Wall of Faith (Armor of God 4) (1/13/14)

Have you ever watched a television show or news cast where a Special Forces team is entering a dangerous situation?  They not only wear bullet proof vests, they carry a shield that covers most of their body.  This is called a ballistic shield because it is designed to protect from the bullets that may assault their entrance.  Soldiers and law enforcement rely on these walls of protection in dangerous situations.   The descriptors for these shields are entry, equalizer, and tactical shields.  All denote forward movement, not just defensive protection.  There is no cowering in corner when using these shields.

A study of the Roman armies at the time Paul wrote to the Ephesians adds a whole new perspective to “Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].”  (Ephesians 6:16 ESV) We often think of the small round shields that are skillfully moved to deflect the arrows as they come. However, the shields carried by Roman soldiers covered the body from chin to below the knee.  They were the predecessors to these ballistic shields.  They were made from strong metals and provided true protection for the entire body.

The shield Paul encourages us to take up against our enemy is a shield composed of faith.  From all of Paul’s teachings we can conclude that this faith is in Jesus Christ and the promises of God. So, what is this faith that our shield is constructed of?  “Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. For by [faith—trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report.” (Hebrews 11:1-2 AMP) This faith is knowing God so intimately that we are certain He will perform His word regardless of what we see. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 5510-11 ESV)

In order to have this kind of faith we must spend time getting to know the One we have faith in. Faith will grow in us as we study the word and learn the nature of our God. When we learn and understand all that Jesus Christ did for us, we can believe that He will come through regardless of our situation. As soldiers may not understand the battle they are entering, we too will not always understand what is happening around us. But a soldier does not place faith in himself, but in obedience to his commander. Jesus is our commander. He will lead us into victory. And our marching orders begin with putting our faith in Jesus.  “And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us.” (1 John 3:23 AMP) 

Another feature in the design of the Roman shield was a hook on one side and loop to hook into on the other. Soldiers were not meant to go out on their own. Although the shield was valuable to each soldier, it was most effective when used in conjunction with the shields of other soldiers. When soldiers stood side-by-side they could actually hook their shields together creating a wall. Behind this wall, they could care for wounded, rest and strategize their next advance. As Christians, we were never meant to fight our battles alone. When we join with our fellow believers, our faith can become a wall of protection. The enemy cannot penetrate this wall. The Bible talks very much about unity. This is one example of why that unity is so important.

I observed a few other things about these Roman shields.

Because of the larger construction, these shields would be heavier and more difficult to carry than the smaller buckler style shield. Soldiers would need to develop their muscles in order to carry the shields on long marches. We must study God’s word to develop our muscles of our faith, so that we can carry a shield that protects all of us – spirit, soul and body.

In many of the pictures, the Roman shields had bright colors and intimidating designs. To see a wall of these colorful designs approaching would bring fear into the enemy. Interestingly enough, the soldier himself would not observe this intimidating sight. Often when we move in faith we have no idea of the image that we present to our enemy. We may be thinking of how weak we believe our faith to be. But as we let God empower that faith, the enemies tremble at our pending arrival.

We serve a powerful and true God.  He keeps His promises. “God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19 AMP) We can trust Him with every aspect of our lives.  He will be our shield when we simply believe. “As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.”  (Psalm 18:30 ESV)  

So, lift up your shield and fight off the lies of an enemy who is trying to defeat you.  Approach your day with confidence that whatever happens, you will have all you need to face it.  God is with you and you will be victorious!

Running Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Armor of God 3) (1/10/14)

Shoes: They come in all sizes and styles. From a first pair of lace, baby booties to sturdy, orthopedic shoes for the elderly, you can find shoes for everyone.

I’m not someone who is overly concerned about her shoes. I have one good pair of running shoes. (Although I mostly walk.)   I have one durable pair of black shoes for work, fitted with custom inserts to support my feet and back. I found a pair of dress shoes that I liked with a decent support. I bought that style in three colors. I also have some sandals. These and some boots pretty much sum up my shoe wardrobe. I have the shoes I need for the different aspects of my life.

The Bible speaks of shoes. Referring to the armor of God Paul instructs, “and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:15 ESV) These spiritual shoes appear to have two significant characteristics; readiness and peace.  In my mind, the readiness places a picture of a runner in the starting block. He is poised and ready to go at the signal to start. The other significant characteristic is the gospel of peace. The good news of Jesus Christ affects all areas of our lives. Peace is central to it.

