The Proverbs 31 Journey: Triumphal Faith

Meditation/Memory Verse: You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. ~ Isa 26:3 (Amplified)

On this particular morning I am up at 0300 with a storm. For whatever reason, I cannot sleep. My mind has been drawn to a particular passage from Romans that I heard on the radio the other day. Its a familiar passage but hearing it aloud nudge my heart towards this series I am posting. Over the last six months, this series has shown the many virtues and characteristic that make a Proverbs 31 Woman:

She is noble and wears the Armor of God

She reverences her God

She is daily growing her faith

She seeks to radiate the righteousness demonstrated through the life of Christ

She is a women of prayer

She empties herself daily In her marriage and in her relationship to God

She is submissive, trusting, and seeks to honor her husband and her God

She is a sold-out mom, her family is her priority next to her relationship with God

She is disciplined, self-sacrificing, self-controlled

She cares for the health of her body, mind and spirit-healthy cravings

She demonstrates spirit-living

She remains in God

She craves God and she is complete in His love

She builds her house with strength and courage, the aroma of respect and affection fills her rooms

She is "blessed"

....and we are not done listing the virtues and character of this woman. This Proverbs 31 Journey is truly just beginning to take shape. The above list is just a dent in the descriptiveness of this woman. As overwhelming as it may be, God has promised that it is obtainable through Him by just believing and walking in that faith.

When you look in the mirror, do you see her...parts of this Proverbs 31 Woman? Are you, the Proverbs 31 Woman, becoming more like Christ as this passage describes? That is the purpose of this study in this year. Living intentionally a triumphal faith.

Upon hearing the reading of Romans 1:1-5 on the radio, I heard the Spirit of God whisper "this too is the Proverbs 31 Woman". Slowly read through these verses in the NKJV which titles this passage "Faith Triumphs in Trouble". Faith...the foundation of the Proverbs 31 Woman, the backbone of all other virtues and characteristics she might possess. I know you know this passage well...

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ~ Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV).

We could break this down and dissect each word or each line but I think the Message version does a fine job of that for us:

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!~ Romans 5:1-5 (Message)

Triumphal faith...a love relationship that makes us complete in God, even if there is chaos surrounding our world, our life, our minutes. Triumphal faith that opens doors when we are call to something greater than us and closes doors when it is not His will.

Joy...peace...praises..though it all...wrap in His generous love and grace. Perseverance...character ...hope...beauty marks from the Holy One. Beauty marks of godliness. A godliness that glorifies God through personal devotion and worship. This week, look a little deeper into this triumphal faith walk by these references for glorifying God from the MacArthur Bible Commentary (2005, pp.1518). Again, meditate on the verses, apply it, pray it. Live out these activities.

Monday: Living with Purpose ~ 1 Cor. 10:31

Tuesday: Confessing sins ~ Joshua 7:19

Wednesday: Praying Expectantly ~ John 14:13

Thursday: Living Purely ~ 1 Cor. 6: 18-20

Friday: Submitting to Christ ~ Phil. 2:9-11

It is though faith that we can get through the best and the worst of days. Grow your faith. Grow your walk of glorifying God. Fall deeper in love with Jesus.

Believing Him~Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Strength & Honor

Memory/Meditation verse: Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. ~ Proverbs 31: 25 (HCSB)

When I boldly awaken to 2011 I knew that God was calling me to be more intentional in my spiritual life. Life had dealt me some cards that made me feel like a failure...cards I would have preferred not to have had to live out. Cards I didn't feel I deserved. I yearned for more of God, His peace and an ability to stand firm in life and strong in Him. I wanted to be the kind of woman described in Proverbs 31.

God has taken me to places that have been tough to address in this Proverbs 31 Journey but I am experience a peace in my life, His peace, that proves He is in control. I have written these blog words this year for myself and they are a reflection of His remodeling on my life. I am so grateful for this journey and my Lords companionship.

We will finish looking at the concept of putting on the armor of God this week. Last week I encouraged you to review Hebrews 11 and to look at the great people of faith recorded there. I found encouragement looking at their not so perfect life with not so impressive qualifications to intentionally live out God's plan and the effect it would have on others. Intentional faith has to be shielded by wearing God's armor. Intentional faith requires obedience even if you don't have the full picture of the outcome intended.

This week lets examine the final dressing of the noble and brave Proverbs 31 Woman: the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit. Refresh yourself with Ephesians 6: 11-18 (NLT) here. We will focus on verses 17 & 18:

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

When someone goes into battle, they know the most vulnerable and deadly areas of attack is the chest (heart) and the head (mind). We have addressed last week the shield of faith and its protection for the body and heart. But what about our minds? What is Paul referencing here with the Helmet of Salvation?

