Category Archives: Christian Walk with God

The Christian walk with God the Father, made possible due to Jesus’ death on the cross, is a love relationship resulting in Christ-like character and ways.

Disciplined But Not Forgotten

Posted on by — No Comments ↓
Share:

We live in a world where people seem to think they can do whatever they wish, even that which clearly violates God’s commands, and get away with it. Even many who say they believe in God fall prey to the line of thinking that God didn’t really mean what He said about sin and its consequences. He won’t discipline us. After all, they reason, He is a God of love and grace. If God disciplines us, then He must be a mean God, they reason, rather than a loving One.

Would a Loving God Really Discipline Us?

Absolutely! God explains it this way:

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. (Heb. 12:5-6) If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. (Heb. 12:8)

The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves and Doesn't Forget Them
God wants more than happy people. He wants holy people, those whose righteous character enables them to truly love Him and others (Matt. 22:37-40) and be at peace with themselves. And so we read, “… God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Heb. 12:10-11)

When we properly react to His discipline, we come out better. God restores us. That’s not the objective of a mean God, of a God who is simply out to get us by making us suffer consequences for sin. That’s the intent of a God who deeply cares and loves us beyond measure.

Example of Being Disciplined But Not Forgotten

Read through the Old Testament and you’ll find God’s people, Judah, constantly turning away from God to follow after the gods of the nations surrounding them. Yet, God had clearly commanded them that they should have no other gods before Him or make idolatrous images, worshiping them. He also stressed consequences of disobeying this command. (See Exodus 20:1-6.)

Judah suffered consequences for their sin but then God sent judges to lead them back to Himself. When a judge died, however, they reverted back to their sinful ways and so the cycle continued. God sent prophets to warn them but they persisted in their rebellion. They had to suffer more severe consequences, so God sent them into exile to Babylon for seventy years.

Read what God told them:

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jer. 29:10-14)

That’s a loving God!! He may discipline His people, but He doesn’t forget them. When we undergo hardships, let’s look at it from God’s perspective. If we fight against Him and the means He’s using to work in our lives, we could miss out on the good He desires to bring us. — “…do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (Prov. 3:11-12) “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Cor. 7:10)

Share:

About the Armor of God

Posted on by — No Comments ↓
Share:

Put on the Full Armor of God
A previous post reminded us that while God uses the armor mentioned in Ephesians 6, He is the Source of power, protection, and deliverance. The armor represents aspects of Himself that we need to put on. Note that we “put on” the armor. We don’t have what it takes within ourselves. Only God is great enough to overcome the evil one (1 Jn. 4:4).

Satan’s Ploys Can’t Stand Against the Armor of God

The various pieces of armor of God help us stand against different aspects of Satan and his ploys.

belt of truth

Satan is the father of lies, with no truth in him (Jn. 8:44). When we stand with God’s truth securely holding us together, we’re set free (Jn. 8:32). We’re enabled to find the truth in situations and lovingly speak the truth (Eph. 4:15, 25-27).

breastplate of righteousness

Satan is the evil one (1 Jn. 5:18-19) trying to pull our hearts into sinful desires (1 Thess. 3:5). Remembering that the Lord’s righteousness has been imputed to us (2 Cor. 5:21), we stand shielded behind Him. We put on the new self (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), created in Christ Jesus, knowing that it isn’t up to us to live righteously, but rather because of what He’s done for us.

feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace

Satan seeks to divide and destroy (2 Cor. 2:10-11; 1 Pet. 5:8). We have a message of peace and deliverance from sin, death, and the devil (Rom. 16:20; 1 Cor. 15:55-57; Heb. 2:14-15). The Gospel is the power of God that brings salvation” (Rom. 1:16).

shield of faith

Satan barrages us with darts meant to cause our hearts to doubt. We stand behind and put our confidence in the Overcomer, who is greater than all forces of evil (1 Jn. 4:4; 5:4).

helmet of salvation

Satan attacks our minds, trying to distort our view of God (2 Cor. 11:3). With divine weaponry, we’re able to take those thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:4-5), with the hope that one day we will see our Lord in the fullness of who He is (1 Thess. 5:8) and be rid of these distractions.

sword of the Spirit

Satan tries to get to us when we’re vulnerable, appealing to our flesh to meet our needs apart from God, like he did with Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11). We can stand offensively with the Word of God, as Jesus did, to ward off the schemes of the evil one. By regularly using God’s Word to navigate through this world, we’re able to discern between good and evil (Heb. 5:14).

