What Armor? Feb.29

 

When you view any military movie, sci-fi tv, or most any battle you will see how different protective measures are shown to insulate the combatant. [suits of armor from head to toe].

You know what? It appears to be Biblical.

The Apostle Paul uses such imagery in Eph. 6:10-19 to illustrate God’s protective shielding that humans can do. Of course, he emphasizes we fight against other kinds of enemies [principalities and powers] which means we are to use our God-given unseen forces as well. The word is significant that we are to use ALL of the protectors to enhance the Holy Spirit’s energy within.

In the days ahead, let’s view all the armor intended.

The first is a belt. Today there are substitutes, like drawstrings, but for true stability, a belt is needed for firmness. A belt is to hold up the waist protection and represents God’s truth. Clothes with belts cover vital body parts. Truth should cover our guts. In Bible days, some believed our emotions resided in the lower gut channels.

 

Why An Armor of God? Feb. 28

 

So, with Jesus’s example through the temptations, he shows life DOES matter how we get to the end result. The means we use to get to an end must align with the heavenly Father’s words. All attempts should lead to John 13: 34. The eternal foundation is John 14:6.

What is one important road, set of principles, proven method we can embrace to become more than sneaky methods to obtain even legitimate goals?

Our next adventure is to look at what was meant by a whole armor of God Eph. 6: 10-19. This review by the Apostle shows a combination of the core of what Jesus meant by a new commandment.

Follow with me for a new armor, one even better than any cybernetic shield or high tech protection.

One More Recorded Try Feb.27

 

Again “Satan takes Jesus up to an exceedingly high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory…” Mt.4:8. The tempter continued with a promise he says he can keep…” I will give you all this if you will bow down and worship me…”

First, this is a lie because since Jesus came and the heavenly Father gave him ALL power, Satan no longer has the power to do what he promised. He may think he has, but He does not.

Second, he uses ‘ends/means tactic again’…If you’ll do X I’ll do Y.

Certainly, the promise sounds tempting because then Jesus could accomplish his mission sooner and without such painful experience. But then, Sin would not have been paid for and THAT is Satan’s goal.

So, the answer comes again, “Go away Satan. The scripture says, “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” [Mt.4:10]

**Then the devil left him, and angels ministered to Jesus.

The Tempter tries the same technique on us. He always tries to tempt the Jesus in us. Satan wants us to take his lying short cuts to destinations.

“Just do this little thing because the result is worth it. No one cares anymore.” [tempting lie]

Remember: Waist=truth; shod feet=Gospel; Shield=Faith; Helmet=Salvation; Sword=Spirit; then pray for all people. [Eph.6:10-19.]

Another False persuasion Feb.26

 

Satan takes Jesus to the holy city of Jerusalem to the top of the temple [ Mt. 4:5-6]. The Tempter changes emphasis by appealing to Jesus’ national heritage, and the Son of God’s operational efforts. And remember, the temple is where God is supposed to live according to the Jewish national belief.

“If you are the Son of God…jump! Scripture says he will put his angels in charge of you. They will carry you in their hands so that you never hit your foot against a rock. “[NEV, Mt.4:6]

First, Satan subtly choses the top of temple to suggest the Son is higher than the heavenly Father. A lie but then, he states a truth from scripture [Ps. 91:11-12] “the angels will protect”, another disguise to confuse, misdirect but appear truth bound.

Jesus responds with true fact. “It is written, you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” [ Mt. 4:7, based on Deut. 6:16]

So, what is the real truth in Mt. 4 [ No tempting by God like in James 1: 13], and John 13:34 Jesus says he gives a new idea].

Satan always misdirects the truth, even when shrouded with what appears to be right. His essence is not love but death to life. Evil remains a liar constantly. It cannot help itself. It wants to die and promote that is all there is.

Jesus keeps affirming that He is truth and truth still has a built-in reality in this world made by the heavenly father.

We struggle but not without help and hope. [ Use Eph. 6: 10-19].

A Sneaky Reason Feb.24

 

Right before the famous Sermon of Mount in Mt. 5, Jesus embarks on a strange but significant journey in Mt.4:1-11. He gets led into the wilderness by the Spirit. He gets led into the wilderness by the Spirit and fasts for 40 days and nights and is hungry. And if that isn’t bad enough, he gets tempted by the devil.

