God's Spiritual Armor - Do You Put It On Daily?

Without Donning the Lord's Armor, Deception and Defeat Will Be Waiting at Your Door!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11- Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12- For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13- Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14- Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15- and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16- In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17- and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18- praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." -Eph 6:10-18 (ESV)

So we see what we as professing, believing, walking the walk Christians should be donning every day without fail. After all a soldier wouldn't go into battle without their weapons, bullets, flak vest, or helmet, would they?

As Paul spells out for the Ephesian churchgoers, these are things that they/we must put on each day to battle against the enemy of our soul - Satan and his hoards. And friends, these foes are tremendously formidable, strong, persistent and never rest from the attack. We are soldiers in the Army of the Lord and as such we had better be prepared each and every day for a battle -  a battle for your soul.

But what does your spiritual armor look like?

When Paul wrote this he was fully aware of the Roman soldiers and what they looked like in the physical, so he patterned our spiritual wear similar only ours is in the spiritual realm. Our battle is in the realm we can't see but nevertheless present.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4- For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;" -2 Cor 10:3-4 (KJV)

Most of today's Christians know little of this warfare that's going on all around them. Why? There's no battle in their lives. Why? Cause they are already dormant in their faith and do little for the Lord. They are comfortable with their "stuff" and many spend little to no time getting to know the Lord and telling others about their faith. Just going to church is easy-peasy - no threat there. But what about the real Christian who takes a stand for the Lord - in church and out of church? Some have faced much persecution and spiritual battles to try and take them out. And Satan's purpose for you is:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.;" -2 Cor 10:10 (NASB)

Back again to our armor ... so what does your spiritual armor look like? Today's lethargic, complacent and compromising church, pastors and Christians spiritual armor most likely resembles the following:

• Helmet of Salvation = ball cap
• Breastplate of Righteousness = spring jacket
• Belt of Truth = cheap rope
• Shoes of Readiness = shower tongs
• Shield of Faith = thin cardboard
• Sword of the Spirit (Word of God) = tiny pocket knife

  Yes, all these resemble what today's anemic Christian spiritual armor looks like and it's an embarrassment to the Lord. Instead of being a strong warrior in the Lord and a believing, walking in faith prayer soldier,  they have become deceived and weak if not defeated trusting in their stuff - their own securities - to carry them through - wealth, savings, 401k's, retirement nest eggs, jobs, positions, health, etc. How about you? Look in the spiritual mirror and examine for yourself where you stand as a battlefield spiritual prepared warrior. Do you retreat from taking a stand in the Lord - remember in the context verses above after strapping all our armor on, we must stand and pray.  And then after that - stand and pray, know the word of God and knowing and understanding Jesus His Only Begotten Son - our Lord and Savior. 

Time to take an assessment ... change course ... toss your ineffective, old, and rusty spiritual excuses for armor and strap on heavy-duty armor - God's armor! 

Amen!  

-BPWatcher, Internet Preacher and Bible Prophecy Watchman

GLORY TO GOD!

 

There's Tremendous Power in Sincere Faith-Based Prayer

How Often Do You Pray? Do You Walk in Faith?

"O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.." -Psa 8:1 (KJV)

Wow! Did you know that we as born-again, Bible-believing, real Christians have the power of the name that is above all names available when we pray? That's awesome when you really think about it. However, today there are so many distractions and things that keep us busy and occupy out time that there is little time left to pray daily. Think about that ... 

Does a too-busy lifestyle keep you from dedicated prayer?

The name of the Lord is above every name - Phil 2:9. And one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord - Phil 2:10.  No exceptions! 

"Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Phil 4:6-7 (NASB)

Today, we as Christians need to pray about everything - we without hesitation need to present our needs wants and desires to the Lord in prayer. We need to cultivate a praying spirit which will  automatically take us to the throne of grace and mercy in all situations and at all times. His word says we are to pray without ceasing (1 Th 5:17). Always keep in the attitude of prayer to our Heavenly Father. You see when we pray, we communicate with our Lord and express our needs and listen for His answer. Granted it may not come in the format we are asking, but He will answer.

Who's doing this today? Are our Christian churches teaching about sincere dedicated prayer? Do they even teach on the power and authority we have in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?

In the Bible, the power of prayer defeated enemies, healed the sick, raised the dead, and cast out demons. In fact, in Luke 10:19, the Lord says we have explicit power and authority over serpents and scorpions and over ALL the power of the enemy. This is huge and this is power from on high - the Lord has given this to us. The question is who knows this and then second, who appropriates and applies it in their lives?

