We are talking today about the Armor of God. Last blog, we started by laying the foundation of Ephesians 6, popularly knows as the verse teaching us how to put on our armor to fight the evil one. We began by dissecting Ephesians 6:12, which says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”That verse is stuck right in the middle of telling us to put on the full armor of God and then followed by instructions on HOW to put on the full armor of God.

Why do we need the armor of God on? As we stated in John 10:10, the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. He has a mission to lead as many people into hell and out of the Kingdom of heaven as he can. How does he do that? Interestingly enough, he easily finds open doors through Christians! Christians that are walking in fears, insecurities, neglecting to walk in the fullness of what God created us to be.

Yes, we are in relationship with people and when there is relationship, there will always be conflict, BUT do we realize often times our battle isn’t with the person, the flesh and blood? Our battle is with the enemy and the sooner we can realize that and his schemes to conquer and divide, the sooner we will overcome our fears and walk powerfully and with the authority we have been given through salvation!

Everyone knows my sister and I are very close. We talk about everything and while we are so much alike, we fight too, and it isn’t until after an argument that we realize the enemy’s plan was to divide and we realize his tactics. Recently, we got through an “off” moment and after we started praying through it and talking, the Lord showed us what had happened… I became too laxed in my walk. We pray Ephesians 6 every morning and put on the armor of God! We can pray ever day and still not realize the authority we have and completely miss it when satan comes.

I had prayed that morning and put on my armor and when the attack came, it completely caught me off guard. Once I recognized it was attack and that the enemy was trying to cause division and strife with my sister and I, I told him in my spirit, “Ummm, I already put my armor on this morning, I’m good.” And I stayed there on the couch and thought I had fought that nasty devil off… As I sat there, more thoughts came, more attacks on my mind and it progressed and caused strife between my sister and I for a couple days actually.

What we came to notice through prayer a few days later, was that putting on our armor isn’t enough! If we don’t USE it, it is ineffective! Would you go out into battle suited up and all prepared for the enemy and as he approaches with his weapons, just stand there and wait for him to attack you when you are fully armored? No – you would pull out that sword; you would pull out that weapon and attack back!

As Christians, we have to understand that if we aren’t vigilant and on guard, especially when it comes to areas of our lives that we know repetitive attacks occur, we will never arise from defeat.

Let’s look at what that armor is –let’s study what we have access to and how to use it!

Ephesians 6:13-17– “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

First, Paul, who wrote this epistle to the Church in Ephesus, encourages them to be strong in the Lord and HIS mighty power in 6:10. Key words – HIS power! These battles are not our own and therefore cannot be fought in and of ourselves. They can ONLY be won through God’s power and strength. Most times, we exacerbate problems because we are too weak to try and fight them in the first place. The enemy has taken something simple and compounded it in our minds, making it even bigger. His motive – to tire and weaken us so that we take our focus off of God and onto man and ourselves.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10– “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

John 16:33– “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

BELT OF TRUTH

The first part of Armor we are told to put on is the belt of truth. If you can picture a soldier in medieval times with the armor on, imagine a belt buckled around his waist and that portrays truth.

John 8:32– Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

One thing my sister always tells me when the enemy is messing with my mind is, “Is that truth or is it a lie?” Though my spirit usually knows it’s a lie, my flesh has a very hard time killing that lie off and it’s mainly because my emotions and feelings are involved. We can’t operate in feelings and emotions, yet we are taught so much by therapists and counselors and even friends, “well how do you feel? How does that make you feel?” We should be asked, “Is that truth or fickle feelings?”

I love how truth here relates to a freedom, being set free when truth is manifested. There is true freedom when we kill off that flesh. There’s another verse that mentions truth in quite a different context, but try and understand the connection…

John 4:23 -24– “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

How do we operate in truth and begin to kill off those feelings and emotions? In worship!! The Father is looking for true worshippers. Why? Because worship is our most valuable weapon!

BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

The next thing we are told to put on is the breastplate of righteousness. Imagine the breastplate on – it protects our heart and upper body from arrows and attacks.

2 Corin. 5:21– “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

1 John 2:29– “If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.”

Romans 6:18– “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

Righteousness is an honor that Jesus paid the price for us to have, to walk in. Righteous behavior will walk in moral integrity and mature behavior.

GOSPEL OF PEACE

The gospel of peace is the call to reconciliation, to living at peace with one another. The soldiers of the army of Christ are not meant to be fighting one another, but employing all their combined energy of the Spirit to fight the true enemy and conquer.

When we allow the enemy to divide we become ineffective in the Kingdom. This is something my sister and I have witnessed time and time again. We know that what we have is powerful and the enemy has used every avenue to try and divide, but we have stuck to God and commit to walking in unity and we believe that’s what will lead this generation into victory – unity and covenant! It takes a killing of self and flesh!

Ephesians 4:2-4– “With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace, being one body and one spirit, as you were all called into the same glorious hope of divine destiny.” 

SHIELD OF FAITH

Faith is an essential element of Christianity. The Bible tells us that it is impossible to please God if we do not have faith (Hebrews 11:6). The Bible also tells us that the righteous shall live by faith (Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).

Faith is what moves the mountains of fear and insecurity. Faith is what moves us from hopeless to conqueror. Faith, which is unseen, is desperately needed to begin any fight against the enemy!

Matthew 17:20– “…if you have faith inside of you no bigger than the size of a small mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move away from here and go over there, and you will see it move!

HELMET OF SALVATION

The helmet of salvation provides hope and protects the mind against anything that would disorient or destroy believers, such as discouragement or deceit. A helmet protects a soldier against damaging and deadly blows to the head. When the enemy uses his greatest weapon against you, your helmet of salvation will be what protects you!

