The Armor of God: The Sword of the Spirit

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...  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. Stand therefore... and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God... Ephesians 6:10-18

In the above verses, "The Sword of the Spirit" is described as "the Word of God," which we are to take up daily and use as a weapon against Satanic forces.  We are to be proactive by reading God's Word and using it to arm our minds, hearts, and souls so that we may live lives Holy and acceptable, as pleasing unto the Lord (I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2)

The Bible is not just any book, it is literally the inspired Word of God.  It is a history and a science book.  It is prophecy fulfilled and prophetic of things to come.  It is a morality guide - it is your compass.  We can plug into it and gain accesses to the very Power of God.  Isn't that amazing!

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15 

I am a firm believer in reading the Bible every day.  Yes, I may skip a day here and there, but overall, I love to dive into God's Words on a daily basis.  Studying God's Words will not only benefit me spiritually and emotionally, but it proves to God how much I love Him and want to get to know Him better.  It also greatly influences my daily walk.  God's Word helps me make the best choices in everyday situations.  If I am holding a grudge, for example, I can stop and reflect on God's Word and know how this displeases the Holy of Holies. I can remind myself what the Bible says on forgiveness and be able to let my heart heal as I let go of bitterness. 

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 

God's Word is our daily bread.  It is all we need to sustain us. After reading a particularly powerful bible verses, do you ever feel like you have partaken of a wonderful feast?  God's Words make you feel alive and will satisfy you to the very core of your being.  It will help you find and maintain joy even during the dark times of your life.

Speaking of, Matthew chapter 4, verses 1-11 are another reminder of how powerful the Sword of the Spirit is in fighting off Satan.  When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus was able to make Satan leave by quoting scripture. We have access to the same scriptures as well as those written after Jesus' death and resurrection.  The more we read the Bible, the greater our arsenal of scripture verses becomes, and the bigger and stronger our sword will grow.  We will be armed with more knowledge on God's Truth versus Satan's (and man's) lies and it will be easier to argue with the devil (and man) by quoting scripture and sending all deceivers fleeing.  

There are so many wonderful things that God's Word brings, that I cannot possibly name them all.  I'll just focus on a few more areas.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Romans 1:16

God's Word is our teacher on all areas concerning our salvation.  It tells us that Jesus shed his blood on the cross and died for our sins.  It also tells us that, if we repent of our sins, and choose Christ as our Savior, that we will be saved.  We do not have to earn God's love or the death of His son on the cross, these are the free gifts of True grace.  We are loved by an amazing God!

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4

But remember, God's Word does not exempt us from living a life of sin.  We are not to use God's grace as an excuse to do what we know is wrong.  God's Word is also great at convicting us of our sins. When in doubt if something goes against God's will, do not ask your buddies, read the Bible! I especially recommend reading and memorizing Galatians 5:16-26 & Revelation 21:7-8.  

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:1-5

If we abide in the Word (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1) and do our best to live by God's instructions, God's Word will keep us honest.  If we set aside our egos and allow it, God's Word will show us where we need to improve, as well as showing us when we are on the right path.  Here is one of my favorite verses:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12


When you read God's Word daily, it will really sink in to where you memorize scripture (even if you cannot remember the the exact reference).  It is a good moral guide that you can and should keep with you wherever you go. 

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11

God's Word is a reality check.  When you read the gospels and Jesus' own Words, you will realize that Christ never sugar-coated things.  He was very honest and told His listeners that life would be hard, some will be persecuted for their beliefs, and some will never find true happiness in this life. (These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33)

We live in a fallen world full of people not living a Godly life, and those people do not care how their actions affect others.  Because of such people, most of us will experience unpleasant things in life.  Living in a fallen world also means that diseases are allowed to exist and cause pain to the sufferer as well as to family members that endure loss.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

Yet, if we endure, God's Word promises those who have repented of their sins, accept Christ as their Savior, and are striving to live holy lives, will gain eternal glory. (You can also read the beatitudes in Matthew 5 & Luke 20)

Ephesians 6:10-18 is an amazing section of scripture that should be carefully studied many times over.  The Sword of the Spirit, God's Word, alone in those verses offers up excellent advice on how to survive in this world. 

God's Words will bring you peace, joy, love, awe, conviction, and an overall honest look at life and make you take an honest look at yourself.  But do not ever take my word for it, read it for yourself!

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year!

                             

Note: All numbers in parenthesis represent scripture references that are listed at the end.

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year as we remember that Jesus left a place more perfect than we can ever imagine to live in a sinful, primitive, violent world.  While you sing worshipful songs and hear the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth to a virgin (1), please remember the story does not stop there.

