Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

Philippians 2:3-4,“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Paul had a concern about the lack of unity within the church at Philippi, which was a very cosmopolitan city and had great diversity. False teachers were coming in from without (Phil. 3:1-3), members disagreeing within (Phil. 4:1-3), and what Euodia and Syntyche were debating about Paul does not state. Paul declared that humility, gentleness, patience, “alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences,” (Ephe. 4:2 MSG) was highly needed. So if God has shown us mercy, why is it often times hard not to humbly show grace and mercy to those we have unpleasant interactions and disputes with, in a loving manner, yet not compromise in our spiritual convictions and integrity? Anyone that overhears the interaction needs to see Christ-like dedication of a spirit filled transformed life’s example of John 13:45, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I admit this is not always my first reaction, when life gets messy. Can you think of any examples in your life when you have been vulnerable and had this problem too?

“Paul knew there is a difference between unity and uniformity. True spiritual unity comes from within; it is a matter of the heart. Uniformity is the result of pressure from without.” Warren W. Wiersbe, “Be Joyful. Even When Things Go Wrong. NT Commentary on Philippians.” When facing the temptation of rivalry, being in competition for the same objective or superiority in the same field—living out our spiritual identity in Christ-like love, is the supreme action required and takes humility. It can happen in our work, committees we serve on, and other relationships. The importance and art of strategy needed, taking out the emotions and responding with radical love, no matter what, as Paul declares in Philip. 2:3-4 is necessary for guarding against jealousy and selfishness in maintaining peace and being united. Paul was the supreme example of living his life in serving others as Christ did. Paul said, “I am what I am by the grace of God . . . I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me . . . I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing.”

I remember the races my brother and I would have when getting out of the car, after going anywhere and returning into our driveway when we were young. We each would be yelling, “Me first! Me first!” in our running strides to beat out each other in entering the house before each other. It was all about wanting to be first in competing against what I wanted rather than what Jim wanted and vice versa. Often I am still there. What about you?

During this isolation time with our COVID situation, I think we find it a privilege to be with other people more than before. It gives us joy. We have all been given more time to think and pray for one another. Now when we are together with family, friends, or co-workers, it is our opportunity to really listen to their stories and explore who they are. Asking what the back story of things they hold dear to them in their beliefs and actions is. If I knew the secret hurts and disappointments of those I disagree with, I might find my animosity towards them lessen. It is something I need to put into practice.

Paul is saying, forget this “Me First! Me First!” mentality. “Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process.” Philippians 2:4-5 MSG.

Listen to Casting Crowns ft. Matthew West – Lyric Video – by InBeautiful Chaos -Misfit Heroes Music Video

Philippians 1:27-28, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that are standing firm in one Spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of salvation, and that from God.”

I have heard the word “opposition” being used in many social media posts throughout these past few months. It seems to be the hot topic in many conversations, and in our thoughts that just isn’t going to go away. It has become very emotional. Paul experienced the most adversaries throughout his life and ministry than any other. It is recorded in Acts 16:22-24 that when he and Silas were in Philippi, many people attacked them. Then a group of judges had them stripped of their clothing and had Paul and Silas severely beaten with wooden rods. It was a massive miscarriage of justice because there was no fair hearing of attaining the facts, and Paul and Silas were not allowed to speak in their defense and were then incarcerated. While put in prison, Paul and Silas had a two-person songfest at midnight, which the prisoners all heard. Next, God caused an earthquake to happen,  and the Philippian jailer then believed in Christ, and even his entire household did the same. Impressive, wasn’t it? Rash and extreme behavior is always the result of a state of despair and was shown by the enemy. Satan considered Paul and Silas a threat to death and darkness. But the potent power of God overall always wins, as was shown that night.

