War

One of the biggest question we ever need to ask ourselves is do we plead merit of ask for God’s mercy in time of need? For in us there will never be any merit that will find favour from God, sin has taken care of that. It’s only in Christ that we find justification before a holy God. The work of election was established before time began, God choose certain individuals to love Him so that through process they would learn to glorify Him and not out of obligation but all because of His love. The brilliance of my God and Father humbly boggles my mind, wow! Just to get these tiny snippets of His brilliance is rejuvenation to ones soul. The honour we have to represent has taken on a new dimension and I am forever grateful to be amongst that number. In spite of my many blunders, which plagues my mind continuously, I know that I have been forgiven, bless the name of Jesus. But now all I ask is to be like Jesus. There comes a time when we need to put off childish things, were we need to stand up and be counted. Leaving that which is behind us, all of it and seeking out the will of God for our lives with an honest integrity. 

The battle is fierce and the front lines is where the reality of Christianity is evident, not that the lessons of life do not play their part, of course they do. However it’s when we come face to face with the enemy, it is here that our spiritual senses are quickened and our mind shifts a gear heightening our dependence upon the finished work of Calvary. How small we actually are outside of HIM! I Love my Saviour with all my heart and yet I know that I have so much more to give.

It’s in this context that Paul gives us insight; “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil 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 firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:10-18) 

Anything that looks to disrupt a believer’s progress is the objective of Satan and his followers. We are aware of what the Word of God teaches us and every Christian applies what they are taught is some form and their minds are renewed. God the Holy Spirit plays a massive role here. But it is only when we come face to face, or more accurately voice to voice with the enemy and see them at work that we are gripped with the reality of the evil forces at play. Theory tested practically. This is where the armour of God becomes a critical part of our attire. Without it we are vulnerable and can be left somewhat confused when confrontation happens. Have you ever seen an army scout sent out to the frontlines without the appropriate gear? Dressed correctly we can stand firm; the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes fitted with a readiness to bring the gospel of peace wherever needed, the shield of faith firmly strapped into place as we defend all the fiery darts fired by the evil forces who oppose our God’s rule, with the helmet of salvation lacked in position, with our swords in our hand, not the glinting metal of Excalibur but rather the WORD OF GOD as we remember the power it yields. God speaks and it happens! With continuous prayer throughout the day as we converse with our heavenly Father gaining intelligence on what is needed to get us and others throughout the day. It is to this end that we need to be alert and of service to our God and Father. Remembering our fellow workers in Christ.

God has an army and we have our part to play, God give us eyes to see the seriousness of the call place upon us all.

Remembering that as we dress for battle all the attire we are commissioned to wear is Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour; it’s all because of His accomplishments that we are of use to our heavenly Father, we are never to forget Gethsemane, lest we become puffed up within ourselves. Jesus is alive and because HE lives I live, praise HIS name now and forever more, Amen and Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone