Nougat 12

Hi dear

Sometimes we think we’re going good and a little issue comes up that requires a judgement call. And how we respond speaks volumes about our trust in God’s presence and/or provision. Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to choose what is righteous.

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

It is not enough to have God’s Truth when engaged in spiritual warfare. We MUST also have Righteousness.

Jesus Himself admonishes us to place godly Righteousness as a priority as we journey on the spiritual path. This is not solely about operating justly and obeying laws. That may achieve the goal of our righteousness in our sight; but not God’s Righteousness.

God’s Righteousness is accorded to us By God’s Spirit and is all about knowing what is most important, and keeping our focus there. And of course, the most important thing is ‘fear’ of God. That is; recognition of God’s Will as our main priority and focus in the face of trials, testing or tribulation. Moreover, it is keeping God as priority in the ‘great’ times.

One of the main organs in our body is the heart. It is so vital to life and livelihood that it is also a metaphor for love. It is naturally protected by the rib cage and is one of the ‘weak spots’ warriors would attack in battle. Hence wise warriors wore breastplates to provide an extra layer of protection. (These days it is perhaps the bulletproof vest).

If Righteousness is consciously placing God first, and a breastplate protects the most vulnerable parts of our being;; then the Breastplate of Righteousness must serve to protect our consciousness of God’s Will in all circumstances. It is what empowered the Hebrew youth to stay focused when facing the flames of death.

It’s what allowed Elijah to refuse payment from Naaman the leper after miraculously healing him. It allowed Joseph to follow through with marriage to Mary after receiving the vision about her pregnancy. It sent a condemned woman back home to share the good news of the Man who was the Messiah; and Righteousness saw to Peter’s raising of a godly woman, Dorcas, from death to life.

Righteousness applies the Truth of God’s Word (Jesus Christ) when it might be more convenient to lie. Righteousness is Faith-acting when the going gets tough and when complacency could suffice. It demands Conviction and Courage working in tandem with Conversion to say, ‘Lord, this cup!!!; but NOT my will, only Yours’

Do we need to get our Breastplate repaired or polished today?

In Christ’s love and grace . . .