Look at this example of satan's attack on Jesus in Matt 4:2-11. A major area of attack from satan was the mind of Jesus-what He believe, how He was thinking. Satan was trying to get to Christ mind with the weapons of doubt and discouragement. And when did he attack the hardest? When physically and mentally Jesus was drained.

Isn't this so like satan today? His attempts at spiritual head wounds are relentless for us Jesus girls! He is good at catching us at our weakest times, isn't he? He tries to plant doubts of our eternal salvation with God and tries to blind us from who we are in Christ. His aim is to discourage us in our faith walk and witness of God's grace and love. Though the helmet may not resemble a tiara that we Jesus girls might prefer to wear, it is a vital component of our daily wardrobe as we progress and grow in this Proverbs 31 Journey.

Our eternal salvation comes from God alone and can not be taken from us, no matter how poorly we may behave. What a refreshing promise!

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
~ Acts 4:12 (NLT)

A Proverbs 31 Woman confidently places the Helmet of Salvation each morning. It is her hope, her trusting that God's promises are for all who call Him Lord and Master. It is the spiritual protection of her mind which guides her actions and reactions.

But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
~ 1 Thess 5:8 (NLT)

This confidence and hope comes from an intentional relationship with God. An intentional worship and reverence of Him. The more you know Him, hope in Him and confide in Him, the better you will be able to share Him and demonstrate Him in your life.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.
~ 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

This is a true mark of a Proverbs 31 Woman, a Jesus girl. Her beauty comes from Him. Her hope in Him is her strength. Her heart of faithfulness to Him is a sweet aroma.

But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ, and spreads through us in every place the scent of knowing Him. For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
~ 2 Cor. 2:14-15 (HCSB)

Her faith and her hope is her security and assurance. Along with this, the greatest weapon she has to continue to protect her mind, soul and body was evidence by Christ again in Matt 4:2-11. He used the Word of God-which is referenced by Paul in Ephesians 6:17 as the Sword of the Spirit- to combat satans attacks.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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 cor. 10: 3-5 (NKJV)

There is nothing more powerful than the Sword of the Spirit. I can testify in my life that scripture has carried me, healed me, guided me, comforted me, and protected me.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
~ Heb 4:12 (NLT)

Ladies, we have to put God's Word to heart. We have to meditate on it, breath it, live it. Memorizing scripture is vital for our survival in this world. Hunger and thirst for it. Let it become the "oxygen" that sustains your living.

As Ephesians 6:18 implies, once we put on God's armor: the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Belt of Truth, the Sandals of Peace, The Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of Truth we need to coat our wearing of this armor with prayer. Prayer in the Spirit is a necessary component to this wardrobe. Our spiritual warfare is on-going and prayer can be the magnetic field that covers us.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
~ Phil 4:6-7 (NIV)

Prayer is the intervention that allows us to experience peace and contentment when chaos surrounds our life. It is though the Holy Spirits power that we can have all that we need in Christ.

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.
~ John 3:5-6 (NLT)

Prayer seals our love relationship with God. The prayer life of a Proverbs 31 Woman demonstrates not only submission, but also a heart of love and mind of worship in action.

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
~ Jude 20-21

Here is some "oxygen" for you to inhale throughout this week. Daily breath in its truth, experience its power and live spiritually strong. Armour up!

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
~ 2 cor 4:16-18 (NLT)

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.
~ 1 John 3:1-3 (NLT)

I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
~ Ps 119:10-12 (NLT)

"...those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day."
~ John 6:37 (NLT)

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”
~ Matt. 17:20 (NIV)

"...I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.
~ 1 cor 14:15 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
~ Acts 1:8

* * * * * *

Father, my Holy and Sovereign God, you intended to get my attention this year through this study I call the Proverbs 31 Journey and you have. You have exposed my heart, my mind and my soul to the point that I have been able to experience a fresh cleansing and transformation. I thank you even for the pain it has caused me. I thank you for the growth of my faith. You lead me on each of these topics and though I wanted these words impressed on my heart from You to be beneficial to others too, I embrace the comfort and the insight You have selected specifically for me. Continue to lead my heart and mind in this Proverbs 31 Journey over the rest of this year. I embrace this journey of walking intentionally with you. You overwhelm me Lord. I know there's more for me in your plan. I can feel it. I can taste it. Make me ready Lord. Purify my body, mind and spirit so I can serve you in the grace that you have bestowed on me. Though this armor would appear to weigh heavy, it has enlighten me and left me with a transparent peace of You in my life, completely controlling my circumstances and guiding my actions. I am yours Lord. May all the words you place on my heart for these continued postings glorify You only.