 For spiritual reasons, in my younger days, I lived on orange juice and water for 28 days. I can’t imagine 40 days with nothing. We just have to trust in the workings of the Spirit with Jesus.

After the hunger time, the tempter visits Jesus and says, [and I paraphrase] “Hey, if you are really the son of God you have the power why not command these stones you see into bread. No one is looking. You need it. You can do it. I’d be ok for this little thing. You deserve it.”

On this occasion, the devil tempts the human body and uses the method of an end-means inversion technique. In other words, the end you seek is necessary and justifies the means, the way you get there. Even if the means and method is a little sneaky, it’s ok because the end result is absolutely needed.

Jesus must have groaned but said, “It is written, not on bread only shall a man live, but by every word proceeding out of the mouth of God.” [Mt.4: 4].

“Oh, I’ll sneak two doughnuts in the sack and only pay for one. They have So many anyway.”

Bam! Nope! To interpret a method of behavior on the slightest dark side of activity as ok does not get justified by the bright side of the end result.

Man…I sure would like a new car. Feb. 23

 

We have to admit we live in a day of consumer atmosphere. Just about everywhere we turn, someone or some thing wants to sell us something, like a better way of life. We are in America after all! And while the atmosphere still has many plus moments, there are masked occasions that turn our compulsion buttons.

Temptations are so accepted these days. We are tempted to buy a new car, to change our clothes style, to benefit our health by changing our bodies, to hire the right lawyer, to go to the right church. The list bombards us to the degree that we all seem to accept the offers as part of a happy life.

But there are soft and subtle temptations that hurt. Some are obvious; others are so faint they get overlooked. The next few days, the focus of the devotionals will center on those methods of temptation that sneak in to confuse our impulses, that twist and obliterate an honest lifestyle that we as Christ believers try to follow.

The discussions will be based on the Biblical records of Jesus experiencing the 3 temptations [ Mt. 4:1-11; Mk. 1:12-13 -–a short word mentioned only; then Lk. 4: 1-13] we have on record. And while there were many more not recorded, we can learn a great deal from the three.

Why is this important today? Because we have to up our alertness factor, pay more attention to avoid culture values trying to redefine our Christian value system.

No Editing Needed Feb.22

 

When Jesus finished his Lord’s Prayer of Mt.6: 13-14 the [“…forever: Amen.”] a huge significant word gets embedded in our universe.

 It is the word FOREVER. This is an immeasurable amount of a particular quality of time. This is not linear time, like just one thing after another as we know, time that has a beginning and ending. The closest description of forever time is like what the wind does; the wind just appears from any direction whenever; however, it wants.

Forever suggests a form of time we just do not understand because it has no specific place, limit, or ending and God moves in it as Himself. He never has to wait like we do. His story, his glory, his existence always is and will remain to grow even after linear time ends.

As Jesus shares the forever time with us, we have to step back and let him direct the known and the unknown and he will always have our backs.

Amen.  No argument. A divine Yes. Let it be!

To Finalize the Kingdom Feb.21

 

“…the power and glory forever. Amen” [Mt.6:13] What does this mean?

Everyone’s life journey rests in the hands of the true King. He has the power to give and take because he combines passion [ the drama of life] with compassion and all wisdom. Why? Because he cares for his realm better than any through His Son, as he channels the Holy Spirit. Nothing else can do it all.

The display of his power, the result shows His glory. His unending love is his power, and he gives it to us in a way that all can radiate his glory. No other system, no earthly power, no imitated god can sustain his kingdom goals.

His eternal goal is to establish a new creation, a new kind of kingdom, a new race of people who can out-love, out-think, and out-live any other.

Learning to live in a Kingdom Feb.20

 

The concluded doxology is given…” For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” [Mt.6: [last of verse 13 in KJV only]. Think of this last proclamation from about 1640 AD as an extended AMEN.

It pronounces heavenly Father as true king. Jesus prays: He is with us. God’s Kingdom is a done deal, and it is His energy, His power, His glory, and He should receive the adoration.

