Fight the Good Fight

~ Hello Sweet Friends ~

As we share in fellowship one with another

~ even in our blogging community ~

we often hear of our dear friends

going through a spiritual battle.

Thankfully, our spiritual armor is to be used

in a war that has already been won

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We praise you Jesus for the victory!

~~~***~~~

Paul, in the book of Ephesians

provides believers with a self-defense course

found in chapter 6: 10-18,

and Jesus will equip us with all six

dimensions of our spiritual armor.

He is our truth, our righteousness,

our peace, the object of our faith,

the source of our salvation, and

the living Word of God.

When we "put on" Jesus Christ 

(Romans 13:14 & Galatians 3:27)

we are protected by the only person

Satan has never defeated.

That should cause us, as Christians, to stand strong

in the midst of this ever-present,

but unseen spiritual battle field.

We as believers, need ALL the armor

that God has provided.

It is up to us to put it on and make it useful.

We can't just read about it in God's Word,

we must prepare ourselves ~

we must be armed and ready ~

we must be strong in the Lord ~

and in the power of His might ~

so that we will be able to stand against 

the wiles of the devil. (verse 10&11)

Satan will use many tactics to defeat us ~

but we do not have to live a defeated life ~

not if we do as verse 13 instructs us to do;

"Take up the whole armor of God."

Dear friends, we must wear it all!

* This is our self-defense course *

Put on the belt of Truth (verse 14)

Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44)

and he cannot stand against the Truth.

Jesus said "I am the...Truth." (John 14:6)

Victory in spiritual warfare starts with Truth.

Be in the Word, know it and use it

to fight Satan off!

***

Put on the breast plate of righteousness (verse 14)

The breast plate guards our heart.

It protects the spiritual life of a Christian.

Our righteousness comes from Christ, not ourselves. (Philippians 3:9)

***

Make sure your feet are protected

by the gospel of peace (verse 15)

The peace in which we have through Jesus Christ

gives us security in the face

of Satan's accusations. (Philippians 4:7)

Satan loves to accuse us, doesn't he?

Praise God for the peace we have

through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

***

Put on the shield of faith (verse 16)

 Our faith in God's promises

deflects and extinguishes the lies of Satan.

(Proverbs 30:5 & John 5:4)

I love that!
 There are times when I am going through a battle,

and at those times I will sing,

"Standing on the promises of God, my Savior."

If we just quote Scripture ~ out loud if necessary ~

the enemy will flee.

Remember ~ he hates Truth!

The only weapon for offense is the Word of God.

 Put on the helmet of salvation (verse 17)

The armored helmet protects our brain.

Since the primary battlefield in the spiritual warfare

is in the Christian's mind and we have that assurance

of Salvation it will defeat those doubts 

that Satan uses to attack us. (John 10:28)

This is an excellent verse to hide in our heart

when doubts arise concerning our Salvation,

which brings us to the sword of the Spirit, 

the Word of God.

~ Sweet friends ~

It is a must for victories to be won

 that we carry our sword. (The Bible)

There will be specific battles that we will encounter

and when we are in the Word and use it

we will be able to sing the victory song!

Hallelujah Jesus!

***

We can't stop here!

Verse 18 is very important;

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication

in the Spirit, and watching thereunto

with all perseverance and supplication

for all saints."

Supplication: Asking earnestly and humbly.
We need to be on our knees in prayer
not only for ourselves,
but for our brother's and sister's in Christ.

In the Old Testament times when there was a war

and the armies of Israel fought in their own strength,

they always lost.

But when they cast themselves upon God's mercy,

victory always followed.

Without Christ we can do nothing! (Philippians 4:13)

So ~ Put on Christ ~ Be ready ~ and fight the good fight!

~~~***~~~

Our Precious Heavenly Father.
Thank you for Ephesians 6
which instructs us in how to be prepared
for the spiritual battles that come into our lives.
Help us to claim Your promise;
"that we are more than conquerors through You,
who loves us."
Amen.

