Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 30th, 2009
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The Ten Commandments

First Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Have Any Gods Before Me
Second Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images
Third Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain
Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath, Keep It Holy
Sixth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Kill
Fifth Commandment: Honor Thy Father and Mother
Seventh Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery
Eighth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Steal
Ninth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness
Tenth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Covet





Third Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain

What does it mean to “take the name of the Lord thy God in vain”?

That has been the subject of quite a bit of debate.
Some have argued that this prohibition was limited to the use

of the name of God in any frivolous manner.
Others have argued that it was a pretty serious misuse of God’s name in the Old Testament period?
Here is an example:
And the son of an Israelites woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel:
and this son of the Israelites woman and a man of Israel strove together in the camp;
And the Israelites woman’s son blasphemed the name of the Lord, and cursed.
And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)
And they put him in ward, that the mind of the Lord might be shewed them.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp;
and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.
And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.
And he that blasphemed the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death,
and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger,
as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemed the name of the Lord, shall be put to death (Lev. 24:10-16).
During Old Testament times, to take God’s name in vain was a capital offense.
Is the justice of God any less today?
Notice what Paul said,
He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,
who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God,
and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified,
an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For we know him that hath said,
Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again,
The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:28-31).
Misusing God’s name is a serious offense.
Yet, one can hear this misuse in any number of ways and places.
The theaters are filled with indecent language today,
Every show we watch these days and this was something unheard of a generation ago.
We need to think seriously about this sin and make every effort not to be guilty of it ourselves!

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie
Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_8ktEBaDdg

Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images

• 
  
  Faith Filled Thoughts
  September 29th, 2009
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  The Ten Commandments
  
  First Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Have Any Gods Before Me
  Second Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images
  Third Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain
  Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath, Keep It Holy
  Sixth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Kill
  Fifth Commandment: Honor Thy Father and Mother
  Seventh Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery
  Eighth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Steal
  Ninth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness
  Tenth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Covet
  
  
  
  
  
  Second Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images
  
  
  What is a “graven image,” exactly?
  This has been the subject of a great deal of controversy between various Christian churches over the centuries.
  Of particular importance here is the fact that while the version the Ten Commandments
  includes Christians are admonished,
  “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
  Conforming to the world requires an enthusiastic participation.
  Few people are successful without putting maximum effort into their endeavors.
  Love for the world and what it has to offer can be a serious stumbling block-an idol.
  Love for the world makes it impossible to be devoted to God and to pursue the true spiritual riches.
  “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one,
  and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
  Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24).
  
  “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh,
  and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,
  is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away,
  and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:16-17).
  Idols can take many forms.
  One who is enamored by this world, by its concepts, its philosophies, and its rewards is enmeshed in idolatry.
  An idol is anything that one places ahead of God.
  Mammon is the idol here.
  James tells us, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
  whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (Jas. 4:4).
  


• 
  
  A converted man walks with God.
  


• 
  
  He loves the way of God.
  


• 
  
  He finds no fellowship with those who oppose God, who walk in opposition to the Laws of God.
  But he does try to shine God’s Light Upon Them
  What does God say about these human ways of opposition?
  “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isa. 55:8).
  One cannot be doing the will of God by participating in its various forms of idolatry-religious concepts,
  images and idols, fundamental concepts, etc.
  An idol is anything that takes the place of God.
  Anything that is more important than God is an idol.
  Idolaters are guilty of breaking the second commandment.

A converted man walks with God.
and He loves God and His Son Jesus.

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie
Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII&feature=related

Thou Shalt Not Have Any Gods Before Me

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 28th, 2009
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The Ten Commandments

First Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Have Any Gods Before Me
Second Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Make Graven Images
Third Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord in Vain
Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath, Keep It Holy
Sixth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Kill
Fifth Commandment: Honor Thy Father and Mother
Seventh Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery
Eighth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Steal
Ninth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness
Tenth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Covet


Let’s Explore the
First Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Have Any Gods Before Me
Jesus said:
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought [anxious worried concern] for your life,
what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.
Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
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? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
And why take ye thought for raiment?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you,
That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven,
shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or,
Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:24-33).
The quest for material possessions has no real lasting value. Material possessions are idols.
What are Christians admonished to do?
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2).
The Apostle Paul wrote:
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,
which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Tim. 6:7-10).
The insatiable quest for money can be a curse. It is an idol that pays few dividends in the final analysis.
Those who truly benefit in this life and in the world to come obey the command,
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie
Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXaZ8LSYACA&feature=PlayList&p=1E61EBDEDE5F427A&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3

On The Right Track!

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 25th, 2009
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Watch for our new Bible Study Series Next Week On the Ten Commandments


On The Right Track!
By Connie Ciccone

Are there times when you've gotten
sidetracked and
off course?
There is one who can help
He Will be your great source!

When you feel that your lost
and hold no stability;
All you will wind up with
is a life with liability!

He does not offer riches
nor fill your pockets
with gold;
But His peace and security
is all for you to hold!

He will give you a heart
that is pure and true;
washed and cleansed
and made brand new!

He'll renew your hope and open
new doors,
Find strength in Him, which
you've not known before!

When you come to Him in true
humbleness;
Receive His Love
and full Righteousness!

The fountain of Joy
Will begin to flow back;
Because He has Now placed you
On The Right Track!

Connie Ciccone ©October 2004

How To Pray On The Armor

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 24th, 2009
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How To Pray On The Armor
The following scriptures can be used as examples of how to “pray on” the Armor Of God:

1. The Belt Of Truth
Around my waist I put the belt of truth. Father, I commit myself to Jesus as the foundation of my life today. With your strength Lord, I will resist the temptation to stand on any worldly foundation. Jesus, you alone are my foundation for any situation that will arise today. (John 14:6)
2. The Breastplate Of Righteousness
On my heart I put the breastplate of righteousness. I can fight any battle today because of the righteousness of Jesus, not my own! Jesus I declare that you are my righteousness and that though the victory of the cross I can stand victorious against temptation, sin and the attacks of our enemy. (2 Corinthians 5:12)
3. The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
On my feet, I put the shoes of the gospel. Father, prepare me by helping me known Jesus in a deeper way. Let you word become the guiding light for every step I take today and let the knowledge of the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection be my source of peace. (Romans 5:1)
4. The Shield Of Faith
In my hand I take up the shield of faith. Father, by faith, connect me to the power of Jesus. My desire is to trust in you and your strength alone. Protect me from the arrows of the enemy today as I rely on your power. Give me faith so I may go forward doing your will. (Hebrews 11:33–34)
5. The Helmet Of Salvation
On my head, I receive the helmet of salvation. Jesus, you are my salvation. You are my deliverance. Deliver me from all sins and weaknesses – spiritual, physical, and emotional. Cover me with strength, peace and anointing and bring me to complete wholeness in you. (1 Thessalonians 5:8–9)
6. The Sword Of The Spirit
In my hand I take up the sword of the Spirit, the powerful word of God. Jesus, you are the living version of God’s word. May God’s Word give me wisdom to apply the Word to life’s situations and today’s troubles. (Hebrews 4:12)


(A.S.A.P.)
Always Say A Prayer
When there’s work to do, deadlines to meet,
and you've got no time to spare,
but as you hurry and scurry,
Always Say A Prayer

In the midst of family chaos,
"quality time" is rare.
Do your best, and let God do the rest:
Always Say A Prayer

It may seem like your worries are
always more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a Godly breath and
Always Say A Prayer
God knows how the world’s become,
He wants to ease our cares,
and He'll respond ASAP-
When you

Always Say a Prayer
Connie Ciccone © 1998

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie

Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhxIjRO6WjI

WEAR THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 23rd, 2009
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WEAR THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD

The Belt Of Truth

The Breastplate Of Righteousness
The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
The Shield Of Faith
The Helmet Of Salvation
The Sword Of The Spirit



You are of God, little children, and have overcome them,
because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. I John 4:4

With all this force mustered against the believer, what are we to do?

take up the whole armor of God: This is how we can be successful in the face of Satan’s attack.
Notice, Paul writes to take the whole armor, being partially armed is not enough.
Satan and his minions are looking for holes to bring the believer down.
Every piece of God’s armor is required to stand against Satan’s methods.
The Greek word for the whole armor is panopliva Panoplia, which means full set of armor, a complete set.
Every component of the armor is required.

that you may be able: Without the full armor of God, our ability to stand is at great risk.
The Greek work for able is duvnamai Dunamai, means having the strength or power.
From the same root, we get the word dynamite or power.
Having the whole armor of God gives us the power to stand against Satan.
We have dynamic power, Holy Spirit power to withstand Satan.

to withstand in the evil day: Satan and his demonic forces will attack the believer,
therefore we should be ready when the day comes.
The Christian must walk forward, continually we must be on alert for Satan’s devices,
his goal is to disable the believer and keep the lost, lost.
We need to be on alert for the coming attack, because we live in evil days, in a fallen world.

and having done all, to stand: Putting on and wearing the armor of God is a process.
Wearing the armor of God and effectively using the armor is linked with being strong in the lord and in the power of his might.
When we have done all, the word here is a&paß Hapas, meaning all things or whole.
The armor of God is one whole unit, which functions together,
weakness in our gives Satan a platform to launch his attack, preventing us from standing.
Paul point here is we should be prepared to stand and not fall for Satan’s devices.
We need to make a conscious effort to stand up against Satan’s plans.

Stand therefore: Once we are wearing the complete set of God’s armor, the panoplia,
next we need to make the conscious decision to stand.
God has given us the ability to choose, to make the stand.
If we do not make the choice to stand, we will fall, and being on the ground is no fun.
Satan is not just content with the saint lying on the ground; his goal is choke off the life out of the saved soul.
Remember, the term for wrestle is defined as a victory when the opponent has his hand around your neck.


May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie
Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsU-xlFMrmE&feature=related

Let’s Explore ....The Sword Of The Spirit

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 22nd, 2009
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THE ARMOUR OF GOD

The Belt Of Truth
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
The Shield Of Faith
The Helmet Of Salvation
The Sword Of The Spirit

Let’s Explore ....The Sword Of The Spirit

“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:14

The Roman soldier carried a small dagger and a large double–edged sword used for thrusting.
The sword was usually about 24 inches long, and 2 inches wide with parallel sides.
This particular weapon was developed after the Romans observed the effectiveness
of the short sword in the hands of the battle–hardened Spanish mercenaries.
Formerly, the Roman army used a much bigger “slashing” sword.
This new shorter and more pointed “piercing” sword proved to be much more effective in close–quarter combat.
In an era when almost any wound could be fatal, this short sword was the power behind the Roman army machine.
The sword was always carried on the right side in a decorated wooden scabbard.
The sword and scabbard were usually attached to either the belt or to a leather strap worn over the shoulder.

Application: Jesus Is The Word Of God

When used at close range by a skilled soldier, the sword was a deadly weapon.
Paul tells us that the sword represents the Word of God, the written picture of Jesus.
He is the living version of everything God wanted to say to mankind.
God’s Word is a powerful weapon against our enemy when it's used under the spirit's power and direction.

Will You Use Your Sword Of Spirit Today?

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie

Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
He will Never Let You Go Through It All
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33aGaYAZvL4&feature=related

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 21st, 2009
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THE ARMOUR OF GOD

The Belt Of Truth
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
The Shield Of Faith
The Helmet Of Salvation
The Sword Of The Spirit

Let’s Explore…..The Helmet Of Salvation

“Take the helmet of salvation…” Ephesians 6:17

The Roman army helmet was usually made of bronze, although iron and leather were also used on occasion.
To protect the sides of the face, “cheek–pieces”, hinged to each side,
hung down and were secured with leather straps under the chin.
A “shelf” on the back of the helmet protected the neck and shoulders from arrows that fell from above.
At some point in the first century a “bill” was added to the front of the helmet along with bronze coverings above the ears.
Occasionally, depending on the particular Roman army unit or rank of the soldier,
the helmet might have been adorned with a colored horse hair crest.
Typically, these crests were ceremonial and were usually not worn into battle.
A leather liner on the inside made the heavy helmet a little more bearable.
Application: Jesus Is Our Righteousness
The helmet was essential for the survival of a soldier in battle.
Paul in using the word “salvation” indicates that the helmet is a source of total deliverance.
In Jesus, we can find deliverance in every situation, spiritual, emotional, and physical.
He has to be our source, our guide, our “way out”. We cannot deliver ourselves.

Will You Wear Your Helmet Of Salvation Today?