God maintains the throne of the universe. He has the last word. He decides any final outcome. And yet He submitted His Son as a substitute example for us to share in the kingship as both followers and rulers of a new kind of order, a new family of created beings.

Full power means Jesus is involved in remaking the Father’s kingdom through sacrifice and establishing the Holy Spirit life in us. This new kingdom, based on willing submission will glorify heavenly Father somehow.

We now belong to Him in a new kind of kingdom and our task is learning how to live and die in it.

 

One Reason we are Delivered Feb.19

 

God’s word continues…” for thine is the kingdom…” [Mt.6:13, NKJV]

Historically, these last words of the prayer were added about 1600. Mostly, the King James Versions have them. They are, of course, a true doxology of God. Perhaps in those days they understood a kingdom. We do not fully understand a true kingdom.

And yet, Jesus certainly would give the Father the last proclamation. Through Christ, the Son, God’s kingdom has come. The king has the last word. He maintains the throne. He decides outcomes of equal mercy and justice. The whole universe [us included] belongs to him.

Any debt due is paid for to the kingdom by the Son of God.

And remember, his kingdom is not a democracy only; it is a theocracy [God ruled]. His ways are not always our ways.

Deliver Us from What? Feb.18

 

One version of Mt.6: 13 says “don’t allow us to be tempted, but instead, deliver us from the evil one.” [God’s Word Translation]

So, we are to be delivered from evil. You see, it seems to me Evil does not want you to be TOO evil because then you might repent now that Satan is not in full control. So, his strategy may be to disguise evil with what appears goodness, like its ok to cheat a little bit against the government because they are such bullies. In other words, the end result can justify the means of how you get there.

We have to pray and stay alert to disguised goodness…Just like Jesus showed us in his temptation experience. [Mt.4:1-11].

Jesus certainly knew living daily was much less complicated when we can avoid evil trouble, not have to redo our mistakes or dishonesties.

Prayer: Heavenly father, lead us in every pathway, move us out of the way of evil.

What Deliverance? Feb, 17

 

Jesus continues,” …and lead us not in temptation, but deliver us from evil…” [Mt.6:13].

This verse can be misread because God does not lead people into temptation or evil. [See James 1:13-14].

But there is a goal and purpose here. He did not say keep us from Sin. He emphasized temptation, which involves our decision-making and our choices. Here, He seems to pray for a prevention approach and not the cure. Temptation is that sneaky, not-so-obvious sin potential, lurking at our door. How often are we convinced something is right when it is wrong? Things that appear good in result but getting there is misguided.

This reminds us of Jesus’ temptation [ Mt. 4:1-11] Satan’s method was to get Jesus to do something good in result and not worry about HOW he gets there.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us and help us recognize concealed goodness that is actually rotten.

What is debt today? Feb. 16

        Jesus continues the prayer” …and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors…” [Mt.6:12].

Maybe Jesus was talking about credit cards. I don’t know, but he certainly meant some kind of common living we encounter any day. So, it can have to do with forgive us for hurting someone else. Forgive them for hurting us---not their behavior. God will judge that. The verse becomes a reminder that we still trespass, sin, but forgiveness is the answer provided.

There is a life attitude here--- a reminder that living is a gift from God that includes a system of giving and receiving, like Col. 3:13 tells us.

Of course, Jesus did not literally sin himself, but on the Cross, he felt the loneliness, the pain from others, the selfishness, the willfulness of all human sin, our sin. He can say, “I feel this with you.”

We are to grow in patience so we can forgive the seeming unforgiveable for their misguided natures, maybe even accept forgiveness for the hard secret areas of parts of ourselves.

Give forgiveness like a gift because we receive forgiveness.

Why the Change in Mt.6? Feb. 15

 

Since the first three items in Mt.6 prayer is about God and the next three seem to be about us [people], why the change of emphasis?

We may not know but there may be one reason for “give us bread,” “forgive us” and “Don’t allow us to be tempted” ---all verses Mt.6: 11-12-13.

Perhaps in the change Jesus reminds us that what is extremely important in prayer is that it remain a two-way event, that prayer needs to be a two-way activity[conversation] and not just a one-way request.

When you talk to God, do you allow time for him to answer back?

