The Full Armor of God

-Pastor Philip Joseph

Ephesians 6: 10-18 NKJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] 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. [14] Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; [18] praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-

We are in a Battle

Whether we realise it or not, we must know that we are engaged in a battle. Paul says that “finally” – after knowing that we are seated together with Jesus in the (third) heavens, and how we ought to walk while we are on earth, is now focussed on our position of standing firm against the wiles of Satan and his hosts of wickedness having their positions in the (second) heavenly places (v12).

While talking about battle and the armor, Paul clarifies initially itself that our battle is NOT against any human being-not against any flesh and blood.

•          For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual {forces} of wickedness in the heavenly {places.} (Eph 6:12)

In another letter, Paul has written about idols and their demonic influence. An idol is nothing, and while we see the religious fervor going on around this time in Mumbai, we sense a heightened potential for demonic revelry. And that is what we have to be warned about. Demons lurking behind idols still crave for worship in whatever form. As believers, we must stay away from any such mess influencing our lives.

•          {No,} but {I say} that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. (1 Cor 10:20) 

Pieces of Armor

1.       The Belt Of Truth

In those days, the belt was not used in the sense as it is used now-but had several functions. And Paul says truth is our first armor. The Roman Soldier Wore A Belt That Held His Shield, Sword, And Breastplate In Place. If he should lose his belt, a few other vital pieces of armor too will lose their functions. But with the Belt on, he could Move Freely.

• Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH.. (Eph 6:14)
• Therefore, gird the loins of your mind (1 Pet 1:13 Literal translation). prepare your minds for action (NASB)
• In Him, you also trusted, after listening to the message of truth (Eph 1:13)
• Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH (Eph 4:25 )

From the above verses, we understand that the truth battle is fought in the mind. Peter warns us that our minds must be alert for action. Paul emphasised on knowing and trusting the gospel-our sins are forgiven because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross; now we have no condemnation, no guilt- This is truth. And in our day-to-day lives we must live truthfully with one another. Because even a single lie will have a cascading effect, and we will soon find pieces of armor falling apart, if we don’t gird our loins with the belt of truth.

2.       The Breastplate Of Righteousness

The Roman Breastplate Was Made Of Either Brass Or Bronze. It Had Two Pieces-One In Front And One In Back. The Breastplate Protected The Vital Organs.

•  BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (Eph. 6:14)
• But since we are of {the} day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love.  (1 Thess. 5:8)
•  and put on the new self, which in {the likeness of} God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Eph. 4:24 )
• (for the fruit of the Light {consists} in all goodness and righteousness and truth) (Eph. 5:9)

Breastplate of righteousness is actually the armor arising out of our faith in the finished work of Jesus and His love towards us. Therefore, we not only have the imputed righteousness of Jesus, but also the imparted righteousness of the Holy Spirit’s work within us. Therefore, all our vital organs are protected in this covering. Paul writes that this act of putting off the old self, and putting on the new man as if it is a conscious decision like changing our clothes, and done every day- and it is so. We have to daily put on the breastplate of righteousness.

3.       Sandals Of Peace

The Romans Wore Sandals And Greaves Into Battle. The Sandals Had 1 To 3 Inches Spikes In Them, And The Greaves Protected Their Shins From Wounds.

•          and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; (Eph 6:15)

•          being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:3)

•          Pursue peace with all men (Heb 12:14)

Beloved, let us have peace with one another; both in the house of God as believers, and in the outside world as followers of Jesus. People usually have a chip on their shoulders and think that if the other person is wrong, there is no need to have peace with that person. But, that is just opinionated proud thinking-maybe the other person feels that you were wrong! Therefore, pursue-go behind, do all that you can, to have a bond of peace. Christ has reconciled us to the Father and He Himself is our peace, and we are called to be peace processors (ambassadors) for Christ.

4.       The Shield Of Faith

The Roman Shield Was Made Of Two Pieces Of Wood That Were Glued Together. The Shield Was Saturated With water to Put Out Flaming Arrows.

•          in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil {one.} (Eph 6:16)

•          For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (1 John 5:4)

The shield of faith is saturated with water of the word of God, and the fiery arrows from the enemy cannot explode on impact but will be only extinguished and remain powerless. Apostle John – a person of tremendous faith, where nobody could do any bodiliy harm to him writes this: this is the victory that overcomes the world-even our faith.

5.       The Helmet of Salvation

The Roman Helmet Was Beautiful And Intimidating. It Was Engraved With Various Pictures.The Red Horse Hair Could Be Seen When They Marched Into Battle; A Terrifying Sight To The Enemy.

•          And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION (Eph 6:17)

•          …and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. (1 Thess 5:8)

Helmet wearers know that not only is a helmet necessary, but also that it must fit the head firmly and fully to have its protection fully effective. As is the case of Roman soldier, so is the case for us, where we have to be fully assured of our salvation, and have the hope of seeing Jesus on that day for our portion of eternal bliss-the hope of our salvation.

6.       The Sword of The Spirit

The Roman Short Sword Was The Soldier’s Primary Weapon of attack. It Was Dual-Bladed, And Very Sharp. It Could Kill With A Two Inch Blow.

