Lifting Our Shield High...

There is one aspect of the Christian journey that can only be done solo…Nobody can do it for us…we have to carry our own shield.

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
Ephesians 6:16

How does one grow in...faith? How do we truly lean our whole life’s weight upon the One and Only? It is a growing process for sure, but there are two ways the Scriptures speak of…

One: Know His Word inside-out-and-backward. His Holy Spirit breathed Word…ignites the flame of faith in our soul and spirit…like nothing else can. Not a Sunday morning spoon-feeding of the Word…that is helpful and much needed. Yet…it will never be enough. Not enough to lift our shield. We need to endeavor to be soaked, drenched, and saturated…in the Word…for ourselves. Without guilt…and with a new translation!

Two: Know the Author of the Bible inside-out-and backward. It’s hard to trust someone you don’t know personally. Being in His presence…alone…under the shadow of His wings. As often as possible. We have to fight for this time…so many other things…distract us constantly. Wouldn’t you agree?

At the end of the day, as we travel verse by verse through Ephesians 6:10-20 (see previous days’ posts), let this piece of our Armor…the shield of faith in Him…be the one we lift high and... effortlessly.

The devil’s darts...will drop to the ground.

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Where My Feet Fall...

I, for one…would like my every footstep to count.

I know…I wrote about this recently, nevertheless, it bears repeating as we arm ourselves as believers…with God’s Armor…(see previous posts for this journey through Eph. 6:10-20).

“…and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”
Ephesians 6:15

It’s hard to believe…but each of who believe and have staked our lives upon the reality of the Lord Jesus…we have the potential to bring heaven down wherever our feet trod.

Most of the time…I don’t even pay attention to where I am going…and nor am I aware of this heavenly assignment…yet…things are changing for me. Even if I live on earth many more years…time is running out for those around me. I don’t have a footstep to waste…

With my every stride…may the good news of Jesus’ gospel be proclaimed through my life…and…let heaven’s riches reign upon the lost and weary lambs He places in my path.

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Shaky Ground...(starting to put on God's Armor)...

Shaky ground is the….pits. Wouldn’t you agree?

There is not much worse than standing on shaky ground. You know…trying to do life when our very foundations are unstable, ever changing, or insecure.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”
Ephesians 6:14

As we journey through Ephesians 6:10-20…one verse at a time (see last week’s posts) and begin to “put on” His armor...We see truth and righteousness…well…we need ‘em a bunch.

Lies hurt…lies harm…lies deceive…I think we all pretty much get that. How much greater the pain when our adversary the devil lies to us…and we believe him over what Jesus would tell us…truly, we have nothing to stand on. The belt of truth keeps the whole armor on us. Jesus not only speaks truth…He is Truth speaking. Think on that. His Word IS truth John 17:17. It is imperative for us to drink it in…let it transform us…and help us stand…no matter what we go through.

And righteousness…you know…we just don’t got any on our own. Just being real, here. Jesus alone is our righteousness. His breastplate…that covers our heart, will shield us from the darts of the enemy. Darts called: guilt, shame, worthless, inadequate. We HAVE to understand who we are in Christ.

Yep…I need to be putting on the armor…every single day I have breath.

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(photo: Kelsee Irby)

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should the weather be hot…or the weather be cold; your heart is warmed…or it feels like it has been frozen in pain…run to the One who holds the stars in His hands and holds your heart as well. The Holy Spirit is the Great Comforter…and Healer.

Should you be irritated, agitated, annoyed…and you haven’t even begun your day yet, it might be time to do the old fire drill: stop…drop…and roll. So…

Stop what you are doing…
Drop to your knees…
Roll your frustrations and burdens onto the Lord!

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

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photo: Tiffany Gray

Let's Roll...

It’s time to just…get real. We are in a battle, whether we like it or not…

Oh my! Not the greatest news…but the truth nonetheless. And yet…it explains so much of what we go through. Life is difficult enough…but add an adversary who hates our very existence, simply because we bear God’s image. Well. We ARE in a battle zone.

There is no sticking our heads in the sand anymore and hoping the war will go away. It is time to engage… to get ourselves set free from the strongholds the adversary has in our own lives…and the lives of our loved ones. It is time to see the ravages of hell on earth be diminished and for us to fulfill Jesus’ personal destiny for each of us. Wouldn’t you agree?

