Worship In Spirit and In Truth

 Need I say more...??

What is the Armor of God?

While there are times we forget this truth, but the world is a battlefield. Day by day, hour by hour, believers face a spiritual war and an enemy who is very real. This enemy wants nothing
more than to bring defeat and destruction, for his main goal is to steal, kill, and destroy. The forces of evil are ruthless, determined, and cunning.  The devil could care less if we "feel" prepared, or prayed up for our day.  In fact, he looks for our weaknesses and he preys upon them until we are broken. 

But, do not fear! God has given us his Word and Spirit, powerful and true, so we'll have the wisdom and protection to stand against the enemy. As I read these verses this morning, the reality struck me again that Paul wrote them while in chains, in prison. But Truth says - this enemy we face, no matter how cruel and vicious his schemes, can never chain our spirits that have been set free by Christ. Paul was not silenced by the attacks from dark forces. Neither should we be.

What is the Full Armor of God? 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:10-18)

The Belt Of Truth

The Believer's Integrity - A soldier in Paul's day had a leather girdle or belt that he tightened about his waist to protect his loins and carry his weapons of warfare, such as a dagger or sword. The belt also held his tunic together so it wouldn't be snagged. In Christian armor, it is the integrity that holds everything else together. If you do not have integrity in the big and small things of your life, you are going to lose the battle. Would people say that you are a woman or man of integrity? If not, then you cannot win the battle.

The Breastplate Of Righteousness

The Believer's Purity - The breastplate of a soldier was sometimes made of woven chain and used to cover the soldier's vital organs. For the Christian, the breastplate is righteousness.

The enemy wants to attack you not only with lies, but also with impurity. He wants you to read filthy magazines, watch immoral videos and movies, and engage in all temptations of the flesh. The bottom line is that Satan wants to get into your heart and mind. He's looking for a crack in your armor. And don't be fooled. Satan knows where that crack is. 

The Shoes Of Peace

The Believer's Tranquility - A Roman soldier's would have hobnails on the sole, very much like football cleats because when they were fighting they needed solid footing from which to move.

Unless you have a solid footing of peace, you can never make war. Sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it? When Satan comes against your tranquility, he throws out stones and briars of doubts and discouragement to cause you to stumble. Do you have peace right now? If not, then you cannot win the battle.

The Shield Of Faith

The Believer's Certainty - The Roman soldier's shield measured approximately two by four feet and was made of wood covered with leather. In that day, soldiers dipped arrows in oil, then lit them and shot them at the enemy. These shields were vital to protect the solider from getting burned.

Satan is going to fire flaming arrows of doubt at you. He wants to place subtle doubts in your mind about God and His Truth. He knows a spark can ignite a big fire. You will need to feed your faith and starve your doubts. Are there any seeds of doubt in your mind today? If there are, then you cannot win the battle.

The Helmet Of Salvation

The Believer's Sanity - A soldier used a helmet to protect his head because if his head was wounded, he wouldn't be able to think. Every believer needs to have the mind of Christ under the control of Almighty God.

When a person is saved, for the first time he has his right mind. A person with the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ has a form of insanity. They do not operate with the mind that God made them to have. The most important thing for you to have at all times is an assurance of your salvation. You cannot win the battle if you are not saved and have the Holy Spirit in your heart.

Sword of the Spirit

The Word of God  - When we are tempted, the most effective weapon that God has given to us as believers is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Jesus modeled this so beautifully during His temptation in the wilderness. When the devil tried temptation after temptation against Him, Jesus used the sword of the Spirit. Jesus spoke the Word of God to Satan. In Luke 4:1-13, Jesus responded, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord God only. Him only you shall serve.” and again brought the Scripture back into context, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”

The sword of the Spirit works. Memorize Scripture and use the Word of God to defeat Satan's lies and attacks.

God has a plan for our lives. The enemy has a plan for us too. We just have to decide which voice we’re going to listen to, and who we're going to choose to follow each day. And chances are, if we don't make a determined choice to follow God, we may eventually fall into the evil one’s trap. God gives specific instructions in his Word, he gives us all we need to stand strong in this life. Yet all too often we race through busy, full days, ill-equipped, unprepared, or simply not aware of what we’re up against, or who the real enemy even is. 

This is my body....the new covenant in my blood

 “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25) 

As Resurrection Day approaches, Christians across the globe are coming together
and rejoicing in our Lord and Savior. For most Christians, the Lord's Supper is one of the most sacred ceremonies performed. Partaking in the Lord's Supper draws us closer to Jesus and reminds us of His sacrifice so we will have eternal life. 

If you happen to be partaking in the Lord's Supper this Easter season, take a moment while accepting the bread and wine and give heartfelt thanks to our Lord. Rejoice with us as we celebrate the life and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has overcome death and walks beside us everyday. We rest during this season in the comfort and knowledge that through Christ we will experience everlasting life. 

What comforts do you feel when you bow your head and partake of the Lord's Supper? 

Feeling Isolated When Caring For An Ailing Parent

 I lie awake; I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop. (Psalm 102:7)

I must confess I did not realize how isolated I have become as I focus on caring for my mother and helping my daughter navigate this new chapter in her life. Plodding ahead with a sporadic text message sent here and there to those I once considered close friends; even my ride or die seemed to be out of reach.