Protection for the head means our minds need to be guarded. A thought seems innocent until it leads to action and ultimately sin.

Romans 12:2– “Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you ^abut be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.” 

Colossians 3:2– “Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.”

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

The Sword of the Spirit is the primary means of His delivering power in our lives. As we live by His Word, then the power of His Word is released within us. The Lord gives His Word to empower His people. If we aren’t meditating on His Word day and night, how will we know His heart, His plan of action for our lives? Being in tune with the Holy Spirit and meditating on scripture is our manual; it’s our book on everything we need to know for battle!

Joshua 1:8– “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Psalm 119:105– “Your word is a lamp to my feet, And a light to my path.”

We not only have to put on the full armor of God every morning, but we should also take OFF all hindrances and fears first. Pray always and meditate on His Word. Remember that putting on our armor isn’t enough. We need to pull it out and be ready. The minute we became Christians, we enlisted in war – not of flesh, but of Spirit, and it is up to us to guard what God has given us and to walk in unity with those around us to fight the bigger enemy!

Eph. 6: 14-17– “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

What’s going on in our world today is nothing new. Pandemics, plagues and total destruction of nations have happened over the centuries and how we are responding today is not much different than from the beginning of the Bible. Time after time, we saw prophets warning people about the destruction of the land because of unholiness and defamation of God’s name and how people have responded is much like today – some scared, operating in fear, some unmoved and continuing on with life unchanged and some taking heed to the call of God and listening for His voice through the chaos.

While Ephesians 6 tells us to put on the full armor of God so that we will be ready when the enemy tries to attack, we have to remember that our enemy isn’t that person, spouse or friend making us mad. Our enemy is the devil. We often forget that when in the heat of an argument or in a situation where find ourselves on the defense. We see that person’s face and our rage is unleashed! How much easier would it be to forgive and walk in unity when we remember who our real enemy is?

Today, we want to break down Ephesians 6:14-17, referencing other verses in Ephesians, as well, but focusing in on who our enemy is and how we defeat him. After all, the enemy is defeated and we are victorious through Christ, but if we don’t know that or even how to operate in it, we will easily be defeated!

John 10:10– “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

So, we know the enemy’s plan is to come only to steal, kill and destroy. He isn’t out for our good. His conniving ways influence us to take our eyes off of him as the culprit and focus them on that person we are at odds with. This will cause division amongst other things that will ultimately take our eyes off of God.

Our enemy is not flesh and blood. Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

We have to remember that we are all influenced in two ways/ two kingdoms: the enemy or God. The enemy can only work thru flesh. When we truly can understandthat, we wont waste our time fighting amongst each other.

Wiles– devious or cunning strategies employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants; devious, cunning and manipulative. The enemy may not be smart, but he is skillful and clever. He is the father of lies and there is no truth in him. He doesn’t play fair!

1 Peter 5:8 –  “Be sober and vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world….”

The first part of this verse is telling us that we must be watchful and sober or clear headed. We cannot be negligent or careless of the devil’s schemes and be caught off guard, unprepared. If we were in the middle of a war, would we just fall asleep while our enemy is roaming around us? NO!

In Matthew 26:36, Jesus tells his disciples to watch as he goes to pray to the father. He was tempted in his moment of weakness and despair, but knew what was about to happen. After He went back to his disciples, he found them sleeping and asked them “could you not stay awake and keep watch for me for one hour? Then he tells Peter in: Matthew 26:41– “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

We often give way too much credit to our flesh. Our flesh isn’t eternal. Our Spirit man is. We have to begin to train ourselves to look at our flesh as a dead being and allow our spirit man to reign in our souls and our lives. We give way too much credit to our flesh and to man.

Going back to 1 Peter 5:8, we are warned that the devil walks around like a roaring lion. Lions stalk their prey. They wait for the right moment to attack. Weaker prey or injured prey are far more vulnerable and a much easier target.

“Most hunting done by lions is under the cover of darkness; in the gloom of an African night they can easily observe and stalk their prey without the threat of detection. It’s actually quite common for lions to sit and observe their prey during daylight hours, usually just before sunset. But they mostly wait until after dark before launching an attack.”

Just like a roaring lion, the enemy also prowls around our lives, watching our every move, noting our weaknesses, our strongholds and studying our past wounds and making note of the best time to attack and WHO he can use to attack us. Most likely it will be those closest to you!

This all sounds a bit intimidating – knowing that you have an enemy that stalks your moves! But, there’s good news!! Through Christ, if you are a believer, your battle has already been won for you!! In the midst of trials and tribulations, we may not feel like it, but it is. We will still have to go through tribulation – it refines our character and strengthens our faith and walk with the Lord, BUT if we remain steadfast in WHO He is, and seek Him in the direction we should go, we will come out victorious.

Romans 8:37– “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

We all have triggers. While the enemy is crafty in his presentation, he usually doesn’t have any new tricks up his sleeve. I notice with me, he usually uses the same fears I have to pry his way in and cause division and strife. If you find yourself battling certain fears and insecurities and you see a repetitive cycle in your life and/or relationships, really ask God what your triggers are and start meditating on the Word of God to overcome them.

2 Thess. 3:3– “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

1 John 4:4– “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

1 Corinthians 15:57– “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We are overcomers and we don’t have to stay the way we are or let the enemy continue to have a field day with us. Now that we understand who the real enemy is, we will continue on to Part 2 and understand how to put on the Armor of God to fight off attacks of the enemy!

Behavioral science concluded that “behavior that is observed changes.” Studies done in factories have proven that both quality and quantity of work increase when employees know they are being observed. If someone is keeping an eye on us, our behavior improves. When you know somebody is watching you, you tend to think twice before doing something.