“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.”
Ephesians 6:13

As we journey through Ephesians 6:10-20 (please see the previous days’ posts), Paul tells us what to do. And…it’s all Jesus all the time…

His Armor – we need to know it and wear it well 24-7-365
His strength to withstand – know the ammo of His Word
His power to stand – in the authority of His Name and the might of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s roll…

photo: Jared Flood via Flickr

Silent Night...Holy Night...

Silent Night…Holy Night...(yes, I realize it's still summer!)

When our Savior entered the world as a wee babe…fully God…fully man…He was entering enemy territory. 

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12

Jesus’ walk upon earth was a rescue mission…and things haven’t changed. As we take a brief look at Ephesians 6:10-20 (see the previous two day’s posts) we hear the Apostle Paul’s urgency in His voice for the church to wake up…put on the armor of God…and do battle against the enemy…not against other people.

How quickly I get my eyes on stuff, situations, and yes, others…when the real conflict is against demon hordes and the enemy himself? Yet, Jesus has called us…to be an army that battles…on our knees. 

What are you facing? Who are you directing your anger, anguish, or irritation towards? It might be time to let the Holy Spirit reveal what is really going on…who the real culprit is. Then…and only then, real victory can be secured in Jesus’ Name.

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(photo: Modcloth)

Fully Clothed...

You know…I rarely leave my home…without my clothes on.

How about you?

Yet…how many times do we leave home…without our armor on? Me? Often. Again…how about you?

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

As we make our way through Ephesians 6:10-20 (see yesterday’s post for vs.10)…I think the apostle Paul is trying to impress upon us two things:

1. We are in a battle…living on a battle field called Planet Earth.
2. We need to be fully prepared…we need the full extent of God’s battle wardrobe for us…His armor, to be completely covering us.

Yes…our adversary is mighty. However, our GOD is ALMIGHTY. Still, our Father has entrusted us with His Spirit and given us the Name of His Son to defeat the enemy. He has placed in our hands this great commission to rescue souls, lay hands on the sick, defeat the devil’s torment in lives, and bring justice to wrongs. We need to be fully surrendered…

We need to be fully clothed.

Have you put His armor on today?

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(photo: Her New Tribe)

Oceans...

Oceans. “Oceans” was playing on my Pandora channel today.

Hearing the song reminded me of...deep waters in recent years. You know…the usual: diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal cancer…son leaving the faith…being laid off…to name a few events. Anyone trackin’ with me here?

And yet…the God of the Angel Armies was greater than anything I would face. Those deep waters became training ground for walking in HIS power and authority.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”  Ephesians 6:10

The Lord God turned each one of those situations around. Yes. He did it. However, He also invited me to partner with Him in the battle…stand in HIS power…not my worry, weakness, or wonderment…though that was tempting to overtake me.

Fill in the blank________. What is your ocean at the moment? If comfortable, feel free to comment so others can pray for you.

Over the next few days…let’s look at Ephesians 6:10-20 verse by verse…and be encouraged to…put on God’s armor for ourselves. Let’s see the enemy of our souls be toppled in Jesus’ Name.

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*Luke 10:17-20

Link to “Oceans”:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLqTZ07ja7g

So Great a Salvation...

What…a great salvation…we have…

“how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,”
Hebrews 2:3

How often…I neglect this…great salvation.

What I mean is that terribly often…I choose to live so less than all He suffered and rose again to purchase…for me…

When I neglect…

…to trust His grace to have completely forgiven me and I give place to guilt
…to lean hard into His comfort when needed and I run to others first
…I don’t contend for physical healing…the healing He purchased
…to take the authority over the adversary that He has given me in His Name.
…when I don’t allow the Holy Spirit to manifest His power, gifts, and fruit in my life.

I am learning…I am learning slowly. But, I am learning…hungering…desiring…to live each moment…in His great salvation.

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At the start of this week...

At the start of this week…

If your joy/fulfillment/satisfaction levels are kaput, nada, zilch, or zero…it is time to take time…to be replenished and directed to True North. Take time with your Creator and feast on His Word ‘til you sense His presence, His passion for you, and remember His purpose for this day (and your life!).

If you are still smarting from a hurtful comment or action by a loved one…take inventory with Jesus. Ask Him…should you talk to the person (in a calm manner?) Should you just drop it…it wasn’t that important and His grace in you is bigger? Why does it matter to you in the first place…is the Lord trying to bring healing from something in your past?

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything! 1 John 4:4

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I'm Ready for Pursuit...

Truthfully? I suck at intercession. (I hope that was okay to say.)