Grace & Peace
~ Debbie ~

*I want to thank my dear grandson for allowing me the usage of his armored man* 
*And thank you, dear Stephanie for taking the photo shots* 
 ~
I joining in with
Roses of Inspiration

Grace and Reflections for a Women's Heart #3

~ A Look into Proverbs ~

"For the Lord giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
(Proverbs 2:6)

~~~***~~~

Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God
given to show us the value
of living prudently ~ or to be cautious.

~~~***~~~

"Do not be wise in thine own eyes;
fear the Lord and depart from evil."
(Proverbs 3:7)

~~~***~~~

There is good reason for this verse ~
those who are wise in their own eyes
will NOT seek the wisdom of God;
instead, they think they have it already.
Whoa unto us!
Pride begins in elevating oneself
in ones "own eyes."
Romans 12:16 ~ instructs us to;
"Be of the same mind one toward another.
mind not high things,
but condescend to men of low estate.
Be not wise in your own conceits."


~ MAY WE STOP AND TAKE HEED TO THAT ~

Jesus associated with people in society
from all walks of life,
especially those with whom the high and mighty
wouldn't dare associate.
As our example of unity, He was comfortable
with everyone-even the outcast and sinners.

~~~***~~~

"Fear the Lord." The fear of the Lord speaks
of true, saving faith.
Job 28:28 ~ tells us;
"And to man He said,
Behold, the fear of the Lord,
that is wisdom,
and to depart from evil is understanding."
Job concludes in this verse that wisdom is to fear,
or reverence God.
Because of our love for God
we should desire to honor Him.
We should have a proper and respectful attitude
towards Him and seek Him in humility.
This fear should drive us to
righteousness and cause us to
"depart from evil."
Departing from evil is what brings us to
repentance ~ a change of heart ~ and a change of direction.

~~~***~~~

May we as women, grace our lives
in the purity found in the Word of God,
seeking Him for all wisdom.
May we walk after Jesus as our example of unity
looking to the needs of others
in His honor.
May our love for God drive us to
a closer walk with Him.

 Grace & Peace be yours
in Abundance!
~ Debbie ~

Christ's Peace

Hello Dear friends!

One day last week my heart was anxious,

and if I were to pin point as to why

I'm really not sure I could,

I was just anxious.

As I started into my daily activities

I felt as though I needed some extra "quiet time"

spent with the Lord.

I sat down in my cozy chair
opened the Word of God again,

 then prayed a prayer asking God

to meet me in and through His word

so as to calm my anxious heart,

covering me with His peace.

My God was faithful!

I was led of the Lord to read John chapter 14,

and by the time I was finished reading and studying

I had the peace of God dwelling within my heart.

Jesus is the Master of ALL our situations,

and He enables us to take control of our lives

(even our anxious moments)

as we surrender to Him

and receive His peace.

~~~***~~~

While reading chapter 14 of the book of John,

I was reminded of the ministry

of the Holy Spirit. The one thing that God

kept pressing upon my heart was found in verse 27.

"Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid."

~~~***~~~

God through the Holy Spirit began to pour

His peace upon me.

My anxious heart began to relax as I meditated

on not only verse 27 but all of chapter 14.

God was reminding me through the Scriptures

that He would NEVER leave me,

and that I need NOT be afraid.

God was also reminding me that He,

through the Holy Spirit,

was my "Helper," that He would "come along side" of me

 as my helper~teacher~guide and encourager. (Verse 16)

~~~***~~~

I then began to search my heart...

What was I so anxious about?

Was there a situation that was bothering me?

Was there sin in my life that I needed to confess? (1 John 1:9)

Question after question I laid at the Masters feet

waiting as the Holy Spirit began to reveal

my anxieties.

Again~My God was faithful!

I laid my burdens down at the foot of the cross,

the burden I was trying to carry...

