Nougat 11

My dears

Blessings to you. We continue reflecting on warfare in today’s Holy Nougat

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” Ephesians‬ ‭6:14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I suspect Paul opted to begin with the Belt (ie a loincloth) of Truth is that far often, when we find ourselves in a corner or crisis, Truth suffers. It usually seems so much easier to opt for a lie, even if honesty is simpler. Additionally, Paul perhaps wanted us to recall that the one behind the warfare is a master of illusions, and thus encourages us to ensure that Truth is manifested all around.

In Luke 4, the enemy of our souls tempted Jesus by challenging Jesus identity and offering what was not his to give. Jesus zeroed in on The Truth and resisted the temptation presented. Perhaps we could do likewise. Whether it’s gossip, threats, or lack, we counteract the issue with God’s Truth.

A few days ago we considered our Praise Party based on the Truth of God’s Word. If we have internalized those, we’ll find it’s easier to counter.

Further, there’s the Truth of who and Whose we are in Christ. As God’s elect, the called out people, the Truth is, although we face challenges, the Truth is, we are not alone. So, let’s double check: whose Truth are we operating from. It may not be our own.

This takes us to the all-too-common issue of Fear. It easily enters and attempts to engulf us in its grip. But let’s get something straight. Fear is sometimes the opposite of the Truth – especially when it’s operating by the acronym False Expectations Appearing Real! So when Fear comes boldly in our mind and hearts, counteract it by giving birth to Truth. Examine what we know, and hold it up against God’s own Truths. And there are many such as the three below –

• God has not given us Fear, but Love, Power and a Sound Mind; (thus if something is costing our peace of mind, it may need re-examining);

• When I walk the the Valley of Shadows, we have naught to Fear because God is with us;

• We can do all things through Christ, Who is our strength

And that final Truth is critical because Jesus, Y’shua, is not only our Strength and Savior; but He IS THE Truth!!!! So if we look to Him, we can make it.

If Fear or other circumstances are trying to hold sway over us in this time; it may be time to gird our loins with God’s own Truth to counter the lies of the attacks.

God bless you

In Christ’s love and grace . . .