Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- March 11, 2013
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. Ephesians 6:14
Truth supports the other weapons of spiritual warfare by providing clarity and context. Yes, God’s truth is a reality check that protects from foolish diversions. Wisdom from above gives courage and conviction below to stand firm for what’s right. Moral resolve results in a life girded with the belt of truth. Jesus spoke with authority because He based His teaching on truth as defined by His Heavenly Father. Thus, spiritual armor buckled by the belt of truth is secure.
First, it is necessary to know and understand truth as taught in Holy Scripture. The Bible is clear: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28), The Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39), The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) are foundational for serious followers of Christ. Paul’s Epistles dig deeper into the why, behind what is true. Yes, Jesus is truth, so to know Him is to know truth. Freedom equals understanding truth.
We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20
Furthermore, the belt of truth is a reminder to always be truthful, especially when it costs something. You may need to forfeit a financial opportunity, because truthfully, it is not a right fit for you and your family. You may fear your forthright response may jeopardize a friendship, but better to be clear in the beginning, so there are no surprises in the end. Honesty is heaven’s mandate. Therefore, tell the truth, so all the facts are apparent to everyone. Truth tellers eventually earn respect.
Lastly, speak the truth in love. Direct language laced with grace solicits a grateful and rational response. The spirit of our words is as important as their accuracy. How we say what we say prepares the listener for the truth. So,we need to ask the Lord for an extra measure of humility and grace, especially if we are gifted in wisdom and discernment. The belt of truth clarifies our beliefs, so we know who we are in Christ and how we are able to stand firm by faith. Truth protects.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17
Prayer: Heavenly Father by faith I buckle the belt of Your truth around my heart, mind and soul.
Related Readings: Isaiah 11:5; Proverbs 16:21, 24; John 1:14, 7:28; Philippians 1:9
Post/Tweet today: Direct language laced with grace solicits a grateful and rational response. #graciouswords
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truth will always stand
thanks for the uplifting readings. i will send donations as soon as I get a job. God bless
Please be careful by making Christians in the new covenant feel they are obligated to keep the laws of the old covenant. Jesus gave us the New commandment to love others as He loved us. It is all about believing in Him and His finished work on the cross. He gets all the glory!!! 1st John confirms this when it says “and this is His commandment that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus and love others as He commanded. I have been down that road of legalism, and many teachers/preachers will point to the greatest commandments in the LAW and the ten commandments. I’ve heard the messages that if we really love God then we’ll do this or that, for me it was commandment #4 Honoring the traditional Sabbath. I only wanted to show God how much I loved Him and wanted to be pleasing to Him because of how thankful I was for Him sending His Son for me. I got lead into legalism. I am FOREVER thankful for my Father for His chastening me and setting me on the ROCK (Jesus) and helping me understand this TRUTH! It is my passion to see others freed from this and give God all the glory He deserves for the finished work at calvary through His precious Son’s blood.
We must remember that we are saved by grace through faith…that is it!!!! It is not about what we DO, but what He DID, amen!!??
Paul lists the commandments in Romans then goes on to say to owe no one nothing but to LOVE one another…for love is the fulfillment of the law and that he who loves another fulfills the law and this happens only by Christ giving us His Spirit.
Being freed from the law of sin and death IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO SIN…..Rather our Father wants each of us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and come to the revelation knowledge of how much HE LOVES EACH OF US PERSONALLY….and once you truly understand His grace, then there is FREEDOM in Christ.
His Spirit causes the desires of your heart change and of course you want nothing to do with sin and you WANT to spread this good news of our blessed Hope in Jesus to everyone.
I’ve always looked forward to my daily emails from this site, but I’m highly considering un-subscribing now. I think rightly handling the Word of truth is so important when it comes to the new and old covenants. Please don’t make new covenant believers feel that they are subject to the law that shows us sin and death. The law was our tutor until Christ. It is now time to REST in Him…..ALL glory to Jesus and HIS finished work.
Peace to you as you grow in His grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.