Whole Armor of God
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 NKJV
Here we have our first clue. Without God’s help we can not stand against our enemy. We need God’s armor, His protection, His security and His power and might. We must recognize we need God. Then we must act. We choose to “put on” God’s armor. God is interested in out whole-hearted decisionto trust Him. Putting on the armor is another way He is pleased because it is a sign of our faith in Him. By faith we put on God’s armor, one piece at a time, until all pieces are in place. Read more about Armor of God...
What is Contentment?
Contentment is such a pleasant sounding word. It conjures pictures of green meadows, trickling stream, peacefulness, and calm serenity.Contentment is a place where all your needs are cared for. It sounds like fantasy doesn't it? Is this for real?
I'm here to tell you "yes, contentment is real and it's possible". The apostle Paul talked about this contentment in Philippians 4:10-12 when he said “have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”. I know this place exists, for I myself have been there from time to time.
What do you mean you've been there from time to time? Aren’t you content? Yes and no, I can let the contentment go by allowing many things to tempt me to step out of contentment, just like you. What things interfere with contentment? How about stress, anxiety, worry, striving, jealousy, greed, envy, bitterness, angry, fear, insecurity, or uneasiness? (See 2 Corinthians 12:19-21, Galatians 5:19-21) Read other Bible Verses by Topic on contentment...
Humility
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 NKJV
Jesus taught us many things as He went from place to place. One time He was invited to a wedding feast and as He watched the guests arriving and finding their seats He told this parable in Luke 14:7-12:
So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him;and he who invited you and him come and say to you,‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you,‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Read more on humility...
What Is Kindness To You?
Think about a time when someone did something kind for you. Was it something that you demanded to be done? Did you ask for it? Did you expect it?
In most cases the answer is no. Maybe the kindness was when someone held the door for you. Or maybe when the car ahead of you gracious let you make that lane change. Maybe a friend gave you a hug when you needed it most. Maybe your spouse left you a surprise rose. There are many ways to show kindness. Read more on kindness...
Patience
Another meaning for patience is not to be hasty, impetuous or hurried. How many times have you been in a big hurry? Did you ever think being hurried meant you were not being patient? Read more about patience...
Portrait of a Godly Woman
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10 NKJV
What is virtue? In a nutshell it means you have morals. Someone exhibiting virtue is demonstrating morality in their life. A virtuous person is ethical, righteous and noble because they conform to an established code of conduct, which outlines right and wrong. It means this morality or virtue is visible in the person’s life. Anyone can see whether you are moral or virtuous by watching your affairs. Read how to become a Proverbs 31 Woman...
Greed
So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. Proverbs 1:19 NKJV
In studying Proverbs 1:11-18 we see the following characteristics of a person engulfed by greed:
- They lie in wait to shed blood.
- They lurk secretly for innocent without cause.
- They desire to take down the innocent.
- They desire material possessions.
- Their feet run to evil.
- The make haste to shed blood.
- All their toils are worthless, though.
- It will all come back on them.
Greed is consuming from the looks of it. Read more about the pitfalls of greed...
Bring Every Thought Captive
What does this saying, "bring every thought captive" imply? It seems to imply intention, discipline, and purpose. What does the word captive mean? Well, there seems to be two very fitting definitions: (1) Kept within bounds; confined (2) Held under control of another but having the appearance of independence.
Our thoughts determine our heart, which determines our words and actions. To bring our thoughts captive is to hold them within godly bounds. To confine our thoughts to what is good, noble, pure, just, praiseworthy, honorable, and true (Philippians 4:8-9).
But who we bring our thoughts captive to is also critical. We could make them captive to our self, but that would lead us down a path that seems right but ends in death. No. The only choice for a Christian is to make our thoughts captive to Jesus Christ. Only Jesus holds control over us, while giving us the freedom to choose whether we submit to His authority or not.
Read more on how do we make our thoughts captive to Christ.