Tag: Spiritual Development
Staying Armored in the Spirit
In this week’s blog, we will discuss having faith that is persevering and being clothed in the whole armor of God. On a daily basis, we take into consideration what we put on our bodies to make sure we are appropriately dressed. Or, I hope we take that into consideration, lol. But as believers, it is vital that we stay armored up spiritually. We should not be clothed naturally but without the appropriate clothing in the spirit. Every day, we need to be clothed with the armor of God, not some days, or when we feel like it, but every day.
It is important to have awareness that, as believers, we have an adversary or enemy, who is the devil. He is seeking to destroy us. He is very cunning, a master of deceit. He wants us to be defenseless or ignorant to his devices. When we are unaware of his schemes, we can be tricked into perceiving all things through our flesh or carnally without understanding it is spiritual in nature. We can not be ignorant of the fact that we have an enemy and he is a deceiver.
Additionally, we must have the awareness that we will face spiritual warfare. This is unavoidable as a believer. If you are saved, spiritual warfare is part of the lifestyle of a believer. We must be prepared for it and engage in it. We should not take a lackadaisical approach but a proactive one. In knowing we have an adversary looking to devour us and that spiritual warfare is a part of life, we should recognize the need to stay clothed in the whole armor of God.
Today, we will go through the necessity of the armor as well as three areas that help us to endure spiritual warfare.
The Armor of God
The armor of God consists of: the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the sword of the spirit. Every piece of armor is vital in being able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Each has an important role when engaging in spiritual warfare. We need to put on the whole armor for preparation, protection, and endurance.
Being fully clothed prepares us for the enemy’s schemes. This ensures we are not blindsided when, not if, the enemy’s schemes show up in our lives. We will not be caught by surprise because we have the expectation that they will come. Having on the armor of God also guarantees that we will be protected against the attacks of the devil. We are not left defenseless. Instead, we have on the necessary protection to sustain us. The armor gives us the capability to withstand the wiles of the devil. When a spiritual attack shows up in life, we have a greater ability to endure rather than succumbing to it.
In order to be prepared, protected, and endure, we must know the posture to take while engaging in spiritual warfare. Within the passage of scripture, Ephesians 6:10-17, three times we are instructed to stand, and once the text says to withstand. To fully understand what that means, I will provide the definitions of both words. Stand is defined as (1) have or maintain an upright position, supported by one’s feet, (2) to take up or maintain a specified position or posture (3) to maintain one’s position, and (4) to endure or undergo successfully. And withstand means to stand up against or oppose with firm determination. We are not told to fight but to stand. We must maintain our position in God, not moving to the left or right, not forward or backward. We need to be in place and allow God to fight on our behalf. But while we are standing, we must be armored up to be able to be prepared, protected, and endure the attacks of the enemy.
While in our position, we can trust that God is moving on our behalf in the spirit realm. No matter how things look in the natural realm, we must continue to maintain our posture. Verse 12 lets us know we are not wrestling against flesh and blood (natural realm) but it is against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places (heavenly places). The battle is spiritual, regardless of how it manifests in the natural/physical realm.
In this spiritual battle, each part of the armor of God ensures our ability to maintain our posture. We must know that we are strengthened by Christ, who endows us with the ability to persevere. The helmet of salvation reminds us that we are working out our salvation daily with fear and trembling. Additionally, as a child of God, Yah will deliver us from the attacks of the enemy. He is our deliverer and salvation. He is the One who saves us from being consumed by our enemy. With the belt of truth, we are equipped with knowledge of the truth. We are able to reject the deception of the enemy. Instead, we stand on the truth in the Word of God. Furthermore, the Spirit of God (the Spirit of Truth), which dwells on the inside of us, leads us into all truth. The Word plus the Holy Spirit helps us to combat any deception the enemy attempts to sow.
