"What's your position?" pt.1

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins gird about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of Righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; Above all, taking the shield of Faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints; And for me , that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the Mystery of the Gospel, For which I am an Ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

Eph 6: 13-20

"take"

We live in times now, where every one seems to think, that we're entitled to something owed to us. Whether it's based upon ethnicity, race, political affiliation, societal status, historical injustice, and any other reason people come up with, to take"what is owed them".This notion gives no merit to the "American work ethic", a biblical principal,where you worked to achieve success, to take part in bettering the country. The government set up programs, to "help" people who were struggling in hard times, for a time . The system wasn't intended to be the main support , or a substitute for work. But now the "help" is entitlement to be taken. The system is being abused, by people, and politicians who use it as leverage, and promises to obtain votes. It is the bait of demonic influence, to get the country, to look at false solutions, instead of the True Answer and Provision. It also desensitizes our minds to the wiles of satan. We are in a spiritual civil war, and the battlefield is in the mind. It's time to prepare.

In today's scriptures, actually, all of chapter 6, Paul instructs the Church, of their duties, and responsibilities, as children of God. He lays out the Resources that the Lord has provided for us. Jesus provides the way for us to be Saints of God. A "free" gift of eternal life, for all who believe, to take. With provision, comes responsibility. Let me make it clear, I am not talking about earning salvation, but being a good steward of this Gift. The Lord tells us, that in this world, we will face trouble and hardships, but we are not alone.

The Word of God tells us that "According as His Divine Power has given unto us all things that pertain to life and Godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who has called us to Glory and Virtue:" (1 Pet 1:3). He provides, not only the resources, and methods, but most importantly, His Presence. In the passages today, we are told to take unto us, the whole armour of God, terminology used to help us understand the battles we will face. Articles of war, clothing for battle, just as the military issues clothing, weapons and other resources,to their personnel, so also,the Lord prepares His People for the trials,and tribulations, we will face. He takes us as we are, positions us at salvation, sets us on the path of "working out our own Salvation with fear and trembling", growing, maturing, striving to Christlikeness, to where our "condition meets our position".

"It is the Lord Who works in us, both to will and do of His good pleasure."(Phil 2:12&13) His Manifestation, His Salvation, His Sanctification, His Protection, His Provision, He says for us to come and receive. Have you? Will you? This question is for you, Church, will you prepare? It is time to stand in His armour, that He has given us to "take".