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie
Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I&feature=related

Let’s Explore….The Shield Of Faith

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 18th, 2009
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THE ARMOUR OF GOD

The Belt Of Truth
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
The Shield Of Faith
The Helmet Of Salvation
The Sword Of The Spirit
Let’s Explore….The Shield Of Faith

“In Addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16

The Roman army used small round shields and large rectangular ones.
The large curved shield which Paul refers to in the Ephesian letter was about four feet tall and two feet wide.
It was made of layers of laminated wood covered by linen and leather.
A brass or bronze rim covered every edge as protection against sword attack.
It was generally painted with traditional Roman symbols such as eagles wings and lightning bolts.
Shields were primarily used as individual protection, but could be overlapped to form a large wall of protection.
As a walled city was being attacked by the Romans, archers along the walls would rain down flaming arrows.
The Roman soldiers with overlapping shields could continue advancing toward the gates of the city despite the arrows.
Application: Jesus Is The Focus Of Our Faith
The only protection against the flaming arrows that rained down from the sky in ancient warfare was the shield.
If used correctly, it was a trustworthy piece of equipment. If dropped,
it became useless and the soldier’s fate rested with himself.
We trust in Jesus alone as our shield.
We cannot rely on our own abilities in this battle.
Will You Wear Your Shield Of Faith Today?

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie
Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s7QNpqiqsc&feature=related

Let’s Explore….The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 17th, 2009
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THE ARMOUR OF GOD

The Belt Of Truth
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
The Shield Of Faith
The Helmet Of Salvation
The Sword Of The Spirit

Let’s Explore….The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace

“…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15

The shoes worn by the Roman warrior generally came in the “sandal” variety.
They had thick leather soles that were studded with small nails to provide stability in hand–to–hand combat.
The sandals came up above the ankle and were held securely to the foot by extensive leather straps.
To survive cold weather climates, soldiers would fill the sandal with heavy wool or fur before lacing up.
In some cases, Roman commanders would wear an early version of a boot.
It had a thick leather sole and was either split down the front or on each side to allow entry.
Straps were sewn to the back and wrapped up the leg to hold the boot securely.
Application: Jesus Is Our Preparation and Peace

Without his sandals, a soldier would not be prepared to fight and could be easily defeated.
Paul tells us that our preparation for battle is the gospel (good news) of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
The work of Jesus here on earth brought us peace with God.
This reconciliation through Jesus allows us to fight with boldness, confidence, perseverance, and peace.
Are Your Feet Ready For Peace??

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Pastor Connie
Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ0NLyB6K8U&feature=related

Let’s Explore…..The Breastplate Of Righteousness

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 15th, 2009
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THE ARMOUR OF GOD
The Belt Of Truth
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
The Shield Of Faith
The Helmet Of Salvation
The Sword Of The Spirit


Let’s Explore…..The Breastplate Of Righteousness


“…with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” Ephesians 6:14


The typical breastplate used by the Roman legions fell into four categories.
Some were made out of leather and some out of small interwoven brass rings.
High ranking officers sometimes had breastplates produced from a single piece of molded bronze.
The design pictured here uses overlapping Bronze scales.
The bronze scale armor was in two pieces and was sewn to a short leather vest.
The two halves were tied together with short strips of leather in the back and in the front.
Bronze, although not the strongest metal known in the first century, had the advantage of being lightweight.
In this era, when hand–to–hand combat was almost always necessary, soldiers had to balance protection with ease of movement.
The discomfort of the breastplate around the neck was usually softened by a woolen scarf.

Application: Jesus Is Our Righteousness

The function of the breastplate was simple – to protect the soldier’s vital organs.
In close hand–to–hand combat the breastplate was essential for survival.
No trained Roman soldier would venture into battle without it.
If we start to believe that our own righteousness, effort, or good works can make us worthy of God’s protection,
the advantage quickly changes to benefit our enemy.
Our righteousness is worthless in the battle.
We need to get our eyes off of ourselves and back on the provision of the cross
and the righteousness that is found in a relationship is with Jesus.

Will You Put On The Breastplate Of Righteousness Today?