Hearing the term gospel can cause one to think of the four books that describe the life of Jesus Christ here on earth. This can limit the gospel to a timeline from His birth to resurrection and then include the value of the salvation He has offered us. But the gospel is so much more than a biography of the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth.  It truly is a gospel, or good news, of peace and restoration. 

Several hundred years before His birth, the coming of Jesus was prophesied, and peace was ascribed to both His character and kingdom. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,” (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV) His birth is then proclaimed by the angels as bringing this peace to earth.  “Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].”  (Luke 2:14 AMP) And shortly before his death and resurrection, Jesus says to the disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV) The earthly ministry of Jesus Christ was centered on bringing peace to mankind. 

The entire New Testament describes peace with God through the forgiveness of sins. It studies how to receive this peace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. It also expresses our need to live at peace with each other.  Paul began nearly all of his letters expressing peace to those whom he was addressing. Peter and John used similar salutations. In several letters, the closing remarks also included a proclamation of peace. We are to be representatives of God’s forgiveness to all we come in contact with.  “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18 ESV) We are also told, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”  (Colossians 3:15 ESV) 

Jesus has done the work, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”  (Romans 5:1 ESV) He also encourages us “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV) Study His promises and live in His peace. 

When we come with the gospel of peace, our feet are called beautiful.  “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”  (Isaiah 52:7 ESV) When we live closely tied to Jesus, we can take the peace we have received and share it with others who need it.

Remember that image I mentioned earlier of a runner in the starting block? When you consider the life of peace you have through Jesus, do you feel His anticipation? That runner is full of adrenalin, just waiting for the opportunity to run freely. We should have that same desire to share the peace that Jesus Christ has provided for us. So, put on your gospel shoes and let’s get running. The starting signal has sounded.

Note:  If you do not have this peace, it is available to you through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Acknowledge that His sacrifice was the payment for your guilt and ask Him to forgive your sins.  Then commit your life to following His plan for you.  Read the Bible and find believers that can help you on your journey with Jesus.

Bullet Proof Breastplates (Armor of God 2) (1/8/14)

Police entering gun battles and soldiers in combat zones wear lifesaving, bullet proof vests.  The chest area contains many of the vital organs. The heart and the lungs are chief among these for sustaining life. Without the protection of the vest, a bullet has the greater potential of piercing one of these vital organs. The result would be devastating to the body. These vests have been improved over the years. They are made of the best material possible at this time. They are to protect from attack and save lives.

As Christians, we will enter battles.  When describing the armor of God, Paul tells us that we should stand ready for these battles. “having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” (Ephesians 6:14b AMP) Before we ever enter a battle with the spiritual forces of darkness, we must already have the protection around or heart. The righteousness that forms our breastplate is not something that we can work up on our own. It comes by believing.  “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6 ESV) This statement is made repeatedly concerning Abraham. This righteousness is not credited to anything that he did, but simply that he believed God.  The Scripture tells us that through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we have been given His righteousness that leads to freedom and salvation. “For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.” (Romans 5:17–18 ESV) We obtain this righteousness in the same way that Abraham did. We believe in Jesus Christ and it will be credited to us as righteousness.

Another breastplate is found in the Old Testament.  The priests wore a breastplate when they served in their priestly role. In Exodus 25-28, God gave Moses very specific instructions concerning the breastplate that the priests would wear and how they were to serve. These instructions included the dimensions and materials with which the breastplate was to be designed. This breastplate was to be made of gold. Among the materials to be placed in this breastplate were a variety of precious gems including emerald, sapphires, diamonds, onyx and eight other precious stones.  

The New Testament tells us that we have been made a royal priesthood. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV) As priests of the most, high God, we too, must wear a spiritual breastplate. God has instructed that our breastplate is constructed of the righteousness He has bestowed us through the death of Jesus Christ. Placed in that breastplate of righteousness are many gems and jewels. As we study the word and receive understanding, we uncover gems of the truths that have been hidden. “to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3 ESV) Each of those revelations will add to the strength of our faith, just as each gem added to the breastplate of the priest.  We will be ready to serve before the Lord.