I don’t know if we realize that as Christians, we are being watched. Sometimes it isn’t until AFTER a trial, we can stop to breathe and realize that most often, our trials are lessons not only for us, but others around us. We live lives forgetting that not only is God always watching us, but so are others around us – Christians and non-Christians. In fact, what we do and say affects the non-Christians around us more than it does the Christians. Pastor Lee Strobel said said, “for those of us who call ourselves Christians, we need to know that the hypocrisy meter is scanning our lives.” We need to remember that we are walking, talking representatives for Jesus.

In 1 Corinthians 4:9, Paul says that the apostles are “a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men.”

One of the greatest sins we as Christians could ever engage in, is doing something that could give non-believers around us fuel for their choices to not believe in God.

Warren Wiersbe, who was an American Pastor, Bible Teacher and prolific Theological and Christian Literature writer penned a story that in 1805 says a number of Indian chiefs and warriors met at Buffalo Creek, NY to hear a presentation of the Christian message by Mr. Cram from the Boston Missionary Society. After the sermon, a response was given by Red Jacket, one of the leading chiefs. Among other things, the chief said, “ Brother, we are told that you have been preaching to the white people in this place. These people are our neighbors. We are acquainted with them. We will wait a little while and see what effect your preaching has upon them. If we find it does them good, makes them honest and less disposed to cheat Indians, we will then consider again what you have said.” In other words, the message was, “I hear what you say, but I want to watch your life more!”

What are we saying to those around us when we make poor decisions or go against the things of God to appease our flesh? When we do things, we usually think they only affect us, but in reality, they have a huge impact on those around us. Our decisions also have an impact on other’s salvation, as they are watching to see who this God is through us!

What God is doing in us is building us so that we can be that voice of hope and encouragement, that example and model for others to see and want to know who He is!

1 Peter 2:5 – “And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple; what’s more, you are God’s holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus spoke directly about our responsibility to represent him…

Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

We need to let our good deeds shine for all to see, but we also need to recognize that our bad deeds are out there shining for the world to see too. The non-believers around us are watching our bad deeds far more closely than our good deeds. We really need to do the best we can honoring the Lord by remembering He shines in us and what we do is a direct representation to the world around us.

1 Peter 2:11– “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

We need to stop judging like the Pharisees and take our eyes off of what others are doing and focus on our own lives. We need to understand that people are watching us. They’re watching how we deal with circumstances different than they would or how the world would. They want to see a difference in Christians.

How can we represent Jesus better:

1. Being a Living Witness – We need to maintain good conduct among the unsaved people. We need to maintain good conduct among saved people also, but in order to draw others to Christ, we want to represent Him for Who He is. Unsaved people are watching us, speaking against us and looking for excuses to reject the Gospel. If we are to witness to the lost people, we must live honest lives. Our witness is not simply with our tongues, but our talk must match our walk. People are watching more what we do, than what we say. There should be nothing in our conduct that gives anyone ammunition to attack Christ and the Gospel. Our witness must back up our words.

Ephesians 4:1– “So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation…” 

2. Do good deeds among unbelievers–People may not always see your good deeds, but we do them as unto the Lord because He sees the most important part of us, our hearts…What we do when no one is looking is far more beautiful than what we do in the presence of others.

Colossians 3:23– “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men…”

Luke 10:30-37 (READ) – Story of the Good Samaritan

Matthew 5:16– “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

 3. Live a Clean Life – Our conversation, behavior and conduct should prove what we preach. We should not give the appearance of evil. Even when we don’t think we are doing anything wrong, is what we are engaging in giving the appearance of evil?

1 Thess. 5:22– “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

The goal with this verse is not to become legalistic, but to abstain from forms of evil that could cause stumbling blocks for others (1 Corin. 8:9).Our mandate from God is to make disciples of all nations and draw others unto the love of God and into the Kingdom of heaven. That’s a responsibility and accountability we take on when we ask Jesus into our hearts. It’s not an option to live how we want at that point, but to bring as many as we can with us. We have to be cognizant of our own insecurities and tendencies toward sin and avoid evil altogether. Through the impartation of the Holy Spirit, we can most assuredly live in the light of God and reflect His mercy and grace! 

2 Peter 3:11,12,14– “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives . . . as you look forward to the day of God and speed it’s coming. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.”

The story of Ruth is one of the most beautiful love stories in the Bible. You may think we are talking about the beautiful love story of Ruth and Boaz, but no – we’re talking about the love story between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. It was a love that consisted of commitment and loyalty beyond what we know to be normal. It was covenant. Though, the book of Ruth never mentions the word Covenant, we can say that it is the most famous verse in the book of Ruth.

Ruth came from the city of Moab. Moab was a city born of incest, known for promiscuity and worshipping other gods! We see Ruth was a pagan, an idol worshipper, who’s family history came from incest. But God! Despite Ruth’s past, background and family lineage, God chose her to be placed in the lineage of Christ!

How often do we think we can’t be used? We were born in a broken home, father ran out, mother on drugs…Assaulted as a child – everyone’s story is different. Maybe we grew up and allowed sin in our lives and we think God can’t use us. God can use ANYONE who is willing to let HIM change them and follow Him!

There is so much history and background to Ruth’s story, but we won’t get into that as we want to focus on the heart of Ruth. Naomi, Orpah and Ruth are all widows and Naomi decides to go back to her hometown. She tells both daughters’ in law to return to their mother’s homes because she has nothing left to give them. Orpah left to return home, but this is where Ruth makes the covenant to go with Naomi back to her people and cling to her!! THIS covenant heart is where she positions herself in the bloodline of the Savior and her story goes from rags to riches!