Jesus was born for the sole purpose of giving up His life thirty-three years later.  Jesus gave up His throne surrounded by angels (2) for a life where His authority was rarely recognized.  He came to this cruel and heartless world in the form of pure innocence and humility (3).  He knew He would never fully be accepted by His peers (4), and that even those who claimed to love Him would desert Him in the end (5).  He knew not just the emotional sorrows He would face, but the physical as well.  He would willingly endure excruciating torture (6).  (The word excruciating exists because of the severe pain suffered during crucifixion.)  Yes, He also knew He would be raised from the dead three days after His death (7), but He did not endure long hours of agony just to glorify Himself.  He allowed Himself to be beaten raw and pierced through to die a slow death just for you and me! (8)  His blood on the cross is the only reason you and I have the option of spending eternity with Him in paradise.  (9) He paid for our sins by hanging in humiliation on a cross with wood splinters buried into an already raw and bloodied back, a crown of literal thorns causing blood to burn his eyes as it dripped down His face (10).

It is His glorious face we must seek today (11)! Do not throw away His precious gift bought with a terror we could never endure.  Repent of your sins and seek to live a life of holiness so that you can someday see the beautiful face of Jesus and His Father who allowed His son to be ripped from His side for more than three decades (12).

This Christmas, when you see the nativity sets of the shepherds and wise men kneeling at the manager of the baby Jesus, think of how much more magnificent it will be to bow at the throne of the living God (13)! When you sing, “O, come let us adore Him,” take a moment and thank Jesus with all your heart for choosing the path of pain and sorrow just so we can have an eternal life of peace and joy (14)!

Scriptures:

1)      "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

2)     I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left. II Chronicles 18:18

3)     And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Luke 2:16

4)     But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Luke 17:25

5)     But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples deserted him and fled. Matthew 26:56

6)     He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. Scoured, beaten, bruised.  Isiah 53:3-4

7)     "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' " Luke 24:5-7

8)     After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:28, 30

9)      For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:28

10) So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. Then they said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck Him with their hands. John 19:1-3

11)  For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2

12)  But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. REPENT therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:18-21

13) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 3:14-21

14) And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:4-5

My Other Blog/Facebook Page: The ABCs of a Joyful Marriage

I have restarted my "ABCs of a Joyful Marriage" Facebook page and blog. Please feel free to check them out:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-ABCs-of-a-Joyful-Marriage/61554421138800/

Blog: https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/

Who do you say that He is? Written by my Husband

 Who do you say that He is? Written by my Husband, Mel

Who was this babe born over two thousand years ago in Bethlehem of Judea? Many claim that he was a prophet, a great teacher, or just a good man. However, who do you say that He is?

There is one God, who is revealed in three distinct persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father sent the son, to bring redemption to fallen mankind. Through the death of Christ upon the cross the free gift of salvation has been provided to all who will put their faith in him.

Christ said, that before Abraham was, I AM. Christ declared himself to be the Great I AM, by making this statement.

Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”  John 8:57-58    

The prophet Isaiah wrote that the future Messiah would be called, the Mighty God and Everlasting Father!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  Isaiah 9:6-7

 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  Matthew 1:23

John chapter one, as well as Colossians one, reveal that Christ is indeed God, the creator of all things visible and invisible. He is the image of the invisible God. All things were created through him and for him.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:1-5 & 10-14

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.  Colossians 1:15-18 

Let us remember that Christmas is not about the mythical Santa Claus or reindeer. Jesus is the reason for the season! 

Julie’s Christmas Carol

 

                                                     Julie’s Christmas Carol

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Even when your heart is broken,

When grief has pierced your soul,

With pain so deep it cannot be spoken.

 Remember the little town of Bethlehem

And the stable that held pure Light,

The Christ child that came to heal our wounds,

Even on the darkest night.

Away in a manger

Is not just about a baby in the hay;

Jesus is alive forever,

And washes sin and sorrow away.

Do you see what I see?

When all is lost and day is night,

It is yours to discover,

Miracles still happen when you seek His Light!

-Julie Ludeke

(Written in December 2010)

The Armor of God: Breastplate of Righteousness, Written by my Husband

The Armor of God: Breastplate of Righteousness, 

Written by my Husband, Mel

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...  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. Stand therefore, and having on the breastplate of righteousness... Ephesians 6:10-18

We are told, to put on the breastplate of righteousness. Righteousness does not mean perfection, but it does mean that we are to live right, and this is a reference to sanctification (being purified by God’s Spirit, as well as set apart from the sinful world). Salvation is a free gift based on faith in Christ, accompanied with repentance of our old nature. When a person is truly saved by grace, their debts are forgiven, and their garments are washed white in the blood of the Lamb. Christ's righteousness is imputed to the saved believer. However, after we are saved, we must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us how to walk in the Spirit and allow Him to bear good fruit through us. A person cannot walk the straight and narrow path or bear good fruit by their own merit. It is only by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit that we can put down the old nature and be truly born again. We must surrender all to the Lord and allow His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. God gives us grace to learn to walk; our salvation is based upon the finished work of Christ upon the cross.  However, we can lose this precious gift if we rebelliously refuse to change our sinful ways and never truly become a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).

