Harry Lee Jackson Jr Prayer Line

FAITH QUENCHES (PUT OUT) THE FIERY DARTS OF THE WICKED

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench (put out) the fiery darts of the wicked.”  Ephesians 6:16

God does not leave us exposed to the devil’s evil ploys to capture our affections. He gives us the shield of faith to extinguish the enemy’s fiery darts of deceit intended to burn away our beliefs and crush our trust in Christ. Faith is not in our abilities, but in the ability of Almighty God to be our shield, rock and power in whom we have impenetrable defenses against Satan. Every day our faith is assaulted by outside forces seeking to discredit our faith. But by faith, we take refuge in our Savior Jesus. A wise climber stays fastened to the stable, secure rock as he scales up a steep mountain. Similarly, as we scale life’s hills of hurt and dark valleys of fear, we stay connected to Jesus. 

The Roman shield Paul uses to describe our spiritual defense is full length so a soldier’s entire body can be protected, in contrast to the smaller round shield. As the devil’s fiery darts spray out in all directions arching toward us, we extinguish their intent—they hit with a thud, dead on arrival. He tries to rattle our trust with sound, fury and a blaze from hell, only to be drowned out by the praises of heaven. We hold up our shield of faith in one hand cling to Jesus with the other. 

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ONE DAY AT A TIME

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

The past few months have been some trying times that many like myself, never dreamed of being confronted with.  In Philippians 4:11-13, the Apostle Paul stated “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned that whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things thorough Christ which strengthen me.”    

The goodness of life is so often found when we press in and learn to be present in the places we actually find ourselves, rather than trying to artificially control our environment to ensure a certain outcome.

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MISAPPLICATION OF TRUTH

“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His hand make whole.”  Job 5:17-18

A good thing misapplied can become a bad thing. For instance, if a medical doctor diagnoses a person with cancer—when in reality the tumor is benign—then chemotherapy would be unnecessary, perhaps harmful. In the same way, the misapplication of truth can create confusion and hurt, especially when spoken out of judgment and pride. Good words become bad words when they are the wrong words, spoken in the wrong way. If I say the Lord detests dishonesty, but honesty finds favor with God, this would be true. But, if I accuse an honest friend of lying and threaten them with this truth—then I have misapplied, even abused, the truth.

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TEMPERED (STRENGTHENED) BY TRUTH

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high place.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with the truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.”  Ephesians 6:14

During my early years in Christ I tended to be a mile wide and an inch deep in my endeavors. Relationships, work, church, family, health, time with the Lord, and doing what I do best all suffered when I lived beyond my capacity to experience Christ’s abundant life for me. I had to learn, and I am still learning, to allow the Spirit of Truth to lead me in His best and say no to other competing “good” opportunities. Truth tempers my temperament from doing everything, so I am able to do a few things at my very best. Truth holds me secure to stand firm grounded in grace.

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UNCHANGING TRUTH IN A CHANGING WORLD

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever.  Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines, for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” Hebrews 13:8-9

COVID-19 is changing our world, but it will not change our resolve to persevere in our pain by the strength that comes from trusting in the Lord’s unchanging love. COVID-19 is changing our healthcare system, but it will not change the sweet soul care from the Spirit in the harshest of times. COVID-19 is changing our economy, but it will not change God’s economy of generous giving when the needs are the greatest. COVID-19 will not change our hope in Christ!

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ELEVATED THINKING

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:8-9

God’s will does not always make sense. It may not make sense because we factor in our own understanding. If left to our understanding, we would be miserable. There is a greater pool of knowledge reserved for us in Christ. Do not underestimate its value and availability. It is valuable because of the divine direction that can save us from running down paths that waste our time and the time of others. God’s way may not make sense now, but it will later. His thoughts and ways are easily accessible by faith.

Faith is our constant connection to God-thinking, but we struggle with this because we have been programmed differently. Some of us wrongly think we don’t deserve God’s grace, so we don’t feel the need to receive it. We cannot, however, live the Christian life without the grace of God. God’s way is the grace way. We give Him glory and He gives us grace. We give Him praise and He gives us peace. We give Him worship and He gives us confidence. This is the way of God. He created the original “road less traveled.” Avoid the mindless masses and follow God. His ways may not be the most popular, but they are the most productive. His thoughts transcend our thoughts.

God-thinking takes discipline. This temporal world does not necessarily reward eternal thinking. In fact, it may punish you for thinking God-thoughts. You think people outside of Christ are lost in their sins and hell-bound; the world thinks you are narrow in your thinking. Yet these are Jesus’ thoughts. This is not popular thinking, and may not be practical, but it is true. As a follower of Christ, you can think God-thoughts. You can think like God because you have the mind of Christ:  

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IGNORANCE IS NOT AN OPTION

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou has learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof; for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Someone once said, “Two people swapping ignorance is a waste of time”. Well said! Not only a waste of time, but run the risk of railing at one another in an angry exchange. To what end? So each one feels like he won the debate, when in reality truth was held hostage and ignorance dug a relational divide as pride fed a feeling of mental superiority. Instead, we are instructed to know the Word of God, which when absorbed in the heart and understood in the mind, brings its own humility of spirit and freedom in truth that defends itself. Ongoing learning replaces ignorance with insight. Patience replaces anger. Humble love feels no need to argue.

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SPIRIT LED LIVING (An unchanging truth in a changing world)

“(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are in Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (desires).  (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

The Holy Spirit fuels spiritual living. This is where freedom resides and where fruit bearing takes place. The flesh is pre-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on self to secure security. The Spirit is post-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on God to secure earthly and eternal security. The Spirit and the flesh conflict, but the flesh has been put to death by faith and the Spirit has come alive. Spiritual living submits to Christ. 