Ruth 1:14 – “Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.” Ruth clung to her! Most people cringe at the word “clingy.” We don’t like clingy people. Ruth was determined to not leave her side and make sure her mother in law would not be alone. Just a thought, but if Naomi left back to her homeland by herself, she probably would have died. I mean, we don’t know how long the journey was, she was already in despair and maybe she wanted to just go and die. Ruth however, wasn’t going to let anything happen to her and she even made a vow to her.

“For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.” Ruth 1:16

Most people use this verse in weddings and think this was between a man and a woman. No – this was the covenant vow Ruth made to Naomi! “Where you go, I will go!” That is covenant! She committed herself to Naomi unto death! Isn’t that just like our Father – covenant, loyal, love! Ruth displayed a covenant loyal love. A love that sacrifices and gives expecting nothing in return. Little did Ruth know that it was in that kind of love she gained her great reward…Boaz!

How many times do we hear women say “I’m waiting for my Boaz?” Or “I’m looking for my Boaz?” Well, Ruth wasn’t looking or waiting for Boaz! Boaz came because of her loyal love to Naomi. You want to catch the eye of God, then live a life of covenant loyal love!

Blessings of Covenant

1. Walks you into your Divine destiny 

We see that Ruth walked into the field of Boaz and caught His eye. What we want to point out is how did she reach her destiny? It wasn’t that Ruth was striving and seeking her calling, instead she gave of herself for someone else’s benefit, that she in return gained her reward.

We know that both Naomi and Ruth had just experienced loss. Ruth had every right to be in mourning right along with Naomi. But Ruth took her eyes of herself and on to Naomi.  Ruth took a risk stepping into the unknown into a foreign land with Naomi.

How many times does God take us on unknown journeys – we have NO idea where we are going, what’s ahead. It’s unfamiliar and a bit intimidating. But, if we will trust His lead, even when we can’t see the road ahead, He will take us to places we couldn’t get to on our own. Yes, there may be some speed bumps and roadblocks on the way, BUT He promises to walk us through them all. We have to realize that the blessings we seek are not always going to come easy. It takes a sacrifice of ourselves and a killing of our flesh. It takes us out of the familiar and into destiny

2. Brings Healing

Ruth’s commitment to Naomi turned Naomi’s heart around. Naomi called herself Mara in the beginning, meaning Bitter. As a woman of God, it was like she forgot all His benefits. Ruth who was not a Christian, is the one whose life encouraged Naomi. Because Ruth stayed committed to the end, Naomi went from bitter to better! Naomi went from despair too hopeful, and from unbelief to faith!

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm?” Ecc. 4:9

3. All parties are blessed through covenant

Not only was Ruth blessed but so was Naomi.  Ruth 4:9 “…today you are witness that I have bought from Naomi all the property…..I have also acquired Ruth as my wife….” Ruth was so committed to Naomi that even Boaz automatically knew when he took on Ruth, he was taking on Naomi. You can’t break or separate covenant! It’s eternal!

What you do unto other’s will in return be done for you. Naomi then in return wanted to make sure Ruth was taken care. In Ruth 3:1 she tells her “My daughter I just find a home for you where you will be well provided for.”  So Naomi instructs her to go to the threshing floor where Boaz would be and we all know what happened!!

Now to take this even further how does the story relate to us? God spoke to us a few years ago that it would be covenant that would get us through the end times. We didn’t fully understand what God meant by that until now!

Ruth and Naomi experienced a famine in their land and left somewhere else that was prosperous which ended up leading them into God’s divine plan. Right now we are experiencing a pandemic worldwide, somewhat of a famine. In this time of  crisis where will we go? Who will we turn to? Are we going to turn to God and put our trust in Him? My sister and I have always said hell or high water, easy or hard, good or bad we are in this together. In our marriages, same with our church and most importantly with our God!

We feel God is calling us to a place of being covenant people. To go beyond comfort and stop being people of convenience. To be bonded through God’s love! God is a covenant making and keeping God and we should do the same. As the church, the body of Christ what will be known by? Kris Vallaton of Bethel quotes “We have been known by who we are against instead of being known by who we love.”

God is looking for such a people. “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

Will His eyes find you, will they find us? Lord we pray we will be a people who’s hearts are loyal to you!

We are all praying that we can come up with a cure, a vaccine, a remedy to fight this virus that has put our world in a pandemic. A remedy is a cure, a solution to a disease, injury, or in this case, a virus. We will eventually combat this virus and overcome! Although this is what is going on in the natural, what about our spiritual state?

We see that this virus has entered, spread and has wrecked havoc on our world. It infiltrated and caused schools and businesses to shut down, which in turn will have detrimental and long-term effects on our economy; just from one virus. I have always said everything in the natural speaks of the spiritual. What if there has been a spiritual virus that has weakened our spiritual state; a virus that has weakened the body of Christ, that has spread and has effects we haven’t even recognized. It’s time we wake up and do something!

So, what is the remedy needed for our spiritual state? It’s to put God first! It’s to stop playing around with our relationship with our Father and come back to our first love! Revelations 2:4 says, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen: repent and do the first works…” Our Father is drawing us back to Himself. Now is the time! God is giving us the opportunity right now! We cannot take advantage in thinking we have more time. If the body as a whole is to be strong, we must individually check ourselves. Have we tested positive for leaving our first love? Have we put other things before God? Have we been sold out for Him or has our relationship been mediocre? Have we walked in unforgiveness? Are we walking in unity? How can we walk in unity with each other if we aren’t in complete union with our God? Father forgive us! Forgive us for not walking in obedience to your Word to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, with all our soul, and with all of our mind!

