The War Rages On/ The Breastplate of Righteousness (part 3)

The second piece in Paul's description of God's armor is the breastplate of righteousness, This piece protected some of the most important parts of the Roman Soldier. Those organs that are necessary for life.  If they did not utilize it as part of their armor against their enemies, they would be vulnerable to instant death.

It was a tough piece of their armor. Made of either leather, metal or chains it covered the whole front and back, neck to waist.

Obviously we do not normally actually wear a physical suit of armor as did the Roman Solider so what is Paul's reason for using this analogy of us putting on g the breast plate of righteousness important for us to have today?

We know that none of us are righteous. For there is no one righteous, no not anyone. Romans 3:10. 

Some of humanity may think of themselves as being righteous but those that do, are wrong. For none of us are. Not a one.

Righteousness means to obey God's commandments.  To turn from our own sinful ways and To live in a way that honors him. Because if we don't, we give the enemy free range to do whatever he can to destroy us. John 10:10. And that is his ultimate goal.

Knowing and doing God's will is how we can fend off those attacks. Spending time everyday studying God's word and then practicing it. Putting him first in what we say and do. And being ready to repent when we falter. Because we will at at times. And when we repent, that is when he will be there to pick us up and get us back on the right track of fellowship with him.

Do you have your breastplate on today? If not, go pick up your bible.Go now so you don't expose yourself to what the enemy wants to do in your life. God is waiting.

 (Up tomorrow: The Gospel of Peace)

Welcome back Friends. I am happy you came. Have a blessed day!

The War Rages On/The Belt of Truth (part 2)

The Apostle Paul equated the armor of the Roman Soldiers with the Armor of God to give us a picture of how to fight off our enemy the devil. He starts off with the "belt of truth." There were five other parts that he could have chosen to speak of first. Why was it the belt?

There are so many untruths in our world that are supposed to be the truth and even marketed as truth. Many religions, cults, beliefs and all of them came from one source. And we are taught that truth is whatever we as individuals make it. What is true for one person may be different for another.  How do we know what is true and what is not? Satan has created them all to blind the eyes of whomever he can. In fact, 2 Corthianians 4:4 puts it this way. The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbeliever so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God. 

The belt on a Roman soldier armor had a specific purpose. It was known as the cingulum or balteus. Without it, there would be no place to hold the sword, as it was the belt that held up the scabbard. The scabbard was a sheath that could be made from many materials like wood, metal, leather etc.
So simply, no belt no scabbard no sword in battle.

And so Paul was telling us that before we go into battle, we need to know truth from lies because if we don't, we aren't going to win the war.

Most of us have seen movies of Roman Soldiers that are in their chariots racing into battle. What if they didn't have their armor to protect them even though they were in their chariots?

It is the same for us Christians. We need to know truth and to know the truth, we need God's Word. And God's word is our sword. The sword of the spirit. We need to have it bound to us every day, held in place because it is truth.

I like especially what the author of this particular study said on The Belt of Truth - Armor of God > Free Bible Study Guides and I quote.

"...To try to live God's way without total belief in its validity is like trying to hold your sword up with a belt that isn't continuous. Neither will work. Our trust in God and his word must be solid, without break or we will quickly find ourselves without a weapon. No matter how effective the rest of our armor is we are useless without our sword. We need to rightly be dividing the word of truth-knowing what we believe and why."

And to know it, we need to be studying God's word. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15.

 The fact is if something doesn't link up with the bible it is better to run not just walk the other way.

Otherwise, we lose the battle. The battle of sin and death. The battle of winning others to Christ. Stated simply is the question, Is your belt secure? If not, it should be.

Next up in tomorrows blog: The Breastplate of Righteousness

Thanks for stopping by Friends. I am so glad you came. Have a blessed day!

The War Rages On (part one)

We are constantly at war in our minds, sometime in our flesh. A war of good and evil. I know I have written a lot about how things started, both good and bad in the Garden and Edon. Despite a google search that the first known war was fought in Mesopotamia in 2700 BCE, if we believe what the bible says, the stage for war was set up when the fruit was eaten by Adam and Eve. Because that was when sin came into the world. The first known murder was that of Abel when his brother Cain was jealous because God had favored Able's sacrifice over Cain's. Genesis 4:1-16.

However, it is not a physical war that I want to discuss today. It is the personal wars that we all deal with. Christians and non-Christains alike. 

Those temptations that are called lust, greed, adultery, drunkenness, murder, disobedience to God, taking his name in vain, swearing,...the list goes on and on. 

