Armour

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We have a vicious enemy whose hatred for us is portrayed in Hamas, Isis, Hezbolla and the like. The way they brutalised the Jewish people and continue to seek their demise is a prime example. We Christians are not exempt. In parts of the world now it is us who Satan has turned against in force.

If we imagine we will escape we may be in for a shock. As most in the west live in reasonably safe countries we fail to grasp that the hatred is against us also.

In this chapter 6 of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he goes on to describe what our armour should be:

“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 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. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬, ‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Note verse 18 which I have included: ‘pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion’. Praying in tongues is praying in the spirit. When we pray in the Spirit we allow God’s Holy Spirit to pray through and for the needs He sees.

 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Amen!

The way

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

He is the only way. No other way solves life’s cries, problems, heartaches. Life is in Him alone, He holds me together, His way is best for my life.

Today I am away with friends at a holiday resort. We came to trek and view the Himalayas and did both. I am delighted that we all got on well.

The trek was through bushland, at various places there were alternative routes and no signage. Fortunately we chose the correct route. When we came out onto a main road a decision was made to go back the same way as it was very picturesque.

In life there appears many solutions to problems we face. However, only one is filled with life. Jesus is the only life worth living.

Today we have beautiful views of the Himalayas as we sit in bed with a cup of tea. Our glorious God made these and He senses our delight as we give Him praise.

Yesterday when walking through the bush my heart sang praise and I sensed His presence. He delights in what delights us. 

There is no other worthwhile way, no other saviour like our God. His life is worth all pain and suffering. Amen!

Workers please!

“He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Right now in Nepal it is harvest time. The rice is ready to be harvested, and so are the souls. A recent uprising of young people who are hungry for godly governance shows me the hunger for righteousness.

I am praying, daily, for harvesters to come into the harvest. I believe there are many young Nepali people who are Christians who need to mobilise into the filelds. They speak the language and know the culture. Us foreigners constantly need help with translation, they don’t. However, we have a part to play, currently my part is in prayer.

All nations need a release of the presence of God! Will you mobilise? Will you pray?

Rescuer

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I have to trust the Lord to be this for all those persecuted Christians who I pray for. I cannot deal with their persecutors other than to pray that they have a God encounter, which I do pray. However, I know my God will be close to them. 

The times that I have suffered my God has been close to me. Others may forsake me but He doesn’t. He is the God of comfort. He does not stop the trouble but He is great towards us who suffer. People may ask why He does not stop the trouble. He gave us the world and it is we humans who cause most of the trouble. However, He is close to us in our brokenness. He is good!

Jesus still had to suffer persecution and even crucifixion for a purpose, for us. If the Son of God had to suffer who are we to complain?

We can weep with those who weep and mourn with them, but we must pray for their comforter to come. He is so good! His presence has been greatest in my suffering, He will be in theirs. Amen!

Mighty hero

“The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This verse is taken from the story about Gideon. Israel was being persecuted and raided continually by the Midianites. Gideon was threshing wheat in a wine press, hiding from the enemies so that they could not steal his wheat. He does not appear to be any sort of hero to the reader.

What did God see in Gideon that he could not see? God could see his potential. What does God see in me or you? It is most probably something that neither of us can see.

My God has got me in Nepal learning the language and culture and learning to communicate. Last week I bought puppets to use in the schools I go to in Sindhulpalchok. I will use them to teach about trafficking. I want to warn the children about the dangers of trafficking. I have many good memories surrounding puppets. I know they are a hit with children and so I will use them, and bookmarks, to remind them, trafficking is bad and who to call for help. Now, I am almost 72. In my head I am 30ish, but my body defies me. 

My flatmates have gone to Tansen to their family. They are there for Monika’s treatment for a disease she is combating. I have had to communicate with my landlord and his family. It is good for me. 

Currently, my landlord and family are celebrating Tihar and last night they brought me some of their party food. They are having a lot of fun with fairy lights, crackers, paint, food and dancing.This appears to be the most enjoyable festival for them. 

I am grateful for the experience. I am grateful that I can live in Nepal and that God sees in me something worthwhile, the spirit of His Son and the willingness to do.

Grace is enough

“For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I am so grateful for grace! I am grateful for that which is given to me, but unfortunately, not so good at giving it, especially to friends who I find difficult. Yet, my God might find me difficult, if He judged in the natural, but He doesn’t because of Jesus. Jesus cleanses me from all sin. This I gratefully receive, not so generous in giving.

I am grateful that salvation is not based on my goodness. For the first 19 years of my life I strived to be good enough. However, goodness eluded me, it still does when I strive for it. Yet, when I accept that none is good no not one (Romans 3:23) and that I have goodness because of Jesus and His gift of the Holy Spirit, then to accept this, is enough.

The Holy Spirit has all I need. He is love, He is patient and kind and good. As I allow Him to dwell and control all is well. I do not have to run my life, I need to walk in obedience and trust Him! He knows the best way! Amen!

A clean heart

“Keep creating in me a clean heart. Fill me with pure thoughts and holy desires, ready to please you.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Huger for holiness and closeness to God can help create a clean heart. David knew closeness to God and when he sinned with Bathsheba he lost that closeness.

Sin separates us from God, but repentance brings us close. Knowing the depth of sin and recognising we are far from God brings us to repentance. Repentance heals the breach.

We can cultivate a clean heart by monitoring what we watch and read. We cannot be contaminated by worldly opinions. Worldly opinions are far from God, they are opposed to God, they are full of self. Godly opinions are full of God. A heart set on entertainment will not draw close to God. Entertainment is a god before God and must be dethroned, as is lust for food, alcohol, sex and having things.

God will have no other gods before Him! Be prepared for that! Amen!