Paul had close friends and people in the church that sometimes opposed him. Then there were government officials, beatings, three times suffered shipwrecks, stoning’s, unjust criticisms, false teachers, all opposed his ministry at times, in his preaching and teaching the gospel (2 Cor. 11:23-27). Yet Paul counseled the Philippians not to be fearful of anything the opposition might do or attempt to do. I can hear Paul saying, “So what? It takes strategy. Buckle up! Here we go!” Paul stated they were to stand firm and stand united in Christ, and not be alarmed by critics, no matter what happened. He reminded them that it takes practicing Christian teamwork, as we are citizens of heaven and need to act like it, having joy, even as we battle the enemy.

We all have the same Commander In Chief – the Lord Jesus Christ. We all possess the same armor (Ephe. 6), and our reputation needs to remain steadfast in our unity and love in living out our spiritual integrity, as Paul declared in Romans 12:9, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” We will have conflict in various forms and areas of our lives and relationships from beginning to end as Paul also experienced.

“If you are being attacked, it’s proof that the Enemy sees you as a worthy target, proof that you’re making an impact.” Jon Courson. Application Commentary. New Testament. I am reminded, that I must be sure I am representing Christ, and given the green light, in the authority of the Holy Spirit before stepping out in the power of the Spirit, when having any of those personal “critical conversations,” during any trying and troublesome circumstance. As the Message version so eloquently states Philippians 1:27-28 this way: “Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ. Let nothing in your conduct hang on whether I come or not. Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message, the good news, not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you – and both because of God.”

Listen to Casting Crowns – Make Me A River (Official Lyric Video) 10/4/2016.

Philippians 1:21-22, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.”

Paul was not consumed with life or death. His total ambition in life was to maintain his faithful witness to Christ and for Christ to be magnified, despite his own crisis of being in prison and not knowing if he would live or die. His own comfort was not as important to him as was advancing the kingdom of Christ, seeing things from an eternal perspective, and being a blessing to others.

I have recently returned from experiencing the tasks one must go through following the death of a parent. Frederick A. Van Loh passed this earth and entered Heaven on January 5, 2021. He was 94 years old.  It only took fifteen minutes. Dad viewed death as a “gain” and had longed for it for some time. He was at peace with God. He was a pilgrim whose journey came to an end.

My Dad enjoyed studying God’s Word and had several Bible commentaries, “An Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words” by W.E. Vine, and numerous Bible study reference book tools. I was able to bring some of his books home with me for my personal use. I cherish these books which will be an ongoing legacy from my Dad to me.

In going through all of Dad’s belongings and starting the process of notifying accounts of his death, the following became very real, as it was to Paul, of life versus death:

• Awards and trophies won for success, prestige, and fame, are left behind upon one’s death. They are forgotten in Heaven and do not have any significance there.
• Money is used for living, and dying leaves it all behind.
• One’s power and employment are for this earth. That is left behind upon one’s death, and is replaced with streets of gold and heavenly rewards up in Heaven, if you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior.

If I am going to have joy, as Paul did, I must remember circumstances will become memories and get left behind upon one’s death on this earth. What is gained then has eternal significance and what is on this earth is elusive and unsatisfying. That is how Paul could maintain his joy and rejoice despite this uncertainty in his life, because of what He knew was awaiting him in eternity with Christ. The only way to rejoice and be full of joy despite our events in life, is to choose to remember Romans 8:28, and to have our identity solely in Jesus Christ. Christ must become the dominating power throughout our life on this earth. I seem to keep learning this lesson over and over. Paul had it down pat.

Paul was in prison, yet the message of Christ, the gospel, could not be imprisoned and prospered. Paul’s focus was to make Christ more accurately known, regardless if he lived or died. Either way, Paul knew he couldn’t lose. The Message states Philippians 1:21-22 this way, “Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose. As long as I’m alive in this body, there is good work for me to do.”

Listen to Newsboys What I Want Them To Say (Lyric Video). May 26, 2017.

Philippians 1:13-14, “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

Paul could have written a long letter to the church at Philippi about all of his burdens in being in prison and not preaching and reaching millions of people in Rome, which was his heart’s desire. Instead, Paul wrote about the blessings it provided in sharing the gospel and summed it up by stating, “what has happened to me.” Paul always used whatever situation or circumstance he found himself in to bring glory to Jesus Christ. Paul maintained having joy despite being in a  Roman prison twice, beaten, and many times near death. On one occasion he was stoned, and three times he was shipwrecked. He never wasted time and was the best at using it for honoring the Lord Jesus Christ out of devotion and gratitude for God’s saving grace and mercy upon his own life. Paul’s example gave the Christians in Rome, that saw Paul’s imprisonment and realized his life was in danger, more boldness in spreading the gospel. Paul realized his current circumstances were not what was important but how he spent his time about them was.

During Paul’s Roman imprisonment, he wrote letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. 1 Timothy and Titus he probably wrote after his first release from prison, and 2 Timothy was written during his second imprisonment, as he awaited his execution. Paul spent a total of five to six and a half years in jail. Yet, he kept referring to joy throughout the letter to the Philippians. Paul understood the balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility and saw the Holy Spirit’s power to answer the Apostles’ expectant and believing prayers during his lifetime (Acts 4:31). What a powerful example he was.

This is a lesson to me in not wasting time throughout my day by grumbling about irritating things surrounding me as I often tend to do. My happiness is not required, but having a thankful heart is. That is how Paul remained joyful. God’s blessings and power were still with Paul in prison, despite his burdens. But the believers in Philippi wondered where the power of God was in this circumstance in Paul’s imprisonment. Don’t we wonder the same with our current unfavorable situations, be it COVID-related or current political events?

God did not waste Paul’s time in the Roman prison. God doesn’t waste our time either, though we may waste it by not understanding God’s purpose, at the moment, in our lives. God used Paul right where he was, in chains, in prison, and he remained joyful. So I am asking myself, how can I be more joyful, use my time wisely, pray expectantly and believingly, and then be enabled to be bolder in sharing the gospel too? That is my takeaway from Philippians 1:13-14.

“The same God who used Moses’ rod, Gideon’s pitchers, and David’s sling used Paul’s chains. Little did the Romans realize that the chains they affixed to his wrists would release Paul instead of bind him . . . He did not complain about his chains; instead, he consecrated them to God and asked God to use them for the pioneer advance of the gospel. And God answered his prayers.” Warren Wiersbe. Be Joyful Even When Things Go Wrong You Can Have Joy. NT Commentary on Philippians.

Philippians 1: 9-11, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Who is it that you desire to influence? Is it your co-workers, family member, friends, relatives, or a neighbor? Paul knew the best way to influence people was by praying for them as he did for these believers in Philippi. This was also Paul’s prayer for new Christians in Thessalonica: “And may the Lord make you increase in and abound in love for one another for and all, as we do for you.” 1 Thessalonians 1:12. Showing love is the first and necessary step in being of benefit to others and encouraging them, as Christ poured His grace, love, and mercy to us by His provision, protection, and presence in our lives.

Paul recognized the believers in Philippi had a love for one another, but he wanted it to be more, as he told them “that your love may abound more and more.” Paul saw (from a distance since he was in prison) the image of God upon these believers. Distance did not stop their mutual friendship and admiration. Unity in fellowship has no interstate traveling restrictions, especially today with our modern devices of text messaging, emailing, calling on the phone, and getting to see one another in person when that is possible. Who in your circle of friends do you see the image of God upon? What is it they have done for you that has made this lasting impression?

Paul’s mood of joy comes through in his letter to the Philippians, despite his living circumstances in a prison cell. The reader can hear Paul’s cheerful voice in his written expression of nurturing and cherishing by praying for these believers, with passion and generosity. With the pandemic and the need to wear masks in public, our voice tone is even more critical now in verbal or written conversations. Have you noticed that? One’s mood is heightened in being received by our tone of voice because the mask is covering up our mouth when required to be worn. Think about that for a moment. What can you say that will turn someone’s mood around and put a smile upon their face despite what may be going wrong and out of their control?