An officer or soldier who has been hit by a bullet will be saved from death. That does not mean that there will be no harm. There is often severe bruising in the area the bullet has hit the vest. In these times the soldier will be taken aside to a place of rest and recovery. He may be bruised and need this time away, but he will live to fight another day. 

In our battles against spiritual forces and lies of the enemy, we may become bruised and in need of a reprieve. We will need times aside to receive attention from the great physician. By staying close to Jesus and His Word, we too will rise up to stand strong and fight the enemy another day. With our breastplate in place we will not only survive, we will thrive.

 So remember, a bullet proof vest or a breastplate of righteousness must be put on before the battle begins.  Your enemy will not give a time out for you to get ready.  So, renew you mind to the righteousness God has provided in Jesus Christ.  Then you will be ready to not only survive the battles, but thrive amidst them.  Take courage as you remember that God is righteous. “For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.” (Psalm 11:7 ESV) And our righteous God has said, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans14:17 ESV) You too, can live through every circumstance with that peace and joy!

The “Gait” Belt of Truth (Armor of God 1)

As my mother became older, she began to have difficulty with balance because of Parkinson’s disease. Although she still could stand upright, she could not walk because of the balance issues. The solution to this problem was the use of a gait belt. This four inch wide belt goes around the waist and is handled by an assistant from the back. The design of the gait belt allowed me to walk either behind or beside my mother and easily make corrections when her lack of balance caused her to become unstable. The design of the belt also makes it easy to make these corrections, regardless of the person’s weight.

My mother did not like to wear the gait belt. Although her belt was a pretty rainbow design, she just did not want to put it on. I have seen the same reluctance to wear the belt in others who have difficulty maintaining their balance while walking. Pleas of family members and explanations given by the medical staff concerning the necessity to where the belt at all times are met with resistance. Reasoning often doesn’t seem to work.

I have observed four primary reasons for this reluctance. The first is an unwillingness to admit that they gait belt is necessary. The second reason is a fear of others seeing the belt and being aware of limitations. The third reason is that the gait belt is a bit uncomfortable to wear. The final reason is a resistance to relying on someone for assistance, and the fear that they may lead us somewhere we do not want to go.  For one or more these reasons, my mother and others have risked falling and the potential for broken bones.

Like Parkinson’s or other neurological diseases, there is a disease that can affect the soul. This disease is caused by believing the lies of the enemy. The apostle Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God to battle an unseen enemy.” 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.”  (Ephesians 6:12 ESV) These spiritual forces plant thoughts that are not true. The thoughts are planted craftily and appear to be our own. God has given us a Belt of Truth to wear in our fight against this enemy.  Wearing this belt of truth, knowing what the word of God says about us, will keep us by being thrown off-balance by the lies the enemy sends our way.

We often do not want to admit that we need anyone or anything. We want to make it on our own. The truth is, we have a desperate need for God. He is the giver of life and truth.  We need to seek the truth, and God will give it to us. “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” (Psalm 43:3 ESV) The truth will lead and balance us. Being desperate for God, desire the truth.  “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”  (Psalm 25:5 ESV)  

Some are embarrassed by their need for God. People will ridicule and tell us that reliance on God is nothing more than a crutch. Actually, it is much more than a crutch.  God does not simply prop us up. He carries us through the hard times.  “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  (Isaiah 41:10 ESV) Jesus, the Living Word, instructs us to live a life directed by the Scripture. ”So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  (John 8:31 – 32 ESV) Freedom sounds great to me. 

Just as wearing a gait belt may take some getting used to, believing the word of God over our circumstances will feel strange for a while. We’re used to believing what we feel and see.  As we continue in this process, speaking God’s word will become more and more natural to us. We will begin seeing the world from His perspective. This is learning to be in the world and not of it. 

Our final concern may involve being led where we do not wish to go. Allowing truth to be our guide can be a bit scary. Not everything God instructs us to do will be easy. We may not wish to do some things, such as forgiving those who hurt us. But when truth wins, we find the blessing of obedience greater than difficulty of that obedience. We may be led not where we would have gone, but to somewhere far better. We will also have the promise of a hope and a future.   “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”  (John 16:13 ESV) 

So let the Holy Spirit lead you. When lies and hard times assault you, let the truth of God’s word be foremost in your mind and heart. By this you will become mature in Christ. Your balanced life will be a blessing not only to you, but to those around you.  “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15ESV)  Wearing your belt of truth, you will have the balance to not only walk, but to run with God. 