The breastplate of righteousness reminds us that we have attained righteousness through Christ’s righteousness. It is not our own. For the Word tells us that none is righteous, no, not one. But we have received it by faith in Christ. Now, as believers, we are to walk in righteousness daily. The shoes of the gospel of peace show us that we should have a readiness to share the Gospel (the Good News) of Jesus Christ. In receiving the Gospel and being born again, there is peace. By faith, we have been justified and have peace with God through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Man’s relationship has been restored with the Father.
The next piece of armor is very important; it is the shield of faith. It enables us to put out the fiery darts that the enemy sends our way. It is a defense measure that when the attack comes, our faith protects us. Lastly, the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. We are able to be encouraged and strengthened by the Word when the attacks come.
All six parts are needed daily. It wouldn’t be wise to be partially covered and hope to successfully stand against the schemes of the devil. You may have on a portion of defense, but it is better to be completely covered. In addition to the whole armor of God, verse 18 of Ephesians 6 instructs us to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. We must maintain a posture of prayer while we stay armored in the spiritual realm.
Prayer
Praying Continually
To triumph over the enemy’s attacks, we must pray and do so continually. This is a crucial part of spiritual warfare. Otherwise, when attacks come, if we are in a state of prayerless, we are easily defeated. Prayer strengthens us and gives us the opportunity to communicate with God. In Ephesians, the apostle Paul instructs us to pray always and in the Spirit. Praying in the Spirit takes us to a deeper level and builds up our spirit man. When our spirit man is fortified, we are able to resist the devil and continue to stand while God is intervening on our behalf.
Paul also emphasizes not only prayer but also supplication. Supplication is (1) the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly or (2) a humble request, prayer, petition, etc. With this type of prayer, we are making a humble request or petition to our Father. As we pray, we are not just praying for ourselves but for all saints (all who are born-again believers). This requires selflessness. We have to get out of our feelings and emotions and begin to intercede for other believers. We must recognize that spiritual warfare is not only an individual experience but our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world face it as well. So we must pray and supplicate for our brethren.
Praying with Humility and Repentance
With this area, I briefly mentioned when discussing supplication. When we pray to our Father, we must do so with humility and repentance. Yes, we can boldly approach His throne, but with a posture of humility. We are not commanding and telling God to intervene on our behalf. Instead, we are petitioning Him, making our request known based on His Word and knowing His character. It is a request, not a demand. We are His children, and He is our Father, which gives us access to Him. But with that access, reverence for Yah is still necessary.
In addition to humility, we must have a posture of repentance. We need to turn from our wicked ways. This is more than saying, “I’m sorry.” It is a change in heart posture and our way of thinking. We are giving up the sin, iniquity, and wickedness in our lives and turning to the Father. We are not simultaneously holding on to sin while trying to seek God in prayer. We must let sin go and turn to Him fully.
Likewise, within this area, it is important to confess our sins to Him. We must confess known and unknown sins. We don’t want anything to be a hindrance from our prayers reaching heaven. As we discussed last week, we must address any unforgiveness we have in our hearts, which will be a hindrance in our prayers being heard by God. So, it is essential that we forgive and ask God for forgiveness before we ask for anything. We want to ensure we have no sin hidden in our hearts.
Praying with the Right Motives
In Matthew 6, Jesus instructs us of the proper way to pray. When we pray, we are not to do so with the desire of being seen and heard by others in public. For those who do so, their reward is with men, not God. Instead, we are instructed to go in private (into a closet or room), shut the door, and pray to our Father. When we come to Him privately, He rewards us openly.
Also, during our time of prayer, we should not use vain repetition. We don’t have to use many words to get God to hear us. God is already aware of what we need; we should be genuine, making our request known.
**Additionally, Jesus gives the Model Prayer in verses 9 through 13**
Our Intercessor: The Holy Spirit
In our time of weakness, when we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us. Through groanings that can not be uttered, He intercedes on our behalf. And the Father who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit. It is beautiful to know that we have the Holy Spirit, who is our intercessor. During times of intense warfare, where it is difficult to articulate a prayer, we still have an Advocate intervening on our behalf.