In my experience, God doesn’t answer back with long sentences. He doesn’t have to. He often just says “Yes, No, or Maybe.”

        Pray without ceasing means a conversation.

Feeling Scripture Feb.14

 

As we read any scripture, like the Psalms, we can feel them and make them our own.  Like Psalm 130, “O Lord, out of the depths I call you…”

So, we continue Jesus’ prayer of Mt. 6:11 with his appeal and then requests: “Give us this day our daily bread…”

Notice first part of Mt. prayer reminds us: His name “Our Father”, His kingdom “Heaven and earth”, His will “Will be done.”, all establish who God is.

This part of prayer says who we are “give us bread…”

After He speaks of heaven and earth, he reaffirms the physical, which for now, cannot be avoided. He reminds us that the physical continually needs sustenance. The request is not for abundance but for everyday source of need. We are involved with heavenly Father everyday with the natural things. Daily bread is also symbolic for daily life source.

We are to absolutely trust God will provide daily, every second, every minute, every hour. No matter the immediate circumstance. Why? Because that is Who He is! TRUSTWORTHY.

The Stirring of Mt. 6 Feb.13

 

How has God the Father given us the best? 

Through his son, as He prays “…your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”

See: Even for earth, heaven’s all-framed kingdom remains God’s design. While heaven is of course some ultimate ending for the Godhead, angels, and persons . . . heaven and earth will one day balance into God’s decisive will. How that is arranged is to be determined.

Jesus gives us an amazing truth: That even with its faulty disorder, earth maintains a heaven-connected spiritual motivation that reinforces the original Creator’s design.

The final truth remains a mystery but, a shared heaven and earth [perhaps like the Trinity] forms a completed Creation.

So there always exists constant heaven-initiated spiritual guidance that reinforces earth, particularly the faulty parts.

Prayer: Thank you, heavenly Father. You are still reviving and remaking your creation and we are a part of the best.

Jesus Still Prays Feb.12

 

Even now, Jesus prays, “Your will be done…”

The heavenly Father’s will is motivated and empowered by an unending and unbreakable Intention.  His empowerment remains love and he will accomplish it no matter what it takes, even giving his own son.

Sin and death are in error because they argue with us and stay wrong because sin motivation tries to alter Jehovah’s final intention. That intention is that love is by submission rather than aggressive power to overcome. God’s complete correct submission on a Cross wins, not some strong-arm power play.

Why did God use submission to conquer?

One answer may be the only way you really enhance your creation is to give yourself to it 100 percent. Perhaps, it is not unlike what a parent may love and give, regardless, to a child.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, you always want the best for us but you still let us decide your intention.

Steps of Jesus Prayer Feb. 11

 

In the beginning, the “Our Father who is in heaven” of Mt. 6 is an appeal to the most glorious One.

Now, “Your Kingdom come; your will be done…” is a definite reason for the appeal and a request. Jesus appeals to our heavenly Father and then prays down the Kingdom for us all.

What is God’s will? Because He Is love, He always wants and does what is best for all creation, including every individual. His will is not good, his will is not better than others, his will is the best!

Our understanding of the best may lack enough wisdom, but one thing is certain: Like one author said, The prayer that is always answered is God’s will be done.

Many Deaths Feb.9

 

“…Your kingdom come…”  [Mt.6:10]

We do not like to think about death. But there are many deaths before the final one.

There is the death of taxes, of friendships, of marriages, of teen years disappearing, of churches losing faith, of finances, of losing a job, or health.

After any death comes the time of grief. We hurt down deep, and some persons show this, and others bury their tenderness in silence. All grief remains the nature of being human, even until the final physical death. Death is the mean intruder, the mystifying attack, the final question mark of life.

But wait! “Your kingdom come” offers something different, a new word beyond grief. The realm of the Almighty still rules forever. God’s kingdom is not powered by our kind of linear time. In Christ supports a newness, powered by submissive love that we can faith and help heal any grief. Jesus has prayed the Kingdom down upon us.

Jesus Said Pray Feb.8

 

“…Hallowed be Your name…”   [Mt. 6:9]

Jesus did not say give honor to a god that might be there, nor hope he is there, or wish he was there. He spoke to a Father [glory to your name] who was already in existence.

