October 31

Standing Firm - Clad in His Armor - Day 31

Clad in His Armor by SGLY Ministry

An Original Poem By Leona J. Atkinson ©2009

I am a soldier now, in the Army of God,
Committed for life to serve Him well.
I will stand firm and I will fight
The battle for heaven against hell.

I have the mind of Christ,
And the Helmet of Salvation is fixed upon my head.
It protects my thoughts both night and day,
I never remove it, even when I go to bed.

And because Christ dwells within my heart,
I know I am a child of God,
Therefore, I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness daily,
And my feet with the Gospel of Peace are shod.

I buckle the Belt of Truth firmly in place,
To keep me from believing what is untrue,
For it will show me the difference between true and truth,
And will always tell me what I can do.

The Shield of Faith is my protection,
Against whatever at me is hurled,
With it I can stand firm resisting the darts
Of the devil, self and the world.

Clad in God’s Armor, I can stand firm,
But using the Sword of the Spirit I can fight,
For it will bring me victory in all things,
Because God’s word is full of power and might.

So, run away satan, you’re a defeated foe,
And cares of this world, you can’t hold me back.
For I am an Armor clad child of God,
Always ready for any attack.

I abide with Christ and His words abide in me,
And in the Spirit I continually pray,
So I have His wisdom, boldness and strength
To live in His victory every day.

Based on Ephesians 6:10-18

Blessings to all of you daily as you: Stand firm–Stay alert–Stay focused--“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4

**********

Has Your Get-Up-and-Go Got Up and Gone? by Joyce Meyer

I have times when I get tired of doing what I am doing. We all do. No matter what your position is in life, there will be days when you will not feel like doing it. You might even go through a longer season in which you feel listless and uninterested in almost everything.

There may be underlying reasons that you will need to prayerfully search out, but often we just need to stir ourselves up and get going again. We need to do it purposely instead of waiting for a feeling to show up and motivate us to action again.

Gratitude helps me do that. When I recount all of my blessings, I am amazed at the goodness of God in my life. It makes me thankful, and that always stirs me up and makes life look brighter. Having great expectations also energizes and motivates me.

We don’t have to wait and see if something good happens in our lives; we can aggressively expect something good to happen. David indicated that if he failed to believe he would see the Lord’s goodness, it would affect him in a detrimental way. He said, [What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness... (Psalm 27:13 AMPC).

The third thing that energizes me is getting my mind off how I feel and on something I can do to be a blessing to someone else. When I do, it works every time. Before long, I find myself enthusiastic about life and excited to resume my service to the Lord.

Prayer Starter: Father, I want to live life to the fullest. I want to live with passion, zeal, and appreciation for every opportunity that You give me. Help me approach this day with enthusiasm and do everything as unto You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

**********

What is it like to be a Christian?

A 10 year old little girl was asked by another classmate, “What is it like to be a Christian?” The 10 year old little girl replied, “It’s like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then he cuts open the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. and then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.” Author Unknown

**********

The Pumpkin Patch Parable

The farmer loved to grow pumpkins. Each year he planted his pumpkin seeds. The seeds disappeared into the ground in neat rows and grew there in the dark until tiny green shoots slowly poked its way out of the soil.

Soon, long green vines stretched across the ground. Their leaves opened wide to catch the sun. Those tiny buds sprouted into little pumpkins.

Day by day the pumpkins grew. How different they all looked! Some were tall and lean. Some were short and round. Some were smooth and shiny, others had lumps and bumps.

Harvest time came at last. The farmer loved all of his pumpkins but chose only one to display for his neighbors to see on Halloween.

He carved a happy face, put a small light inside the pumpkin that made it glow and placed it on his porch. When people walked by they saw the smiling pumpkin and smiled right back.

The farmer turned a simple pumpkin into a simply glorious sight. In the same way, God offers His children the chance to be made new, full of joy and full of light shining like stars in a dark night.

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Adapted from the Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs

**********

Safe and secure in the light of God

Protection

I am safe and secure in the light of God.