Believing Him ~ Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Walk of Faith

Scripture meditation/memory verse: Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God. ~ Ps. 31:5 (NIV)

We continue our journey...our quest to learning what the Proverbs 31 Woman is made of, how she lives, how she thinks, what she values. We have been looking at her in relationship to Ephesians 6: 11-17 for she is a warrior and she is noble. She may wear many hats, put on many different pieces of clothing each day but none is more important than the putting on of the armor of God. Refresh yourself with our key scripture from Ephesians in the Amplified version:

¹¹Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

¹²For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

¹³Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

¹⁴Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

¹⁵And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

¹⁶Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked.

¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

¹⁸Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

This week, lets examine what if means to "take up the shield of faith". A shield used by warriors serve the purpose to protect the whole body. It is large and it blocks any thing that can penetrate the body causing harm and even death. Usually this shield is made out of a heavy metal or a tough leather. It has to be with the individual in order for it to work. If it is left in the closet or under the bed, this individual puts themself at risk for harm if an attack should occur.

The shield of faith that Paul is writing about here in this passage must be used in the same manner. MacArthur in his Bible commentary references this "Shield of Faith" as being a basic trust of God, of His Word and His promises. It is not in reference to the body of Christian doctrine as some believe. It is by wearing God's Word, His truth, His promises on our heart, soul and mind that we are able to protect ourself from the attacks of satans "fiery darts". A Proverbs 31 Woman has the kind of faith that enables her to live in this obedience. It's the kind if faith demonstrated by Abraham:

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. ~ Romans 4:18-21 (NIV)

Abraham's obedience began his journey but it was his faith that kept him on course. So to for the Proverbs 31 Woman...her willful obedience begins her day and her faith leads her through each hour.

Obedience, faith and trust go hand in hand. It is a combination that allows us to rest in the knowledge that God is our shield. A Proverbs 31 Woman trust God's word as truth and by faith she knows He will provide for her needs. She trusts that God will protect her from the evil one and that He is with her and lives in her, even though she may not see Him. She believes that Christ's sacrifice paid the penalty for her sins, and reconciled her to God. Because of this she is drawn to obedience to Him, she desires for Him to be her everything. She knows that through faith she will have Christ's authority over evil powers and through faith she is protected.

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."... Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation [yes, Yeshua again]. ~ Ps. 35:1-3, 9 (NIV)

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. ~Ps. 33:20 (NIV)

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." ~ Prov. 30:5 (NIV)

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” ~ Mark 9:23 (NIV)

His protection enables her to overcome, to be conquers against satan, against weaknesses, and against past failures:

"...because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" ~ 1 John 5:4-5 (NCSB)

The "Shield of Faith" becomes her testimony in God:

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
~1 Tim. 6:12 (NIV)

Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith..." ` Heb 12:1-2a (HCSB)

There are so many more examples of common people, people just like you and I who were able to walk their faith in obedience to God, and carry the "Shield of Faith". This week, spend each day looking at Hebrews 11 which is called the "Walk of Faith" chapter. On a piece of paper or in your journal make three columns. In the first column reference each person identified in these verses. In the second column identify each action that measured their walk of faith. I encourage you to go back to the scripture that talks about their life and record how they were able to "take up the Shield of Faith". Then in the third column record any practical steps you can take from their example to apply to your own life in taking up the "Shield of Faith".

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
~ 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)

Keep your eyes on Jesus this week friend. Stay in His word. Pray continually. Dwell with Him. Carry that "Shield of Faith"!!

Believing Him~Pamela

The Proverbs 31 Journey: Acceptable to God

Memory/Meditation verse: Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. ~ Hosea 14:9 (NLT)

We continue this journey with the Proverbs 31 Woman. Again, refresh yourself with her here. We are on week #3 as we related her to a warrior and Ephesians 6. I know I haven't taken these items in the order that you would normally put them on, God's leading has flowed differently. I also know most of you have studied Ephesians 6 since your early days in Sunday school but make every effort to seek a fresh look from a Proverbs 31 Woman perspective.