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie
Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcvMQOZkusQ&feature=related

Let’s Explore…The Belt Of Truth

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 14th, 2009
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THE ARMOUR OF GOD

The Belt Of Truth
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
The Shield Of Faith
The Helmet Of Salvation
The Sword Of The Spirit

Let’s Explore…The Belt Of Truth

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” Ephesians 6:14

Roman soldiers wore a linen undergarment next to the skin, covered by a woolen one–piece tunic that came down to the knees.
It was shaped like a “T” with a hole at the top for the head. It was sewn on two sides and generally had half sleeves.
At times they were dyed, but most often they were the natural color of wool.
The colored tunic was usually reserved for army commanders, the wealthy or those of the government status.
Over the tunic they placed a breastplate.
At the bottom of the breastplate they wore a heavy belt made of connected bronze plates and leather with a buckle very similar to what we use today.
See illustration above
This belt had one function. It served as the foundation on which the sword, dagger and metal apron were attached.
Application:
Jesus Is The Truth
This belt was foundational for battle.
In short, it supported the weapons that allowed the soldier to fight.
The belt is a reminder that Jesus is the foundation for spiritual battle.
He is the truth that stands against the lies and deception of Satan. “Jesus is the way and the truth” – the very basis for life.
To win our spiritual battles our fight must be anchored to the truth found in Jesus alone.

Will You Put On The Belt Of Truth Today?

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie
Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjiELFBlTCc

Putting on the Armor of God

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 11th, 2009
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Putting on the Armor of God

Paul, who fights against the demonic realms, commands the church what they need to do.
He writes in his concluding remarks to the saints at Ephesus. His final instructions for them,

“put on the whole or full armor of God”.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally: Paul is concluding his message to the Church at Ephesus. The epistle (letter) to Ephesus is divided into two parts.
In the first part (Chapters 1-3), Paul instructs the church where they stand in Christ.
The Holy Spirit, is God’s down payment (earnest) of their salvation, guaranteeing their redemption in Christ (Eph 1:13-14).
Paul declares who we are in Christ; His blood saves us, having received the gift of salvation (Eph. 2:8-9).
The second part (Chapters 4-6), Paul instructs the saints, how to apply their position in Christ.
They are not to be passive believers, they are to walk in the spirit (Eph. 4:1).
When we walk, we move forward, we are not static.
So it is in the Christian faith, we are to move forward, advance in our walk.
Our walk is based on the presence of God’s Sprit, who dwells in us, because of our conversion (Part 1).
Therefore, we are to imitators of God (Eph. 5:1).
All that said, Paul concludes with a command to this Church, which he birthed in Ephesus.
He tells them, if they are to be successful, they need to be “In the Lord”.
Being in the Lord, means we need to wear the armor of God.
David was in the Lord, he was wearing the armor of God, against Goliath.

Be Strong in the Lord: Our strength does not come from the world.
We are to be strong in the Lord.

How is one strong in the Lord?
Our strength in the Lord comes through spiritual training, learning to trust the Lord.
David was strong in the Lord, because he had God’s Spirit;
David fought a lion and a bear before he fought Goliath.
He knew God’s power.
Like David, unless we move forward with our faith, we cannot be strong.
The Christian faith requires action for growth and training.
Paul in Ephesians tells the saints to “walk in love”, “walk as children of light” and to “walk circumspectly”.
To be strong, means to walk, move forward in our faith.
Joshua instructs the Lord’s army, Israel to be strong by knowing the Law (The Bible).
8 "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night,
that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.
For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:8-9
To be Strong in the Lord means to walk in His word, know his Word and to trust His Word.
Committing the Lord’s word to memory, doing what scripture says, not just reading the words is how we become strong in the Lord.
Notice the progression in verse 8, meditate...night and day causes one to observe what is written “For then”, what follows?
A prosperous way and good success, which is to be strong (vs. 9).
Scripture training is the way to spiritual strength.

So Will You Put On The Armor Of God Today?
If so Run To Him

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie

There will be more next week on The Armour Of God

Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s2wCVcmYOU&feature=fvw

Waging war on your stronghold’s

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 10th, 2009
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Waging war on your stronghold’s

In 2nd Corinthians 10 verses 3 to 5, we are instructed on how to war against strongholds,
where Satan launches his attacks. What can we learn from this portion of scripture about spiritual warfare?
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
• The battle is not physical
• Our weapons are not physical
• Our weapons are able to pull down strongholds, arguments and high things
• The war is that which exalts against the knowledge of God (The Word)
• Victory is achieved by bringing every thought into captivity of obedience of Christ.
We have two offensive weapons in this battle, one the sword of the Lord (God’s word) and two, prayer.
These are two mighty weapons, which allow us to pull down strongholds.
Our warfare is against that which is opposed to the knowledge of God.
The revelation of God’s word exposes these strongholds, for that reason it is important to combine God’s word,
the sword with prayer to overcome these points of satanic power.
Satan knows if we are able to remove these strongholds, a mighty warrior will emerge.
His goal is to prevent the victorious spiritual warrior from taking the field.
So Let the Oceans Part and In Your Life His Will Be Done