We as Christ followers need to deal with our spiritual state, and the position of our hearts. When Jesus Christ is our first love, our all in all, THEN we can “BE THE CHURCH!” Then we can “BE THE BRIDE!” He is coming back for. It is then we will walk in unity and we know that the gates of hell cannot prevail against God’s church!

It’s with a boldness and conviction that I write this. Who am I to say any of this? I’ll tell you – I am the daughter of the Most High God. I am a joint heir with my Heavenly Father. I may not be a pastor or theologian, but I have a heart after the things of God. My desire is to follow Him and be obedient to His word; unafraid to use my voice and speak; to remember that God uses the least of these, the unlikely….

It saddens me that during these times, I see two groups of people. Both groups have faith, but two different kinds. I’ll do my best to put into words what my heart has been feeling.

We as a church are called to walk by faith. We know that without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Heb. 11:6). However, we are also called to submit the governing authorities. (Romans 13). By obeying God’s commands to do so, we are in turn obeying God Himself!

Right now, we are living in times where our faith is being tested. Will we come out of the fire refined or smelling like smoke? (Daniel 3:27) Will we walk in faith or fear? Will we walk in obedience to God’s Word or in disobedience?

Remember, God will NEVER ask us to do something that is contrary to His will!

We all sit under the authorities of our land. No one is exempt! We know that the Bible tells us “all authority has been placed in position by Him,” (Romans 13:1). He never asked our opinion! So, if we are told that during this time of crisis, we as a church can’t gather for a time being, why is it that some Pastors are going against authority and remaining open? To me, there’s no other way to call that than disobedience. This is where my heart grieves. Those that are going against orders are justifying their actions with scripture. Wow! They are calling it faith. Hmmmm- I questioned in my spirit “faith?” How can we call disobedience faith? Could it be pride – is it that maybe these people are trying to prove something? I see these people justifying their actions with scripture saying, “Look at the people in the Bible that didn’t obey and were arrested or martyred for their faith!”

Paul risked his life for the Gospel and was put in chains to get the gospel to the Nations when it was illegal! Paul wasn’t in disobedience to God here. People in the Word preached when they had NO other option! Their situations and circumstances were different. DON’T TWIST SCRIPTURE TO FIT OR JUSTIFY YOUR ACTIONS!!! We are not being told we cannot preach! We are not being told to bow down and worship other gods. If that were the case – then YES, we know we would only worship and bow down to the one and only true God. But, this is not the case!

We are being protected from a harmful virus and the only thing at stake of concern here is our health, NOT our Ministry! This is NOT a “Church” Agenda! While this is by far spiritual warfare on another level, the command to abstain from gatherings has nothing to do with shutting the Church doors. After all, the Church is the body of Christ, NOT the four walls. Our Ministry is how we lives our lives, NOT where we worship!

Not too long ago, there was another movement where the enemy counterfeited God’s grace and used people to justify their ways – which they deceptively thought they could get away with essentially anything because of “grace.” They still preached the gospel. They still proclaimed the name of Jesus. Now, we see a group of people who are operating in disobedience and calling it faith.

We know that in the evil days, the end times, there would be many that would be deceived. There would be false prophets. What’s scary is those that are in deception, don’t even know that they are in it. They are so deceived and blinded. They are so convinced and even use scripture to support their way of belief.

This group of believers may think they are walking in faith, but the deception is that they are actually walking in fear. Is the fear that if they submit governing authority, they will in turn have to give up even more? What is the motive of their hearts? It’s not for me to judge, only God can. These are just my thoughts.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31)

Truthfully, if we are obeying God, we will be taken care of and should have no fear of anything being taken away! When we submit to authority, whether we agree or disagree, that obedience allows God to come on the scene and work it all out for our good! (Rom. 8:28). Conversely, when we walk in DISobedience, we are walking in OUR authority and tie God’s hands back. We NEED to be certain WHO our God is and trust that what He’s asking us to do, submitting to the governing authorities will bring blessing on us.

Let’s stop mocking Christianity and making ourselves look bad! Let’s be a faith that adheres to the laws of the land and walks with integrity, obedience and sets an example to a lost, confused and dying world!

I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. 

(Psalm 41:11-12, NIV)

Some thoughts that have come to me during this time we find ourselves in. The other night, so many things were running through my mind and the word “adaptability” kept coming, so I got up and decided to dig in to what was God trying to say.

First, I looked up the definition of the word “Adaptability” and it means the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions. The capacity to be modified for a new use or purpose. Wow!!! Does that not resonate with all the changes we are finding our world and our lives in right now?

It got me thinking when change comes, we must not fight against it. We must not rebel, but become adaptable. We may bend, but we will not break. May we adapt to a new way instead of going back to life as normal. May we increase our spiritual capacity for a new and greater purpose! I think we have to understand this isn’t about giving up everything and fearing that if we just adapt to all the authorities are telling us, that we give up our God given rights. That isn’t it! If we abide and follow our leadership, God will bless us. Romans 13:1-  “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the ordinances of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” Paul wrote this when Nero was in power and he was persecuting Christians, yet Paul exhorted the Romans to submit to his authority because authority is ordained by God.

Just maybe in this time, God is wanting us to learn to make some adjustments internally so that He can in return increase our capacity for a new and greater purpose!!!

May we as the body of Christ, adapt to the need of the moment we re in and watch God move!!

Let’s look at how Paul used his freedom to win souls!! Paul is an example of how to adapt so that we can win the more!

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

¹⁹ Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,to win as many as possible. ²⁰ To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. ²¹ To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. ²³ I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

 

As we know it, we are living in such uncertain times. People are fearful and full of panic. 