Every time Jesus spoke, he was honoring heavenly Father as he honored himself. Yes, there is mystery here, but also opportunity for faith on our part.

And the beauty is heavenly Father is the glory of the universe as Creator. Again, we do not understand all about an everlasting God, but we can accept his gracious invitations to remain a part of his family, his kingdom. In so doing, we live the mystery of faith, hope, and love that outshines any other system. And we can follow the Apostle Paul in Col. 3:17.

Look it up!

Continue Lord’s Prayer Feb.7

 

Since we are allowed entrance into the category of an “OUR” Father in prayer, we can usually accept heavenly Father in his position.

But do we often say, “My Savior”, that personal belonging of the Father’s Son and yet we should because He is ours and we his.

Why is it so important that God be so personal? Because like family togetherness, we actually are never alone. And there may be nothing lonelier than coming to the end of life by oneself.

So, the designation of “Our Father” embraces us with his love that never goes away, always grows with us, remains inexhaustible, even at the very end. That may be one reason Jesus himself said to pray like this.

“Our Father in heaven let your name be glorified…”

Backing Up Feb.6

 [Mt.6: 9-13, Luke 11:1-4].

“Our Father in heaven…” **All quotes will come from the NKJV. **

Is God just “off” somewhere? Is He personal enough to call Him OUR FATHER?

The most amazing fact is He let’s us somehow join Him with the OUR designation. OUR implies He belongs to us, and we belong to him. . . at least, in a family sort of way. Jesus says so.

Of course, heavenly Father is not just in heaven. If He has place, He is everywhere and everwhen, there and here, so He’s not only in heaven HE IS HEAVEN.

Also, He is not like some floating mist “out there”, just some unseen, mysterious force of energy blowing around that a person might catch if you say the right words or perform the right behavior. He is: ”OUR”… personal, never impersonal, always a significant part of the family. He just wants recognition.

 

[More to follow]

3 Stages for Answered Prayer Feb. 5

 

When the expert in Moses’ teachings asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life [Lk. 10:25], the answer came in verse 27:

“Love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.”

While it is an answer about eternal life, I think it just may be one of the three stages needed to actually have prayer answered, especially the most difficult prayer requests.

I think it is a growth pattern as we will look at:

1)   “Love the Lord your God with all…” Lk.10:27

2)    “I’m giving you a new commandment” Jn.13:34

3)   “Ask anything…” Jn.14:14.

 

Please follow the days ahead.

Last Pronouncement Ps. 23: 6 Feb. 4

 

“…And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.”

You and I and others will exist in the where, when, and how God is. Maybe it is a new kind of Eden. Whatever it is, we will live in God’s domain as eternity will exist for us.

We will be in God’s timeless existence, no anxiety, no waiting, no worry, no pain, no one saying,” No” to us but with Holy Spirit always a growing Yes you can.

 

Prayer: Holy Father, thank you for your abundant existence and folding us in as your family.

Pronouncements Feb.3

 

“…Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…”     [Ps. 23:6]

We can look forward to right doing and opportunity for mercy for self and others. God’s Grace holds us.

All the days means what it says, every second, minute, hour, day receives and covers God’s promise throughout our physical life. The promise also goes even beyond this earth since we remain in His Omnipresence.

What Keeps Us? Feb.2

 

“…You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies…” [Ps.23:5]

The table [surface] prepared for us by God has him as a foundation to absorb an enemy, any challenge, any disrupter of life. The table is set against the enemy who wants to reset the table and make us think we are god. “Will you really die?...” [Genesis]

“You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over…”

Our total being [cup], our essential self is joined by the Holy Spirit and the heavenly Father’s Grace can flow through us.

This holy abundance sustains us.

 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful preparations.

No Anticipation of fear Feb. 1

 

The Psalmist continues.

“…I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me…” [Ps. 23]

The Holy Spirit can neutralize fear, the unknown, any doubt as He has promised to reside within us and work with us.

The rod protects and deflects attackers. The staff can protect but also supports, balances the walk, the journey. The hook on a shepherd’s staff can draw one back from harm or redirect the head in the right direction.

God stays ever with us and before us. Pay attention every moment.