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie

Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL18YpuFpHM&feature=related

Identifying your strongholds

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 9th, 2009
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Identifying your strongholds

Wearing the armor of God, prepares us for battle, we need to identify just where our strongholds are located.
Paul in several portions of scripture identifies specific areas, where the flesh is opposed to the spirit.
The scripture below lists areas or strongholds where Satan can wage war.
Therefore, we need to identify these strongholds in our own life.
How does Satan continue to cause us to fall?
What area of our life gives him the ability to wage war with us?
Read the scriptures below, can you identify your strongholds?

1.____________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________________
4.____________________________________________________________
5.____________________________________________________________

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand,
just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,
18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Ephesians 4:17-19
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,
7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, Colossians 3:5-10
20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish;
lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;
21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness,
fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.
2 Corinthians 12:20-21
Once we begin to identify the strongholds, we need to wage war against them.
Paul describes the type of warfare the Spiritual warrior is to engage in.
For example, Satan had a stronghold in my life (the author); he made me think money was the only way to have friends, power or value.
Therefore, from the age of 25, I remember making a concerted promise to gain wealth, so I could master the world around me.
My whole life from that point was focused on money and power; I made it my god and idol.
Only after my idol was crushed in my early forty’s did I out of desperation, seek to find truth.
Satan ruled over my life from his stronghold, from there, he was able to keep his hold on me;
I was a bitter and angry person, who did not want to live. I found Christ and my life changed.
The strongholds of life still existed however, Satan was able to wage war with my thinking, causing me defeat and fear.
Through scripture, I was able to make these thoughts captive to Christ.
I learned from scripture the riches of this world were very temporary, that even if I was able to gain the whole world, I would be broke when I died.
Scripture revealed to me, true treasure was what you could keep forever.
The words of Jesus became instrument of spiritual warfare,
Jesus said in Mark 8,
35 "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.
36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
37 "Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:35-36
Therefore, every time Satan would whisper to my mind, the importance of great wealth and fame, I learned to quote this verse back.
Soon I was able to wage war against this stronghold in my life,
and claim victory, no longer trusting in earthly riches as my hope.
I soon learned to move on to other strongholds and areas where Satan would launch attacks.
Like the armies of old, my goal was to claim territory from the enemy,
I needed to assault his strongholds, and free the “Promised Land” from his control.
Once free from strongholds, I learned to rest in His promises.
Will You Rest In His Promise Today?

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie

Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-afZJ9_TIM&feature=related

What Are Strongholds?

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 8th, 2009
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What Are Strongholds?

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,


The sword of the Lord, the word of God and Prayer are offensive weapons against the strongholds,
which allows Satan to keep people captive.
With these two weapons, we can take the offensive, rather than being defensive.
We can pursue our strongholds, to pull them down.
We need to enter the battle wearing our armor, prepared to assault the stronghold with our sword and prayer.
Looking back at Israel, the first generation of the Exodus failed to enter the land of promise,
however the next generation, now led by Joshua did not fail.
Because they believed, they prepared for battle against the stronghold of Jericho.
The Lord Himself led the battle as the commander of Lord’s hosts; Joshua was merely to follow orders (Joshua 5).
They succeeded; Jericho fell because the nation obeyed the Lord (Joshua 6).
However, the next battle was not so successful, because the nation disobeyed;
the stronghold of Ai was able to defeat the armies of Israel (Joshua 7).
Why could a little stronghold defeat Israel?
The nation sinned, when Achan of Judah took garments from Jericho,
he violated God’s command and the whole nation suffered, falling to the stronghold of Ai.
Take a personal inventory of your life.
What areas of your life cause you to fail?
Like faithful Joshua and Caleb, we need to spy out the land.
We need to determine where Satan’s strongholds are.
Our goal is to enter the “Promised Land” of God’s promises.
The issue here is not salvation, but victorious Christian living.
In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-28), the seed is sowed on different types of soil,
in the end, the abundant crop comes from good ground.
Why did the good soil produce a fruitful crop?
Good ground was clear of those things, which prevented growth.
In the parable, the weeds, stones and thistles, choked off the seed (word) planted by the sower (Jesus).
Jesus describes the weeds as the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches.
"But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it,
who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Matthew 13:23
Jesus tells us the key to bearing an abundant crop in this life requires we
• Hear the word
• Understand the word
• Bear fruit
Satan does not want us to bear fruit, his goal is to defeat us, and prevent us from having fruit.
The strongholds are points of operation, allowing Satan to maintain power over us.
Only through the Lord’s power will we be able to be break free from Satan’s control.
We have no power from within or without, except for the Lord.
God’s word reveals the control of Satan in our lives, through strongholds.
Satan uses these strongholds to launch attacks on us.
Therefore, we need to identify where these stronghold are, and remove them.
Just like an ancient army first had to remove strongholds, to hold the land, we need to do the same.
Look towards the Father Today and leave your strongholds at The Feet of The Cross.