I received notice from Grammarly, that in 2020, Grammarly users paid more attention to the tone and wording they used in not only what they said but how they said it. I find that interesting and worth noting.

James 3:18 is a parallel verse which says, “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Jon Courson said in his Application Commentary, “So, too, Paul says, “Although there’s a very real war in which you’re involved, be very careful that in your battle mentality you don’t start chopping this person, that group, or the other ministry. Don’t pick on them; pick what is helpful from them as fruit that can be used for your own growth.” Those are wise words.

One’s honor, integrity, uprightness, and truthfulness need to be rooted in love. I like The Message’s version of Philippians 1:11-13, “So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus would be proud of; bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.” That is my challenge for 2021, in making Jesus Christ attractive to all I encounter, filled with the fruit of righteousness, to the glory and praise of God, by my mood, tone, and voice being received in any form of conversation.

Listen to Casting Crowns and Matthew West sing Nobody.

Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure of this, that he who has begun a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

With the coming end of 2020, there is one promise from Scripture that we all can take comfort in, as Paul stated in his letter to his dear friends in the church at Philippi. God has a divine and specific purpose for you and will complete what He has begun within you. “God will faithfully continue the process of maturing you and will put his finishing touches to it until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Philip. 1:6 TPT. Becoming mature in the Lord does not happen overnight. It does not occur instantly because it is a process that takes place inside our hearts and mind and continues until we see Jesus face-to-face.

When Saul was chasing David down, David fled into a cave and prayed, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2. David did not take revenge upon Saul, for he knew that God’s provision would be to remove Saul eventually. Then again in Psalm 138:8, David praises God for His constant care and protection and sang, “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of your hands.” Paul, in Ephesians 1:6, echoes this verse, of God’s sustaining power over our lives.

God gave me a recent reminder that He is compassionate, faithful, and will fulfill His purpose for me even within my work. He will bring completion through His divine and appointed circumstances, proving His attributes of goodness, faithfulness, presence, defender, counselor, wisdom, merciful, sustainer, and redeemer in an impossible situation. I had that experience just last week. God took a significant and unpleasant conflict that occurred with my second-largest customer and turned it into a miraculous provision for another customer of mine that was not even in my top 20 in the ranking of sales. When I read an email this man sent me on a Tuesday at 8:00 PM, I could not believe my eyes! He rarely answers my emails or phone calls, and here he was reaching out to me! He asked to buy the very product that my number two customer had piling up in our warehouse because their machine broke down and would not be up and running again until July, so their shipments had to be diverted to our warehouse and take up warehouse space, adding to the cost of the product. That was a God moment of an astounding answer to prayer that I could have never imagined happening in partially alleviating and providing the perfect solution.

Do you have a child that you thought you had trained up in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6) when they were young, but you are not currently seeing it lived out? Ask God to give you a glimpse of how God is completing His excellent work in your child by His presence, provision, and protection in their life. Pray that he or she will have a sensitive and open heart and mind to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Then thank God for His faithfulness.

How has God been working in your life this past year? God is doing a work in and through your life, and it will not be completed until Christ returns. God is still at work in completing the process of maturing you in Christ through His provision, protection, and presence in your life, and that takes time. So don’t miss God’s point in developing you into becoming a better person, turning your weak points into strengths, in setting you in His process of completion for His glory. Remember, God knows you by name (Isa. 43:1). “God has a whole lot invested in you. He’s chosen you. He’s redeemed you.  He’s training you – and He’s going to perfect that which He’s begun, no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes.” Jon Courson. Application Commentary.

“This is the competitive advantage you possess in your life. It is Christ in you, teaching you how to pray, transforming you as you read His Word (Rom. 12:1-2), instructing you with the wisdom you ask Him for, and walking with you everywhere you go!” Linda Killian, Eliminating The Greener Grass Trap. Quitting The Habit Of Comparisons. Chapter 21, “Let It Go!” Pages 145-146.