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." -Prov 18:10 (ESV)

Friends, the power we have in prayer in the name of the Lord is so great that most have no idea it's even there. Many times and with many Christians, our prayers are weak and lifeless. They are sometimes scripted in books, we just parrot and even in church. This should not be. We are to pray and talk to God all the time and in our own words. No constant lifeless repeating of words over and over and over - this is pointless - Matt 6:7. We don't have to be eloquent in this, not even grammatically correct. Just pour out your heart to Him - take it to Him in times of need, and when you depressed, feeling low, sick, etc. Even in good times, spend time in prayer praising His name and thanking Him for what He has done and given you. He wants to hear from you. 

Remember, do not worry about things and stuff, Do not fret or doubt, worry or fear and remember if you are in the Lord He will take care of you but you must be serious because the Lord does not play games about His name, power or authority. Re: Matt 6:25-33. 

We must daily pray in the power and authority of the name of Jesus. We must not lose heart or feel He is not listening to us. He hears our every prayer. Walk in the authority and power of the name that is above all names - Jesus the Christ - and walk in victory. We must not fail in this. Times will get increasingly difficult and if you don't believe in prayer and use it, you may have a very hard time as the days progress. 

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ - believe in His name and power and authority. Walk in His strength giving Him all glory honor and praise.

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." -Heb 11:25-32 (ESV)

 

-BPWatcher, Internet Preacher and Bible Prophecy Watchman

HE IS LORD!

 

Prepping For Eternity

Have You Even Considered This?

"while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." -2 Cor 4:18 (NASB)

These days we hear much about the preppers in the world how they are gathering and storing up provisions for the eventual collapse of society, cultures, nations and world. But how many of us are preparing for entry into eternity? Now some - those real Christians - will enter into God's rest while the rest will enter the gates of hell. There are no other options for once you pass from this life, you will face your destiny - decisions you've made in this life with no negotiation, no committee that reviews your life or no trial where a jury determines your destination.

So what do we do?

We prepare for eternity in the here and now. There are no material things that will help us get there or see us through once we arrive. (I'm thinking about a YouTube prepper, I often watch, who spends ridiculous amounts of money, time and energy ensuring his "bunker" is stocked to the rim with food, gizmos, gadgets, tools, etc). But this same person says notta about eternity, about Christ, about salvation and about what he is doing to prepare for eternity. You see, all his stuff and others that have stored up similarly fail to consider that eternity, for all of us, is but a heartbeat away. People must realize that our lives are but a vapor, here one minute and gone the next. -James 4:14.

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6- and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7- and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8- For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9- For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10- Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11- For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." -2 Pet 1:5-11 (ESV)

The verses above (and many more) describe things that should be a part of our lives daily and these also could be categorized as things that prepare us for eternity. Please take some time and review these instructions for living a Godly life and see if they are a part of your life. Then dwell and mediate (Psa 19:14) on verse 11. Wow! Here's a verse that actually describes specific attributes for entrance into the Lord's eternal kingdom. How many of these am I doing ... are you doing? Are we all preparing in like fashion? Below are some other Scripture-taught ways that we can prep for eternity in the Lord. I would say that if you are not preparing, then one day you may find yourself in a very difficult place. Realize that we don't work our way into heaven but we do have to live a holy life adherent to Scripture.

So then how do you live your life daily?

• What do you allow through your soul gates - eyes and ears?,
• Do you believe on the Lord Jesus as your Lord and Savior?,
• Do you daily confess and repent of your sin?,
• Do you spread the Gospel to others?,
• Do you have faith in God - faith in words that promote action?,
• Do you love your neighbor?,
• Do you love God with all your might, mind and soul?,
• Do you read His word daily?,
• Do you pray often?,
• Do you diligently seek His face?

These are but a few of the things I prep for regarding eternity. Now, granted, I need to "stock" up on more of these items in quality, time, meditation but they are a structure that I have deemed necessary to ensure that I am ready to meet the Lord and stand before His face.

What about you today ... have you considered these things? Will you now?.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P.S. Some would challenge this and say these are but works and man does not have to work his way into heaven. I would reply based on Scripture. Faith promotes and dictates actions and actions inspire and direct works. See the verses below and see what you think...

"You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25- And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26- For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." -James 4:24-26 (ESV)

 

-BPWatcher, Internet Preacher and Bible Prophecy Watchman

"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" -2 Peter 3:11-12

GLORY TO GOD!

 

Yes, Many "Christians" Are Headed for Hell and Don't Realize It. Get Right With God Today!

And Yes, Even Some With "Good Intentions" and Go To Church Every Sunday

"For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." -Matt 7:14 (NASB)

With the world situation now in prophetic "perilous" times (2 Tim 3:1-5), it's time to stop playing games with Almighty God, your salvation and your spiritual life. It's time to turn it completely over to the Lord Jesus Christ!