“And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.”  Isaiah 59:16

The Hebrew word here for here intercessor is “paga.” Literally to reach for, meet up with someone…or to go to the edge of a boundary. It all means to run after and even fall upon someone. Think tackle. A hot pursuit to grab hold of.

These terms help me. They excite me, even. Our God…desires for us to ask our petitions by…pursuing Him…tackling Him…and run into the boundaries of the throne room itself. I don’t think this means intercession is hard or difficult…it is more like an invitation to join Jesus in His adventure. To blaze a path through hell for what is urgently on our hearts.

In the power of His presence…intercession for our loved ones, for circumstances…for nations…isn’t impossible…it is His invitation to go deeper.

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photo: Maritza Grissom

Past Tense...

Yikes! This is so hard to believe sometimes!

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."
Ephesians 5:8

What speaks to me is the phrase, "you were once"...past tense...already accomplished...already won. There are countless "past tense" verses like this in God's Word.

You know...all of the world's religions or attempts to reach God...well...they are all based on effort. I get this... for years as a Christian I kept "doing"...and almost always...failing.

However...the crazy thing is...the very moment...the very second...I received Christ by faith (John 1:12)...all my efforts were swallowed in the cross and resurrection. God has ALREADY placed and positioned me in the Kingdom of the Son of His love (Col.1:13). This is already...a done deal.

This placing...this new home of mine...of OURS...in Christ has already been accomplished. Any victories won, any strongholds broken, any shame washed clean is based on what has...already...taken place...not something we still try to grasp, strain, and reach for. So...

If you are struggling in any area of your life, remember...you are already...light in the Lord...even if the world, the devil, and your own flesh are telling you otherwise. Knowing this IS your starting point... this is the source of your...victory.

Come...let's stand on this launching pad.

Feel free to share...

(Well everyone...I decided I liked the "old" way best. I miss the photos, so this repost from yesterday. Should anyone get this far to read this...thank you for putting up with my testing out the blog!  Happy Saturday, Sue Bee)

Past Tense...

Yikes! This is so hard to believe sometimes!

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light."  Ephesians 5:8

What speaks to me is the phrase, "you were once"...past tense...already accomplished...already won. There are countless "past tense" verses like this in God's Word.

You know...all of the world's religions or attempts to reach God...well...they are all based on effort. I get this... for years as a Christian I kept "doing"...and almost always...failing.

However...the crazy thing is...the very moment...the very second...I received Christ by faith (John 1:12)...all my efforts were swallowed in the cross and resurrection. God has ALREADY placed and positioned me in the Kingdom of the Son of His love (Col.1:13). This is already...a done deal. 

This placing...this new home of mine...of OURS...in Christ has already been accomplished. Any victories won, any strongholds broken, any shame washed clean is based on what has...already...taken place...not something we still try to grasp, strain, and reach for. So...

If you are struggling in any area of your life, remember...you are already...light in the Lord...even if the world, the devil, and your own flesh are telling you otherwise. Knowing this IS your starting point... this is the source of your...victory.

Come...let's stand on this launching pad.

Eternal Footprints...

Leaving eternal footprints…

“How beautiful upon the mountains 
Are the feet of him who brings good news, 
Who proclaims peace, 
Who brings glad tidings of good things, 
Who proclaims salvation, 
Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Isaiah 52:7

Everyday…it seems I take a lot of steps. Steps around the busy medical clinic I work at, steps through my favorite market (Trader Joe’s!), steps around my neighborhood as I attempt to jog…steps…yes, steps. Lots of them.

God’s Word tells me that I have the potential…to leave eternal footsteps. That touched my heart today. I want every step I take…to count. I want to walk where He is leading me to walk and seize the everlasting opportunities Holy Spirit places all around me. Yes…

Everywhere I go…may my steps (actions, prayers, heart, words, thoughts, and words) proclaim…my God reigns!

Want to join me?

(Did this impact your heart today? YOU have beautiful feet...according to the Lord! How about...where ever you or I go today or whatever we face...let's whisper or proclaim boldly,  "Our God Reigns!" He will move in our midst, of that I am certain!)

Oh My...Going Back to Work...

Oh my…going back to work…after a week-long vacation…is hard to do. Anybody know what I am talking about? And yet…

As pastor Wayne Cordeiro would share, my position at my workplace…well…it is just my disguise. For…instead of being an “Operations Specialist,” I am really, truly…on assignment for the King. Working in Administration for a large health care organization…well…that’s my “cover” for bringing Jesus wherever my foot falls.