I confessed my sin praying Psalm 51

as David had prayed, and said,

"Against You, You only, have I sinned." (Psalm 51:4) 

"My heart was washed clean" (Psalm 51:2)

"My spirit was renewed" (Psalm 51:10)

And "my joy was full". (John 15:11)

In quietness and confidence

I met with Jesus,

and in His faithfulness He met with me

right where I was,

in need of His love and grace.
Often times we try and carry those burdens which trouble us
only to find we are weak in our own strength.
God has promised to carry those loads for us
if we would only surrender them to Him
and receive His peace. 
When we call upon the name of the Lord,
He is faithful!

~~~***~~~

Thank you Heavenly Father,

for Your faithfulness to us.

Thank you for Your Word that teaches us

how to live in every area of our lives.

Draw us close to Thee,

that we might know You more

through the Scriptures,

bringing honor and glory to Your Holy name.

Amen.

Grace & Peace

~ Debbie ~ 
~
Sharing with
Roses of Inspiration

Grace and Reflections for a woman's heart # 2

~ A look into Proverbs ~

"For the Lord giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
(Proverbs 2:6)
~~~***~~~
Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God
given to show us the value
of living prudently ~ or to be cautious.
~~~***~~~
"She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
(Proverbs 31:26)
~~~***~~~
This woman's words are graced with 
wisdom, kindness and love.
That is a requirement for being a virtuous woman,
one that I believe we all desire to be.
As hard as it may be 
we must be careful how we speak to others.
Many times our human response is to react
with quick and foolish words
that we know we will eventually regret.
Only when it is too late
do we stop to consider the effect our words had on someone.
~~~***~~~
Let it be our prayer that we 
stop, think and consider our words
before we open our mouths.
Let us look to the Lord, asking Him 
to put words of wisdom, kindness and love
on our tongues, that we may build others up
instead of destroying them. 
I believe we have all been eyewitnesses
to some damage that has been done
through the tongue.
Gossip ~ slander ~ hostility ~ cursing ~ and put-downs
are just a few of the things that spew out of our mouths.
Over 150 times Proverbs refers to
our lips our mouth and our tongue. WOW!
~~~***~~~
May we as women grace our lives
in the purity found in the Word of God,
and openeth our mouths with wisdom.
May there be a sweetness that spews out
touching the heart of the one whom we are speaking to.
~~~***~~~

Grace & Peace be yours
In Abundance!
~ Debbie ~ 
~
Sharing with
The Art of Home-making Monday's 

Grand-Parents ~ God's gift to the next generation

My husband & three of our grandsons

"The hoary head is a crown of glory,

if it be found in the way of righteousness."

(Proverbs 16:31)

"Even when I am old and gray ~ do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your might to all who are to come.

(Psalm 71:18 ~ Paraphrased) 

~~~***~~~

The desire and prayer of my heart is found in (Psalm 71)

As a grand-mother I want to be found faithful

showing forth God's righteousness

and His salvation ~ all my days. (Psalm 71:15)

That my mouth would be filled with 

the praise of God to His honor ~ all my days. (Psalm 71:8)

That I will hope continually in my God

who is faithful to His Word ~ all my days. (Psalm 71:14)

Knowing that the joy of the Lord shall fill my heart

as I rejoice and sing unto Thee ~ all my days. (Psalm 71:23)  

~~~***~~~

As mothers we have Godly responsibilities

to teach and train up our children in the way of the Lord.

But those responsibilities carry on into being a grand-mother,

except those roles change a bit.

As grand-mothers God continues to use us

but we must be careful not to usurp our grandchildrens

mothers rightful place.

There are boundaries that we as grand-mothers

need to respect and we can be sure that 

  God will enable us with grace and beauty

to be all that He has called us to be.

~~~***~~~

My dear husband and I had the joyous privilege

of having our oldest daughters three sons

stay with us over part of their Christmas vacation.

We had a blast!