Do you want victory over spiritual battles?

“Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Eph. 6:13). Acknowledge what He’s already done for you, being clad in His truth, righteousness, and gospel deliverance. Then you’ll be ready to take up that shield of faith and hold on to the hope from His helmet of salvation. You’ll grab hold of that sword of the Spirit, His Word, knowing that you need divine weaponry to resist and stand against Satan and his forces of evil.

Church leaders, be sure to check out: God’s Power for the Church: Spiritual Weaponry

Share:

Our Source of Strength for Spiritual Battles

Posted on by — No Comments ↓
Share:

Strong in the Lord in Spiritual BattlesAccording to Ephesians 6, we need to put on the armor of God to win spiritual battles. The strength, however, isn’t found in the armor but in God. The passage begins with an exhortation to, “be strong IN THE LORD and in HIS mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). The armor isn’t the hero of this passage. God is. He precedes and provides the armor. He displays His mighty power through that which the various pieces of armor represent — truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word.

About the Source of Strength in Spiritual Battles

Yes, “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11) and “so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (Eph. 6:13). The armor holds an important place in securing victory but must always link back to it being the “armor OF GOD”. Remember these truths:

  • The armor is merely protective gear. — The Lord is the Protector. (Ps. 32:7; Jn. 17:11, 15; 2 Thess. 3:3)
  • The armor provides a means of accessing the power we need. — The Lord is the Power Source. (2 Cor. 10:4; 2 Pet. 1:3-4)
  • The armor doesn’t deliver us in the battle. — The Lord is the Deliverer. (Ps. 144:1; Prov. 21:31)

Spiritual warfare is real. We can’t fight spiritual battles on our own. The “victory belongs to the Lord” (Prov. 21:31). Put your trust in Him!

For More, Go To: Resources for the Christian’s Walk with God (look under the ‘Warfare’ tab)

Share:

Praying for the Glory of His Name

Posted on by — No Comments ↓
Share:

Praying Not to Us, O LORD, but to Your Name Be the Glory
When our lives match the words, “Not to us but to your name be the glory!” (Ps. 115:1), then it will be evidenced even in our prayers. When we ask God to do certain things for us, it will be for the sake of His name, not merely for our personal relief or benefit.

Examples of Prayers for the Glory of His Name

Here are some examples of the psalmist’s prayers:

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (Ps. 31:3)

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake. (Ps. 79:9)

But you, O Sovereign LORD, deal well with me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me. (Ps. 109:21)

For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. (Ps. 143:11)

Notice how the psalmist requested guidance for the sake of the Lord’s name, not merely to know what to do or where to go. He sought deliverance and forgiveness, not just to rid himself of guilt and make his own life better but for the sake of the Lord’s name. The psalmist prayed for God’s favor and preservation of his life, not so he would have a more comfortable existence but for the glory of God’s name.

Implications of Praying for Effects on the Lord’s Name

These kinds of prayers look at the bigger picture. When we’re concerned about the glory of His name, and thus pray for His name’s sake, we’re acknowledging that life isn’t just about me. We’re concerned about more than personal comfort, conveniences, and commodities. We care that what happens to us reflects the Lord’s sovereignty, goodness, righteousness, etc. And, so we proclaim, “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory” (Ps. 115:1).

We want our lives to be a testimony of His faithfulness when we pray for the sake of His name. Since the name of the Lord reflects the essence of who God is, answers to these kinds of prayers stay true to who He is. We thus open ourselves up before God to use us and our circumstances as a vessel through which He makes Himself known. We’re inviting Him to make His character and ways known through our lives.

By praying for the sake of the Lord’s name, we’re acknowledging His sovereignty and rights in our lives. We belong to Him. — “We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” (Ps. 100:3) “Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isa. 64:8).

We’re submitting to His goodness and righteousness, knowing our Almighty, All-Wise, and All-Knowing God will do what is best in accordance with who He is. We need Him to respond based on who He is, not who we are. Think about it: He is strong; we are weak. He is wise; we are foolish. He is faithful; we are faithless. He is worthy; we are undeserving.

