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