The Whole Armour of God

A few weeks ago I had a strange dream. Ron and I were being outfitted with armour. With heavy helmets, breastplates, heavy armour on our legs and feet and we were given swords. I distincly remember in the dream feeling the incredible weight of that armour. We were being prepared for battle, and we were going to war together! It felt so real---so serious. As I woke up pondering this strange dream I thought what is coming? What kind of war did I just dream about? Then that thought was immediately answered in my mind, "You are already at war, you are in the midst of it now." I looked up Ephesians 6:11-19 and read it again.

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt 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 ye 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,"

After re-reading this scripture I found much to ponder over. It's been on my mind a lot lately, the things that we "wrestle" with in this mortal world. I pray God will give me, and all of us the strength to "withstand in this evil day!"

Never Even Smile at a Crocodile

Ron took this picture when we were in Costa Rica last September while on the Tarcoles River. It was on the last day of our trip and I was tired and didn't really want to see croc's on this tour, but Ron said the river and surrounding jungle was gorgeous with lots of beautiful tropical birds. I'm sorry I missed the birds! It's kind of like this life. It's full of dangerous crocodiles, but also full of beauty and good things! We just need to choose the good! My lesson on Sunday was about Joseph, our progenitor who was a man so filled with honor that he could not disappoint or dishonor even his earthly master, but especially not his Father in Heaven! He had the good sense to run from Potiphar’s crocodile of a wife!

We've read that every year in Costa Rica someone is killed by a crocodile because they think they can outsmart or ignore all the warning signs posted everywhere. We all need to remember to turn off the TV, leave the movie, close the book---to run from evil when it blindsides us. But, we also need to heed all the warning signs along the way. We need to shun even the very appearance of evil, and not tempt the crocodiles so much as dabbling our little toe in the water!

The Real Face of Evil Isn't Pretty

I love Donna Nielsen's blog: Connections. This morning as I read her article on Beelzebub, I thought how our children need to be taught about this. The world paints evil as so attractive, appealing and funny. The use of crude language is so common. It disturbs me that so many of our children's animated movies are filled with "potty humor", which causes the audience to roar with laughter. It's not funny, and this article helps explain why I have always been so uncomfortable with it.



Beelzebub

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria , and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire ofBaalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. 2 Kings 1:2



When the faithless Jewish leaders accused Christ of performing his miracles by the power of Beelzebub [also a code word for Satan], I wondered about their accusation. Who was "the god of Ekron" with that name? What I learned when I did some research was revolting. According to one account, bowel movements were associated with worship of this deity. Don't ask. There was more, none of it suitable for this forum. But here's a bit of background that is useful.



Rick Renner tells us, "The name Beelzebub was initially used by the Philistines of the Old Testament to describe the god of Ekron. It literally meant, “lord of the flies” (2 Kings 1:2-6). Originally, it was spelled Baalzebub. As time progressed, the Jews altered Baalzebub to Beelzebub, which added an even dimmer idea to this particular name of the devil. The new name (Beelzebub) now meant, “lord of the dunghill,” or “lord of the manure.”



Two powerful and important images of Satan are presented in these two names. First of all, he is presented asBaalzebub, the “lord of the flies.” This is clearly the picture of Satan masquerading himself as the lord of demon spirits.



Secondly, he is presented as Beelzebub, the “lord of the dunghill.” By adding this twist to this name of Satan, the Jews told us something very important about the devil. Both he and his evil spirits, like nasty, dirty flies, are attracted to “dunghills” or environments where rotting, stinking, carnality pervades. This is the environment where Satan thrives best."