Put On Your Spiritual Armor

March 1, 2016 ~ Suzanne Davis Harden ~ 2 Comments

Dear Friends,

The following message was written by my friend Deborah Mac Manes. It’s an excellent meditation on Paul’s metaphor about our spiritual armor that we need to wear daily for, as the apostle writes in his epistle to the Ephesians, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood.”

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Debby’s Message

Scripture tells us that a Roman guard was stationed with Paul in his prison cell. Paul must have seen this guard put on his suit of armor many times, which is why he wrote the metaphor about winning the spiritual battle with spiritual armor.

I would like to elaborate on my, daily, prayer with a more in-depth meaning behind each piece of armor:

I wear the helmet of salvation to filter my thoughts … The spiritual battle begins with a thought that enters our mind. If it is an evil thought and we dismiss it, we have won that fight. If we retain the thought and dwell on it, we are entertaining Satan’s whisper. Finally, if we act upon this evil thought, Satan has won this particular battle, we have sinned, and we have grieved the Holy Spirit who dwells inside of us. The helmet of eternal salvation is to protect our thoughts right from the start.

I put on the breastplate of righteousness to protect my heart … The old testament High Priest would wear a breastplate of judgement. Inside this pouch were two stones called the Urim and Thummin that he would, sometimes, use to determine God’s will. Since Christ is our Lord, Savior, High Priest, and King, our breastplate is of righteousness in Christ Jesus and our hearts are protected in Christ Jesus from this unbelieving and evil world.

I am protected by the shield of faith from the flaming missiles of Satan .., Satan attacks us with fiery darts and our steadfast faith in Christ Jesus is the shield that protects us against anything that he is allowed to throw at us. We need to fight the good fight of the faith.

I carry the sword of the Holy Spirit, the Word of the living God … A sword is both an offensive and defensive weapon. We carry the sword of the Scriptures or Bible which is God’s Word. We need to live and breathe God’s Word so that we will be strong and effective in helping to save souls, along with strengthening the souls who have been saved. We need to be able to wield the ‘truth’ in whatever direction the Lord leads us. We can, only, do this with a firm understanding of His Word.

I am belted with truth and righteousness, to glorify you, Holy Father, while walking in the Gospel of peace … Our fight is a spiritual one; not physical. The bible tells us to live a quiet and peaceful life, and we are to mind our own business. Our responsibility in this life is to walk in the shoes of peace and be the light of the world. We are to carry His teachings in our minds and hearts, spread and abide by His Word wherever we go, and give all glory and honor to our Holy Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. All glory to Him!

The author of this message, Deborah Mac Manes, is a bible study teacher and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. As captain and founder of the Spiritual Elegance Team, she moderates this online ministry group which is part of the Etsy marketplace. Deborah is the creative artist and owner of Designs by DM Candles located at designsbydmcandles.etsy.com.

True Stories Behind The Hymn Jesus Lover Of My Soul

February 26, 2016 ~ Suzanne Davis Harden ~ 1 Comment

True Stories Behind the Hymn Jesus Lover Of My Soul

“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” ~Nahum 1:7

The hymn “Jesus Lover Of My Soul” was written by Charles Wesley, an English hymn writer, poet, and preacher who lived from 1707 to 1788.

One of the greatest hymn writers of the Christian tradition, Charles Wesley penned over 6ooo hymns.

“Jesus Lover of My Soul” is treasured as his finest hymn and has been translated into almost every known language.

Though it was first published in 1740, it was not until after Charle’s had died that his beautiful hymn became well known and loved.

Many stories abound regarding the inspiration for the hymn.

According to one story, in the late fall of 1736 on his way back from a brief sojourn in the United States, the ship that Charles was on got caught in a terrible storm.

He and the rest of the passengers must have endured a horrible trial of sheer terror and uncertainty.

Author Kenneth Osbeck writes….
Continue reading “True Stories Behind The Hymn Jesus Lover Of My Soul” →

Make a Joyful Noise

December 17, 2015 ~ Suzanne Davis Harden

In my digital painting “Make A Joyful Noise” the flute player’s hands are large, and seem clumsy as she plays her instrument.

In God’s word, the Psalmist tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. It does not matter whether we are talented singers or musicians. He just says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…” Psalm 100:1

God loves each of us. He created us to worship Him just as we are with whatever skills and talents we have.

It brings God joy when we accept ourselves for who He created us to be. We honor Him when we don’t compare ourselves with others. We may feel clumsy and awkward, as if we don’t measure up in some way, but God says, “Make a joyful noise!”

Jesus said, “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” ~Matthew 5:5 The Message

In my painting, the Flute Player is playing her flute anyway, even though she seems unsure, unsteady, with her large awkward hands.

Sometimes God will ask us to do something that we don’t feel we have the right skills for, or are incompetent to do, or that we might fail in.

God asks us to trust Him, to walk by faith. “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

He asks us to believe His word that says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

He asks us to trust in the power of His grace to help us with every challenge.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8

When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and asked him to lead His people out of slavery from Egypt, Moses was filled with excuses as to why he was the wrong man for this assignment.

But God assured him that it was His power that would do the rescuing and that all Moses had to do was walk by faith, trust God and be obedient to all God asked of him.

This is all God is asking of each of us. He might not be giving us the huge responsibility that Moses had, but He does give each of us assignments throughout our lives. Each one of us are very important to God’s plan, though we might not realize our importance to God this side of eternity.