(Note:  I have really struggled with some things over the past several days.  Knowing to believe the Word over my feelings and doing it have not easily matched up.  Please do not think that I have this down, or that I believe this is always easy.  I must work on it daily.)

Superman 2 - He Sees Through All

One of the superhero qualities associated with Superman is his x-ray vision. He can see through walls to the activity within the building. Unless it is made of lead, he can see through a container and determine the contents within. With this ability, he does not have to speculate on a situation that he is walking into, but understands completely what lies ahead. Able to see clearly beyond the barriers, Superman can plan his actions according to what truly exists rather than a mere perception of what may be inside.

We have a Savior with far more power and insight then could have ever been conceived in the story of Superman. Jesus Christ is able to see everything at all times. “The Lord looks from heaven, He beholds all the sons of men; From His dwelling place. He looks [intently] upon all the inhabitants of the earth.” (Psalm 33:13-14 AMP) He sees the good and the bad and He sees each and every person. Therefore we can confidently know that we are never alone. After running away from Abraham and Sarah, Hagar and her son felt completely alone. (See Genesis 16) Even in the wilderness the Lord saw her and spoke with her. He gave her hope. “So she called the name of the Lord Who spoke to her, You are a God of seeing, for she said, Have I [not] even here [in the wilderness] looked upon Him Who sees me [and lived]? Or have I here also seen [the future purposes or designs of] Him Who sees me[KS1] ?” (Genesis 16:13 AMP)

We can never stray so far, that the Lord cannot see us. King David said, “Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me and the night shall be [the only] light about me, Even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.” (Psalm 139:7-12 AMP)

The Lord not only sees all, but He judges accurately in both circumstances and the hearts of men. We can often judge people by their actions, but Jesus sees the underlying hurts and insecurities. When the prophet Samuel went to anoint David as the new king of Israel, he was errantly drawn to the eldest son. “But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 AMP) We can be confident that in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, God looks at our hearts. Unlike Superman, there is no substance such as lead that can block the eyes of the Lord.

Sometimes we do not even understand our own actions and thoughts. There may be some hurts and insecurities that are buried so deep that we do not even realize they effect our response to circumstances around us. In His great compassion, Jesus sees and responds to our true hearts. Like a scalpel in the hand of the surgeon the word of God can accurately cut through all misconceptions. God can both see and reveal to us the true intents of our hearts. “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. And not a creature exists that is concealed His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:12-13 AMP)

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to give us a portion of this x-ray vision so that we may accurately perceive both our own hearts and the hearts of others. It is only through this God-given ability that we will can accurately understand ourselves. And only then can we truly see and love others with the heart of Jesus.

So, ask God for a glimpse into your current situations with His x-ray vision. Then act and love as He intends.

Keep the Son in Your Eyes (3/14/14)

Have you ever played shadow tag as a child? We frequently played this game on sunny days or with another light source when playing inside. In the version that I learned, the person who was the chaser\tagger would count to 10 and then run after the other players. He would attempt to step on someone’s shadow. If your shadow was stepped on, you were temporarily out of the game. The last person to evade the tag of a shadow chaser was the winner.

How often do we as adults and believers in Jesus still run from the shadow chasers? Hard times and negative circumstances attempt to defeat us. But do they truly touch the real us? Or do they merely attack the shadow of who we are in Christ? Concerning this life, the Bible states, “our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope or expectation of remaining.” (1 Chronicles 29:15b AMP) Eternity is the true reality for the believer. The spirit man within us will live far beyond the problems of this life. We can also live in peace and joy during these times, knowing that only our earthly existence is being touched.

Newcomers to the game of shadow tag generally play with the same strategy you would play regular tag. The strategy involves running from the pursuer, always aware of how close the pursuer is getting to you. If one is a fast runner, this strategy can be successful. If one is not able to run as fast as the pursuer, this strategy will not bring about good results. Either way this strategy becomes exhausting.