‘Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside (those who do not yet know Jesus), 
redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace… 
Colossians 4:5-6

So…today…going back to work…the Holy Spirit put a fresh spring in my step. He is starting to put fresh vision in my heart and fresh purpose for what I am really up to in my “marketplace ministry.” I want to bring heaven to earth wherever my foot falls. 

And…you can bet on it…living under HIS assignment…rather than just for a paycheck…makes any position we may have…crazy fulfilling.

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photo: Bojon Gourmet        

At the Start of This Week...

At the start of this week…

Should you be frazzled, forlorn, or feeling forgotten…even before you have rolled out of bed in the morning, remember that your Heavenly Father, Who loves you beyond comprehension, has every hair on your head numbered. He knows you inside out…and…HE is your only source of joy that brings hope, strength, wisdom, and life. Look to Him.

Should you be facing a circumstance that seems like a mountain…King Jesus will hold your hand as He either dismisses this burden, raises you above this situation, or holds you close as you walk through this fire together. HE is the answer. Be sure to let HIM rule your heart and mind. He will make your steps firm…in His love.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes that will be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because Who is in you is greater than anything!   1 John 4:4

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photo: kvtes

Vacation....

Hi Everyone!

My family is on vacation this week in San Diego and loving it! So...

This blog is on vacation, too! Blessing to you all and make some wonderful summer memories with your family.

Love in Him Who loves us beyond reason...

Sue Bee

It Might be Time...

It might be time to have a little “forgiveness” check-up…

Just as we should…but don’t often do…have a yearly check up with our physicians to check…you know…vital signs…and physical stuff (do you like that medical terminology?)…we might be needing us to have a little…heart check-up.

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15

These are pretty heavy words from the mouth of our Savior…forgiveness…our completely forgiving every person who has…wounded…hurt…offended…abused…us…is really more for…us.

When we don’t forgive someone…or start to allow the Lord to remove the layers (for often…deep wounds…family or church…wounds…take time to heal), we bottleneck the outpouring of His love in our own lives. And, that brings us to another point…
Is there someone reading this who needs to…forgive the Lord?

That happens, you know. It is not right, but it still may happen. I just heard about someone today that didn’t understand…why something had happened in their life. If that is you…don’t run from Him. Don’t stomp off and be mad, sulk, give up your faith . Would good will that do? It is most likely the enemy or human failing…that has caused your hurt.

 Though you may never know that until you run into His arms…talk honestly and listen honestly. Relying upon His unfailing Word and finding comfort in the fullness of His presence. 

Take it from one who knows…

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photo: Prepped in Pearls        

Shortcuts...

I…for one…really like shortcuts…

I have never liked taking the long way around the bend…the possibly more arduous route…the route that could meander and take time…or might cost me in some way.

“Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.” 
Luke 4:14

The start of our Savior’s ministry began with a temptation by His adversary, the devil…to take a shortcut. To bypass the beyond horrific agony of the cross and take authority over the world and its system. Jesus didn’t buy into these…lies…and neither should we.

Is there an area of life…that…well…taking a shortcut…instead of going God’s route…seems more appealing? An area of compromise…that will satisfy us for a moment…then leave us holding…ashes?

I had just such an area today. Maybe…that is why it is fresh on my mind. However…the Holy Spirit wins out. I want to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit…daily…I don’t want to miss Jesus’ outrageous adventures for me…I don’t want to miss being transformed into His image-bearer…or intimacy with Him.

Nope. I’m settling in for the scenery of the possibly longer path…He has never failed me. I don’t want to miss where He is taking me by settling…for less…for settling for a shortcut. Want to join me?

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photo: Wit and Delight 

Between the Commas...

There are some Bible passages you just have to read between the commas…

“…the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:18

Paul’s prayer for us found in Ephesians 1 is a place where reading between the commas…can change your life. Really.

The riches of the gospel of Jesus Christ are laid out for us in a few short words from Paul’s prayer here…and at the beginning of most of his letters of instruction.

Try it. Simply read the one verse above…savoring each phrase…between the commas. I believe the Lord has something to speak into your current situation(s)…just from these three phrases. Ponder His words to you in this moment. What applies to you? How is your heart…being moved…or wrecked for His glory?

Let’s slow down. Let’s savor God’s Word. Let’s read between the commas and...be transformed.

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photo: Beach Life