Paint Party Friday: God's Armor

 This is what Saint Paul prayed for the people of Philippi: 

"That your love may increase, grow, 

abound more and more in knowledge, depth of insight, 

discernment, judgement, and every kind 

of perception so that you may be able 

to approve that which is excellent, 

that which is best, pure and 

blameless, what is of value..." (Phil. 1:9-10)

We are indeed blessed if we witness real love in action. 

It is very seldom that we see it on TV or in the movies. 

It is sad that many people are governed by the counterfeit love 

that seeks happiness for themselves, 

and not the kind of love that brings joy. 

Saint Paul was able to write about joy a lot, 

even while he was in prison!

 In St. Paul's prayer, it is apparent that 

when our love for God and others increases, 

so does our wisdom and discernment. 

We will be able to sense 

"what is vital and prize what is excellent and of real value" 

(Amplified Bible). 

Wisdom is seeing things through the eyes 

of the giver of wisdom, God Himself. 

To see life, people, situations from God's perspective. 

To see others as they truly are- God's children, God's beloved. 

To have a depth of insight into God's heart.

Seems impossible? 

If we want to know how a person thinks, 

who he cares about, what should we do? 

SPEND TIME with them. 

That is the only way we can know what is important to God.

"Dear friends, let us love one another...for God is love." 

1 John 4:7-8

 "Put on the whole armor of God, 

that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil... 

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, 

and having put on the breastplate of righteousness... 

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, ...

and take the helmet of salvation, 

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." 

Ephesians 6:10-20

Why do we need God's armor? 

If we believe the Bible and I do, 

it's because there are unseen forces doing battle against us. 

Many people don't believe in the existence of the devil. 

It's like he is something we outgrow, 

like a child's plaything. 

But Jesus believed the devil existed, didn't He? 

And He battled against the devil with what? 

God's Word, which is, in this verse, 

the Sword of the Spirit.

A soldier uses a sword not only to defend himself 

but also to expand his territory and 

to take over the enemy's position. 

So it is necessary not only to read and hear God's Word, 

but we should also know how to use it. 

The way Jesus wielded the Word of God was 

He had it with Him. It was in His heart. 

Imagine if Jesus was in the wilderness with Satan, 

"If you really are the Son of God, 

tell the stones to become bread!" 

(Matthew 4:3), 

and Jesus had to search the scriptures for His parry!!! 

That would be the same as a soldier going to battle 

without his sword, without his armor!

So let's try to put God's Word in our hearts, 

and again, trust in the promises of God: 

"Submit yourselves to God. 

Resist, stand against the devil, 

and he will flee from you." James 4:7

Yesterday we went to visit my mom's grave.

It's been 8 months since she left us to go 

to her Father's house.

How we miss her!

The only consolation is she is is now

free from any pain or tears.

Till we see each other again, mommy!

We love you very much!!

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Patsy