Sins that we are faced with every day. It is hard enough for Christians to overcome the power that sin has on us. But at least it is possible because we can learn how to do that through his word, and with the help of other Christians. God has given us the tools to resist the devil and temptation. And when all else fails, we have him to run to for forgiveness.

For those that do not know Christ....sin and temptations are another matter.  But today I want to begin to talk about the tools that God has given us in Ephesians 6:11-13.

"Put on the whole armor of God that you will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil For our struggle is not with flesh and blood. But against rulers, against authorities, against powers of darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. Therefore, put on the armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground."  

So what is the armor of God? Verses 14-17 go on to say what they are. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace on your feet, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit. 

These are the 6 tools, the 6 pieces of God's armor provided for us to avoid sin and temptations in our lives. If we choose to use them. 

"That is all well and good," some might say. "But what do they stand for. What do they mean?"

Come back tomorrow for a look at the very first piece. The belt of truth. What could it possibly mean? Stay tuned.

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Cartoon of the day:

Will this be the way it is at your Thanksgiving table this year?

Have a blessed day, Friends. And for those that live in the United States, be sure to vote!

Happy Fall: Easy Breakfast Ideas

If you know me, you know that I do easy. When I cook that is. I am not one that really likes to cook and when I do, my recipes are never with many ingredients. With that in mind, I went hunting for a simple breakfast item to share with you in today's blog. It surely takes the cake on easy!


Easy Cinnamon Roll Pumpkins

 One or two cans Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls
A few drops of both orange and green food coloring

Pop open the can of rolls and unroll the end of each roll about an inch and a half. Bend it over on top of itself and gently pinch it together right at the top of the round forming a stem for the pumpkin.

Bake the rolls as directed on the package. While they are baking, remove about a tablespoon of icing from the container and add the green food coloring to it. Add the orange coloring to the remaining icing.

Once done, let them cool and then use the green icing on the stem and the orange for the pumpkin. Spread icing on each roll. Enjoy! (source) {Easy Fall Breakfast} Cinnamon Roll Pumpkins • The Pinning Mama


One breakfast that my dad used to fix for me was French Toast. I don't fix it very often myself, but I used to love his and though he has passed on, (actually it will be 13 years ago on November 15th) I got hungry the other day just thinking about it. So fix some for your family this fall. It is another easy breakfast dish. ( Note that I do not use measurements on the ingredients.)



French Toast

Sliced bread
eggs
milk
cinnamon
vanilla flavoring
maple syrup (optional)
powdered sugar (optional)
butter

Add eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla flavoring in a bowl and mix well. Dip bread in bowl on both sides. Place each piece on a skillet that has been heating (low heat) on the burner with a couple tablespoons of cooking oil. Cook on each side until slightly brown. (Depending on how many slices of toast you make you may have to add more cooking oil to the skillet as you go) Place toast on a plate and add butter, syrup, sugar, and butter to your liking. Ummm um good!

Todays Bible Verse: Oh give thanks to the Lord for he is good. for his steadfast love endures forever.

 Thanks for coming Friends. And before I go for today, I wanted to share the following to my blog that I found on Pinterest as I think it is something we all need to strive for as we look to the Lord for his help in our lives.  Have a blessed day for our God is good!

Do it Again, Lord!

Psalm 126:5-6: And now Lord, do it again. Bring rain to our drought-stricken lives. So those that planted their crops in despair will shout their hurrahs at harvest. So those that went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing with armloads of blessings!

Have you ever felt like your life needs rain because you have planted your crops in despair? In other words, one tiny little sin can set off events that can last a lifetime be in not for God, and in the meantime, can run our very souls so dry that they can take us places we never thought we would go, nor did we really ever want to.

I have been there. And most everyone I have ever known has been there as well, at one time or another. Eventually, we get tired of living in that dry land and cry out for God to bring rain to our lives. And once we have repented, it can open the way for God to bring miracles and healing rain to us. When we sow with tears, we eventually reap joy.

Sometimes, we may need God to bring it over and over. We are human. We get down, depressed and broken-hearted at the things that go on our lives. But we can rejoice because Isahia 59:1 promises us that: The Lord's hand is not to short that he can not save, nor his ear too heavy that he can not hear.

He hears us when we call to him, pleading for him to rain his blessing on us, and he can reach down to save us and rain down on of the drought in our souls so that we can laugh again. No matter how many times we need to call on him, he will do it again, and again and again.

I know that I need him to it again for me. How about you?

"And now Lord Jesus, do it again for us! Do it again!" And thank you, God. 

Thanks for your visit today Friends. I am sorry I was unable to be here yesterday. I hope you have a blessed Lord's Day today!