We need to understand that FEAR BREEDS FEAR! Fear is the actual virus that has spread throughout our world. We have done shows before on fear and again, fear is False Evidence Appearing Real! We’re not saying that this virus right now isn’t real, but so many of us have become fearful and are overcome with fear based off of false outcomes. 

People are fearing the unknown – operating in the “what if’s?” Panic is caused by man being infiltrated by the fear of the world around them. Fear has driven people to extreme measures. We see people lining up for hours to get toilet paper, water and hoarding food, but, we should be seeing people lining up to get into church – to get God’s Word that will never run out or run dry! Come on – the only thing we need to be hoarding is the word of God!! 

We are in this world, but we are not of it! We do not walk in the wisdom of the world nor operate like the world does. This is the time to seek God’s wisdom and get understanding to hear God’s direction for us as a church.

Proverbs 4:5 

 “Get wisdom, get understanding do not forget my words or turn away from them.” 

Fear does not come from God, but is of the enemy. 

John 10:10– “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  

We need to understand that the fear the enemy has released was an attempt to shut down the church. But, we know that the enemy will never succeed! For the gates of hell shall not prevail against God’s church! The church is not a building or only held during service times. We are the church and we will not be silent! 

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God and even though we are living in times this generation has never experienced, God will use it for His glory. The church may not be gathering together in a building, but we are still one in spirit! Let’s realize that sometimes we have to be put in uncomfortable positions to grow, to be strengthened, to rise up, and awaken Gods bride!  The testing of our faith produces perseverance, and boy are we being tested, but we will become a stronger and more resilient church! We may be stripped down right now of the things we have taken for granted as a church, but now we will be an even more humbled and grateful people. 

This is no time to retreat or be in fear. We need to be careful not tobe distracted by the media. It’s not the time to bash our government or President, but be praying for them. They are not our enemy! 

Let’s remember what the word tells!

Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 

In Ephesians, it also tells us how to take stand against the devils schemes; and it is to take on the whole armor of God! 

Right now we are in a spiritual warfare and we need to DAILY put on the whole armor of God so that we can withstand! 

 

The Armor of God 

Ephesians 6:10-18– “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” 

Don’t we know we are leaving in evil times! 

As Christians, this is our time! We have spent decades in Church, conferences, Bible Studies, relying on our Pastors to get the Word IN us! BUT NOW – NOW is the time where WE are to be the Church outside of the 4 walls and feed to others the bread of life we have been living on for so long!! This can be a season of true revival – where the Church is more rampant in our world than ever before because now WE ARE ALL WORKING!! 

When everything around is growing dim, when people are in fear – this is the perfect time for us to rise up! As the days grow darker, we need to shine brighter. We live in this world, but we are not of it. We will not be like the rest of the world walking in fear, panic and anxiety. Instead, we will be full of FAITH, HOPE and LOVE! 

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for! We have Hope as an anchor to our soul sure and steadfast; the hope found in Christ that keeps us firm and unwavering in these turbulent waters we are in right now! And we have the Love of Christ, the perfect love that casts out fear!

Philippians 4:6–

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

How do we keep our minds focused on the things of God? We need to meditate on His Word!!

Philippians 4:8

 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 

May we be the beacon of hope and light to the world around us. We are the salt of the earth! We are the light of the world! A city on a hill that cannot be hidden!  Let’s find the opportunity to pray with people, to share the good news. These are exciting times for God’s people! More than ever do we have the opportunities to be the light! 

As children of God we know that God knows the plans He has for us plans to prosper and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future! – Jeremiah 29:11 

Instead of fear we call upon Jehovah El Shalom the Lord our peace!

Instead of Sickness we call upon Jehovah Rapha the Lord who heals!

Instead of lack we call upon Jehovah Jireh The Lord my provider! 

Prayer

We come before our Heavenly Father in the authority given to us and bind every demonic scheme of the enemy in Jesus name! We bind the sprit of fear that has swept our world and release faith and hope! The only outbreak we will experience is the outbreak of your Holy Spirit upon our nation and world! Your Word says you will release your spirit upon all flesh and we ask you to release and pour out your Holy Spirit like a massive wave. We call in the wells of salvation! As the days grow darker Jesus, YOU will shine brighter! May your people rise up and be the light, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden!

We know everyone is experiencing a lot of different emotions right now. Christian or not, saved or not, political or not, we are all under the same circumstances at this time. More than ever, my sister and I do not take this platform lightly and applaud all of our fellow broadcasters and evangelists preaching the gospel right now and having to come up with creative and new ways to get the Word out. The thread of fear highlighting our messages is one I don’t think can be preached enough! Fear is significantly more contagious than any fleshly virus circulating our nation. Fear is what is causing lack. Fear is what is causing discord, division, hoarding, and gluttony!

But, while this definitely looks like a flesh war, the war we are at is not a flesh war – it is most assuredly a spiritual battle, and one we should have been better prepared for as a Church, as a Nation! The warning signs have been coming and as we have pushed aside the things of God, the righteousness of His holiness to prevail in our land, we have in turn traded that for sin, political correctness and the laws of our flesh.

Everyone is now quoting scripture (mostly out of context) and asking for prayers and while this is great that we are all deciding that we suddenly need God right now, how much of Him do we want? Do we really want Him to reveal our hearts and what He sees over this nation? Do we really want the wrath of God unleashed?

We believe right now, God is showing us He’s getting ready for His judgment. What we are experiencing are the birthing pains of His divine plan to come forward! We need to get it right or it will get worse! He’s done letting us get away with sin. This is a spiritual battle and God will start separating those who truly follow Him from those who do not.

If we are really in our Word, and not just for the cute scriptures that we can call on Him for healing and compassion, but the entire truth of His Word, we can see that what is happening right now has been prophesied for ages!