Our days were filled with

some great activities.

Sledding ~ snowmobiling ~ skiing/snowboarding ~ walks ~ 

stacking firewood ~ cooking together at mealtimes ~ 

but most importantly sitting around the Word of God

with character building lessons,

and the sharing of the Gospel

leading all three boys to the Lord in salvation.

~~~***~~~

God would have us to speak with

wisdom and faithful instruction in the lives

of our precious grand children.

My husband and I have made the decision

to live as believers of Jesus Christ,

and we desire to have our grand children follow that path also. 

God gives us the soil ~ our grand children

and the seed ~ the Word of God.

The responsibility is ours when they

are in our care and presence to plant

and nurture the seed in the soil

allowing it to take root and multiply.

~~~***~~~

(Psalm 71:15) ~ Instructs us to

"show forth God's righteousness, and His salvation,

all the day, for I know not the numbers thereof."

In my own words;

We are to continue on for Christ in our old age.

We are to take heed to God's Word,

lest we loose our grand children to the world.

We are to teach them as Deuteronomy 6 instructs.

"To love the Lord thy God

 with all their hearts ~ souls ~ minds.

We are to talk of them whenever we are sitting ~

walking ~ lying down ~ and rising up."

As grand-mothers ~ may we, 

like Timothy's grand-mother Lois,

be found faithful instructing our

grand children in the Scriptures. (2 Timothy 1:5)

~~~***~~~

Our Precious Heavenly Father.

We come before Your throne 

singing forth the honor of Your name,

with all praise and glory

for Your goodness to us

in all that You have called us to do.

May You find us faithful.

Amen.

Grace & Peace
~ Debbie ~

Grace and Reflections for a Woman's heart #1

~ A look into Proverbs ~

 I was reading one verse from Psalms and Proverbs
every day of the week last year
and the Lord richly blessed my heart 
through His Word.
I would then look deeper into those verses
to find out just what God was wanting me to know.
  Then ~ I would go before the Lord in prayer
 asking Him to apply His Truths to my life.
I was so encouraged that I wanted to share them with you as well.
One day a week I would love to share with you
words of wisdom from the book of Proverbs.
May your hearts be as blessed as mine has been. 
~~~***~~~ 
"For the Lord giveth wisdom:

out of his mouth cometh knowledge & understanding."

(Proverbs 2:6)

Proverbs contains the very wisdom of God

given to show us the value of living

prudently ~ or to be cautious.

~~~***~~~

"Keep thy heart with all diligence;

for out of it are the issues of life."

(Proverbs 4:23) 
~~~***~~~
The term heart in the Bible generally refers
to the innermost part of life.
It is the decision-making center,
the source of motives,
the seat of the passions,
and the center of the conscience.
"For out of the abundance of the heart
the mouth speaketh."
(Matthew 12:34b)
This verse has a flip side to it.
Whatever is on the inside will eventually come out,
whether good or bad. (Matthew 12:35)
If a person has a dirty heart,
he cannot produce purity in his life.
Likewise, if the heart is stayed on the Lord,
it will be seen on the out side eventually. 
~~~***~~~
If you think angry thoughts, angry words are sure to follow.
If you dwell on your problems they will soon overwhelm you.
If you give way to worry don't be surprised when worry gets you down.
If you focus on how others misunderstand you, you will soon become angry & bitter.
~~~***~~~
If you focus on the truth you will speak the truth.
If you seek out lovely things your life will be lovely to others.
If you dwell on the right the wrong will seem less attractive to you.
If you look for virtue you will find it.

~~~***~~~
May we as women grace our lives
in the purity found in the Word of God.
May we focus on those things which are pleasing unto the Lord
and act upon what we know to be true,
bringing glory to our Precious Savior.
~~~***~~~ 

Grace & Peace be yours
in Abundance!
~ Debbie ~
 ~ 
Linking up with:
The Art of Home-making Monday's