My once bustling social life has ground to a halt and I push through each day without much outside interaction other than the pharmacist, the cashier, the stock boy, occasionally the girl at the bank and a friendly server at the local diner. 

Facing Hardship

Two days ago we had a storm blow through. A large tree limb fell in the backyard and the electric was out for about seven hours. Caring for my mom during the power outage took a lot of energy and when the lights finally flickered back on, it was time to head to bed. I was exhausted but Mom was wired and wanted to stay up longer. My daughter went to get a glass of water for Mom but no water came out of the faucet. 

At 10 o'clock at night I scoured YouTube for things to try to get the water flowing again. One not-so-helpful video suggested a plumber should be called, but another video said to check the well pump to make sure it was working. Bingo. Now, figuring out how to get the darn thing to work again...and coming from a woman who has never had to fix household problems before, this was a scary thing.

I sat at my desk searching for videos to show me things to try and pleading with the Lord to reach His
hand down and fix the well pump (He's the ultimate healer, why not be the ultimate handyman as well?!!). Coming across a short 30-second video, I thought well that doesn't seem so hard. So, I walked over the well pump and flipped a little switch up, holding it up for about 15 seconds. 

The little gauge on the tank jumped and I heard my daughter shout from upstairs. She came running down the stairs and asked anxiously what did I just do. Trepidation leapt into my heart and I thought I just blew something up with my Mr-Fix-It attempt. But, praise God, the water was running again! 

Even though it was now almost 11 o'clock at night, I wanted to share my triumph with my besties. After shooting off a text to my friends full of smiley faces and fun emojis, I finally got Mom into bed for the night and I caught some sleep. 

Facing Fears

My phone remained silent all through the next day and I didn't think much of it as I was busy trying figure out how to move the large tree limb that had fallen. After sending out a few calls for help and nobody being available to come, I pulled out my dad's electric chainsaw (I'm too intimidated by the gas-powered chainsaw). My dad was one of those guys who did not feel women needed to know how to fix things around the house or run a chainsaw (or a lawn mower). So, for me to even pick up a chainsaw was a big win. After plugging in the chainsaw, I walked over to the limb, said a prayer for safety and wisdom, and turned it on. 

I admit, it took longer to cut up that big limb than it should have, but I did it and was feeling ready to take on the world with my new-found abilities. After cleaning up, I picked up my phone and called one of my friends but the phone went to voicemail. I left a message and sent a text to a few other friends. 

My phone has still remained silent and it has left me sitting here evaluating actions over the last 8 years (my dad was diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago this past Christmas and he passed away six months later). When my dad first became sick and we were racing back and forth to treatments and then the hospital, friends were everywhere pitching in when needed and offering support with prayers, meals, and silly texts. 

Facing Isolation

After he passed and my mom's health issues began intensifying, there were a few friends who seemed to disappear but our support network still seemed strong. When we could not go to dinner with friends I would invite friends to the house. When a friend would call for help, I would find a way to lend a hand and they did the same when I needed help. 

However, through the years our support network keeps shrinking, whether through friends getting busy, older friends passing away (or developing health issues), or friends disappearing. The transition to isolation was so subtle I did not realize what was happening. I noticed that I was always the one reaching out to friends, inviting them to brunch, dinner, game night, or other activities. Invitations to events and activities stopped coming. 

Praising God

I don't mean to sound like I am whining or playing the "poor me" card. I just found it interesting (or sad) that personal relationships can fade in times of hardship. Isolation creeps in and you don't even realize it is happening. 

Learning how to reset a well pump or run a chainsaw may seem like little things to someone else, but to me they were milestones that I wanted to celebrate. But, when I looked around, those I wanted to celebrate with were no longer there. I know that the Lord is rejoicing with me and He is proud of me and that should be enough. But, there are times you want to hear someone say, "Good job."

Have you ever wanted to share good news or accomplishments only to realize you did not have anyone to call (or text)? 

Praise God for His Provisions -- Philippians 4:19

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:19

Therefore do not be anxious, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ~ Matthew 6:31

When we believe and praise the Lord, He will provide for our most basic needs. God is good and He is waiting for us to lift our hands and praise Him. Ask and He will answer (granted, sometimes you don't like His answer...but he still does answer!). 

I was broken two days ago on my knees sobbing to my Lord as my bills have been piling up since the end of my last big contract. I poured my heart out to my Lord and asked for His mercy. While crying out, I felt a warmth envelope me, and a sense of peace settled in my heart. After pouring out my heart, I was spent and did not feel like lifting my arms in praise. 

Picking myself up off the floor, I went about my day, caring for my mother and helping my daughter. After about two hours of laundry, house cleaning, and fetching things for my mom, my phone chimed with a notification of an incoming message. It was from a former client in need of a writer/editor. 

Hitting my knees again, I lifted my eyes and praised the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness. While some would say it was just a coincidence, I believe it was the Lord showing me that all will be well.