Do most Christians think that because they wear the label of Christian and/or they regularly attend a church, that this means they will automatically go to Heaven when they die? I believe this is false teaching imposed by today's false shepherds/pastors/priests behind pulpits across the land. If it's not from the lips of the once saved, always saved lying pastors it's to the belief that God is all about only love and their mantra is - "A Loving God would not send people into hell". Did you read the verse at the top of this post and the one right below? Remember, Jesus said these things and more about hell!

"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." -Matt 10:28 (NASB)

The most hateful thing that a pastor or friend could do to another is to NOT tell them about hell and how people end up there. This applies 1000% to pastors, elders or anyone picking up the mantle of teaching God's word. I sat under a respectable, kind and nice, well-meaning pastor for many years and he rarely (and I mean rarely) mentioned hell and failed to directly confronted the members of his church with the stark reality of what it takes to end up there. Now, this is extreme hate. If you find yourself in this situation, go to your pastor/s and ask them about it and then ask why they aren't teaching it. If they try and skirt the issue or send you down a rabbit hole of other reasons and excuses, get out of that church!!! (And I did depart from that church!) 

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14- For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." -Matt 7:13-14 (ESV) 

Don't just assume you are saved cause you responded one time to an altar call and said the sinner's prayer. This is false teaching again - nowhere in the Bible does it even mention this or this method of salvation (there's no canned "sinner's prayer" anywhere in the Bible). Being saved is a daily affair, a daily walk, daily prayer, daily dying to self, daily surrender to Jesus, daily confessing and repenting of your sin. You see being a Christian means a ton more than our weak-kneed, toothless Christian churches and clergy spew from their fancy and ornate pulpits each week. If you are going to say a prayer and mean it then use Romans 10:9-10 as heavenly instructions on what you do and how you do it.

But many [will] refute what I am saying here and go about their lives in their own wisdom and understanding instead of God's!

Being a Christian means living your life unto God and walking in His will. What is His will you may ask...? It's contained in His word - The Holy Bible. The whole book! But ... do you make it a practice to read it daily? How much do you read it? Daily? 

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22- Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23- And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.."-Matt 7:21-23 (NASB) 

What I'm saying here today concerns eternity, you know, forever! Many of us suffer many issues and problems here in the body and on earth, I get it (me too). But eternity is forever. And the things you do here, at this bus-stop of this life, will determine your final destination in eternity. Do you live for God, do you confess His Son as your Lord and Savior?

And do you repent [turn away] from your sin ... then do it and mean it?

Many self-proclaimed Christians are suffering in hell right now because they were deceived by pastors (shepherds) that meant well, were nice, didn't offend, seemed to care about you but never told you the truth about dying and your final destination based on the choices you make while here in the body.  They twist and hide the truth, the no-kidding truth, of the Gospel to promote church growth (empire building) at the cost of countless souls who will be lost in hell for eternity. Let me tell you friends, the false shepherds (hirelings - John 10:12) will pay dearly for deceiving their flocks when they stand before the Lord. Check out how Jesus calls out the weak, fearful and timid "pastors' (scribes, Pharisees - religious leaders, teachers) of His time... 

"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. 15- Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves." -Matt 23:13, 15 (ESV) 

Do you think the Son of the Living God will say anything different to our generation? No, He won't! 

The verses I have included here are a wake up call and a call for the truth to every person who claims to be a Christian. I don't care what position you hold, how intellectual you are, how academic you may be, how much money you have, how secure you feel in your job, health, family or friends. I do care about where you are going once this temporary gig, called life is up on earth. For you will carry no worldly status with you, or none of your accumulated stuff either. You (and I) will stand naked before Jesus and He will say well done good and faithful servant or He'll say He never knew you and you will be ushered into [the waiting room for] HELL! This alone, these verses in Matt 7:21-23, should scare you to your core and cause you to reassess your life and what your relationship is with the Lord ASAP!

So the bottom-line: the time is late and maybe very short now before the Lord comes for His Bride (1 Th 4:13-18; 1 Cor 15:50-52) and play-time (playing church) must be over. The sincerity of our position as a Christian - a true follower of Christ and His teachings - must now mean everything! So as you finish reading this and with some sincere introspect into what you believe, profess and confess, where will your soul end up in eternity? With God in His home or tormented in the place of 0miserable darkness and of endless flames?  -BPW

"And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12- And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13- Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14- For many are called, but few are chosen." -Matt 22:11-14 (KJV)

-BPWatcher, Internet Preacher and Bible Prophecy Watchman

GLORY TO GOD!