we haven’t put on the whole armor of God?  In Ephesians 6 we read about seven pieces of armor.  We need each one of them.

Each piece of armor is offensive, not defensive.  There is nothing to cover our backs because we can never turn our backs on the devil.  We’re always to move forward in God!

Our orders are to “occupy” until Jesus comes (Luke 19:13b).  OCCUPY is not a passive verb, nor does it denote a defensive position.  Rather, it denotes action—an active stance—an offensive maneuver.

Then Ephesians 6:13 says, “having done all, to stand.”  When I looked up the word STAND, I found that it means “to stand as a conqueror.”  We stand as conquerors—soldiers who have already won the battle.

What are our orders from the Lord?  First, put on the whole armor of God—be prepared!  Second, take the offensive—move forward with God as your Captain!  Third, occupy the land—until Jesus comes!  Fourth, stand as a conqueror—the battle is won!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that we are victorious and that we always triumph in Christ.  We are not defeated.  We are victorious through Your Word and the power of Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus’s Name,

Amen.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

It is so important for us to live forgiving lifestyles. Forgiveness is not something we use now and then, or when we are in a difficult situation. Forgiveness is a way of life. It is a part of the new nature we receive when we are born again.

At times we may grow impatient with people, but we must remember that we sin daily, and we need forgiveness daily. Others sin daily, and they, too, need forgiveness daily. When we expect to receive God’s grace for OUR sins, we must also extend it to others.

What is living in grace? It is receiving God’s grace and giving it to others. I make it a habit, every morning, to forgive anyone who might offend me during the day. Before anyone can offend me, they are forgiven. Today let’s choose to be tenderhearted and to forgive in the name of Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We forgive anyone who may offend us today—even before they do it! In Jesus’s name, we extend the same grace to others that we have so freely received.

Amen.

“What is truth?”

Pontius Pilate asked Jesus this question shortly before he ordered Jesus to be crucified.

We don’t know what tone of voice Pilate used.  Perhaps, he asked in dismay, believing truth could not be discovered.

What we do know is that people continue to ask this question—in many tones of voice.  People today are as puzzled as ever about what is true and what is false.

Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me” (John 15:26 NIV).  Paul said those who followed Jesus would be people who walked in truth: “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:9-10 NKJV).

As Christians, we can know the truth, believe the truth, speak the truth, and act in a way that is in full agreement with the truth of God.  If you sincerely desire to establish a life of blessing for yourself and your family, you need truth.