When we were children, we may have turned to the adults in our lives for safety and assurance. Trusted parents, grandparents, or teachers who loved and supported us were there to keep us safe and free from harm.

As a child of God, I know I can turn to God for that same assurance. As I walk the path of life, I am never alone. God is with me and within me as my guiding light—a light that never dims or fades.

If ever I feel anxious or worried, I turn within to the light of God and know that I am divinely guided and protected. I move forward in the assurance that the light of God illumines my path and keeps me safe and secure.
Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous!—Daniel 10:19

Daily Word

**********

A Bible Devotion

Make Prayer A Habit

ROMANS 12:12 NRSV 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.

Prayer is a habit that, like every other good habit, must be developed.

You know you need to pray. You need God's help, His wisdom and His guidance. But you must persevere in prayer. The activities of life try to keep you from praying. So persevere!

LUKE 21:36 BBE 36 But keep watch at all times with prayer, that you may be strong enough to come through all these things and take your place before the Son of man.

In communing with God, you gain strength that comes in no other way. You find the wisdom and courage to face life and overcome.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:17-18 ICB 17 Never stop praying. 18 Give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.

Learn to always include God in your thoughts. Ask Him about everything. Cultivate your relationship by continual communication. And one of the most important things for you to communicate to God is your gratitude. Thank God for everything.

Don't relegate prayer to just when you're on your knees. As you go about your activities, include God by constant communion with Him.

Talk to God about everything!

SAY THIS: Lord, help me to develop the habit of continual communication with you.

**********

Today’s Scripture: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glorify to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

You are An Example

You are God’s representative in this earth. When you follow the Word of God and allow Him to work in your life, you are letting your light shine. When you are good to people and show them kindness, even when they don’t deserve it, you are shining your light. When you smile and keep a good attitude, even when things don’t go your way, you are setting an example so that people will glorify God in heaven.

Notice this Scripture says, “they will see your good works.” People aren’t impressed by our knowledge or what we say; people are drawn to God by our good works. Today, ask the Lord to show you ways to share His goodness with others. Look for opportunities to let your light shine everywhere you go—at home, at work, in the grocery store, at the gym. There’s always an opportunity to be an example of God’s goodness!

A Prayer for Today: “Father, thank You for choosing me to be Your representative. Show me how to let my light shine. Help me be an example of Your love and grace everywhere I go in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Joel Osteen

**********

A Bible Devotion

Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled

JOHN 14:1 NIV 1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

Because Jesus told us to NOT LET our hearts be troubled, it means we can do it. Jesus would never tell us to do something that was impossible for us to do.

JOHN 14:27 NIV 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

JOHN 16:33 NIV 33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

As this verse indicates, believers are not exempt from trouble in this world. But Jesus the Victor is always with us to lead us into victory, no matter what we may face.

PROVERBS 4:23 NLT 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

ISAIAH 26:3 NLT 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

The information you feed into your consciousness determines what you believe.

If your heart is troubled, it means you are looking at, and feeding in, the wrong information.

What you feed on, listen to, and watch is important.

Look to God and His Word. Refuse to doubt God's never-failing love and provision.

SAY THIS: I will not allow my heart to be troubled, but I will trust in Jesus.

******************************

Bible Verses

But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. – Jeremiah 10:10

*****

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him …” Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

*****

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

*****

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)

*****

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. — Matthew 5:5

*****

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

*****

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

******************************

Prayers

Prayer to Live this Day with God

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank you that I can see or hear your Word this morning. Let me give thanks all day for what I have, especially your eternal love, and forgive me this day when I go astray, by my thoughts or actions; my only aim is to please you, to know and do your will. Guide my every step.

Help me to live this day with wisdom and discretion so that I may not fall short of your glory. Protect me from danger, both in the world and in my attitude. Give me the gift of a clear mind, that I might hear the quiet voice of your Spirit. Help to massage away resentments and blame for things gone by, that would eat my energy and poison my mind; but instead, help me to look to the moment, to what I can do, to work for the future. And let me never become frustrated where I lack control of events, for you are in charge, not me; and I put my entire faith in your power, your knowledge, your plan for humanity.