Since we have discussed prayer to help us resist the attacks of the devil and the correct ways to approach prayer, now we can transition into praise and worship. With these two areas, they can be used as weapons of warfare.
Praise and Worship
Lastly, through our praise and worship, we can resist the devil and his schemes. They are instruments to refocus our attention on God when the attacks come. Throughout the book of Psalms, we see how the authors would create songs worshiping the Father declaring His divine nature and attributes. Often, we see David articulate his praise to Yah, especially while he was on the run from King Saul. He had a natural/physical enemy who was seeking to take his life. But in spite of that, worship and giving praise to his God flowed from the depths of his soul (Psa. 34). Exalting God helped to sustain him even when his life was threatened. It would be wise for us to learn from David. When the spiritual attacks come and we feel as though it will overtake us, we should choose to worship our God using our voice to lift up praise to His name. While we are in a time of exalting Yah rather than the circumstance, our inner man (spirit) is strengthened, giving us the ability to endure.
Recap
Awareness
- We have an enemy/adversary, who is the devil.
- He is very cunning and a master of deceit.
- As believers, we will face spiritual warfare. It is part of the life of a believer.
The Armor of God
Needed for preparation, protection, and endurance.
- The Helmet of Salvation
- The Breastplate of Righteousness
- The Belt of Truth
- The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
- The Shield of Faith
- The Sword of the Spirit
Every piece of armor is vital in being able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Prayer
- Pray continually
- Maintain a posture of prayer
- Intercede for all believers
- Pray with humility and repentance
- Pray with the right motives
- Our Intercessor: the Holy Spirit
- In times of weakness when we don’t know what to pray, He intercedes on our behalf.
Praise and Worship
- Instruments to refocus our attention on YAH when the attacks come.
- Exalt God, not the situation/attack you’re facing
- Use the Book of Psalms to remind us of God’s divine nature and attributes
**Scriptures used from the New King James Bible and the authorized King James Bible
**Definitions used from the Oxford, Merriam-Webster, and Collins dictionaries
The Importance of Renewing Our Spirit
On a daily basis, there are a plethora of things we consume. In thinking of the question–what are you consuming–you may think about what you eat. That is one area of consumption, but I want us to consider what we are receiving in our bodies as well as our spirit. We should be aware of what we are feeding on. In this blog, I want to discuss different areas of consumption. And then recognize if its effects on us are carnal or spiritual. Carnal is defined as (1) pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites; sensual or (2) not spiritual; merely human; temporal; worldly. Spiritual is defined as (1) relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. Or (2) relating to religion or religious belief.
With these definitions, we can understand that carnal and spiritual are polar opposites. The two do not mesh together; they are like oil and water. Carnal consumption would consist of things that feed our flesh and lead us away from God. Whereas spiritual consumption would strengthen our spirit and draw us to Him. The areas of consumption I want to focus on are entertainment (including music, movies, and TV shows), social media, and our interactions with others.
Entertainment (Music, Movies, and TV Shows)
With entertainment, what we listen to and watch influences us. No matter our age, to a certain degree, it has an effect on us. Music is very suggestive. Whether it is subtle or overt, it has a message. As believers, we must be aware of that fact and be mindful of what we listen to. In our song choices, we must have a greater awareness of what is being glorified. When we listen to certain music, we should take inventory of what feelings arise in us. Does it stir up lust, anger, pride, loneliness (wishing you were in a relationship), etc.? That can be a major hindrance when you are intentional on living a life pleasing to God.
We must also be vigilant of the movies and TV shows that we watch. We should consider what Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep [guard, watch over] thy heart with all diligence [care]; For out of it are the issues of life.” It is important to guard our heart. As a responsible and wise believer, we should not watch everything just because we have access to it. We are bombarded with many beliefs that are contrary to the Word of God. They promote lifestyles that God condemns. And, it can desensitize us from boldly standing on the Word.
