Friday, October 31, 2014

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!!

Home
Linking with
So many WONDERFUL blogfriends 
to discover here!
and


Thank you for dropping by!
You are appreciated!
Patsy

5 comments:

  1. What a wonderful reminder about God's word. Thank you and sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Patsy, sorry to hear about the lost of your mother. Thank you for always sharing words and art that point one back to our loving God.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I don't think we can ever truly move past the death of a parent - especially Mom. My heart aches for you, Patsy. Your faith is such an encouragement to others, and most of all, the strength and comfort YOU need. Thanks for all that you share, and may God continue to richly bless you as you serve Him through your art and your works.
    Blessings,
    Karen
    Word Art Wednesday

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sorry for your loss...

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the armor art! You are such an inspiration. I love visiting your blog and all its awesome inspiration... Glad to see you smile while visiting your mom's grave.... :)
    xox, Crystelle
    CrystelleBoutique

    ReplyDelete

I am so glad you dropped by! You are a blessing!
:^) Patsy