Listen to Natalie Grant – Face To Face (Official Music Video) 8/18/20.

Philippians 1:3-5, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Even though Paul was chained in prison and awaiting his trial in Rome, physically separated from the Christians in Philippi, he repaid their love, generosity, and kindness they had shown him by praying for these devoted followers, pastors, and servant-leaders. Paul gave God thanks for them in his prayers, and he tells them he did so with great joy. Instead of merely thinking about his situation, he spent time thinking about others and praying for them. Paul’s relationship with these believers went deeper than only having coffee and dessert together. Every memory of the people in the church in Philippi gave Paul joy which channeled Paul’s nurturing instincts to intercessory prayer for them on their behalf.

Paul was in prison in Rome when he wrote the letter to the Philippians church, ten years after this church was established (during Paul’s secondary missionary journey). Do you remember anyone in your life that made a lasting impression back in 2010 on your life? Do you remember what things were on your prayer list ten years ago? I don’t know that I do. But notice Paul’s keen recollection of these believers in the book of Philippians. Paul had invested his life in these people and his love for them he never forgot.

Estimates range Rome and Philippi were 700 to 1200 miles apart. Yet, distance did not hinder the fellowship and partnership in the gospel the Philippians and Paul had for one another. Paul still had joy overflowing for these dear Christian friends who had partnered with him to spread the gospel through their financial support and friendship.

Write out a list of people who have blessed you by making an impression and encouraged you in your walk with the Lord. Think of who has contributed to giving you joy at a time in your life that gave provision, their presence, and helped encourage you in some way. Pray for each one of them in thanksgiving to the Lord. Pause and reflect on the memory of how God has blessed you through this person. Send them a note by email or text thanking them. You will be giving them a far more generous gift than anything that can be bought on a store shelf or Amazon. Share your prayer of joy for how they have been a blessing to you. You will then be applying The Message version words of Philippians 1:3-4, “Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.”

Dear reader, thank you for blessing me by reading my devotional thoughts and writings on the verse and portion of scripture I am studying for the week. You have blessed me with joy from the Lord that flows deep within my heart, and for that, I proclaim thanks to God, and I thank you with joy, overflowing! “My prayers for you are full of praise to God as I give him thanks for you with great joy!” Philippians 1:3-4 from The Passion Translation.

Listen to Phil Wickham’s Song In My Soul with lyrics.

Philippians 1:1-2, “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus. To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The book of Philippians’ Paul wrote to encourage his close friends, in Philippi (a city in present-day Greece), in their faith while he was yet in prison, in Rome. In these four chapters, Paul mentions joy, rejoicing, or gladness nineteen times. Yet Paul was a political prisoner and being executed was a possibility he was aware might happen. Paul lived out the truth that inner joy is not related to or dependent on happiness. Contentment, peace, serenity can only come from knowing Christ personally and relying on His strength rather than our own. Paul looked at his circumstances through Christ. He helped strengthen other Christians, embraced new opportunities to lead others to salvation even while in prison, and was enabled to defend the gospel before the courts of Rome.

Since Paul was a Roman prisoner, he knew his case was coming up shortly before Caesar. He could be acquitted or beheaded (Acts 28:30-31). He was chained to a Roman soldier and was not permitted to preach the gospel in public so he did it right where God had him living, in prison.

Paul’s intent and desire was to go to Rome as a minister of the gospel but arrived as a prisoner. Doors slammed shut more than once for Paul during his ministry. Earlier, God shut the door to Asia for Paul, and he then realized that Europe was where God wanted him to go instead, which is where the Philippian church came about to be during Paul’s second missionary journey recorded in Acts 16:1-40.

To make matters worse, some of the believers at Rome were for Paul, and others were against him (Philippians 1:15-17) out of jealousy of his apostolic power, authority, success and tremendous giftedness. Yet, despite all of that, Paul maintained a continual spirit of joy. How was Paul able to do that? What was his secret?