Read 2 Chronicles 7:12-22 

God shut the heavens and there was no rain. Isn’t that what we experienced not too long ago – drought? There were locusts devouring the land! Right this very moment, there are swarms of locusts eating up the crops of Pakistan, causing famine! Pestilence among the people – Corona Virus! How many times does he have to warn us before we get it right? And this time, it won’t be pretty!

Solomon was here asking God to make provision for the people, even though they were in sin and this Chapter chronicles God’s conditions for that!

2 Chron. 7:14– “…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…”

1. Humble ourselves
2. Pray to God, seeking true forgiveness
3. Continually seek God (that means His ways and wisdom and truth)
4. REPENT (Turn completely from wickedness)

God isn’t playing with us anymore! The signs are evident! What will we do now? We have taken prayer out of schools, have been trying to change the Constitution to make it more modern and appealing to our ways, NOT God’s ways!

We NEED God’s provision on our Nation, but we are not going to get it by living the way WE want, supporting sin, and let’s be real! Abortion, LGBTQ, bashing Governing authority! We are trying to pass laws and adhere to our societal norms of inclusivity, yet putting Godly discipline and Godly mandates on the back burner. And we wonder why this is all happening! Wake up!!

Jeremiah 10:10– “But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King At His wrath the earth quakes, And the nations cannot endure His indignation.”

Our Spiritual Mama Cheryl Salem has said for years, “If the Church doesn’t begin to act in the supernatural, it will become superficial.”

This isn’t prayers on Sunday and church attendance– this is praying in tongues, speaking the Word, meditating on the Word day and night!! This is studying scripture and being armored for such a time as this!!  He is coming for His people and will we be ready? We all may be able to quote Psalm 91 right about now, but do we walk in His ways in everything else??

The FIRST line of Psalm 91 says, HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH…THAT person will reap the benefits of the rest of Psalm 91!! What does dwell mean? To remain, to reside, to LIVE in… Are we doing that??

The enemy can only work through disobedient people, so what does that mean? Let’s find out what the Word says about our Nation right now and how to turn it back to the things of God? Let’s pray like we have never prayed before!! Let’s humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness for changing laws, bashing our governing authority and being selfish!

When we do that, 2 Chronicles 7:14says – “THEN I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.For now I have chosen andsanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.”

IF we do not take this time seriously – if we think this is just a fleshly virus going around and as soon as we get a hold on it, things will go back to normal – we are ignorant!! If we are walking with the Lord in the Spirit, we know this is a wake up call and it’s time to get serious! There are consequences and God doesn’t put them on us – WE put them on ourselves by being disobedient to His Word!

Skip down to 2 Chronicles 7:19

“But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods, and worship them,then I will uproot them from My land which I have given them; and this house which I havesanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight, and will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

 “And as for this house, whichis exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the Lord done thus to this land and this house?’Then they will answer, ‘Because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and embraced other gods, and worshiped them and served them; therefore He has brought all this calamity on them.’ ”

God clearly laid out for Solomon what to do! Plain and simple – if the Nation followed God’s commands, the Nation would prosper. If they decided not to, the Nation would be destroyed! How much more clear could it be? Sin is deceptive and attractive.

Concordance: “Solomon eventually turned from God and he and his son lost most of the Kingdom. Following God brings benefits (not always material), while turning away from God brings suffering and punishment, and ultimately destruction.”

Solomon was swayed by the world around him, pleasing the people more than God, going with societal and political norms, even when they went against God! Isn’t that where we are today?? We have exchanged the truth of God’s Word for the lies of the world? We are more concerned about being politically correct and having the votes and acceptance of our peers, than being spiritually correct and having the applause of the heavens.

Concordance: The temple was ransacked after Solomon’s reign. It is difficult to imagine such a great and wise king being corrupted by idols, symbols of power, prosperity and sexuality. But even today these same idols are luring us into their traps.

We are running out of time, but again, Deuteronomy 28:1-14talks about the blessings from God when we are obedient to His word! Deuteronomy 28:15-68tells us the wrath upon us from our disobedience! Sounds like we need to take Him seriously and not wonder why these things are happening around us and be surprised!

We need to start declaring what the heavens are declaring!!

It is definitely time to get in our Word, get on our faces, repent and take this Nation back for God!!

We are going to continue with what we were talking about in our last blog about Unlikely People, but expand a bit. Sometimes we feel so unqualified, uneducated, not pretty or smart enough to be used, but as we look throughout scripture, God always used the broken and despair, the rejected and outcast to further His Kingdom. Why? Because if God can use the least likely, we can ALL see how His plan can include even us! 

As we talk about how God uses the least likely, we can also see this opens a door for criticism and judgment on so many levels. If we look around us today and the things happening in our own culture and generation, we have greatly become so quick to judge and criticize people, rather than keeping our focus on God. We took a look at scriptures and people in the Bible that God used, as well as people in our generation that God may be using, so please go back and read our last blog titled “Unlikely People.”

The times we are living in are so hostile; so much division and hatred. We point fingers, bash, and have exchanged the love and grace of God for a common enemy. What we see right now is a great divide. There are those who are accepting of ALL things (scriptural or not) and call it love, when ONLY God defines what love is! We have those who condemn the opposition and judge. We just have so many people judging one another based off of their own ideologies, but today we want to talk about what judgment really is and what our responsibility is as Christians with regard to judgment.

There are those that say we are not to judge others, lest we be judged. Then, there are those who say we are to call out righteous judgment. So, who’s right? Both are! Let’s take a look at scripture!