We should check inwardly and ask ourselves, what have we accepted rather than rejected? In the same manner that we must have a greater awareness of what is being glorified in music, this too applies to movies and TV shows. Does the entertainment we consume stir up our carnal nature? Does it entice us to sin? Does it cause us to reminisce on our pre-salvation lifestyle? Does it make sin look fun and appealing? These are questions to consider when choosing the types of entertainment we consume.
In my early to mid twenties, I changed the types of music I listened to and what I watched. Some changes were immediate, and others were gradual. I remember throwing away my collection of Rap and R&B CDs. The music I once loved reminded me of a lifestyle that I no longer agreed with. Sexually explict music and love songs did not mix well when you are intentional on living an abstinent lifestyle. In addition to that music about partying, violence, drug dealing, etc. was no longer my cup of tea. My appetite was changing. And what I once loved, I no longer cared for anymore. I will admit occasionally I would listen to 90s and 2000s R&B, that particularly had me in a chokehold. But listening to love songs while single is not wise; it will have you in your feelings, wishing you were in a relationship. So I had to give that up.
Also, I had to stop watching certain movies and TV shows because they were either too graphic, overly sexual in nature, or a combination of both. Previously, I watched horror movies, but I was becoming more aware that they caused my level of fear to increase. From a young age, I struggled with fear in one form or another; and watching horror movies only intensified that fear. When I watched them, it was primarily during the day, not as much at night. I remember the movie images staying in my mind. In order to reduce the fear, I’d follow up with some other genre of movie. That helped to temporarily ease my mind. But once I avoided horror movies, I noticed a significant change that I was no longer gripped with fear.
These were a portion of the changes I made. Some were immediate, and others were gradual. With that being reiterated, we can give ourselves grace as changes take place in our lives. We should allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in what we consume. As we spend time with and in the Word, we can see our appetites align with what feeds our spirit.
Social Media
In addition to entertainment, we have various social media platforms that fight for our attention and consume our time. By no means am I an expert on the different platforms. For me, my social media days started with MySpace in my adolescence, and eventually, I joined Facebook and Twitter (now X). Personally I’m not interested in participating on all platforms; I simply can’t keep up with all of it. I’m a millennial, and I can remember society before the overconsumption of social media. No, I don’t hate social media; it has its pros and cons. But with the accessibility of it, we spend much of our time online rather than interacting with people in real life. I believe we need a healthy balance.
Social media is a great tool to keep in touch with family and friends, especially those who live long-distance, that we otherwise would be unable to see on a regular basis. It also gives us the opportunity to hear sermons and teachings that help to cultivate our spiritual growth. There are beneficial accounts across various platforms with people who share their expertise in certain areas. I can admit I love to watch a good DIY project or find a new recipe to try out. Those things are helpful.
On the other hand, when online, we are bombarded with material that keeps us in a cycle of consumption with no added benefit. Also we can find ourselves in a place of comparison. I can honestly say I have been there. During some of the hardest times in my life, especially after the loss of family members and other major transitions in my personal life I had to step away from social media. For my overall wellbeing, I had to remove myself and spend more time with God. Where I once felt depleted from constantly consuming social media, I now felt content in spending time in the Word and in prayer. I felt refreshed and revived.
Before I started this blog, I was off of Facebook and Instagram for about five months. I deleted my IG account, and I had not logged into Facebook. During that time, I found the contentment I needed; and it was a major learning experience. It taught me to be content no matter the season of life I am in. I was encouraged by Philippians 4:11-13, “[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
I know it was only God’s grace and peace that kept me. He gave me an unexplainable measure of peace that no matter the uncertainty around me, I knew that He was with me and He would not fail me. At one point, I didn’t have the desire to return to social media. But in my efforts to share the blog with others, I came back; and this time around was different. I was focused and had a greater level of discipline that I didn’t previously have.
