What is on your key ring?

I sat at my kitchen table drinking my coffee.  The day was gloomy and overcast and I was feeling a little sorry for myself; wishing I was anywhere but here; somewhere the sun was shining and the day held promises this gloom in Rhode Island just seemed to smother.  So, I started a conversation with the Spirit of God.  Running my hands through my hair I said, “God, what should I do?”  It wasn’t that I didn’t have anything to do; I had my list in front of me ...

The Armor of God

Part 1

What does it mean to take up the whole armor of God?

In Ephesians 6:13 Paul tells us to “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”  Most studies will start with the verse ahead of this one explaining what we are fighting against, tell us to put on this whole armor then go on to break down what each piece of the armor represents.  I want to approach this from a different angle. ...

Psalm 5:11,12

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. 12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

Question for this lesson: How do we practically receive, germinate and grow this “Favor” of God in our lives?

Let us first look at the scripture: Romans 4:3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham belie...

Psalm 5:11,12

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. 12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

I have taken the time to study with the Holy Spirit and to research the Hebrew meaning of each word and phrase. The following is a breakdown, according to the lesson from my study time, of the Psalm 5:11,12

Le...

Psalm 30

A Psalm. A Song at the dedication of the house of David.

1 I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my foes rejoice over me. 2 O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. 3 O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.[a] 4 Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.[b] 5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor ...

Endurance

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work. That you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

Let’s start with ENDURANCE. The word in the above text for “Patience” translates as thus:

Steadfastness

Patient continuance

Constancy

Sustaining

Perseverance

Patient waiting

Patient enduring

Let’s recognize that our Father has a bigger...

Don’t Lose Heart!!

Text:  Psalms 27: 13, 14          James 1: 1-3      Hebrews 12: 1-3

I would have lost heart if I had not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord.  Psalm 27: 13, 14

Don’t give up!!  In the world of today the struggles seem unending.  When does it ever get easier?  We say that by this time in my life I should be running on cruise ...