Again, we are not theologians, pastors or Bible scholars, but we do have a desire for Gods Word and by the Holy Spirit’s lead, we will do our best to discuss what God’s Word has to say about the matter, not our opinion. 

First, read  Matthew 7:1 (TPT)

Some like to just quote the very first verse “ Do not judge others, and you will not be judged” and stop there. Some like to use that and take it out of context to support their way of living. We have to be careful that we don’t take part of a verse and use to support our ways. We have to take the Word in its entirety. 

The scripture is not telling us that we are not to judge at all so that we in turn wont be judged.

However, verse 2 goes on to tell us that it’s HOW we judge, the measure that we judge. It’s in that same measure that we will be judged! What God is saying is that it is the attitude that we need to check when judging. We cannot make judgments in a critical and condemning way, pointing out someone else flaws to hide our own. Let us not be like the Pharisees judging with a religious spirit thinking we are better than they.

The verse goes on to say, “ Why do we look at the speck in our brothers eye, but not the speck in our own? Jesus says to those, “You Hypocrite!” Pretty harsh words from Jesus! But I love how He doesn’t leave it there, but goes on to tell us how to help fellow brothers and sisters. The “how” is by FIRST examining ourselves and removing the plank in our own eye, so then we can see clearly to remove the speck in another.

This always gets me because it doesn’t say we then judge with harsh words and criticism. If WE know what it’s like to have a plank in our eye, to be deceived and controlled by sin, then why would we not want to help our fellow brothers and sisters with the plank in their eyes so they, too may see clearly? 

I look at my sister and I. Many times in our friendship has one of us been out of line. Many times have one of one of us been just wrong! Instead of judging, we examine ourselves first, pray and ask God to help us see what the issue is with US first! When we can see that, we can then lovingly go to the other and say, “Hey sis, I just dealt with this and now let me help you get through this.” That’s how Christians are called to judge and operate. Yet we don’t do that! We quickly forget how God had to discipline us and we go to another and judge the sin or deception they are in instead of praying and leading them!

So then how are we to judge? What are we to judge according to scripture?

Reading further in Matthew 7:16, it says “You will know them by their fruits.”

We judge according to the truth of God’s Word. It doesn’t say we judge because they are a different political belief or disagree with the way we do things. It doesn’t say we judge them based off of OUR truths and ideologies. And lastly, it does not say we judge because they first offended us!! We judge them by their fruits! So, what are the fruits? 

Galatians 5:22-23– “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

That doesn’t sound debatable! It doesn’t say anything about judging them by what we believe is right or wrong! 

I remember watching the State of the Union a few weeks ago and as President Trump completed his speech, Pelosi tore up the speech in front of everyone. I saw on social media, so many “Christians” applauding and commending her for that! It broke my heart to see such disrespect! Of course, when I called a few people out on it, they replied that Trump did this and Trump did that. I wonder if when we go to heaven and God calls us out on behavior, we can get away with childish replies like, “Well he did it first!” Nowhere in scripture does it say we have any right to judge because someone did something offensive to us! We are called to walk in the fruits of the Spirit regardless of other’s behaviors and actions! Disrespect was definitely not on the list of fruits of the spirit! 

John 7:24 (NKJV)

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with RIGHTEOUSjudgment.”

 The first part of that verse tells us how NOT to judge according to appearance. This is the problem with our world and fallen nature. We judge according to appearance or past mistakes. Last show we talked about Kanye West – God evidently spoke to this man and he had a revelation of who God is. Who are we to judge what God has spoke to him? Who cares who he USE to be? Who did you use to be?? We pray for people to change, for God to move in their lives, but the minute He does, we can’t accept and believe it! 

The scripture goes onto say that we are to judge with Righteous judgment – by Gods commandments, the truth of God’s Word. We don’t judge according to popular opinion, or even our own personal opinion. Take YOU out of the equation and line your ways up with scripture! We are to judge ONLY by Gods divine law, what is upright according to the word of God. 

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14(NLT)

“…Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”

Again the scripture tells us to Fear God and his commands, His word! His divine Law!

We Christians can miss what God is doing because we look to man and not God. We can be judgmental of the messenger, the man! Look at how we so easily uproot and change churches because we disagree with something the pastor said? We get so offended that we miss out on what God is doing through common man! 

President Donald Trump- he has received so much hate toward him, his wife, his family! And I’m talking about from Christians! And to be fair, there were Christians that also judged and slandered President Obama and his family! It’s not right on either end! 

We think we know them based off what we think is right or wrong. We judge based on our own limited assumptions. You don’t know if they’re in their prayer closet at night. You aren’t perfect! If you don’t agree with our President, stop judging and cutting out what God can do on his and our behalf and pray for him!!!! The Bible says in Romans 13: 

Romans 13:1-3 (TPT)

“Every person must submit to and support the authorities over him. For there can be no authority in the universe except by God’s appointment, which means that every authority that exists has been instituted by God. So to resist authority is to resist the divine order of God, which results in severe consequences. For civil authorities don’t intimidate those who are doing good, but those who are doing evil. So do what is right and you’ll never need to fear those in authority. They will commend you for your good citizenship.”

Did we forget that God puts all leaders in authority?? Who are we to judge Trump? So what if you don’t like the things he does? Just like we are to submit to our husbands, whether we agree or disagree, we are also just as called to submit to all authority placed over us, NOT because they are right, but because in doing so, WE ARE SUBMITTING TO GOD!!! When we defy authority on ANY level, we are essentially tying God’s hands to work on our behalf!!

Every day, we should all be praying for our leaders, our President, those in authority because their jobs aren’t easy and it’s going to take us all working together and putting aside our differences if we want to see the hand of God over this Nation!

1 Peter 2:13-17 (MSG)

“Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.”