Advent Day 23, the Gift of Weaponry, the Helmet of Salvation

Posted on by richlyspeaking

December 23, 2011

The Gift of Weaponry, the Helmet of Salvation 

This Advent Daily Devotional is focusing on the gifts God gives us, as uncovered in the book of Ephesians.

The next piece of armor covers your head.  We’ve covered our feet with peace, surrounded our waist with truth, and have protected our heart with the grace of Jesus. We have lifted high the shield of faith and have been reminded that God is always closer to us than the enemy.

Next: Ephesians 6:17 “the Helmet of Salvation.”  You are saved from your head to your toes.   Be wise, wear a helmet!  Protect your mind.

In the past 20 years or so, helmets have become a standard part our daily routine.  When I learned to ride a bicycle, I never wore a helmet.  And I had an accident or two… maybe that’s why I’m the way I am?  But now, you wouldn’t think of teaching your child to ride a bike without first wearing a helmet.  Why even cowboys and bull riders are wearing helmets instead of cowboy hats.    Why?  Because they work!  They protect your head.  They keep you safe.  Have you read recently of all the research and technology put into the new NFL football helmets?  There are molded shells and something called TPU padding.  There is a lot of science going into protecting players’ heads. They’ve come a long way from the leather-heads of the early days of football. 

Construction workers, athletes of all types, soldiers, firefighters… all wear helmets.  Whether they look cool or not, they protect your head.    

So, Paul says here, make sure you know everyday that your salvation saves you, protects you, keeps you in the game… keeps you mentally alert.

And how do you get your salvation?  That’s the same question the Roman jailer asked Paul and Silas.  Their answer? “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31 (NCV)

And think about Paul’s words in Romans as it relates to transforming our mind, which is the key central point in all our decision making.  How do you know what God’s will is? “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)  How do you renew your mind? By transforming your thinking.  And how do you transform your thinking?  By meditating on God and His word and His promises for you.

The infant Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means “House of Bread.”  Fascinating that the One who said in John 6:35 “I am the bread of life” was born in the House of Bread!  Feed on His words.  Transform your mind.  Defeat the enemy.

Keep your head and your thoughts protected.  Keep it safe.  Wear a helmet! His helmet of salvation.

Father God, thank you for the gift of protection for my mind.  Thank you for your word which renews my thinking.  May I dwell on you and your thoughts today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

© 2011. Rich Ronald

Advent Day 22, The Gift of Faith

Posted on by richlyspeaking

December 22, 2011

The Gift of Weaponry, the Shield of Faith

This Advent Daily Devotional is focusing on the gifts God gives us, as uncovered in the book of Ephesians.

And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. (Ephesians 6:16, NCV)

What an interesting picture this is!  First of all, when I think of Roman soldiers and their shields, I think of them using the shield to protect against swords and maces, in hand-to-hand combat, not flaming arrows.  Think about flaming arrows… they must be shot at you at quite a distance, right?  I think that is good news, even great news!  If you are child of Christ, if you have any faith in Him — yes, there IS a battle going on — but know that you are ALWAYS closer to Jesus than you are to Satan.   Let me say that again: you are always closer to Jesus than you are to the enemy.  You will supernaturally be protected by the closeness of God. 

What is faith?  Hebrews 11:1 says: Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. (CEV)

Hold up that faith shield.  Believe in what you can’t see, and in doing so, you will see God in a real way.

If you are a new creation in Christ, then you are born of God, you are a child of God.  Look at the reference to “faith” in 1 John:

Everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world—our faith. So the one who conquers the world is the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 (NCV)

So… our faith… your faith… conquers the world!  What a great gift! 

And that fits right in with Jesus own words: “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.”  John 16:33 (NCV)

Use this gift this Advent to help you defeat the enemy and the lies he throws at you.  Deflect them with your shield of faith.

Father God, thank you for the gift of faith.  Would you please increase my faith in you?  Would you help me use this gift to defeat the enemy?  And thank you that you are always closer to me than Satan.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

© 2011. Rich Ronald

Advent Day 19, The Gift of Weaponry, the Belt of Truth

Posted on by richlyspeaking

December 19, 2011

The Gift of weaponry, the Belt of Truth 

This Advent Daily Devotional is focusing on the gifts God gives us, as uncovered in the book of Ephesians. 

There are many great kernels of wisdom parents can pass along to their children.  One of my favorites: “A half truth is a whole lie.”  It’s important that children learn to tell the truth, right?   Truth is at the core of the judicial system.  Think about the vow that someone takes when testifying in a court of law.  They agree to “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

So, how significant is it then that the first piece of weaponry, of armor, that Paul writes about in Ephesians Chapter 6 is the encouragement to put on “the belt of truth.”?  The truth is the leading weapon used to defeat the enemy!

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. (Ephesians 6:14, NIV).

Circle yourself with truth. Don’t mess with the half-truths of the world. Don’t buy the lies of Hollywood and Madison Avenue. 

I’m reminded of another piece of advice from Paul.  Philippians 4:6 says: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  

A good start to defeating the enemy is to not fool around with the father of lies!  

The belt… it wraps around your center of gravity… it is the physical center of who you are.  Let your life be balanced with the truth.  Let it be your spiritual center, too. Surround yourself with the truth and people who are people of truth and who will be ones who speak truth into your life.  Let every part of you be enveloped with truth.

The truth is weapon Number One to defeat the attacks of the enemy.  When you may be confused or unsure, get the facts.  Get to the truth.  Who is the truth? Jesus is the truth.  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NIV)

Open your eyes, open your hands and receive the Gift of Truth this Advent.

Father God, thank you for the Gift of Truth.  May I circle every area of my life with it.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.