Man-made religion and good works are bit like this strategy. We can try to outrun temptation or trials by setting up rules to live by and formulas to follow. Don’t get me wrong, living by the principles in God’s word is essential to life. Trying to live by them in our own power is both exhausting and futile. Trials, like the pursuer in the game, can come at us from an unexpected turn, touching our shadow and our daily lives.

The more experienced and most successful players of shadow tag use the most unorthodox and unexpected defense. During the initial 10 count, this player acts like the others and puts as much distance between him and the pursuer as possible. Once the pursuit is on, the tactics change drastically. The skilled player no longer runs from the pursuit, but turns to face it.  He has chosen the path of his run carefully and now the sun is directly before him. Facing the sun, his shadow is always behind him. In order for the shadow chaser to step on the shadow, he must pass the actual player, who is ready to maneuver and block the attack.

God’s word gives us many of the same principles for our approach to life. We are to run with the Son of God daily. Just as sunshine provides light, Jesus is our light. “Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.” (John 8:12 AMP) When the trials of life find us, we are to turn and face them head on. We are always to look to the Son, seeing the brightness of His promises even more than our problems.

When we turn toward the enemy, he stands face to face with the real us. He sees this truth, “Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.” (Romans 8:37 AMP) It is time for us to, “Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” (Isaiah 60:1 AMP) He must look at that glory and pass that conqueror to get to the shadow that is this life.  Although he may at times actually step on that shadow, but he cannot touch the spirit that has an eternal destiny.

So, play the game to win and have fun while you play.  Do not look at the circumstances and trials that pursue you.   Remember that this life on earth is a mere shadow. The real you is eternal, so always walk in peace and joy, keeping the Son of God in eyes.  

Caring for Our Own House (1/2/15)

As I mentioned in a recent post, I have been helping a friend pack up her house to move away. In order for her and her eldest son to meet the rest of the family in time for Christmas, my husband, son and I offered to do some of the final cleanup on the home before it was turned back to the landlord. Between this and the hours I have been putting in at my two part time jobs, I have had little time to give the needed attention to my own home. Putting up all the Christmas decorations and preparing food for both Christmas and New Year’s celebrations has added to the disarray that is now in most every room in my home.

So now on New Year’s Day my husband and son are helping me begin the task of getting our home back in order. We must go through some of the items that have been put aside over the past few weeks as well as get to some basic cleaning that has been put off. Although dishes and laundry have been kept up with, the rest of the house requires some attention. The care that I generally give too my home has been neglected and it shows.

If we are not careful the same thing can happen to us spiritually. We can become involved in a God given opportunity to pour into the life of someone else. This need may be time sensitive and require our immediate attention. We can also become caught up in the ordinary things of life such as jobs or other regularly scheduled activities. Add in some other special events and we may soon fine that we have neglected our time with the Heavenly Father which is vital to our own spiritual health. We have become tired, weak and possibly overwhelmed. Soon our internal house is no longer in order.

It simply takes a little daily time with the Lord to keep our spiritual homes in order. We cannot keep giving to others if we do not find our own strength in the Lord. “…But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6b AMP) Just as we strengthen our bodies by eating nutritious foods, we strengthen our spiritual body by taking in the Word of God daily. ^“ You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].” (Psalm 27:8 AMP) We require time with the Lord daily. Spending this time seeking Him will prevent negative thoughts or behaviors from taking up residency in our lives.

With all of the extra clutter in our house I would not have wanted company to visit. The only visitors that we have had are some close friends that understood the situation we were in and did not think anything of the appearance of our home. I would have been unwilling to invite anyone else over during this time.

When we think about our spiritual homes we know that scripture calls our body the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. “Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,” (1 Corinthians 6:19 AMP) Do we really want Him to live in the disarray? Do we really want Him to live with us yet not be sought out for guidance and simple conversation? Hopefully the answer is no. Then it is time to be concerned with getting our home in order.

Jesus has provided us with this wonderful invitation. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28 AMP) We can turn to Him through the Scriptures and quiet times listening to His voice. In the business of life and serving others we need refreshing often. ^“My soul yearns for You [O Lord] in the night, yes, my spirit within me seeks You earnestly;” (Isaiah 26:9a AMP) When we seek we will then become strong and able to give out to others.

If you have become busy with other things and neglected time with the Lord, turn to Him today.  Do not allow anything to keep you from this life giving and life sustaining time.