 The breastplate is a vitally important part of the warrior’s armor because it guards the heart, lungs, as well as other vital organs. God’s Word teaches us, that without holiness no man shall see the Father. Satan’s desire is to give a spiritual death blow to the Christian by enticing him with the lusts of the world, that is why the breastplate of righteousness is an integral piece of armor for our spiritual survival.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22   

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:25 

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:17-18

The Armor of God: The Helmet of Salvation

 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand... And take the helmet of salvation... Ephesians 6:12-18

When I did a search on Bible Gateway for the word "salvation," there were 158 results!  There is so much to be said on the issue of salvation, it will be difficult to write this in one part, but I will do my best to sum it up. Salvation is a vital part to the armor of God we must put on daily.  A solider would never be without his helmet as it protects his head from a potentially lethal injury.  We must think of the helmet of salvation as protecting our head from an injury that could lead to spiritual death.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

I know I have mentioned it before, but I will reiterate what the Bible says.  Salvation is a free gift from Jesus Christ.  We did not have to earn Jesus' death on the cross. However, we must make an active decision to accept this precious gift and (as stated in the verse in Ephesians 2), we must "walk in" the "good works, which God hath before ordained, lest we lose our salvation (see Revelation 2:5).

I fully believe the majority of what the apostle Paul wrote was inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Because Paul chose salvation to be symbolic as the protector of our head, I am logically going to assume it is because our thoughts are so very important in how we live as followers of Jesus Christ.  

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:4-5  

Notice how Paul again mentions the term "warfare?"  He also makes it very clear that we must "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."  If we can master our thought patterns, we can learn to control our actions as well. If we cannot control our thoughts and habitually give into temptation and sin, our salvation will be in grave danger.  We cannot do this on our own. As Jesus says in John 15:4, "As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me."  We will fail if we try to conquer sin on our own, we must ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen us, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," (Matthew 6:13) and He will always "make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear" temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Many people believe their thoughts do not matter.  As long as they say and do all the right things, then they can be as ungodly as they want to be in their own private thoughts.  As we are judged by our works, ( It is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 1 Peter 1:16-17), please make no mistake that our thoughts are very much considered as part of our works.

Matthew 5:28 reminds us how important our thoughts are: But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  In other words, you do not have to participate in a physical affair to be considered an unfaithful spouse.  In the Lord’s eyes, lusting after someone else (this goes beyond simple attraction, but evolves into impure thoughts), is a sin.  This verse applies to unmarried people as well.  Make no mistake, sexual fantasies are a sin in God's eyes, whether you are married or single.

 

Jesus knows our every thought, even when we put on a false front to others.  Even if one spends his whole life successfully fooling others into thinking He is serving the Lord while addicted to pornography, participating in occult practices, stealing from others, backbiting, gossiping, etc., when he stands before the Lord on judgment day, all will be revealed.

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matthew 12:34-37

If I am dealing with a customer/client at work and I am super polite and kind, but in my thoughts, I would be calling the person annoying or even stupid, I am displeasing the Lord.  Yes, it is always important to treat others with respect, but if our thoughts are cruel, God knows.  And trust me, one can wear a mask for only so long before the real truth of their poor attitude seeps through.  It is why Jesus so often preached to the Pharisees about their hypocritical lives.  If the abundance of your heart (which is the same as your thoughts) is dark and crooked, your speech is sure to be as well. 

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."  And James 1:26 warns, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."  James also says in 3:6, "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." 

Again, you can see how vital it is to put on that helmet of salvation to protect your thoughts.  Your thoughts will affect your speech, which can bring death or life, heaven or hell.  

Also consider that one of the seven abominations listed in Proverbs 6:16-19 is "A heart that devises wicked plans" (verse 18). Notice that one does not even have to carry out wicked plans, but just dreaming them up is an abomination to God.  The Lord knows all your thoughts and if you are considering harming someone or breaking the law, you will be held accountable for your thoughts. Remember above Matthew 5:28 says we commit adultery just by thinking about having sex with someone other than our spouse.  Proverbs 23:7 says that we are what we think (For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he). The Bible also says that whatever we sow in our hearts we will reap in our actions.  Remember that song, "Be careful little mind what you think? For the Father up above is looking down in love"?  Well, sing that to yourself every time you are devising wicked thoughts. Repent, and change your thought process!  

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

There is so much more I could write on this subject, but I will end here. I want all of us (this includes me) to think of the words in Philippians 4:8 in all we do.  Is what we put before our eyes "pure," "lovely," and virtuous?  Is that music praising God?  If you are watching it or listening to it, it IS seeping into your thoughts. Are those thoughts endangering your salvation?  When you choose NOT to watch that program with incantations and spells, you are firmly planting that helmet of salvation on your head and not inviting the devil to take control of your thoughts.  When you choose NOT to watch the movie with nudity, swearing, or violence, and when you choose NOT to read the book full of sex scenes, and you choose NOT to listen to the music that glorifies vanity and sexuality, you ARE taking your thoughts captive and surrendering your life to Jesus; you are wearing the helmet of salvation!