 Romans 8:26 A similar thing happens when we pray. We are weak and do not know how to pray, so the Spirit steps in and articulates prayers for us with groaning too profound for words. Romans 12:12 Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer. Ephesians 6:18 Pray always. Pray in the Spirit. Pray about everything in every way you know how! And keeping all this in mind, pray on behalf of God’s people. Keep on praying feverishly, and be on the lookout until evil has been stayed. Hebrews 5:7 When Jesus was on the earth, a man of flesh and blood, He offered up prayers and pleas, groans and tears to the One who could save Him from death. He was heard because He approached God with reverence
James 5:15-16 Prayers offered in faith will restore them from sickness and bring them to health. The Lord will lift them up from the floor of despair; and if the sickness is due to sin, then God will forgive their sins. 16 So own up to your sins to one another and pray for one another. In the end, you may be healed. Your prayers are powerful when they are rooted in a righteous life. 1 Pet 3:12 For the Lord watches over the righteous, and His ears are attuned to their prayers. But His face is set against His enemies; He will punish evildoers.[a] Jude 20-21 You, however, should stand firm in the love of God, constructing a life within the holy faith, praying the Spirit’s prayer, as you wait eagerly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus the Anointed, which leads to eternal life. Revelation 5:8 And when He took it, the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fell prostrate before the Lamb. They worshiped Him, and each one held a harp and golden bowls filled with incense (the prayers of God’s holy people). Revelation 8:3-4 An eighth messenger came and stood before the altar carrying a golden censer. He received a large portion of incense to complement the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that sits in front of the throne. 4 From the hand of the eighth messenger, the smoke of the incense mixed with the prayers of God’s people and billowed up before God. Yes Brother's and Sisters God gave us His Armor. Prayer actives the precious gift of armor that God has given us. I say this because the verse directly after the armor of God gives us a command. Verse 18 tells us Pray always. Pray in the Spirit, and Pray about everything. We pray as we were taught by Jesus. When we pray we have the assurance the God hears us. Remember pray is a two way conversation between you and God. This means you must be silent so God can speak. Otherwise you are just creating a monologue. God wants to speak and God does speak. He tells us my sheep know my voice and another they will not follow. The only way to know His voice is to let Him speak. Spend time with God. Your relationship with God can only grow by getting to know him. In physical relationships you spend time getting to know each other on soul level, emotional level and when you marry physical level. This process takes time. It is the same with God and us. If we want to know Him on a deeper level we must be willing to spend time with Him. God tells His secrets to those He is intimate with. So if you want to know God's Secrets you must know God. What will you do with the Armor you have been given. It's time fight Warriors the battle is waging.
0 Comments
 John 1:1 Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 14:26 The Father is sending a great Helper, the Holy Spirit, in My name to teach you everything and to remind you of all I have said to you. Romans 5:5 And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love. 1 Corinthians 6:19 Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who comes from God and dwells inside of you? You do not own yourself. 2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus the Anointed, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit remain with you all. [Amen.] Galatians 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this. Ephesians 1:13 Because you, too, have heard the word of truth—the good news of your salvation—and because you believed in the One who is truth, your lives are marked with His seal. This is none other than the Holy Spirit who was promised Philippians 3:3 We are the true circumcision--those who worship God in Spirit and make our boast in Jesus the Anointed, the Liberating King—so we do not rely on what we have accomplished in the flesh. 2 Timothy 1:14 As for the precious thing entrusted to you, protect it with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Hebrews 2:4 God also testifies to this truth by signs and wonders and miracles and the gifts of the Holy Spirit lighting on those He chooses. Hebrews 4:12 The word of God, you see, is alive and moving; sharper than a double-edged sword; piercing the divide between soul and spirit, joints and marrow; able to judge the thoughts and will of the heart. 1 Peter 1:2 I am sending this letter to those who have been selected and destined by God the Father and made holy by God the Spirit that you may be obedient to Jesus the Anointed and purified by the sprinkling of His blood. May grace and peace beyond all reckoning be yours.