So far we have explored the Belt of Truth and the Sandals of Peace. This week, we will explore the Breastplate of Righteousness. You can also find reference to the breastplate of Righteousness in Isaiah 59:17 and 1 Thess. 5:8. Its a heavy topic but so necessary for a woman of God if she wants to honor and reverently serve Him. Re-read Ephesians 6: 11-18 (NLT):

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

The Breastplate of Righteousness is a shield that covers the front of the body from the shoulders down to the upper thighs and extended partially around the back of the body. The breastplate protect the vital organs, most importantly the heart and soul of the person wearing it. So too does the Breastplate of Righteousness protects the heart and soul of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

The Breastplate of Righteousness represents the righteousness of Christ obtained when in His great love for us He shed His blood for our redemption. The Breastplate of Righteousness also represents the righteousness we can have in Christ. The Greek word used here in the passage for righteousness is dikaiosune (Strong's 1343). It is referring to "a state of man who is as he ought to be which is being in a condition acceptable to God" (Crosswalk.com).

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

~ Prov. 21:3 (NIV)

Acceptable to God. This is were I feel we should land this week. What makes a woman acceptable to God? A state of living in integrity, virtue, purity of life? Yes. It involves thinking, feeling and acting as He would want us to. That is the daily state a Proverbs 31 woman thrives for-seeking to live a holy and acceptable life. It requires a sincere love relationship, a falling in love with Jesus.

But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed [by Him]. ~ Acts 10:35 (Amplified)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ~ Rom 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Obedience...acceptable to God. Not an easy task is it? We try, we fail, we try again because we love Him, we want more of Him, to see Him, and hear Him and walk beside Him. Our human nature is to live selfishly, to be more concerned about our day and what we gain from it. We know the only perfect and righteous One is Christ and that His blood on the cross of Calvary became a portal, a pathway to our own becoming righteous...becoming like Him. We have to crave it more than anything else in our life. Less of me, more of Him...

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death... ~ Phil 3:8-10 (NIV)

It is possible to become like Him, righteous but not greater than God or anyone else. It is possible to live a life of purity and integrity It is possible to obtain a life of virtuous living. Yes, despite this world, it can only be done through Christ in our lives.

Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,Whom God put forward before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment. ~ Rom. 3:23-25 (Amplified)

And this is where the Breastplate of Righteousness comes in. We cannot live outside of our sinful inclinations without protecting our heart, our mind, even our flesh without first accepting God's love and forgiveness. Our love for God and our faith in Him is the action that puts this Breastplate of Righteousness on.

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. ~ Gal 2:20-21 (Amplified)

I need to say this again...the Breastplateof Righteousness put on by love and faith serves to protect our heart, our mind, our soul...even our flesh. The power of Christ blood in the Breastplate of Righteousness leaves satan no room to exploit in our life. Hear me here...it is the link that connects us to God's power, the power we use each minute of our day to live in a manner that is acceptable to Him.

Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! ~ Matt. 5:6 (Amplified)

Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness each day is an act of obedience. It is a living out of our faith in word, action and thought.

I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. ~ Rom. 6:19 (NIV)

Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness leads us to this holy living we crave.

The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in obedience to Him.
~ Deut 28:9 (NIV)

Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.~ Heb 10:9-10 (NIV)

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy. ~ 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NIV)

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ~ 2 Tim. 1:9-10 (NIV)

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. 1 Thess. 3: 12-13 (NIV)

The Breastplate of Righteousness put on by love and faith which guides us to live a holy life also enables us to live a life loving others as Christ does...even the unlovable. Combining faith, holy living and love is like a finish on this breastplate that makes it even stronger.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ~ Col 3:12-14 (NIV)

This week, look at the benefits of holy and righteous living in the following verses. Grow your love relationship and your faith with your Lord. Pray these verses for yourself. Act on them.

Proverbs 11:6
Proverbs 21:21
Isaiah 32:17
Ephesians 4:22-24
1 Samuel 26:23
Job 17: 9
Psalm 1:6
Psalm 5:2
Psalm 34:15
Psalm 34:19
Psalm 85:10
Psalm 146:8
Isaiah 58:8

Father, our Holy and Sovereign God, give us spiritual wisdom and insight so that we might grow in our knowledge of You. We pray that our hearts will be flooded with light so that we can understand the confident hope you have given to those You have called—You holy people who are Your rich and glorious inheritance. We also pray that we will understand the incredible greatness of Your power for us who believe in You, for us who love you. May this same mighty power that raised Christ, your son, from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at your right hand in the heavenly realms, lead me to righteousness (Eph 1:17-20, NLT). Precious Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Ps 19:14, NKJV). I love you, I want to love you more. ~ Amen

Believing Him~Pamela