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!