When God told Joshua to lead His people across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, He said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9

Each day that we live we have opportunities to sow seeds of light and love in our Lord’s Vineyard. He will show us His will if we will listen to Him. And if He gives us an assignment that seems too difficult, remember Moses. Remember Joshua. Remember His promises: “I will be with you wherever you go…” It’s not by might, it’s not by power, but it’s by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 4:6

We may feel awkward, unsteady and clumsy like the flute player in my painting. But we must walk by faith and trust God and obey Him and do whatever He asks of us anyway.

For in the end, He will make a lovely song out of our joyful noise we have made unto Him whether or not we were competent in the thing He called us to do.

For God does not base His calling on our talents, skills, or appearances. All He asks is a willing, humble and faithful heart.

Jesus said, “You did not choose me. I chose you. And I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit—fruit that will last.” John 16:16

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may we have willing, faithful hearts that will humbly obey You no matter what You ask of us, in Jesus’ name, amen.

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* High Quality Resolution Prints Are Available of “Make A Joyful Noise” in my Etsy Shop at Wings Publications on Etsy: Follow the link for more information

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WingsPublications

Ask, Seek, Knock

Persistent Prayer (Detail) acrylic Painting © Suzanne Davis Harden All Rights Reserved.

August 5, 2015 ~ Suzanne Davis Harden ~ 3 Comments

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” ~ Matthew 7:7-8

Ask, Seek, Knock

Ask and it shall be given you,

Seek and you shall find;

Knock and the door shall open;

Oh trust in Me, My child.

I love you, oh I love you;

And if you ask for bread,

I will not give a serpent

Or something that is bad.

I am your Heavenly Father;

I will give good gifts to you;

Oh knock upon My door and see,

My promises are true!

My promises are true;

Oh seek and you shall find

That I am with you in your heart;

Oh trust in Me, My child.

Oh trust in Me, My child,

I’ll never let you down—

In storm or flaming fire,

My grace for you abounds.

Listen, child, please listen!

Oh know and understand—

Heaven and earth shall pass away,

But My promises will stand.

Oh ask and it shall be given,

Oh seek and you shall find

That nothing is too hard for Me

To do for you, My child.

The things that seem impossible

Are not too hard for Me!

If you but knock on Heaven’s door

I’ll meet your every need.

I’ll not grant every wish or want,

But every need that’s true;

I made you and I always know

The path that’s best for you.

So ask and it shall be given,

Seek and you shall find;

Oh seek My will and You’ll receive

As I have promised, child.

What Jesus Taught About Prayer

God’s word contains many beautiful promises concerning prayer. Jesus said that whatever we ask for in prayer, if we believe we receive it, we have it. Jesus also taught many other scripture promises concerning prayer and we must not ignore those very important verses. He told us to pray this way, “Our Father, who art in Heaven, holy is thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done…” (Matthew 6:9-10)

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus Himself prayed, “Father, let this cup pass from me, yet not my will, but Thy will be done.”

There is an interesting scripture in Psalm 25 that I love and one that I cling to. “The Lord advises those who fear him. He reveals to them the intent of his promise.” ~ (Psalm 25:14 GW)

We must always pray and meditate over God’s word and ask the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and insight into every promise, weighing scripture against all other scriptures in the Bible so that we don’t take God’s word out of context and end up misunderstanding the true meaning of God’s word. Jesus taught and believed that God would answer every prayer we pray. But He also taught that we must seek God’s will first. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus taught that God knows all about our needs. He said, ^“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

God will answer all our prayers for He has promised to do so. He will answer in His own way and time and according to His will. Jesus made this very important statement about prayer to His disciples:

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1

We must never stop praying about the things that are important to us. God has put certain desires within our hearts and we must persevere in prayer and pray about them until we see them realized. “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven…”

Whether your prayer is for the salvation of a loved one, or for a future spouse, a broken marriage, a healing, deliverance from fear, depression, chronic pain, a need for a job, a home, strength to meet our challenges, protection from harm, the list of needs is endless…but we serve a mighty God who is able to meet ALL OF OUR NEEDS!

God hears and answers ALL of our prayers. Jesus promised this and He never lied. St. Peter wrote that there was no deceit in His mouth. But we must understand that God always gives according to His will.

As Jesus directed, we must keep on asking, keep on knocking, keep on seeking. We must never stop praying.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, holy is Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, in my life and in every life who is even now praying this prayer. May You answer every need and assure every heart that You will give them what they are hoping for at the right time. May You assure their hearts that You are working everything out in their lives into a beautiful masterpiece that will sing Your glory and praise someday, In Jesus’ name. Amen.

* Persevering Prayer Illustration: A small 5 x 7 inch matted print is available in my Etsy Shop. Persevering Prayer Small Matted Print

Small 5 x 7 inch matted Persisten Prayer Illustration — Persistent Prayer © Suzanne Davis Harden

“Ask, Seek, Knock” (Prayer Song) © 2015 Suzanne Davis Harden All Rights Reserved. Detail “Persevering Prayer” Acrylic Painting~ © Suzanne Davis Harden All Rights Reserved. Scripture Quotations: King James Version Bible, NIV Bible © 2011 All Rights Reserved. God’s Word Bible, (GW) © 1995 All Rights Reserved. Angel Song © 2015 Suzanne Davis Harden All Rights Reserved.