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie

Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOY0mjjmx8Y

Let’s Explore Self-Control

Faith Filled Thoughts
September 1st, 2009
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Matthew 7:15-20
A Tree and Its Fruit
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

What Are The Fruits Of The Spirit?
Lets Memorize these today!
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Longsuffering
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-control

Let’s Explore Self-Control

Last, but not certainly least, is the quality of self-control.
This one is huge, and I mean huge!
Once we start to enter into a true sanctification process with the Lord.
Expect the Holy Spirit to move in on us very early with this specific quality.
The reason for this is that we all have a certain amount of character flaws operating in our personalities.
There are some bad and negative qualities that will have to go.
The Bible tells us that our spirits and our flesh will war against each other in this life.
Our flesh wants immediate self-gratification at all costs and will stop at nothing to try and get it.
Our spirits know that some of our fleshly desires are not right for us.
As a result, there will be a tug of war between the two - and sometimes it will be a major tug of war.
And the only thing that will be able to curb and control some of the desires of our flesh is the quality of self-control.
Since we all live in a very self-centered and materialistic type world today,
many people have very poor impulse control.
If they see something they immediately want, they will do anything they can to try and get it.
They will not be denied until they get what they are going after.
These people are obviously very weak in the quality of self-control.
They are ruled by their own flesh rather than by the Holy Spirit.
That is why the Bible tells us that if we learn how to really walk in the Holy Spirit, then we will not fulfill the lusts of our flesh.
Due to our fallen and sinful natures, all of us are weak to some degree in the quality of self-control.
This is why God the Father made sure to have this fruit listed as one of the 9 fruits of His Holy Spirit.
We all need God's self-control operating in our lives and in our personalities,
if we are going to have any hope in getting cleaned up and properly sanctified to the degree that He would like to get us to in this life.
If you don't have God's self-control operating through you.
We will have very little victory over such things as bad tempers, judgmental and critical spirits,
an unforgiving spirit, and vices such as smoking and the abuse of alcohol.
Once the Holy Spirit starts this sanctification process with you.
So be prepared for some major battles and tug of wars with Him,
once He starts coming after some of the negative qualities operating in your personality.
But if you are willing to yield to Him,
and allow Him to start to work all 9 of these fruits into your personality.
We will find yourself starting to grow in ways and in areas that you never thought were possible in this life.
His supernatural power in this area will blow you away!
Then we will see how far He can really take us to become the person that God would like us to become in Him in this lifetime.
Here are some of the definitions of what the quality of self-control is all about:

• Temperance, rational restraint of natural impulses
• Sober, temperate, calm and dispassionate approach to life, having mastered personal desires and passions
• Calls for a self-disciplined life following Christ's example of being in the world but not of the world
• Restraint or discipline exercised over one's behavior

The above definitions perfectly describe what God is looking for once He starts to work and transmit this quality up into our personalities.
This specific quality is one of the major keys in being able to get any kind of victory over some of the lusts and desires of our flesh.
Now Show Your Fruit and Live in Victory!

May He Bless You and Keep You Today!
With Great Love
IN HIS SERVICE
Connie

Please click below to see something Jesus left for your Spirit !:
This one below is a HOOT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn7xlodeCvw&feature=related