I share my story to encourage you to be mindful of how the consumption of social media affects you. If it does more harm than good, take some time away if you need to. Don’t allow your overconsumption of other people’s lives gravely affect your emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Interactions with Others (Conversations and Relationships)
Lastly, we have to be aware of what we are consuming in our interactions with others (irl). I want to discuss it from the standpoint of our conversations and relationships. I am a firm believer in 1 Corinthians 15:33-34, “Be not deceived: evil communications [companionships] corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.” And, Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Both of these passages of scripture reiterate the importance of keeping the right type of company. It matters who we spend our time with. It matters who we listen to and take advice from. Entertaining or giving our ear to certain conversations can be damaging and feed into our carnal nature. It can stir up our fleshly desires that we are called to crucify. We should ask ourselves when we converse with others, is this conversation edifying or tearing down? Does it cause me to react in a way that is pleasing to God?
In our relationships with family and friends, we must examine where the overall relationship is going. I personally believe it should have a destination and purpose. It is vital to recognize if our friendships and familial relationships draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him. Do those closest to us live lifestyles that conflict with our walk with Christ? While pursuing a sober life, are we surrounded by others who are constantly drunk or under the influence of drugs? For those of us who are unmarried and abstaining from premarital sex, are we around others who have no desire to abstain? Instead, they continue in a lifestyle of fornication. For married believers, do you hang with others that condone adultery and have no problem with being unfaithful to their spouse?
Are we surrounded by people who are gossipers and feed on the dysfunction and toxicity of other people’s lives? Are the family members and friends we primarily spend time with constantly negative and never have anything good to say about others? Do they drain us rather than pour into us? We must have awareness of the possible stumbling blocks in our lives. And unfortunately, they can be in the form of people close to us. The Word instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 to abstain from all appearance of evil. So, if it looks evil, we are to stay away from it. We must use Godly wisdom in how we should handle the dynamics of our relationships.
On the other hand, with our friends and family that draw us to God, we should be intentional in cultivating and strengthening those relationships. In our lowest moments where we are weak, discouraged, and lonely, their presence helps to build us up and provide the support we need. Even when we are not physically present with each other, we can have the assurance that they are praying for us. It is a reciprocal relationship, both sides are giving and receiving.
Conclusion
In all of these areas, from entertainment to our interactions with others, we should be led by the Holy Spirit. He is the barometer to use in order to gauge what we should or should not consume. He will always lead us in the right direction, which draws us closer to the Father. We must use wisdom and be willing to be led by His Spirit. Our flesh will try to rise up and resist. But we should choose to yield to the Spirit.
It takes maturity and intentionality on our part. We have to guard our gates. We should assess: what we are listening to, what we are watching, who we are following or befriending online, and the conversations and relationships we have with others. All of these areas are important, and we must steward them well in order to strengthen our spirit. A lack of spiritual stewardship will cause us to be spiritually weak and our flesh to rule over us. Instead, we must put our flesh under subjection and be led by the Holy Spirit. And in doing so, our spirit will be fortified.
Put It into Practice
- Be led by the Holy Spirit in choosing what we should or should not consume.
- Be intentional in guarding our hearts by taking inventory of the types entertainment, social media, and interactions we have with others.
- Prioritize spending time with God in prayer, reading, and meditating on the Word.
- Implement healthy boundaries to prevent conversations or relationships that lead us away from God.
Think About It – Questions to Consider
- What does your spiritual diet look like? Is it lacking, thriving, or somewhere in the middle?
- What are you consuming on a daily basis? Does it feed your flesh or your spirit?
- What areas can you improve to strengthen your spirit?
[10] Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. [11] Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. [12] Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalms 51:10-12 KJV
**Definitions provided from dictionary.com, the Merriam-Webster dictionary, and the Oxford dictionary
**Scriptures taken from the King James Version Bible.
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