Gems for the Week
September 4 - 5
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles* of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)
(*A "wile" is something that looks fair and innocent.)
Throughout the ages the saints have needed the armour of God, but in these closing days when "the darkness of this world" deepens "the wiles of the devil" increase, and Christendom is returning to paganism and philosophy, how deeply important it is to put on the whole armour of God to "withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand."
Let us then stand;
Having our loins girt about with truth, and thus be kept inwardly right in thought and affection;
Having on the breastplate of righteousness, so that we are consistent in all our practice;
Having our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, so that we walk in peace in the midst of a world of discord, strife and confusion.
Taking the shield of faith, so that we walk in daily confidence in God;
Taking the helmet of salvation, and thus realizing that God is making all things work together for our good and salvation;
Taking the sword of the Spirit, whereby we can meet every subtle attack of the enemy;
Lastly,
"praying always", so that we can use the armour in the spirit of constant dependence upon God. (Hamilton Smith - The Epistle to the Ephesians)
N.J. Hiebert # 2725
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up
his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)
"Daily" - this is the trial. A man might heroically do it once for all, and he would have plenty of people to honour him, and books written about him, but it is terribly difficult to go on every day denying oneself, and no one knowing anything about it. (J.N. Darby)
N.J. Hiebert # 2726