Paul knew that it all takes place in our thought processes. Paul used the word mind ten times, and he used the word think five times in his letter to the Philippians. Remember was also stated by Paul as well, which equals a total of sixteen references to the mind.  “Philippians, then, is a Christian psychology book, based solidly on Bible doctrine. It is not a shallow self-help book that tells the reader how to convince himself that “everything is going to turn out all right.” It is a book that explains the mind the believer must have if he is going to experience Christian joy in a world filled with trouble.” Be Joyful Even When Things Go Wrong, You Can Have Joy. NT Commentary, Philippians by Warren Wiersbe.

What trial are you currently facing? Who is a guard chained to you withholding your freedom? It might be circumstances, people, things you don’t have and want, or worry. Did you ever think that your circumstances might just work for you rather than against you? The antidote verse to remember is as Paul wrote in Phil. 2:13, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

In Acts 16:25, it states: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds  were unfastened.” There is power in prayer and singing words of worship, to our God! Oh that our prayers and singing praises to our Lord would have that powerful effect!

 As a committed servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, give grace and peace in serving others as God has blessed and delivered to you. You can repay others that have shown kindness to you by praying for them in joy (J-Jesus, O-others, Y-yourself, method) as Paul did for the Philippians. Drink in God’s Word, be listening for His voice, and have it deeply embedded within your mind and thoughts because that is how you will be able to choose joy on purpose, breaking the chains that hold you prisoner, just as Paul, a man of grit, was determined to do.

Listen to Shane and Shane, Is He Worthy (lyrics) 5/11/2019

Ephesians 6:19-20, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” NIV.

Think about what was the most recent time you asked someone to pray for you or someone asked you to pray about something for them? Paul was in prison, and he had just brought up that spiritual warfare is an ongoing raging battle that causes stress on every believer. So we all must be alert, persevere, and be strong in the Lord who brings the victory. Paul, the great teacher and spiritual leader, then asked for prayer for himself. Prayer activates the armor and releases all our eternal resources in delivering blessings.

No doubt, Paul had his upcoming defense before Caesar on his mind, yet he did not ask for the readers to pray for that. That was so like Paul. Instead, he asked them to pray for his eloquence and duty in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ during his time in prison. Paul would not neglect his first responsibility to serve Christ and continued his due diligence. He believed he was still an ambassador of the gospel, despite the uncomfortable and unjust situation he had to endure. He remained focused on his eternal reward and calling. Paul was indeed a man of grit. He recognized that he had a captive audience while in prison and that he was right where God intended to have him and use him. Therefore, Paul asked the believers to pray for the gospel to be proclaimed both clearly and with the Holy Spirit’s fearless power given to Paul. He did not want to neglect one or the other. When conflict arises do I recognize God has me right where He intended to have me and use me in molding me more into His likeness and image, or be of service to someone? I would say that is not my perspective normally. How about you?

Do you know what it is like to be ignored, betrayed by a friend, hurt by someone’s words, or crippled with grief over the loss of a loved one? Even if it was unintentional, the enemy will take advantage and whisper lies about those negative occurrences. It is like having the effect of kryptonite working against a weakness within our inner make-up we possess, that then causes us to lose our focus on Christ. That is when our ego is hurt and we feel like a victim.

Being a believer does not make anyone exempt from these assaults. But Paul gives all of us an example of how to pray for others and ourselves, and remembering the necessary spiritual equipment God provides us. Praying God’s Word defeats the enemy. Even Paul asked for prayer for himself.