More about Prayer: Resources for Prayer Ministry

More about the Name of the Lord: Theology Resources

Share:

Praise and Thanksgiving is Only Fitting

Posted on by — No Comments ↓
Share:

Fitting to Praise
Responding in praise and thanksgiving is only fitting when we consider who God is and what He has done.

“Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” (Ps. 147:1)

How Can We Not Praise Him?

When we consider “his acts of power” and “his surpassing greatness” (Ps. 150:2), how can we not praise Him? No one comes close to Him in ability.

How can we not praise Him when we begin to grasp “the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Rom. 11:33). “His understanding no one can fathom” (Isa. 40:28).

This God of whom there is none greater, loves us beyond our ability to measure (Eph. 3:18). How can it not be “pleasant and fitting to praise Him”?

Praise and Thanksgiving to God Always Appropriate

Offering praise and thanksgiving goes beyond what we do in a church building or gathering as we’re exhorted to “praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens” (Ps. 150:1). That suggests God want us to praise Him no matter where we are. We don’t need a set time or place to worship.

God also commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18). That means we praise even in pain and suffering. Job, who suffered far more in a short period of time than most of us will in a lifetime, said, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him?” (Job 13:15). In the early stage of his suffering Job affirmed God’s sovereign rights when he fell to the ground in worship saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job. 1:21). His circumstances and feelings did not dictate praise but rather the reality of a God who could be trusted to have his best interest at heart regardless of appearance.

Also read: Worship Ministry: Responding in Praise & Gratitude for Who God Is and What He Has Done

Share:

In Some Cases Knowledge Really is Power

Posted on by — No Comments ↓
Share:

The phrase “knowledge is power” often really means that knowledge leads to power, but only if it’s used. So, in the worldly scheme of things, knowledge itself isn’t really power. There’s a very real sense in which knowledge isn’t power unless applied to life in the spiritual realm as well. Head knowledge alone won’t cause us to bear fruit. Notice the flow in Colossians 1:9-11 from knowledge to understanding to applying that knowledge to then bearing fruit and getting to know God even better. — “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

Power Through Our Knowledge of Him
Yet, for us a believers, there is a very real sense in which knowledge “is” power as “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3).

How Knowledge is Power in the Spiritual Realm

We have power to live a godly life (2 Pet. 1:3), an empowered life that’s fruitful, one that makes an eternal difference (Jn. 15:1-5). To claim knowledge as power for us as believers depends on two factors:

1) It depends on how we define knowledge.

When 2 Peter 1:3 equates having divine power “through our knowledge of Him” it uses the Greek word epignosis which Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines as “full, or thorough knowledge, discernment, recognition”. It’s the kind of knowledge wherein we’re so intimately in tune with Him that we recognize His voice and actions above all others like sheep that know their shepherd’s voice and only follow him (Jn. 10:2-5). It’s the kind of knowledge that has firsthand experience with who God is so that like Job we say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) It’s the kind of knowledge that puts us in awe of God, what Scripture refers to as the fear of the Lord which “is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (Prov. 14:27).

2) It depends on the subject of that knowledge.

2 Peter 1:3 goes on to say we have divine power “through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness”. Such power is possible when we know the glorious King of kings and Lord of lords, the Great and Almighty God of whom there is none greater (Eph. 1:19). It’s about knowing the good and loving Savior who is full of mercy and grace, whose love is better than life itself (Ps. 63:3). It’s about knowing the reliable One who keeps His promises which are “very great and precious” (2 Pet. 1:4). His promises are great because of His glory and precious because of His goodness. This God must be the subject of knowledge, not a god of my own design. Otherwise we have an anemic god in whom there is little or no power.

The Results of Such Knowledge

Knowledge of this God, as described in Scripture, results in power that gives us “everything we need for a godly life” (2 Pet. 1:3). Here’s how it tends to go:

The more we get to know God for who He really is, the more we will revere and trust Him in all we do. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Prov. 9:10)

As we trust this Almighty, Great, and Awesome God to work in and through us, we can’t help but get excited about Him. It’s what makes Romans 12:11 possible: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” This makes a big difference in ministry.

And, seeing His power at work in and through us, we won’t be able to help but worship and praise Him. He is the Great I Am, the One of whom there is none greater, worthy of our love and adoration. Worship truly focuses on Him.

Share: