To help you along

Here is the general outline you can use each week as you listen to sermons at ICCS, on your pod cast, or when you read the scriptures. A friend I met while in Bali-of all places- uses this at his church. It looked good and for a while, I hesitated to use it. But now, I feel it is time to introduce SOAP to the ICCS crowd. Soap can be used each day and I am sure you will find it helpful. I guess you know I am not talking about washing soap but:

soap: ICCS BIBLE STUDY NOTES

Scripture

Observations

Application

Prayer

Try this for a while and see if the messages last longer in your hearts. Ask the Lord of the Harvest to implant His message there to bring all of us closer to Him.
May His Grace Fill you as you seek ways to serve and love Him! Thank you.

Going Away From God's Ways

--or Jonah’s Travels!　　神さまの道から離れる：ヨナの旅
Ever run away from a bully or a wild dog, or a situation that was dangerous?

We had been just married under one month when we visited my family in Rhode Island. I wanted to show my new bride around the great city of Providence and so we went all over the place. いじめっ子や野犬または危ない状況から逃げようとした経験はありませんか？
私が結婚してから約一ヵ月後のことですが、ロードアイランドにある私の家族を妻と一緒に訪問しました。私は妻にプロビデンスの町を見せたくてしたくてあっちこちに行きました。
Some of the areas were even new to me as it had been many years since I had lived in Rhode Island. We visited Brown Un., RI School of Design, the First Baptist Church that was started by Roger Williams. ロードアイランドを離れてから何年も経っていたので、初めての場所にも行きました。
私たちはブラウン大学やロジャー・ウイリアムスが始めた第一バプテスト教会にも行きました。
We went to the Arcade, even got a NY System hot dog, and went along the piers. The area was in repair and there were piles of broken this and discarded that all over the ground, but we were in love and all was well…until, we saw a rat!私たちはアーケードにも行きニューヨークのホットドッグを食べながら、桟橋を歩きました。その桟橋は修理中で壊れている箇所が多く、壊れたものがあっちこっちに散らばっていました。しかし私たちは愛し合っていたのでそんなこと気にしませんでした。ねずみを見るまでは！！

Now, as rats go, this was the Mother-of-all-rats! I had NEVER seen such a large rat. Being a newly married man and loving my wife so much, I bolted out of there with great haste---leaving Faith behind. I was scared out of my mind! But, I did not consider the safety of my new bride. I ran away, telling Faith to follow.　そのねずみは母親ねずみで、今までに見たことのないほど大きなねずみでした。私は新婚で妻をとても愛していましたがその瞬間、妻を置き去りにして急いでその場所から逃げました。
しかし、私は妻の安全を考えなかったわけではありませんでした。私は妻に付いてくるようにと言って逃げ去ったのでした。


Running away from danger is good. Timing was off but the idea was there!

What motivates us to obey God when He tells us to do something … especially when that something is not what we want to do? What could happen if we choose NOT to do something God tells us to do?　危険から逃げ去るのはよいことです。タイミングは悪かったかもしれませんがいつもそう考えています。神様にやりたくないことをするように言われたとき、どう従いますか？神様から言われたことをやらなかったらどうなるでしょうか。

Going away from God’s ways is a short series we will begin today. We will be looking at the expert at running away from God: Jonah!

What do you know about this book or this man? Tell me, please. (here people at the Chapel gave short answers like: a big fish, Nineveh, big storm at sea...　神の道から離れることについて本日は学びます。神様から逃げたヨナについてみていきます。
この書、またはヨナについて何か知っていることを言ってください。


And as we look at this spiritual sprinter, we shall also see a God who is running right along him –dogging him at ever turn. But what we do not see is a God who is overreacting to Jonah’s disobedient behavior. このヨナが走っているのを見るとき、私たちは神さまがヨナと一緒に走っているのを見ることが出来ます。しかし、神様がヨナの反抗的な態度に過剰反応していないのが分かります。 In fact, we shall see such patience on His part. It is almost like this issue God has with the Pagan city of Nineveh is not the main concern of God but that of a changed heart in the Jewish man, Jonah. Maybe the main thing of Jonah is not the big fish, the three days in it’s belly, the city of Nineveh or the story of a repenting city. The main thing about this book could be Jonah, himself.　実際にはここで神さまの忍耐を見ることが出来ます。ニネベの町は偶像礼拝して、本物の神のことなど信じていませんでした。しかし、ユダヤ人ヨナによって彼らの心はかれられたのでした。

In our society, if we drive over the speed limit, we run the risk of getting stopped and pay the consequences, usually a pretty hefty fine. We keep the speed limit because we might fear the law and the penalty of breaking such a law. If we turn our backs on the speeding regulation and drive as fast as we want to, we are, in affect, by our actions, declaring that we are above the law—meaning the law does not apply to us. Over time, we might get stopped, if our consciences do not convict us first.　この社会の中でスピード違反をしたら、警察に止められ罰金を払う危険が伴います。
私たちは速度を守ります。なぜなら法律を犯す罰則を恐れているのです。


When it comes to finding ourselves obeying God, who see all our moments and knows our very hearts, should there be some fear there as well? If we deliberately disobey God’s laws, His commandments, does that mean we are above His rules for life. もし、私たちが法廷速度を守らず、好きなだけスピードを出したとすれば、法律を守らなかった責任を取ることになります。スピード違反をし続けるなら、警察に止められる可能性があります。私たちが神さまに従っているかどうか見るとき、神様は私たちの瞬間、瞬間をしり、心を知ってくださいます。神様に対しても恐れが必要でしょうか？もし私たちが神さまの律法に逆らうなら、それは私たちの人生が神さまの支配外にあるという意味なのでしょうか？ By bending the rules to suit our lifestyle, by cutting corners in following His ways, we are in effect saying that He is not the Lord of our life. We might be more afraid of offending a person next to us than we are of offending God, who is ALL POWERFUL and Holy.

Why?　神さまの律法を曲げて人生を送るとき、また神さまの道からそれるときにしゅは私の人生の主ではないと言えるのでしょうか？時に私たちは力強く聖なる神さまの気分を害するより、隣の人の気分を害することを恐れてはいないでしょうか？

Listen to the first chapter of Jonah and see if the shoe fits on your feet. Are you like Jonah? Going Away From God’s Ways:
READ Jonah chapter 1.　ヨナ書第一章を見て、皆さんに当てはまるかどうか考えてください。皆さんはヨナのようですか？
神さまの道から逃げていないでしょうか？
では第一章を読みましょう。


Jonah is a good Jewish man. He felt a close relationship with the God of Abraham was good. He follows the letter of the Law. He hates those who hate his God and he does not show any compassion toward his enemies—even though he is told to love the enemies of God. ヨナは良いユダヤ人でした。彼はアブラハムの神とよい関係を持っていました。また律法にも従っていました。神様を憎むものを憎んでいました。敵を愛するように神さまに言われても敵を哀れみませんでした。 He tells complete strangers of his decision not to follow his God’s perfectly clear instructions. “Go ahead, do Your best on this enemy of Yours. Wipe them off the face of the earth. I will have no part in their repenting!” In fact, you would be hard pressed to think of Jonah as anything else but a good Jew. His heart was even at rest—he was sleeping when the ship was almost sinking.彼は神さまの完全な指示に従わないことを全く関係のない人に話しました。「あなたの敵をどうぞ、裁いてください。この地から根絶やしにしてください。彼らの悔い改めと私は関係ありませんから！！」事実、追い詰められたヨナであってもヨナは良いユダヤ人でした。ヨナの心は沈みそうな船の中で眠れるほど平安でした。

A little background here. Why is Jonah not pleased about going to Nineveh? Too far to walk? Out of the way? Bad weather there? No, these people were sworn enemies of the Jewish nation. ここで時代背景をお話しします。なぜ、ヨナはニネベに生きなくなかったのでしょうか？遠すぎたからですか？遠回りだったからでしょうか？ニネベの天気が悪かったからでしょうか？違います。ニネベの人たちはユダヤ国民の敵だったからです。 The king and armies of Nineveh had been at war with the Hebrew nation for years. Jonah has a deep personal and national hatred for them. He was dripping in racial traditionalist feelings. They were not the chosen ones; Israel was. But here he was being told to go to the enemy and to PLEAD with them to repent. BURN ‘EM!　ニネベの王と軍隊は何年もの間、ヘブル人と戦争していました。ヨナは個人的にニネベの国を憎んでいました。彼らは伝統的なユダヤ人でした。ニネベの人間は選ばれた民ではない！イスラエルが選ばれた民であると思っていました。しかし神さまにニネベに行って悔い改めを告げるように言われたのでした。

I guess we need to ask the question: Where is Nineveh? Don’t turn to the map in the back of the Bible for the city of Nineveh. This Nineveh is the place God wanted Jonah but he did not want to be there. Not on your life! He would go to Tarshish to get away from that call on his life.　ではニネベとはどこでしょうか？聖書の後ろにある地図を見る必要はありません。ニネベとは神様がヨナに行ってほしい場所でした。しかしヨナは拒絶しました。彼は神の召しから逃げてタルシシュに向かったのです。

So where is Tarshish in your life? Not the place you go to that is not the place He wants you to go? Not the attitude He wants you to have? Not the lifestyle He wants you to follow?

God wanted Jonah to go to this city that had many many people. They had over 120,000 children who could not tell their right hand from their left. 皆さんのタルシシュはどこですか？そこは自分が行きたい場所であって神様が行って欲しい場所ではありません。またはそれは神様が望まない態度でもあります。またはそれは神様が望まないライフスタイルかも知れません。神さまはヨナに多くの人々が住んでいる町に行って欲しいと願いました。ニネベには１２０，０００以上の右も左も分からない子供がいました。 Completely clueless, yet God told him to go. WHY? So they could repent? Maybe but I feel it is deeper than that. I feel God was trying to work His Will out in the Hebrew Nation via this very deeply Hebrew man. God was at work to bring THE NATIONS to Himself and because of religious walls of hatred and of years of neglect, Jonah just reflected his own culture. But the culture was wrong. It did not reflect the Heart of God.神はヨナに行けと命じました。何故でしょう？そしたら彼らが悔い改めるからでしょうか？それもありますが、もっと深い意味があると思います。神さまはこのヘブル人ヨナを通してヘブルの民にご計画を持っていたのではないでしょうか？神様は何年もにわたる憎しみと拒絶という宗教的な壁をヘブルの民から取り除くように働かれたのです。ヨナは典型的なヘブル人であり伝統を重んじていました。しかし、その伝統は間違っていました。それは神さまの心を反映するものではありませんでした。

So, I ask you again, where is your Nineveh? Where and who don’t you care for or even love the way God cares for and loves. Is it a people group or an individual? A nation of people you have learned over time to hate? Let’s not push aside the deeper meaning to this text. We will look at the book, somewhat verse by verse but let’s not neglect this deeper issue that this man needed to face and so do we. And he faced it in the belly of a large fish!　そこで皆さんにもう一度ききます。みなさんのニネベはどこですか？神様が彼らを愛しているのに皆さんが関わりたくない人や場所はどこでしょうか？それは個人かもしれませんし民族かもしれません。皆さんが嫌いな国の人々かもしれません。ヨナの話しの深い意味をないがしろにしないようにしましょう。一節一節を読みながらヨナが直面した問題を軽視しないようにしましょう。
彼は大きな魚の腹の中で問題に直面したのです。

Not too comfortable. Not a nice quite place to rest his head. He had seaweed wrapped around his head and neck. He was in the depth of the ocean when he came to his senses. God had gotten his attention! And he knew it! I guess he could resist but then I guess we would not have this book to read. God did change his heart—bit by bit and even while God was doing it, Jonah resisted. He was just like us!　居心地の良い場所ではありませんよね。横になるのに最適の場所でもありません。頭にも首にも海草が巻きついていたでしょう。ヨナの平常心がもどったのは海の中でした。ヨナの心は神に向きました。そこでもヨナは拒絶することも可能でしたが、もしヨナが拒絶していたらこの書は存在しなかったと思います。神様はヨナの心を少しずつ変えようとしていたのでしたが、ヨナはそれを拒み続けていたのでした。ヨナは私たちと似ていますよね？

This morning, that is all we will say. This is a good topic for a series on the Reason for Missions and it might lead there but for now, you need to ask yourself: Is there a Nineveh in my life? A place God wants to take me and I am resisting His pull?

Or is there a Tarshish in my life? Am I going the wrong way—away from where He wants me to go? Am I resisting Him?　　今朝は以上にしたいと思います。これは宣教の理由を語るトピックにふさわしい話しです。これを通して導きがあるかもしれませんが、まず自分自身に聞いてみてください。自分の中にニネベはあるかどうか？神の召しを拒んでいないか？
またはタルシシュはあるかどうか？神様が自分に行って欲しい場所ではない場所にいっているかどうか？神さまを拒絶しているかどうか？

If you answer yes to either one, there needs to be a big fish waiting for you as you leave ICCS this morning. Don’t be surprised if you are forced to spend some time with Him this week. God really wants to change us to reflect Himself—in all ways—even in matters of our heart. Listen to Him and allow His Hand to move. It will go well for you if you do. もし、皆さんの答えがイエスの場合、ICCSを去ると大きな魚が待っている必要がありますね？
今週、神さまと時間を持つように強制されても驚かないで下さい。神さまは本当に私たちの心を変えて神様を反映するものとしたいのです。神様の御声を聞いて導いてもらってください。そうすればよい方向に向かうはずです。


He wants committed learners/people who are serious about living their lives with Him at the center!

How Much Am I Worth?

Have you ever been told you are good for nothing? Have you ever been feeling so low that you look up to see the surface of the ground? (That is very low, indeed!) Many people all over the world—even in this room, may feel they are worthless or near worthless because of something someone said one time in their lives or something that was repeated over and over again…until they believed the lie.

And that is just what it was: a lie. You are so valuable. You have worth. You are important to God and He has great plans for you that are for your well-being.

Well, how much ARE we worth? When we total the monetary value of the elements in our bodies and the value of the average person's skin, we arrive at a net worth of $4.50.

This value is, however, subject to change, due to stock market fluctuations. Since the studies leading to this conclusion were conducted by the U.S. and by Japan respectively, it might be wise to consult the New York Stock Exchange and the Nikkei Index before deciding when to sell! The U.S. Bureau of Chemistry and Soils invested many a hard- earned tax dollar in calculating the chemical and mineral composition of the human body, which breaks down as follows:

65% Oxygen; 
18% Carbon
; 10% Hydrogen; 3% Nitrogen; 
1.5% Calcium; 
1% Phosphorous
; 0.35% Potassium
; 0.25% Sulfur; 
0.15% Sodium; 
0.15% Chlorine; 
0.05% Magnesium;
0.0004% Iron. 


Additionally, it was discovered that our bodies contain trace quantities of fluorine, silicon, manganese, zinc, copper, aluminum, and arsenic. Together, all of the above amounts to less than one dollar.

HOWEVER! The following is the price tag on the human body as based on a survey published in Wired magazine. It found that vital organs are no longer the most valuable body parts. Rather, bone marrow heads the list…priced at $23 million, based on 1,000 grams @ $23,000 per gram.

DNA can fetch $9.7 million, while extracting antibodies can bring $7.3 million. A lung is worth $116,400, a kidney $91,400 and a heart $57,000.

A women’s eggs are costlier than men's sperm. The survey found that a fertile woman could sell 32 egg cells over eight years for $224,000; however, for a man to earn the same amount, he would have to make 12 sperm donations a month for 20 years.

The prices are based on cost estimates taken from hospitals and insurance companies, and are based on projected prices only in the United States. Of course, the prices also assume that all these substances can be extracted from living tissue for sale.

Although this break down is illegal, unethical and in many cases also impossible, you should not feel like a million dollars anymore. You can feel like $45 million, instead!

I am convinced that if a child is told over and over again that they are subnormal, stupid, inferior, a nothing, over time—and a short time at that, they will believe it. If everyone here would tell one person in this room, THE SAME person, that they are so important to the growth of this Chapel, over time—a longer time—it might be believed. Might! One negative word hurts and does more harm than the good of a hundred praises.

THE EVENT:
Dr. Bob Smith (co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous) was the chapel speaker at a Christian school called Minnehaha Academy, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA (date?). He was there for their annual Spiritual Emphasis Week. He spoke for 5 days on the theme, WHAT ARE YOU WORTH? In the privacy of the student’s hearts--they answered the question … not much. They truly meant it!

As teen-agers, the students had a very poor self-image. Perhaps it was (and still is) rather typical for teens and adults everywhere!

Dr. Smith kept asking his key question, WHAT ARE YOU WORTH? And the students kept answering in their hearts … not much.

During the week, he restated the question in relationship of their worth to their friends, to families, to themselves, and ultimately to the Lord. By the end of the week, they all knew something was taking place in all their hearts. All of a sudden, they truly believed that they were worth a lot to the Lord. The speaker built a strong biblical case to teach them … to persuade all of them … of their worth chiefly to Him. It was the beginning of a transformation in all of those who were there.

THE PROCESS:
Start in the Old Testament and continued through the New Testament, we can underscore truths that He stated about our person. We may have to continue to do the same throughout our life. For example (to mention but a few) . . .

_ He created me in His own image. Not garbage/not throw away..
_ He knows me and calls me by name, as He did with Abraham, Moses, Gideon and others.
_ He has given talents and gifts to me . . . just as He has determined. 1 Corinthians 12:11)
_ He has written my name on the palm of His Hand.(Isaiah 49:16)
_ He indwells me, since the day I invited Jesus into my life.
_ He tells me that I am a co-worker and joint-heir with Him.
_ He has a plan for my life.
_ He has convinced me that I MATTER TO HIM.

While reading Exodus we can be blessed to focus on this phrase that He spoke to Moses … I am pleased with you, in Exodus 33:17. What an amazing phrase for Moses to hear—really for any of us to hear!

Moses’ life was far from perfect yet God was pleased with him. What would cause God to say that? Perhaps God was pleased because Moses trusted God, as strongly stated in God’s Hall of Faith, Hebrews 11. There we can read these words … Without faith it is impossible to please God (11:6). It also says specifically that Moses … persevered because he saw Him who is invisible (11:27).

Many of us cannot imagine that God is pleased with us. But Moses heard God tell him that … He was pleased with Him. Before, we heard that God is pleased with us too, as we trust Him. So add these words to your memory bank … GOD IS PLEASED WITH ME.

Not with doing wrong or selfish things, but because He does!

THE RESULT:
Dr. Smith’s teaching quickly started the process of transformation in many lives. That process is continuing to this day. There is a book, TELLING YOURSELF THE TRUTH, by Dr. William Backus, which can be helpful. He writes that too often we allow our lives to be shaped by lies that we have believed, all orchestrated by Satan. Kids on the playground, or by teachers or even parents perhaps, spoke these hurtful words years ago. The most important things for us to believe about ourselves do not come from others. Not even from us. We must believe the Truths that God says about us. It is never too late for the transformation process to begin … and to continue.

What do we do with this ‘stuff’ we carry?

We need to realize where our strength comes from. The Sunday School answer is: Jesus. But, does that help you?

Not really my role model of a Believer’s life, but Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Roosevelt, once said: “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” (You Learn by Living)

There is not doubt that hardships strengthen all of us. The best learners are the ones who have come through really great difficulty or even a tragedy and carry the depth of their experience with them. However, those who follow Christ, difficulties do much more than build our confidence. In fact, we tend to be stronger when we don’t feel confident or strong or even whole. Our eyes need to be off self. There are times it is not about growing stronger but knowing we are weak and that brings growth.

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:, wrote about this thing he called his ‘thorn in the flesh,’ which he begged God to remove from his life. Then he wrote this: 9 But He said to me, "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. 10 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.” NIV

Is your life going to give into the pain of failures and setbacks? Or is your life going to press on toward the mark He has set up for you? Christ being our example, He pressed on in knowing His Father both loved Him and that He would never forsake Him. Do you have that kind of confidence in Him that assures you of your worth to Him?

Listen: “I am pleased with you…”

You may need to cut yourself some slack and allow healing to happen. You might not be as bad as you had thought you were. He finds great worth in you. He died for you.

_________________________

Articles taken from Amy Simpson, Executive Director of Resources @ Christianity Today International, June 29, 2007
Lareau Lindquist, founder, Senior Associate, Barranabas International.
Dr. William Backus, Telling Yourself The Truth, Bethany House Publishers.
Web site: How Much Does the Human Body Worth?

８月３１日 Waiting for God

Been reading in the Psalm of late. Psalm 73 was a great help to me and I guess some of you would agree it helped you as well.
最近詩篇を読んでいますが詩篇７３編は私にとって大きな助けとなりました。皆さんにとっても助けになったと思います。

Today, I’d like to explore some more in detail from another Psalm. This time, it is Psalm 130. Let’s read it together. This was ‘called out’ as people came toward the Holy City of David, Jerusalem. It is called a Song of Ascents.
今日は、詩篇の他の箇所からもっと細かいことを探求してみましょう。では詩篇の１３０編をお開きください。皆さん一緒に読みましょう。これはダビデの聖なる都、エルサレムに向かう途中人々が叫び求めたことです。これは都のぼりの歌と呼ばれています。

1 Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD
主よ。深い淵から私はあなたを呼び求めます。
2 O Lord, hear my voice.
Let Your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
主よ、私の声を聞いてください。私の願いに耳を傾けてください。
3 If You, O LORD, kept a record of sins,
O Lord, who could stand?
主よ、あなたがもし、不義に目を留められるなら、主よ、だれが御前に立ちえましょう。
4 But with You there is forgiveness;
therefore You are feared.
しかし、あなたが赦してくださるからこそあなたは人に恐れられます。
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in His word I put my hope
私は主を待ち望みます。私のたましいは、待ち望みます。
私は主のみことばを待ちます。
6 My soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
私のたましいは夜回りが夜明けを待つのにまさり、まことに、夜回りが夜明けを待つのにまさって、主を待ちます。
7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with Him is full redemption.
イスラエルよ。主を待て。
主には恵みがあり、豊かな贖いがある。
8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
主はすべての不義からイスラエルを贖い出される。
~or~

一三○
１ ああ神様。 私は失意のどん底から、あなたの助けを叫び求めます。 ２「お願いですから、私の訴えを聞いて、助けてください。」
３,４もし、神様がいつまでも私たちの罪を心に留められるのでしたら、とうてい、この祈りも聞いてはいただけないでしょう。 しかし、恐れ多いことですが、神様は赦してくださるお方です。 ５だからこそ、お助けを信じつつ、期待をこめて待っているのです。 ６見張りの者が夜明けを待つよりも切実に、神様を待ち望んでいます。
７ イスラエルよ、神様を信じて希望を持ちなさい。 神様は恵み深く親切で、両腕いっぱいの祝福をかかえておいでになるからです。８神様は、罪の奴隷となったイスラエルを買い戻してくださいます。

We have been talking about Prayer and our working through the problems we might be facing with the answers or non answers we find in this arena.
最近、祈り、そして問題に直面したときに取る行動の祈りの答えがあるかどうかを見てきました。

Who is the one who can provide such help? Let’s look over this psalm and see how we can grow in a deeper knowledge with Him and in doing that, will drive our hearts to the One who made us.
そのような状況において誰が助けてくれるのでしょう？では詩篇を見ながら、より多くのことを知り成長し、私たちを造ってくださったお方に心を向けていきましょう。


WHAT I DO:
Cry- sometimes we call things unfair or say "poor me!"
私たちがすること
叫ぶ：不公平に対する憐れみ

# Psalm 17:1 Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips.

詩篇１７：１　主よ、聞いてください、正しい訴えを。耳に留めてください、私の叫びを。耳に入れてください、欺きのくちびるからでない私の祈りを
# Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears.
詩篇１８：６ 私は苦しみの中に主を呼び求め、助けを求めてわが神に叫んだ。主はその宮で私の声を聞かれ、御前に助けを求めた私の叫びは、御耳に届いた。
# Psalm 22:2 O my God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer, by night, and am not silent.
詩篇２２：２　わが神。昼、私は呼びます。しかし、あなたはお答えになりません。夜も、私は黙っていられません。
Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.

詩篇３２：１７　彼らが叫ぶと主は聞いてくださる。

そして、彼らをそのすべての苦しみから救い出される。

Psalm 86:6 Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.
主よ。私の祈りを耳に入れ、私の願いの声を心に留めてください。
# Psalm 116:1 I love the LORD, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy.
詩篇１１６：１私はしゅを愛する。主は私の声、私の願いを聞いてくださるから。
# Psalm 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in Your Word.

詩篇１１９：１４７　私は夜明け前に起きて叫び求めます。
私はあなたのことばを待ち望んでいます。

In the New Testament:

Luke 7:12-14 (NIV) As He approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, His heart went out to her and He said, "Don't cry."
Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!"

The lady was NOT calling out to the Lord: Did not even know He was there. She was in deep pain. Once this male was buried, all her life would change. She'd have nothing. Jesus saw the need and spoke His peace into it. "Don't cry!" Very hard to do when the floor has fallen in and there is no light AT ALL.

Tell me, are you carrying anything dead on your back...something that has died and you have not dealt with it? Maybe something you have not even asked Jesus' help with? You need to know that He sees your pain and hears the cry of your heart. Cry to Him. To cry is not to admit to failure, but to admit you need help. Jesus will answer and lift your burden after you give it to Him. (This does not mean you will never have problems...my no...the problems will be there but so will the Power of Christ IN you. He has promised to be there. You need to be open to His leading.)

# Luke 18:7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

God is not like a man! A very big difference. He is able to deliver you!
神は人間とは違います。全くちがうのです。

Fear-of future, things that I can’t control or need to control--(out of my control!)
恐れ：将来に対するもの、また自分の力ではどうしようもないこと

Wait-for answers, things to finish so you can move on to the next thing to wait for, for the unexpected, second coming
待つ：答えを待つ、次のことに進む前に答えをまつ。

Place-as in setting things in order, giving up your right to certain things in order to move on.
場所：物事を順序よく計画する。事を進めるために自分の権利を捨てる。

I.E. Matt 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” As Peter Scazzero puts it: “Lord, help me to find safety in You as I embrace my vulnerability, humanity and limits. Provide grace for me to not pretend or lie or deny the pain of life, thus avoiding both reality and You. May I pay attention this day to the loss and grief around me, and be willing to wait for You in what often appears to be a “confusing in-between.” I place my hope in You, O Lord, and in Your unfailing love.”

He goes on to write from Matt 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Peter prays: “Lord, grant me grace today to wait on You. You know my tendency to get angry, frustrated, and impatient with others, myself, and my circumstances. Almighty God, help me to drop my defenses this day and be approachable, kind, merciful, non-defensive and appropriately assertive. “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I put my Hope.” Ps 130:5

Waiting for God is like catching each rain drop in a typhoon. Who can do that and with what?
神さまを待つことは台風の中で雨粒をつかむことのようです。
誰が何のためにそんなことできるでしょうか？

HIS WORK:
神様がされること
Forgive _ His Main thing. His act on the Cross did it all. Jesus dies to being Mankind--all of us--to Himself. He paid the huge price to reconcile the world to Him. There was a gap.
赦す：神の主な働き。それはすべて十字架でなされました。イエス様は私たちと同じ人間になり十字架にかかりました。イエス様はこの世と神との和解のために大きな代価を支払われたのです。

No man could bridge it. No way was man able to! He was not made for that task. God provided a way: His Perfect Son. He took our place/our punishment when He was nailed to the Cross.
そのようなことは誰にも出来ないのです。イエス様はそれだけのために存在されたのではありません。神が完全なる御子を私たちが受ける裁きの代わりに十字架につけたのです。

That might produce guilt but what God is looking for is a willingness to ALLOW Him into your life--to BE your life, so that He can live in you and give you real life in His Name
このことは人々の心に罪責間をもたらすでしょう。しかし神さまは私たちが自ら進んで主をこころに迎えることを望んでいます。そして神が私たちの内に住み私たちに本物の人生を与えてくださるのです。

Redeem _ again, this is the Main thing of the Gospel. His blood for our sin. He ‘turned in’ His Blood as a payment worthy of the cost and penalty.
贖い：これが福音の中心です。イエス様の血は私たちの罪の身代わりに流されました。イエス様はその流された血潮を罪の代価とされたのです。

Hear _ THAT is what we wait for. That is what we long for. That He would hear us. Blessing is ours, He already had. He hears our heart cry when our world falls in. In our despair and in our pain, He hears. For I will put my trust in the One who can be trusted! In God, I trust.
　聞く：これは私たちが待っていることです。私たちがのぞんでいることです。神さまは私たちのことを聞いてくださっています。祝福は私たちのものです。神さまは私たちの心を叫びを聞いてくださいます。痛みや絶望の中にいるときに神さまは耳を傾けてくださいます。信頼することが出来る神に私は信頼します。神のみに信頼するのです。

Next week, we will celebrate the Lord's Table. Come ready to remember what He has done. It is not a sad time. Be ready to express your JOY!

Also, next week, service will start at 10:30!

May His Grace fill you as you seek to please Him.

Slippin' & Slidin' in Prayer

Looking at Psalm 73 with me...

Recently, I received a note from an ICCS alumni. She had asked for prayer as she has been seeking a life partner and there are not too many possible prospects around her area.

As she put it, “My desire for a husband and children grow exponentially each day. It feels terrible. I have met and had experiences with more jerks than I think is fair or possible. My faith regarding my ever getting married is at an all-time low. At this point, I feel that it would be easy for me to settle. Not to mention the pressure from family (parents) and friends to get married already. My younger sister is happily married with 2 kids--I won't even speak of the jealousy issues that I now contend with. Please pray for me. It is tough being a black woman in her 30’s with loads of education--there just seems to be NO eligible men anywhere. My choices ... seem(s) to be the following: an ex-con, a bisexual man, a married man, a criminal, an unbeliever, a playboy, or an all-around jerk. Help a sister, please Pastor Stan--what gives?”

She asks some good questions. Is she alone in this? I don’t think so. It is not only for Black single women in their 30s, but from a host of different people with some very deep and pressing question: i.e.: 

Does God answer prayer?

She asks again: "Thank you. I finally feel like someone told me the truth. Everyone keeps giving me the "I feel so sorry for you" look, the pats on the shoulder, the "he's out there" pep talk. Inside, I am doubting that he is one day and hopeful that he is on other days. Pastor Stan, if I ask God for something for so long and it does NOT happen..what does that mean? Doesn't God want me to have a husband? Why am I the one who has to wrestle with lust, loneliness, and more? And, my singleness keeps me in a tailspin about my faith and belief in God.

Am I now at 30 supposed to give up hope of having a husband?

Do I now go and join a convent?

Doesn't it say ask and you shall receive?"

I sent her Psalm 73 and other advise back to her. Could I share with you some of what I find to be true concerning prayer? ...not just for the single woman looking for a husband but also for any other person who asks God for something and all is silent.

The Psalmist sees the problem, doesn’t he? He sees that this God we worship here today is a GOOD GOD and that He is good to those who are pure in heart.  

He writes: 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

This man slips and almost lost his foothold on life. Ever do that? Slipping is natural in this world. ESP when the ground is wet or when the situation is dangerous. When there are difficult decisions to make.

This ‘slip’ he experiences is not a sinful practice he falls into. No, it is when he looks at the evil around him and envies them over his own life. When he takes his eyes off of Jesus. 

Remember that it is not about us! It is about Him.

She asks: Did I hear wrong? Is God punishing me?

First, once you ask for forgiveness, it is over.  He does not use that against you now.  It is over and forgiven.  

This also does not mean she is lost. It might mean that the MALE population out there are in a collective hole in the ground and need some major spiritual growth to get them to a place where they can hear and respond to God's calling for a Godly life-style. Don't let their lack of Heart for God drag you below their level.

Her confession of being married in three years sounds like someone was not hearing the voice of God on her behalf. Again, don't fall away because life has turned out harder than you were told it would be. (I wondered who told her she were going to be married? Was it in prayer, a fellow sister, from within her heart of hearts? Really, it does not matter so much were it came from--she believed it and now that the three-year mark is over, she doubts. Very normal.)

Our hopes and dreams and desires are all in one package, isn't it? We feel that if we please God, He will reward us. If we walk His Way, all will turn out grand. We can find verses to support that but reality and other verses show us that it is not about us. It is all about Him. What, in life, gives Him Glory? What puts things in His Eternal timetable? How does He gain? Sorry to say that some have been preaching that if we 'only believe' the BMW (husband, money, fame, health, clean skin...whatever) will be ours in Christ Jesus.

Really?

"All that we ask or think." ...in Christ Jesus. That is the rub! Again, we know that He does answer prayers but for somethings it never seems to happen! What is He doing with this request? Has He forgotten about it? (No, we know He doesn't forget.) Has the game plan changed? (No, He still wants us to walk in a way that brings Glory to His Name.) Are we fooling our hearts into thinking that all will be well with our life no matter what happens? You answer that.

She asks us to pray for her:

1. That God would strengthen my friendships and send me friends and Godly relationships in my area.

2. That God would give me a clear vision and that I would be obedient to that vision.

3. That God would send me a husband and/or help me to get understanding of my desire for a husband.

(Would you please pray for her and the many like her right now?  Thank you...)

The important thing is hard to remember: It is all about HIM! He is NOT toying with us! These are real issues..real hurts...real pain. And He cares!

Does my desires mean more to me than my relationship with God? Does He have His way in my life? Can I really be happy in my relationship with God dispute the surrounding situations?  Look at Proverbs 23:17-18.  Does this sound like you?

  
Two weeks ago, in the handout, David printed a short portion of Eric Liddell’s experience in an internment camp in China. Liddell is quoted: 

“Love is never glad when others go wrong. Love finds no pleasure in injustice, but rejoices in the truth. Love is always slow to expose, it knows how to be silent. Love is always eager to believe the best about a person. Love is full of hope, full of patient endurance; love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:6-8.

Well, is that true or not? If it is not true than throw Christian faith out the window and don’t even consider Faith in God.

In case you missed it, let’s look at the Psalm as a whole and see what Asaph faces...along with us...the truth about life and death!

Verses 1-2
This seems to be the case of God blessing those who trust in Him but the author doesn’t see it. The eyes of his heart is on himself. “ALL for them but not for ME.”

Verses 4-11 is what he sees:

… they have no struggles

… healthy bodies

… free from burdens

… no ills

… clothe themselves in violence

… callous hearts

… evil conceits

… malice

… threaten with oppression

… lie

… question God

… carefree

… yet increase in wealth

Verses 12-13: It sure seems to ME that there is a problem here. What about ME? I am good for nothing! For what purpose do I keep myself pure? It is in vain!

14-15: Asaph...

… keeps his heart pure

… keeps being innocence

… BUT plagued all day long

… punished every morning

It is: “I” this and “I” that. I see the pain in my own heart and it is ever before ME!

Yet,… then Asaph entered the sanctuary of God he understood their final destiny!

The big picture was revealed to him.

Now, his focus was centered on God. Now, he sees that these other people are the ones on slippery ground. They are the ones who will fall to their ruin.

He sees that ‘they’ are not really safe at all. He is! He is on the Rock. The Rock of his Salvation!

He sees that he once was acting like them. (21-22 & 4-11) Yet, the reality is found in the fact that he had always been in His sight...in His Hand...in His Love!  In His Care!

22-24: The reality is: 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 

Now, Asaph now realizes that reality is found in this relationship and that his prayers are being not only heard but also acted upon...even when there is no visible fact to support that. 
He realizes that he has The One in his heart!

25 Whom have I in heaven but You?

And earth has nothing I desire besides You.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

Now, I realize that He is my strength and my portion forever. How does our friend Ann put it: “He has given me all that I need…”

27 Those who are far from You will perish;

You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.

I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;

I will tell of all Your deeds.

Those who are far can, in some point in time, come close as well. It is always open and available for everyone. Just come to Him and He will come to you. As… I will tell of all Your deeds.

we pray and then...what happens?

So, OK, we pray. Then what happens when we pray? Forgiveness comes. Reconciliation happens. Changed hearts grow more aware. Changed lives. A different point of view. A new heart.

The Lord moves us into a place to reflect His Glory.

Psalm 93:1-5 The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Your throne was established long ago; You are from all eternity. The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty. Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns Your House for endless days, O LORD.

Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Facing the truth about the Church today, one would find that there is a lack of Spiritual discipline. Leaders are falling into unrepentant sin one after the other. Churches are splinting because sin was not addressed nor was disobedience handled in a Biblical way.

Back in 1988, a magazine that was sent out from Moody Bible Institute reported by it’s then president Joseph M. Stowell, “I find myself asking, “Is there something within our system that tends to produce neatly packaged products looking for a place to fall?” (p. 4, May 1988, Moody Monthly).

Are we setting ourselves up for a fall i.e. Pride, greed, lust? I think so.

Well, there is something wrong with our system today. It is the same thing that has been a problem from the start. Spiritual Discipline is not being followed in our Churches.

The Lord moves us into a place to reflect His Glory.

Jesus had commissioned His Followers to go into ALL the world and make disciples. That included baptizing them and teaching them to obey ALL that He commanded them (Matt 28:18-20). Christians are rarely asked to follow such a commitment.

Something happens to the core of a person when the whole community lacks or wavers on COMMITMENT. They tend to loosen up on the INTEGRITY they have in their relationship with The Heavenly Father. (Integrity means to be wholehearted in our commitments to God and His requirements.) Not WORKS but LIFE! It is not enough to say: “I believe!” What do you believe and how do you live that belief system out—even within your own household?

We look at the life of Job who was “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8). Even after much personal turmoil & loss, he stuck to his integrity (2:3, 9; 27:5; 31:6). With all his heart, Job cried out to his God and said, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” (13:8).

There have been some in the Bible that do not give us such an example. Good old Abraham fell away from a Godly integrity when he fathered Ishmael by the slave girl Hagar. God called him back to a wholehearted trust in Genesis 17. He then recovered and his faith was made complete (James 2:21-22).

The Lord moves us into a place to reflect His Glory.

Peter fell away a few times. He denied his own Lord Jesus before the trial. Later Jesus restored him. He fell into sin later when he stopped eating with Gentiles. He feared some legalistic Jewish approval more than he feared God (Galatians 2:1-13). He was “not acting in line with the truth of the Gospel…” (14). He was restored and went on to finish the race well.

In Israel’s history, we see time and time again how they lost their integrity before God. (Numbers 32:11). They fell into unbelief and that plunged them into an epidemic of immorality, open idolatry and, finally, outright rebellion against God!


This did not happen over night. One thing fell that lead to another. Small issues at first that lead to more and more dismissal of what God wished for them. They—like us—allowed issues to take front row seat that should have been cut out of our thinking and life style long ago, be we lack integrity of heart.

In Hebrews 3:12, we find a warning: “see to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, un-believing heart that turns away from the living God.”

In our postmodern world today, Spiritual Discipline looks like an optional concern. It should not be because the Lord moves us into a place to reflect His Glory.

Dallas Willard wrote in Christianity Today/1980 “The best of current literature on discipline either states outright or assumes that the Christian may not be a discipline at all—even after a lifetime as a church member.” A Gallup poll uncovered “a self-centered kind of faith” among young believers …that is growing.

One of the areas that lack Church/Biblical integrity is found in the number of Churches that remain silent on the issues of separation and divorce on the grounds of incompatibility. When a church does speak to this issue with the voice of loving authority, troubled marriages are often healed. Even if they are not restored, the rest of the fellowship has the feeling of security and support in marital faithfulness by a church that does take a stand.

An old favorite of mine, Warren W. Wiersbe wrote in a book titled speaks to the heart of the issue in his questions: “The Integrity Crisis”“What’s been a mission on our local churches? Why have good people felt compelled to look for substitutes elsewhere.” “Let’s begin by noting a lack of authority in our churches. I mean by that, the absence of the Lordship of Jesus Christ over His ministries and His congregations” (p. 117) and I would add, over our families, too.

By getting back to the basis of the Faithfulness of God, we can see that when we look at the Tabernacle He had established, we can see that when man dishonored His Throne of Mercy in the middle of His people, Israel fell into moral ruin and into bondage to pagan lands. When His People returned to the Lord with all their hearts and served only Him, God delivered.

1 Samuel 2:30, God said, “Those who honor Me I will honor but those who despise Me will be disdained.”

Churches are splitting apart in alarming numbers. By one estimate, 10,000 churches in North America split every year. One missionary went to the field supported by seven churches, but four of these suffered such devastating splits that they could not continue their support. One church had only twenty people left in a three million dollar facility! A fifth supporting church was losing so many people following a split that their support was also in jeopardy.

Why?

Lack of Spiritual Power in the Prayer life of the Church!

