FEBRUARY,  2010

From.

Joyce Felske

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Text Box: Dear Friends, Over the past six months we have been learning about the armor God has provided His people in order to win in spiritual battles. We have learned about the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace on our feet, the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. All these are defensive parts of our armor by which we are saved from the attacks of the Enemy. But there is an offensive weapon — the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. So let’s begin how to use this last weapon. First let’s look at the “word” of God as the “saying” of God. To use a military analogy, think of the whole Bible as an armory where the military stores various weapons until they are needed in a war. The sayings of God, stored in the Bible (the armory) are our weapons of warfare. Therefore, the Bible is the armory in which are stored the swords of the Spirit — the sayings, or truths, of God. However, let’s remember that the Bible is the Word of God because it contains the Word of God. In Ephesians 6:17 Paul called the Word of God, “the sword of the Spirit.” The Greek word he used refers to a dagger anywhere from six to eighteen inches long. It was carried at the soldier’s side and used in hand-to-hand combat. This sword is not a broadsword that you flail around, hoping to do some damage. It is incisive; it must hit a vulnerable spot to be effective. We have a divine sword with certain qualities. First, God’s Word is infallible. It has no mistakes. It was written by God and is faultless, flawless, and without blemish. The Bible is also inerrant. It contains no factual errors, historical fallacies, scientific blunders, or spiritual delusions. Everything in it is true. Another quality is the Word’s completeness. Nothing needs to be added to or taken away from it. No further revelation is needed. God’s Word is also authoritative. God is the final authority. It is also sufficient. The Word instructs believers in what is right, rebukes them when they do wrong, and shows them how to walk in the right path. It equips them for every good work. OVER Text Box: TENDER TALKS

The Whole Armor of  God

10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. (ESV)

 

AS YOU DRINK YOUR TEA OR COFFEE PONDER THESE VERSES  AND KNOW GOD WILL HELP YOU PUT ON YOUR ARMOR. 

Text Box: PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD EPHESIANS 6:10-18

       THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT       THE WORD OF GOD