UNSHAKABLE FAITH;
"And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
(Acts 16:30 KJV)
There we're many questions the jailer could have asked Paul at this point, like, "Why did you stay", But the question he did ask begs the imagination to consider that the jailer may have been intently listening to Paul and Silas earlier that evening.
Was it the content of their conversation?
Or was it the sincerity of their songs?
Or had he wondered at the peace of these two prisoners?
More then likely, it was a combination of all three.
The jailer knew that Paul and the others could easily have escaped but didn't.
This fact, together with his observations of their countenance and demeanor previous to this event, apparently made him conclude that their relationship with GOD was real and something that would benefit him greatly.
Their ability to rise above their dire circumstances and to remain confident of their destiny must have convinced this man that he would do anything to have what they had.
He wathched two men trust GOD in a way that shook the earth, and he was ready to do whatever it took to have that same kind of relationship with their GOD.
Whatever trials we go through as Christians are desinged for the very purpose described in this story of Paul and Silas' experience with the jailer.
The impact of our witness is minimized by our attitude during trials.
If we have no peace, no assurance, and no hope, we will offer nothing to the watching world that tends to think that we aren't any better off then they are.
However, if we are able to endure hardship with a pervasive confidence, an inexplicable hope, and an others-centered attitude, the outcome will be a powerful picture of GODS' presence in our lives.
It is fear that takes faith, and it takes a real faith to paint a real picture of faith.
We can't fake it.
Trials will tell us the truth about wfere our confidence lies - in ourselves or in GOD.
So the next time you see a trial on the horizon, remember that it is there to test your faith and help you to mature in your relationship with the LORD.
My brethern, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4 KJV)
GOD does not want to leave us lacking. He will teach us how to trust Him through the trials of this life.
Then, we can sit in quiet confidence, humming hymns of hope and having the heart to think of others first even in the scariest of scenarios.
This is the faith that WINS THE WORLD TO JESUS CHRIST. We can let our lives so preach the Gospel without words that we shouldn't be surprised when in the midst of the storm an unlikely soul approaches us with the question, "How can I be saved?"
Waging war in the spiritual realm is absolutely essential to intercede effectively.
The scriptures instruct us to submit to GOD, resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7).
In Ephesians 6:10-17, the scriptures give us a crash course in spiritual warfare, as it tells us that GOD has the power, identifies the enemy, instructs us to stand firm against him, and commands us to apply the full armor of GOD.
It is vital to put on each piece of the spiritual armor, deal aggressively with the enemy, and stand in the mighty weapons that GOD has provided (2 Corinthians 10:3-5), or we will not stand at all.
Immediately following the commands to be properly outfitted in spiritual armor, the scriptures tell us in Ephesians 6:10-18 the purpose of being armored: so that we can pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, and keep on praying for all the saints.
Pray on the full armor of GOD every day in utter dependence on GOD.
Get prepared to pray clothed in all the armor, which is CHRIST JESUS (Romans 13:14)
It is easy to remember to put on the full armor of GOD, from the head down.
Helmet of Salvation:
Father, I thank you for my salvation. Thank you for making me your child and allowing me to come to you in JESUS' name. I claim all the victory of JESUS for my life today as my Redeemer and Deliverer. I have the mind of CHRIST. I am yielded, transformed, and renewed in your Word. I cast down imaginations and my own ideas. I don't rely on my own insight, and I choose against worldly thinking (Hebrews 5:9, Psalm 140:7, Romans 12:1-2).
Breastplate of Righteousness:
I thank you that when JESUS died for my sins, He covered them all with His blood so that I can be forgiven and cleansed. Search my heart for any unconfessed sin and anything that does not please you. I want to confess all sins as the offense against you that it is, and I choose to turn from it. GOD, you are righteous and just to judge sin, but you are also faithful to forgive and cleanse of all unrighteousness. I claim the blood of JESUS which makes me right with you and covers and keeps my heart. Thank you that the power of sin was canceled on the cross, and I choose to repent of and renounce all sins. I want no works of the flesh to hinder or influence how I pray (Romans 1:17, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
The Belt of Truth:
I want to know your word which is true and be centered in it, because you have promised that the truth will set me free in JESUS (John 8:32-36). I choose integrity, believing the truth and speaking the truth. I reject all the enemy's accusations, and anything that would keep me fromhearing your voice. I will not believe any of the enemy's lies (Psalm 51:6, John 14:6, 16:13). The Shoes of Peace: I want to be ready to march into any spiritual battle or maintain a firm stance of waiting as GOD directs. I want to be a good representative of the gospel wherever I go. I am not ashamed of the gospel of peace. I am willing to obey you instantly and completely in sharing the good news. Thank you that I am reconciled with you through the forgiveness of JESUS. I choose to forgive as I have been forgiven. As far as I know, I am at peace with everybody in my life.
(Pause here and let GOD show you if there is anybody you need to forgive and be reconciled too). I choose to be an instrument of peace today. I stand against strongholds of past grievances and hurts. Today I choose to forgive, heal, restore and bless everybody. I choose to be at peace with everybody I encounter (Ephesians 2:14, Philippians 4:13).
The Shield of Faith:
I believe that you hear and answer prayers. I trust you to meet all my needs. I go forward in faith, quenching the fiery darts of fear, doubt, inadequacy and unbelief. JESUS is all the faith I need for every situation, because He is the author and finisher of my faith. So today I offer you a sacrifice of praise that you are the first cause and the last word of everything you allow to touch my life (Galathians 2:20, Romans 10:17). The Word of the Spirit, the
Word of GOD:
JESUS is the word of GOD living in me, and I choose to be filled with your spirit. I choose to order my life by your word. Fill my heart and my mouth with your word against all Satan's forces. Thereby, I give the spirit His weapon, my only offensive weapon which is authoritative based on your covenant and your character. I am listening to your voice, assimilating your word into my life, and claiming your promises because your word never returns to you void or ineffectual. I choose this day to keep my eyes on JESUS and walk in your spirit (Isaiah 55:11, John 1: 1-4, 6:63, 68).
Thank you GOD, for your mighty weapons for invading the invisible. Today I live and pray in complete dependence upon you. Let me be ready to experience you afresh and see your glory unhindered. I love you and trust you completely in JESUS name. Amen.
GOD bless you all.
With all my love to all of you in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.
Robert...