Spirit led living thrives as we daily surrender our soul to Jesus. The same way we became a Christian—by grace through faith—is the same way we continue as a Christian. Yet, the flesh tries to flaunt its old habits as teasers for us to not trust God. But we know better—it’s better to not boast in the flesh, but to be humbled by the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit we are empowered to bear the fruit of the Spirit. 

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SEEK GOD’S REFUGE

“(4) I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (5) They looked unto Him, and were lightened and their faces were not ashamed.  (6) This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. (7) The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.  (8) O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. (9) O fear the LORD, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him.  (10) The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.”  Psalm 34:4-10

Over the past week there has been several articles on the global state of the Coronavirus pandemic, each more or less saying the same thing: while case rates continue to grow at a high rate around the world, more and more societies seem to be saying “enough is enough” and moving on with some version of normal life. And while I undoubtedly understand the sentiment, and understand many of the arguments in favor of this opinion, I do want to point one thing out: weariness with the burden of a situation and the exhaustion it brings is not the same thing as relief or true refuge. 

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A SOCIETY’S FREEDOMS GROW WITH MORAL ABSOLUTE

(“Spiritual and moral renewal is the fruit of a nation or person who embraces the absolutes of Almighty God.”)

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 14:12

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”  Psalm 119:105

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 2:16-17

“(1) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom; (2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts (desires) shall they heap to themselves teacher, having itching ears; (4) and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be tuned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4 

Spiritual and moral decline is the fruit of a nation or person who abandons absolutes. Once absolutes are dismissed, liberties are limited. A decline in spiritual fervor and moral purity always leads to the loss of freedom. For example, a home or car left unlocked in the past is locked today for fear of robbery. Indeed, small losses of freedom lead to larger losses of freedom. Without standards based on absolutes, absolutely anything can go.

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FAITH OVER FEAR

“Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Some folk woke up feeling a little anxious. It’s not surprising since many have spent several hours over the last couple days feasting on the national news. 

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I’m anti-news, anti-preparation, or anti-information. It’s just that all of the speculating about what disasters and hopelessness lies ahead for those of us in the United States—and the world—can be nerve wrecking. 

In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 

Thoughts that are obedient to Christ are trusting thoughts, thoughts rooted in His truth, His love, and the knowledge that He will care for all that concerns you. Obedient thoughts bring peace. Thoughts based on speculations, when not accompanied with trust in Christ, bring fear and anxiety—which is exactly what I experienced. 

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GATHERED AND SCATTERED

“(1) Praise ye the LORD, Praise ye the name of the LORD, praise Him, O ye servants of the LORD.  (2)Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God, (3) Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto His name; for it is pleasant.” Psalm 135:1-3

Psalm 135 is a psalm of direction and exhortation written to the family of God.  We are called to offer our lives and even the whole of creation back to God as a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. We are meant to see every area of our lives as lived under the guiding hand of God, trusting that he is good, gracious, and loves humankind. This is what we are called to do week in and week out.  The Psalmist penned the words “His praises shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1), whether we’re gathered or scattered.

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ABUNDANT LIFE

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

What is quality of life for the Christian? How does Christ define quality living? He gives abundant life, but what does this look like for those who love the Lord? Abundant life begins by receiving the gift of God in the life of Christ. “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11). Quality of life begins with eternal life as the end goal. God offers abundant life as a reward for our salvation. 

Quality of life means we live life motivated by what outcomes will live on into eternity. Perhaps I get less and give more. By adjusting down my standard of living, I am able to give more toward what matters to Jesus. The Lord modeled well for us a life of quality. One example was His unselfish service, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:4).   Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Service to others brings quality of life to all parties. 

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WHO DO YOU TRUST?

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and thought the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”  Psalm 46:1-3

As I’ve said in recent weeks, these unprecedented times expose our deepest insecurities. They shine a spotlight on our vulnerabilities, at times making them the only things we can see. Before this pandemic, you may have had strained relationships with your parents, spouse, siblings, or children, yet now those hairline relational fractures are breaking apart, threatening to sever the bonds of love that tie you together. You may have known your financial safety net was not what it should be, yet that abstract knowledge is now painfully being experienced through the loss of a job or reduced income. And even within your own heart and soul, you find yourself encountering new forms of brokenness within, anger that you didn’t know was there, a need for control that rears its ugly head, or a weary cynicism that has taken root and settled in.

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GOD IS WITH YOU

“Let your conversation (manner of living) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave, thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5

There are so many uncertainties for humanity right now. We can’t see how the future will unfold. We don’t know what will happen to our jobs, paychecks, retirement funds, health, and the health of our neighbors, family, and friends. We can’t see what will happen with the world’s economy, and the future of our freedoms. 

Almost the entire world is shut down. Schools have closed. Businesses are losing money. The stock market is volatile—and all of it can be unsettling because no one knows what’s ahead. The president doesn’t know. The senators and governors don’t know. The health officials don’t know. The CDC doesn’t know. The WHO doesn’t know. No one knows. 

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GOD PROVIDES

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feedeth them.  Are ye not much better than they?” Matthew 6:26

A couple of the most thought provoking scriptures concerning God’s provision is found in Deuteronomy 8:2-5; 10-11 in which God tells his people, the Israelites: 

“And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD, thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no.  And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LOR doth man live.  Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy food swell, these forty years.  Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee ” …… vs 10-11”When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.  Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day…..”

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