“Prayer crowns all lawful efforts with success, and gives a victory when nothing else would. No matter how complete the armor; no matter how skilled we may be in the science of war; no matter how courageous we may be, we may be certain that without prayer we shall be defeated. God alone can give the victory; and when the Christian soldier goes forth armed completely for the spiritual conflict, if he looks to God by prayer, he may be sure of a triumph. This prayer is not to be intermitted. It is to be always. In every temptation and spiritual conflict we are to pray. See [Lk 18:1].” (Albert Barnes. Barnes NT Commentary)

 Sufficient adequacy can only come by the power of the Holy Spirit. Be alert by continually praying for spiritual provision, protection, praying in the Spirit, using your shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, and acknowledging your security comes from the Captain of your Salvation (Hebrews 2:10). Give God all your thoughts. Then sit in quietness and listen for His response. Prayer makes the armor of God work by stepping into God’s presence. Put your name in the blank: “O ______________, trust in the LORD! He is your help and your shield.” Psalm 115:9. Then tell God, “LORD, listen and be gracious to me; LORD be my helper.” Psalm 30:10 HCSB.

Listen to Merce Me, Word of God Speak, w/Lyrics, March 29, 2016.

Ephesians 6:17-18, “And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

When Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus, while he was sitting in a Roman prison during 60 – 62 AD, the political and cultural climate had several similarities to ours in 2020. In my research, I found it interesting to discover that the city of Ephesus and Santa Clarita Valley were comparable in size. Many lived in affluent homes with magnificent architecture and split-level construction. The houses were often more extensive than 10,000 square feet. In addition to having a large Jewish population, Greeks, Romans, and a mixture of the entire Mediterranean world settled in Ephesus. Therefore, there was a wide-ranging social acceptance in the name of tolerance (sound familiar, doesn’t it?) and moral depravity, agnostics, and even goddess inspired feminism due to this melting pot of people, again, much like 2020 in our world. Paul ended his letter with admonitions and exhortations on living Christ-like behavior in standing fast and persevering securely in a fallen world.

Paul associated the helmet of Salvation with our head, which holds our mind and all of our thoughts. A soldier would never go into battle without wearing a helmet, which was an essential part of his armor in protecting his head. The enemy tries to disorient our way of thinking pure, right, truthful thoughts within our mind. Receiving Salvation gives us redemption and future eternal benefits. It also restores, protects, and shields us daily from Satan’s attacks to cripple our thinking with discouragement and negative and unhealthy patterns of imagination. Putting on the helmet of Salvation is knowing your identity is found in Christ, and not in your job, your talents, your family, or financial status. That is God’s provision and protection to us in being our shepherd.

In reference to the Sword of the Spirit, which pierces the heart, Jon Courson in his New Testament Application Commentary states: “Machaira, the Greek word translated “sword,” refers not to a big battle sword, but to a small dagger for use in hand-to-hand combat. Rhema, the Greek word translated, “word,” refers not to the Bible, but to an exact, spoken word. Therefore, the idea here is that you’ll have just the right word for the right person at the right time. As you study and meditate upon the full counsel of the written Word of God – the rhema word – the precise word – will come to you the moment you need to do exacting “surgery” regarding any specific situation.” That is our offensive weapon, the “sword of the Spirit”. The word of God is our sword because it is the word of God.  Like the shield of faith and the helmet of Salvation, the sword of the Spirit is always to be ready to be taken up and used at the beginning of every battle. How I need to remember that – at the beginning!

Prayer activates all the spiritual armor we need to put on every day. Prayer in the Spirit is a form of worship and results in close intimacy with our Lord. I may not be able, especially right now, to visit my family that live in the Midwest, but I can speak exacting words to the Lord in prayer on their behalf, using long-range artillery of prayer, and pray for abundance of blessing upon them in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not have restrictions in interstate travel as we currently do (California and states on the East Coast), with COVID. That is a comforting visualization of truth to me, especially now, as tears role down my face in regards to my dad’s current failing health and life.

The MSG version states Ephesians 6:16-18 this way, “Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and Salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”  Praying in the Spirit provides provision and protection and praise God He will never have any interstate traveling restrictions!

Listen to Alive & Breathing by Matt Maher