If you need further "proof"...an hour after that first notification came another message from a potential new client. The next day produced a phone call from another previous client in need of an editor for his new project. Hope has blossomed and I am so thankful to the Lord for His faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises!

What has the Lord done in your life lately? Feel free to share in the comments or drop me an email at prayersandpromisesministry@gmail.com.

Praise Him Even When Suffering -- Romans 5:3-5

 "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Lately, this scripture has been on my heart. When we are suffering, the last thing we want to do is rejoice; at least it is the last thing I feel like doing. When my joints ache and I can barely move without excruciating pain or when my heart is broken from losing someone I love, lifting my arms and rejoicing in my suffering takes a lot of effort. 

However, I know the Lord is with me and I am not walking through this alone. That brings me great comfort and I do rejoice and praise the Lord for His love and faithfulness to me. I am so unworthy of His love and comfort, but I am so thankful that He loves me (warts and all!). 

Last year, I unexpectedly lost a beloved pet. His name was Jacob and he was my baby, the apple of my eye, and my constant companion. He died at six years old from brain cancer. When Jacob passed, my grief was almost inconsolable. For weeks, I could barely function. My work suffered, my personal relationships were strained, and I avoided God (hid under the blankets and refused to talk with Him). 

One day I was sitting at my desk, staring at a blank Word document, trying desperately to 
focus my thoughts and pound out a stellar article for one of my clients. I honestly do not know how long I sat there. But, I felt a warm little body press against my leg. When I looked down, there was Jayden, my little Japanese Chin, staring up at me. Having lost his dad just a few weeks before, I did my best to not look at him. Jayden looks so much like his dad that most people cannot tell the two apart. 

I scooped Jayden up into my arms and buried my face in his soft fur. At that moment, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and a peace flood through my soul. The Holy Spirit brought such peace and understanding. The grief was not gone, but it was lessened and I could see there was much to be thankful for. 

When you are going through trials, and wondering when the suffering would end, raise your eyes to the heavens and thank the Lord for His love and blessings. Praise His name and use your trials to strengthen your relationship with the Lord! He will never leave you!!

Prayers for the United States and Her Government

 

During times of unrest and turmoil, people look for ways to help and find some stability. For Christians, hitting our knees and lifting our hands in prayer is the best way to calm our spirit. Here are a few prayers to get you started to lift our country and government and petition the Lord for safety, unity, understanding, and love.

Prayer for National Unity and Peace

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts for the blessing of our nation. We pray for the United States of America, that You would bind us together in unity despite our differences. Where there is division, bring reconciliation; where there is strife, bring peace.

Guide our leaders to govern with wisdom and integrity. Give them discerning hearts to know right from wrong and the courage to stand for truth. May they seek Your guidance in all decisions that affect the lives of those they serve.

Lord, heal our land and help us to be instruments of Your love and grace to one another. Remind us that we are first citizens of Your Kingdom, called to reflect Your character in how we engage with our nation and one another.

In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

Prayer for Wisdom in Leadership

Gracious God,

We lift up those who serve in positions of authority in our government—from local officials to those in the highest offices of our land. Grant them wisdom beyond their own understanding and discernment to navigate complex challenges.

We ask that You would shield them from corruption and self-interest, that they might serve with pure motives and genuine concern for the welfare of all people. Give them strength to withstand pressure and clarity to see beyond partisan interests to what truly benefits our nation as a whole.

May Your presence be felt in the halls of government, and may Your principles guide the formation of policies and laws.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Prayer for Justice and Compassion

Lord of Justice,

We pray for our nation, that it will be marked by fairness and compassion for all people. We ask that You work through our government to uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

Give our leaders hearts that break for those who suffer and minds that seek solutions to societal challenges. May the laws and policies of our land reflect Your character—defending the cause of the weak and granting opportunity to the disadvantaged.

Help us as citizens to be engaged in building a more just society, advocating for those whose voices often go unheard. Let Your Kingdom values shape our national priorities.

In the name of Jesus, who came to set the captives free, Amen.

Prayer for Protection and Security

Almighty God, our Shield and Defender,

We pray for Your hand of protection over the United States. Watch over those who serve in our military, law enforcement, and emergency services. Grant them courage in danger, strength in adversity, and wisdom in difficult situations.

Guide our national security leaders as they work to keep our nation safe. May they act with both prudence and compassion, balancing security concerns with respect for human dignity and international cooperation.

Lord, in a world often marked by conflict and uncertainty, help our nation to be a force for good, promoting peace and standing firm against tyranny and oppression.

In Your strong name, we pray, Amen.

Prayer for National Renewal and Blessing

Gracious Father,

We thank You for Your countless blessings upon our nation throughout its history. We acknowledge our dependence on You and ask for Your continued guidance and favor.

Bring spiritual renewal to our land. Awaken hearts to Your truth and love. May our churches be beacons of hope and transformation in communities across America.

We pray for our economy, our educational systems, our healthcare, and all aspects of national life. May they function with integrity and serve the common good. Give our government officials wisdom to steward our national resources responsibly for the benefit of current and future generations.

Remind us that true greatness comes not from power or wealth, but from serving one another in love as Christ served us. May we be a nation that honors You in word and deed.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.