Questions to ask yourself right now about you own Prayer Life:

1. Is prayer changing me? How or why no change?
2. Is Prayer making a difference in my life?
3. Is my prayer life bringing me closer to God?
4. Do I know God better now than I did a year ago?
5. Am I moving toward giving control of my life to God?
6. Do I consistently try to tune into His presence?
7. Are my prayers helping me deal with my own sense of self-worth?
8. Are my prayers helping me develop a more loving relationship with others?

Because our Christianity is so unique, we must join together to make Christ our life! Our prayers can make Him preeminence (or have supremacy) on our fellowship so that the world will see in our praying community authentic Christianity that is like Christ Himself.

The Lord moves us into a place to reflect His Glory.

There will be a two week absence from the author. See you all after August 17!

Weapons of Mass ... Spiritual Power

Amazing weapons of mass destruction are all around us. Makes us feel open to much fear and a deep feeling of what can one person do? We hear of people stabbing people they do not even know who have a deep dissatisfaction with life. If one person wanted to do something, they might want to get a Bullet proof off-to-war suit, or a sure-fire proof suit. Maybe you are interested in not standing out in the crowd with a anti-bullet suit, so you can wear a go-to-the-office-bullet-proof overcoat and jacket or a special Jewish all-in-one gun for more of a personal defence mode.

On the web, you could get a Laser gun for only $1750 or buy plans for a Class IV Laser for $15.00 (light weight and hand held...just don’t trip!)

Or for the more than you ever need defense, the “Laser of Lead” ~ An Australian inventor has married ballistics with electronics and come up with a machine gun capable of firing 1 million rounds a minute.

Or maybe the Metal Storm Variable Lethality Law Enforcement (VLE) pistol is right for you. Light weight and shoots light. The web site did not report how to order it or the cost...

It gets to the point of when you need to ask: is it too big, too costly, too powerful, too dangerous or just plan wrong, if that is a concern for weapon makers...

Weapons of Mass --- Spirituality and Power

When it comes to the Christian life, we are told about putting on the armor of light.

Romans 13:12
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
ローマの信徒への手紙 / 13章 12節
夜は更け、日は近づいた。だから、闇の行いを脱ぎ捨てて光の武具を身に着けましょう。

or more armor from Ephesians 6:10-18

10 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. 18 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 saints.

エフェソの信徒への手紙 / 6章 /10-18

10: 最後に言う。主に依り頼み、その偉大な力によって強くなりなさい。11：悪魔の策略に対抗して立つことができるように、神の武具を身に着けなさい。12：わたしたちの戦いは、血肉を相手にするものではなく、支配と権威、暗闇の世界の支配者、天にいる悪の諸霊を相手にするものなのです。13：だから、邪悪な日によく抵抗し、すべてを成し遂げて、しっかりと立つことができるように、神の武具を身に着けなさい。14：立って、真理を帯として腰に締め、正義を胸当てとして着け、15：平和の福音を告げる準備を履物としなさい。16：なおその上に、信仰を盾として取りなさい。それによって、悪い者の放つ火の矢をことごとく消すことができるのです。17：また、救いを兜としてかぶり、霊の剣、すなわち神の言葉を取りなさい。18：どのような時にも、“霊”に助けられて祈り、願い求め、すべての聖なる者たちのために、絶えず目を覚まして根気よく祈り続けなさい。

For the past few weeks, we have talked about Prayer and Fasting. These, we said, have been part of the Believer’s arsenal for a long time. In fact, they are part of a group of weapons called Spiritual Disciplines. There may be a feeling of “Oh no, exercise, discipline, rules, list of “I HAVE TOs”! But, no. Spiritual Disciplines can be our friends.

Internal disciplines: Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, and Study.
External: Simplicity, Stewardship, Solitude, Submission, Service, and Evangelism.

To better handle these disciplines, we would need Jesus in our life.

Know that you are a sinner in need of a Savior...
Know that He has provided a way-through Jesus...
Know that He has made us to be alive with Him...
Know that His Way for you to Know Him is through Jesus...
Know that He died for you and offers you forgiveness in HIS Name...

Jesus said: I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one can come to the Father except through Me.

Now, grow in that relationship. How?? The Weapons of Mass Spirituality and Power.

Put on the armor He has for you. Let’s go through them one at a time and let’s see how it feels.

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.

We are in a battle--no one is off the front lines. Some people are more front line than others..i.e. Martyrs see Voice Of the Martyrs @ Persecution.COM

We are all in the battle as the evil one is seeking us out.

1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

John 17: 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

Our role in this Walk of Faith is to be ready at all times to both defend the Faith and to make a stand for the faith. Paul gives us serious instructions to PUT IT ON!

The battle is real: Parents, put on the armor of faith so you can protect your children. Husbands: put on the Armor of God so you can defend your family.

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,

Holds up your spiritual stuff. Faith with Truth is powerful.

with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Guards the heart--center of emotion/faith/conscience/ Dealing with inner integrity!
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.

Only from the front. No reverse...no turning around...no turning back...forward into the battle.

The VICTORY has already been won at the Cross when Jesus died for you...in your place...He took your guilt on Him and paid the price for your freedom and forgiveness.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and

Guards the mind--Have this mind in you which is also in Christ Jesus--obedience.

A Believer does not have a dead mind. We don't stop thinking whe we believe in Jesus. Our mind become in tune with the One who made it. There is unity of heart and mind.

the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Don’t go anywhere without the Bible! It needs to be the center of any personal relationship! (As in dating...believer to believer is the Biblical way.) The Bible needs to be in the center of any working relationship. Read it often--over time, it will cause you to think His thoughts and effect your moods. Allow that to happen. Every one here today (or reading this blog) needs a mind change--about something in your life, believe me. The Word of God will direct your steps and guide you along Life’s Way of Faith.

18 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 saints.

PROBLEM: Luke 11:22

But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils.

If the armor you are using for protection IS NOT JESUS, you are not being protected. You need His Power, you need His Spirit, you need HIM!

KEEP THE ARMOR CLOSE TO YOU! Own it. Protect yourself. Give yourself to Him!