The Sword of the Spirit is the Holy Spirit that makes the word alive. Remember how Jesus was described? You are the living word. Christ in us produces the fruits listed in Galatians 5. The Holy Spirit seals us and identifies us as His. Christ in us our hope of glory fulfills the sword of the spirit.  Matthew 22:37 Jesus (quoting Scripture): 37 “Love the Eternal One your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind.”[a] Romans 8:5-6 If you live your life animated by the flesh--namely, your fallen, corrupt nature--then your mind is focused on the matters of the flesh. But if you live your life animated by the Spirit--namely, God’s indwelling presence—then your focus is on the work of the Spirit. 6 A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We are demolishing arguments and ideas, every high-and-mighty philosophy that pits itself against the knowledge of the one true God. We are taking prisoners of every thought, every emotion, and subduing them into obedience to the Anointed One. Philippians 2:5 In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts. Remember:
The helmet of Salvation is second piece of armor mentioned in Isaiah 59. In verse 17 God places a helmet of salvation on his head. In Psalms 140:7 David says you are my helmet of salvation in the day of battle. We are told by the scriptures above that for us the helmet of salvation starts with the transformation of the mind. Then we are to take every thought captive. We don't do this by ourselves. We take every thought captive by putting on the mind of Christ which empowers us to be who God created us to be. I read a book recently called "The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer." The Prince Warriors were given instructions regarding their armor. The one instruction that stood out to me was they were to always wear the Belt, Breastplate and Helmet at all times. We are to know the truth. We are to know Jesus finished works of the cross. And we are to know that Christ's mind is also in us. Wow and we are not finished yet.  John 12:44 Jesus (crying out before the people): 44 Anyone who believes in Me is not placing his faith in Me, but in the One who sent Me here. John 20:29 Jesus: Thomas, you have faith because you have seen Me. Blessed are all those who never see Me and yet they still believe. Acts 3:16 So that’s how this miracle happened: we have faith in the name of Jesus, and He is the power that made this man strong—this man who is known to all of you. It is faith in Jesus that has given this man his complete health here today, in front of all of you. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the assurance of things you have hoped for, the absolute conviction that there are realities you’ve never seen. Hebrews 11:6 Without faith no one can please God because the one coming to God must believe He exists, and He rewards those who come seeking. Heb 12:2 Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor. Rev. 2:25 Just keep on task, and keep the faith until I return.
The Shield of Faith is one piece of armor that requires us to believe what Jesus has done. Faith is not only essential it is necessary. We are told without faith we cannot please God. We are also told that Jesus designed and perfected our faith. To believe in the finished works of the cross is to uphold your shield of faith.  Matthew 24:14 And this good news of God’s kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, a testimony to all people and all nations. Then, beloved, the end, the consummation of all things, will come. Mark 1:1 This is the beginning of the good news of Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King, the Son of God. John 14:27 My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don’t give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful. Matthew 28:19 Go out and make disciples in all the nations. Ceremonially wash them through baptism in the name of the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Acts 20:24 But that’s OK. That’s no tragedy for me because I don’t cling to my life for my own sake. The only value I place on my life is that I may finish my race, that I may fulfill the ministry that Jesus our King has given me, that I may gladly tell the good news of God’s grace. Romans 1:17 You see, in the good news, God’s restorative justice is revealed. And as we will see, it begins with and ends in faith. As the Scripture declares, “By faith the just will obtain life.” Romans 10:15 How can some give voice to the truth if they are not sent by God? As Isaiah said, “Ah, how beautiful the feet of those who declare the good news of victory, of peace and liberation.”[a] The shoes of the good news also interpreted feet fitted with readiness. The Good news is Jesus as stated in the scriptures above. We must be ready to be obedient and move when God says move.  Romans 3:21-23 But now for the good news: God’s restorative justice has entered the world, independent of the law. Both the law and the prophets told us this day would come. 22 This redeeming justice comes through the faithfulness of Jesus,[a] the Anointed One, the Liberating King, who makes salvation a reality for all who believe--without the slightest partiality. 23 You see, all have sinned, and all their futile attempts to reach God in His glory fail. Matt 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness--they will be filled. James 3:18 The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace. Philippians 3:9 When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith. Ephesians 4:24 Then you are ready to put on your new self, modeled after the very likeness of God: truthful, righteous, and holy. 2 Corinthians 5:21 He orchestrated this: the Anointed One, who had never experienced sin, became sin for us so that in Him we might embody the very righteousness of God. James 5:16 So own up to your sins to one another and pray for one another. In the end, you may be healed. Your prayers are powerful when they are rooted in a righteous life. This is the first piece of armor that we read in Isaiah 59 that God Himself put on Himself. As scriptures speak for themselves righteousness is a gift. It is the gift given through faith in Christ. When your Faith is Christ and in His finished works you are wearing the Christ who is your breastplate of Righteousness. The breastplate can only be put on by releasing your self and receiving the identity God has given you.  Now we get to Ephesians 6:10-18 which says:
10 Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. 11 Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes. 12 We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places.13 And this is why you need to be head-to-toe in the full armor of God: so you can resist during these evil days and be fully prepared to hold your ground. 14 Yes, stand—truth banded around your waist, righteousness as your chest plate, 15 and feet protected in preparation to proclaim the good news of peace. 16 Don’t forget to raise the shield of faith above all else, so you will be able to extinguish flaming spears hurled at you from the wicked one. 17 Take also the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 Pray always. Pray in the Spirit. Pray about everything in every way you know how! And keeping all this in mind, pray on behalf of God’s people. Keep on praying feverishly, and be on the lookout until evil has been stayed. Do remember Isaiah 59:16-17? Here is again because it is really important. Isaiah 59:16-17 16 God looked long and hard, but there wasn’t a single person who tried to put a stop to the injustice and lies. So God took action. His own strong arm reached out and brought salvation. His own righteousness—good and pure—sustained Him. 17 But God’s equipment was that of no ordinary warrior: He strapped on righteousness as His breastplate, And put on the helmet of salvation. Wrapped in vengeance for clothing and passion as a cloak, God prepared for war. Do you see what verse 17 says? God's equipment was that of no ordinary warrior. Do you also see what God himself put on? A breastplate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation. I am pointing this out so you know precious warrior that your armor is not ordinary either. You armor the armor Paul speaks about is the same armor that God put on in Isaiah 59. Let's talk about this armor and why we need it. First is the belt of truth. Let's see what does the bible say about truth? Jesus said " I am the way, the Truth and Life no one comes to the Father accept through me. (John 14:6) you will know the truth, and that truth will give you freedom. (John 8:32) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:21-22) 21 If you have heard Jesus and have been taught by Him according to the truth that is in Him, 22 then you know to take off your former way of life, your crumpled old self--that dark blot of a soul corrupted by deceitful desire and lust— (Ephesians 4:21-22) 21 Those who abandon deceit and embrace what is true, they will enter into the light where it will be clear that all their deeds come from God. (Johns 3:21) All the scriptures above tell us what truth is most important who Truth is. So the first part of our Armor is to put on Jesus. Our Identity is in Him when we know who we are wear the belt of truth. Jesus helps us rightly divide the word of truth. Without Jesus the devil can have a hay day in your life. Causing you to identity yourself with everything but Christ.  The Armor and the Battle
The Bible speaks of war and battles. The dictionary defines war as a state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state. It defines battle as a sustained fight between large, organized armed forces: this is the noun form. The verb is fight or struggle tenaciously to achieve or resist something. I find it interesting that the definition for battle uses the word tenaciously because most times you see the word battle in the old testament it says: The battle is the Lords. (Deuteronomy 1:30, (Deu 20:1-3), 1 Samuel 17:47, Psalm 18:39)Tenacious means tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely. Some synonyms are powerful, forceful, and strong. Now where do we see these synonyms in scripture? Who is the glorious King? The Eternal who is powerful and mightily equipped for battle.(Psalms 24:8,10) 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. He is my True God, my stronghold in whom I take refuge, My strong shield, my horn that calls forth rescue, my tall-walled tower and strong refuge, My savior from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3 Psalm 18:2. I believe the lord is trying to tell us something. David told us that God taught him how to fight. Then 4 chapters before He said something I find really interesting. Psalm 140:7 O Lord, Eternal One, power of my deliverance, You are my helmet in the day of battle. Psalm 144:1[ Psalm 144 ] [ A song of David. ] Blessed be the Eternal, my rock. He trains my hands for war, gives me the skills I need for battle. Do you see it? Where do I know that from? Let's go to Isaiah and find out. Isaiah 59:16-17The Voice (VOICE) 16 God looked long and hard, but there wasn’t a single person who tried to put a stop to the injustice and lies. So God took action. His own strong arm reached out and brought salvation. His own righteousness—good and pure—sustained Him. 17 But God’s equipment was that of no ordinary warrior: He strapped on righteousness as His breastplate, And put on the helmet of salvation. Wrapped in vengeance for clothing and passion as a cloak, God prepared for war. Let's also look at Zechariah 12:8 When that day comes, the Eternal will protect her citizens as a shield does. He will make the weak who stumble become like David, brave in battle; the royal line of David will be like God, like the Special Messenger of the Eternal One who goes before them in travels and in battle. Revelation 19:11 I looked up and saw that heaven had opened. Suddenly, a white horse appeared. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with righteousness He exercises judgment and wages war. What is this battle and war you may ask? See Galatians 5:17, 1Pet 2:11, Rom 7:23, Rom 8:7, and 2 Cor 10:4. This brings us to our destination in Ephesians 6. Maybe you are thinking what’s the big deal? I’m just talking.
Words are a big deal in God’s eyes. We know this because He deliberately defines meanings for us throughout scripture. The first example of this is Genesis 28:19 He named that place Bethel, which means “house of God.” Another example in reference to a person’s name is also found in Genesis in 35:18 But as her life slipped away, just before she died, Rachel named her son Ben-oni, but his father decided to call him Benjamin instead. Ben-oni means son of my suffering. Benjamin means son of my right hand. You may wonder why does this matter. Your name is the one word that is pronounced over you for the day you are born until the day you die. Jabez understood this. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 9 There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez[a] because his birth had been so painful. 10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request. There are many other examples to explore as well. But best of is the one Isaiah gave us He shall be called Immanuel meaning God with us. Have ever saw a person and wondered they act the way they do? Most times it can come down to the meaning of their name. It also comes down to what was spoken over them. For instance my name is Shaudonna it has to meanings Sha is the surname of God and Donna means gracious one and mighty lady. I tell you this because I firmly believe we someone says my name this is what God hears. Why else would Jabez ask God not to let him live up to his name. Why then would Jacob not go along with the name is wife picked for their son. It also makes you think of the times when the lord specifically told parents what to name their children. Remember John. In Jewish culture you are named after your family as a sign if keeping the family line and name alive. This is why the people said to Zachariah there no one in your family by that name. You should name your son after you. Our name is not the only thing spoken over us. Have you ever said “ He, or she never turns off the light” And then wondered why that person is now not capable of turning off the light. It is because it was pronounced and carried out. This why we are told in Isaiah 54:17 17 But no instrument forged against you will be allowed to hurt you, and no voice raised to condemn you will successfully prosecute you. It’s that simple; this is how it will be for the servants of the Eternal; I will vindicate them. Did you see that? Remember what we said about words in part 1. Our have the power of life and death. The beautiful thing is that when we received Christ’s identity We received a new name. Meaning our old name is canceled and the new name remains. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is united with the Anointed One, that person is a new creation. The old life is gone—and see—a new life has begun! Let us use the gift we have given to build each up not tear each other down. Today friends we are going to talk about something simple and powerful. Words. Yes those things that we speak, sing, or write.
Let’s define what a word is according to the dictionary. word [wərd] NOUN
[more] vocable · appellation
"his grandfather's words had been meant kindly" · [more] "a word of warning" synonyms: remark · comment · observation · statement · [more] utterance · pronouncement
"don't believe a word of it"
"in court it would have been his word against mine"
"everything will be taken care of—you have my word" synonyms: promise · word of honor · assurance · guarantee · [more] undertaking · pledge · vow · oath · bond · troth
"he had to learn his words" synonyms: script · lyrics · libretto
"her father would have had words with her about that" synonyms: quarrel · argue · disagree · squabble · bicker · [more] fight · wrangle · dispute · fall out · clash · row
synonyms: news · information · communication · intelligence · [more] message · report · communiqué · dispatch · bulletin · info · dope · tidings · rumor · hearsay · talk · gossip · the grapevine · the word on the street
synonyms: instruction · order · command · signal · prompt · [more] cue · tip-off · go-ahead · thumbs up · green light · command · order · decree · edict · bidding · will
[more] "a strongly worded letter of protest" synonyms: phrase · express · put · couch · frame · formulate · style · [more] It is no surprise that we can speak. After we are created in God’s Image (Gen 1:27) If you back track to Gen 1:3 You see God speaking things into existence. The Hebrew word for God’s action is Abracadabra meaning I create what I speak. The alterative spelling is avda K'Davarah it’s Aramaic meaning is I transgress as I speak. Let’s define another word. To transgress is to do something that is not allowed : to disobey a command or law. What are the laws of speech you may ask. We are told in Proverbs 18:21 that the power of life and death are in the tongue. We are told in Isaiah 55:11 that His word would not return to Him void. In Genesis 1 God spoke life, In Psalms 37:20 it says “Wisdom fills the mouth of the right-living; justice and truth roll from their tongues.” James 3 tells us The one who can control his tongue can also control the rest of his body. Do you see a pattern. Have you ever said today is going to be a bad day. Then reflected on your day and determined it was indeed bad. This is because of what I stated earlier. The Gift of speaking that God gave us is action. 1 God spoke and said Let there be light and behold there was light. Meaning He created what He spoke. 2 His words did not return to Him void they created what they were purposed to do. It is the same with us. We transgress when we speak by not speaking words that agree with what God said. God calls these idle words and all idle words will be judged. (Matthew 12:36-37) Going back to James 3 here’s what is says in verse 9. James 3:9 Ironically this same tongue can be both an instrument of blessing to our Lord and Father and a weapon that hurls curses upon others who are created in God’s own image. In Ephesians 4:29 we are told not to let any corrupt thing come from our mouths. The reason for this is because the enemy can’t create anything. He uses us to create his reality for him. I believe this is one of the reasons Jesus is referred to as the Living Word. Do remember what Jesus Himself said? In John 5:19-21 Jesus said “The truth is that the Son does nothing on His own; all these actions are led by the Father. The Son watches the Father closely and then mimics the work of the Father. This is good news for us; Because we cannot hone our words on our own. That is why we have the Holy Sprit who lives in us and transforms us. Oh there’s another scripture that sounds like that. Romans 12:2 Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete. This scripture tells what it means to wear the helmet of salvation. We will go through the armor of God next. Remember brothers and sisters to think Abracadabra before you speak. Ask your self do I really want to create that? |
Authors
|
RSS Feed
