Philippians 4:11 NLT
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
How can we not live in joy if this was the way we look at our life?
Can I be so secure in my faith in God that I don’t need to defend my position when I feel threatened?
Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The armor of God is God’s Word, do I put this on every day?
Do I read the Bible consistent enough that I am protected by its promises?
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Can I be secure in my relationship with God, realizing that I don’t know all the answers, but I know He does, and if I only submit my heart to Him and obey that, He will be in front of me?
Psalm 139:23-24 NLT
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Do I have the courage, to be honest with myself?
Psalm 26:2 NLT
Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.
Can I live my life at this moment, being happy with who I’m with, realizing that the struggle in my heart is between God and me, not with those around me?
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
When I think about it, the most significant struggles I face are when I feel that I am due credit for something I have done that has not been acknowledged.
When I look at what I have and don’t feel like it is enough, I get nervous.
When the opinions of someone else threaten the things that I believe to be true.
When I start to struggle with these things, I have begun to look at them in the light of God’s Word.
One of the verses that have made the most impact on my life over the last couple of years has been Ephesians 6:12. “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies…”
When the Spirit revealed the weight of this verse on my heart, it gave me a completely different way of looking at others.
It helped me realize that I was at odds with God somewhere in my heart when I was at odds with other people. And that I need to work this out with God.
I didn’t need to be right; I need to submit my heart to God because everything outside of my thoughts, attitudes, and actions is in God’s hands. And I have no right to impart my will on things outside of me. I have no reason to think I am God.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word, and I thank You for Your promises.
I am in awe of the illuminating power of Your Word, and I pray that You continue to give me the desire to seek You out above all else.
I pray that my life is a beacon of hope to those around me and that what I think, my attitude, and what I do is done in a submitted way that glorifies You in every way.
I am thankful for Your grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray in His Holy Name, Amen !! 🙏❤️