Have you ever had God perform a real miracle in your life?

Happy Fall! Pumpkin Activies

Are you looking for some activities to keep your kids occupied during the fall season? Well, I have found a few that you may enjoy doing and your kids love you for them!

Pumpkin Play Boats

Cut 1/3 off the tops of pumpkin gords. Using a knife

cut around the inside and then scoop out the seeds.

Now your child has a fun little boat to add little toys that they can play with. in the tub or kitchen sink or

whatever works with you. (For more on this activity, please go 

to) Pumpkin Boats Fall Sensory Play Idea

How about some homemade Pumpkin play dough? I have heard about homemade play dough but never thought of a pumpkin scented one. 

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup salt

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

2 tbsp. cream of tartar

2 cups pumpkin puree

2 tsp. cinnamon spice

 blend/pumpkin pie spice

1 1/2 cups boiling water

8-10 drops red food coloring

5-7 of yellow food coloring.

Add all ingredients together in a bowl except the water until well combined. Then add water in batches until it forms a ball. Let cool and then take it out of bowl and knead, adding small amounts of flour until it is no longer sticky, and is smooth. For more information, please see:

Easy Pumpkin Pie Scented Play Dough Recipe for Sensory Play

Or maybe you would enjoy a trip to a Pumpkin Patch?

 When our 2 of grandsons were younger, we took them to our local Pumpkin Patch Farm. We went on sunny days of fall and enjoyed Pumpkin Ice Cream, and took a hayride and enjoyed the other activities of the day. There was a petting zoo and scarecrow making.  Families picked out their own pumpkins what were everywhere. And of course, they had/have their own farmers market store where we could buy many country type products, as well.  They were fun activities that I will always remember and cherish the fun times that we had with the boys. If you have never been to a Pumpkin Patch, or never gotten to try it I encourage you to do it this fall season. out. You will really enjoy not only the activities there especially if you have kids to take, but just getting out in the fall scenery (that is if you have a real type fall season where you live) that God has blessed us with.

You have made him the ruler of the works of your hands. You have placed everything under his feet. All of the sheep and oxen, and even the beast of the field. The birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth.  Psalm 8:6-8. 

Indeed, God has given us this majestic world to enjoy. And better than that he is majestic as is his name. So if you get to go to a Pumpkin Patch or not, just enjoy this season and all its beauty while it lasts this year. And all above all, give thanks to our Lord that created it for us!

Thanks for spending some time on my blog today Friends. Have a wonderfully blessed fall day!

A Season of Hope-Can You Choose IT?

November 1, 2018. We are coming to the end of the year. What has this year brought to you? What has been not so good about it?  Has it brought depression, despair, pain, loneliness or even tragedy?

Better yet, in thinking about what it has brought, can we think about what has been good about it? The bible says this in Philippians 4:8: Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think on these things. 

Ok then, let's start over.

November 1, 2018. We are coming to the end of the year. What has the year brought to you? What has been good about it? Has it brought joy, love, relief, or even happiness?

Let us think on these things.

This time of year brings us thankfulness. From November-a month of thanksgiving for what God has done for us and for us bountiful provision, to December, the month that we celebrate his birth.

Putting off the past year, at least as best as we can because, for many, who are now or have gone through a difficult year, I get that it is not that easy, but we can look forward to a season of hope.

There will be days of planning for the holidays, special meals to think about, decorations to put up, cards to send and gifts to buy. But in there somewhere, is a need to remember that whatever has gone on in our own year, we need to also reflect on God's goodness to us. To take pause and remember the good things he has brought us, even in a difficult year for some. And then to thank him for not only the good things but the not so good things as well.

Give thanks to God in all things for this is the will of Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

And then getting to the last day of this year means a brand new year-2019-will begin. What will that year bring us? Will it bring depression, despair, pain, loneliness or even tragedy?

Sure. Those times will hit all of us in some way at some time in our lives. So then what do we do with them?

Think on these things, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy-think on these things. 

Because you see, when the fun times of the season pass on to the next one, those times will fade away and we must take time to thank God for all he has given us. Through the good times and the bad. And in doing that, our season of hope can persevere. Hope. Can you choose it this season?

As always, I am so glad that you have come for a visit. Please be blessed today and as we anticipate the days and weeks of the holiday season ahead, please do not forget to remember those that are less fortunate than you are. Those that are going through hard times and need someone that cares about them. Even if it is only through your prayer. For while it is wonderful to help in so many other ways, really the best thing we can do for someone is to pray for them. Prayer comes second to no other blessing. Take care!

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