Your are my leader and my coach, Lord. I am on your team. Help me to keep this in mind for just today, in Christ's name I pray, Amen.

*****

Prayer to Treat Others Well

Father, thank you for bringing me into your family. May I never disappoint you in the way I treat others. Teach me to show love, patience, and acceptance to all who come to me; let me show peace of soul and firm conviction that your will governs all. And I pray that others may see in me the qualities of character that can only be attributed to your presence in my life. Make my life a window for your light to shine through and a mirror to reflect your love to all I meet. To you be the glory and the honor, forever and ever, through Jesus my Lord. Amen.

*****

I dedicate this day to you, mighty God. I pray that your Spirit will lift me up this day, and that your face may shine upon me all the day long, that I might do your will and lead a new life in Christ, reborn in the Spirit. Amen.

*****

Lord, we give thanks for all that the earth has given in recent months, and we give thanks, too, for all the work of human hands. As the land lies fallow, at rest, remind us of our need to keep a healthy balance in our lives each day. Amen

*****

Lord Jesus, You are my everliving and everloving Savior, I thank You that You never sleep and that You have protected me by Your mighty hand through the night.

Open my eyes to see the blessings that You have prepared for me today. For the love of friends which will enrich this day, I thank You. For the ability to work and to serve others, I praise You. For the gifts to be granted me this day, I honor You.

Keep me firm in faith, watchful in temptation, humble in my successes, and joyful in the face of afflictions, for Your names sake. Without You I can do nothing, but I can do all things through You, who strengthens me.

Help me today to bear clear witness to the hope begotten in me by Your resurrection from the dead. Grant me Your Holy Spirit that I may be dead to sin and alive to holiness. Use me today to bring Your Gospel to some persons who are like sheep without a shepherd, so that they may learn to know You, the Good Shepherd, and find in You rest and peace for their souls.

Lead me in the paths of righteousness this day, Lord Jesus, for Your name’s sake. Amen.

*****

Lord, be with us this day,
Within us to purify us;
Above us to draw us up;
Beneath us to sustain us;
Before us to lead us;
Behind us to restrain us;
Around us to protect us.

(Patrick c389-461)

*****

O Lord, we ask that you would strengthen us with your Holy Spirit, that we may faithfully fulfill our vocation without fraud or deceit; and that we may seek to follow your holy order, rather than satisfy our greedy emotions or desire to gain. And if it pleases you, O Lord, to prosper our labor, give us a mind also to help those in need. And knowing that all good things come from you, give us humility before our neighbors. Do not let us lift ourselves up above those who have not received so generous a portion. And if it pleases you to try and grow us by greater poverty and need than we would desire, grant us grace to know that you will nourish us continually through your generous love. --John Knox

*****

“A Prayer For Spiritual Freedom”

Father, thank You for making the gift of salvation available to whosoever believes. You break every fetter and set our souls free from the sin laden chains that bound and enslaved us. We are no longer held captive to sin but we are now joint heirs with Christ. Our pilgrimage is long and the way is rugged; there are times when we become discouraged and even want to give up. But we press on by keeping our eyes on the prize of the high calling we have in Christ Jesus. We don’t go by feelings nor are we swayed by other’s opinions or their failings. Keep us hungering and thirsting for more of You so that we remain steady in our Christian walk and undeterred by the daily temptations and hindrances the devil hurls at us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

*****

Let those who fear the Lord say: "His love endures forever." When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 118:4–6, NIV

Lord our God, dear Father in heaven, we thank you. How often you rescue us from all fear and distress! How often you hear and answer us! Grant that our hearts may always be eager and joyful because you answer us. There is nothing else for us in this world; you are our one hope, our only hope. You alone can help our times, help the nations, help each person. Nothing else matters to us. Lord our God, for the rest of our life on earth you alone are our help, our comfort, and our strength. Amen.

*****

Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Grant me the wisdom to understand that if I want change in my life I must first look to myself.

*****

Dear Father, Thank you for this beautiful day. As I breath in the fresh air, please help me never forget that each day is a gift.