•          and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word {rhema} of God. (Eph 6:17)

•          For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, (Heb 4:12)

In every circumstance of life, we have Him who gives us the necessary ‘rhema’ word for that attack. And one word, spoken, will be sufficient to slay the enemy. Living, active and SHARPER than any two-edged sword.

7.       Prayer

Although not specifically comparing with a physical weapon as mentioned by Paul, we must not miss out on this armor-where Paul says “with all kinds of prayer…”. This armor can be compared to the Spear or Javelin.

•          With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, (Eph 6:18)

A javelin can be used to throw at the enemy even from a distance. And we can covet prayers of others and cover all His saints in prayer, that will put an end to the enemy’s attacks even before it begins.

And one must NOT afford to be complacent, thinking that missing out on one or two of the pieces of armor will do us no harm. Paul clearly states that we must PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR. Every thing in place – in season and out of season.

•          Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Eph 6:11)

•          Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Eph 6:13)

Brother, Stand firm. God bless you.

God Is NOT Guilty

(Message by Bro. Vijay Awale. Give God His due. Happy reading!)

 

 If you are one that go through tough times in life thinking that everything will work good on its own, or that God is responsible for those temptations in your life to make you strong, you may be missing some vital picture of who God is! There are people who have a tendency to put the blame on God for any and every situation that they face; they go through life always with a question why God would do such a thing to them. Even for unbelievers, it is easy to identify with luck, fate and a force above human endeavor. But I believe, the Scriptures teach something quite in contrast to “popular” thinking…(I will come around to this in a short while).

James 1: 13-17 says: Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Look at the above verses carefully, and we can learn:

1.       God is ONLY the source of EVERY GOOD gift and EVERY PERFECT gift

2.       EACH one’s humanly desire DRAWS one AWAY to temptation

3.       There is an ENTICER and a DECEIVER waiting to bring forth DEATH

Jesus says in John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Again, we are confronted with two sources: one source of destruction-the thief! And One who came to give abundant LIFE-Jesus Christ. It is important you identify correctly the individual authors of destruction, temptation, and abundant life; else you will never be able to obey a simple command in James 4:7 that says: Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

If you are still confused as to the SOURCE of bad things and those terrible things that has happened or is happening in your life, today put away that doubt once and for all and start resisting (actively opposing) the evil source-the devil, and submit (humbly accept) the good things from God; for we must know who to submit to and who to resist against.!

I want to emphasize on two Scriptures that have been misinterpreted or been misquoted a number of times, yes, even by Christian preachers; the believer too is guilty of accepting such error. When one is faced with a job-loss, a business failure, or rebellious child, or divorce-one must understand that such things are NOT from God, and therefore one must not quote from Rom. 8:28 under such situations in life. Yes, I understand God is in control, but there are boundaries where you must exercise YOUR CONTROL – that is why it is written, “Resist the devil”!

Otherwise, there is real danger of you being passive, inactive; being resigned to ‘fate’ and failure erroneously thinking that it, after all, must somehow fit into God’s plan for your life! NO, my beloved… you are in REAL DANGER of submitting to the devil and conceiving sin-this must not be! It is NOT God who is the author, and therefore cannot be guilty, of such BAD things.

Thinking over, and looking at my own life, it is now simple for me to understand SOME things (good) are from God, and some other things (BAD) were from the devil. Looking again at Rom. 8:28 it is clear that is applicable only for a subset of people: those who love God and those who are the called according to His purpose. Yes, it is applicable only if you are actively living out His purpose in your life. And what purpose? 1 John 3:8 says: For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Rom. 8: 28 is, therefore, applicable to those who are actively resisting the devil. We need discernment to know the source of everything that happens in our life and learn to accept what God offers, but exercise our spiritual muscle to resist the devil and his schemes. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; resist him. Jesus came to give abundant life-therefore choose life!

Another Scripture that does the rounds of misinterpretation is from the book of Job: The Lord gave, and the LORD has taken away (Job 1: 21). We hear this sometimes in funerals too! Job suffered a great loss in his life and uttered these words right at the beginning of his grievances, confusing God to be the 'author' of his calamity. How can this be? Because God cannot be the Author of calamity, and Job could not see the hand of Satan behind all those terrible things he was experiencing! Job displayed this attitude: He did not charge God with wrong (Job 1:22), but inwardly thought so!

At first instant, Job’s statement may be mistaken to glorify God (Blessed be the name of the LORD); but in fact, his view is an erroneous judgment of God-the LORD has taken away! If a person gives and then takes it away, he must surely be working at the loan-recovery department of some bank! And how trustworthy can he be? Would you really care to take something from such a person, whom you  knew would collect it again, you know not when?

But dearly beloved, our God owns the BANK; He is a Giver, He does not take away. He gives all things richly and for us to enjoy.

In some ways, Job can be forgiven for such an erroneous idea about God, because he lived in the Old Testament era; and Jesus was not yet manifested, nor was the Holy Spirit poured out. That is why I am inclined to think Job’s opinion in Job 1:21 was his own, and nothing more. The remarkable attribute of Job was that he did not harbor any bitterness against God, even in his calamity. But together with that, that he could not exhibit a full faith is made clear by the statement in Job 3:25 “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.” This is negative faith, and actually fear; it really sounds as if he had always thought God, after giving, would take it away someday!

But today, for you and me in the New Covenant age, we have become children of God; and it is our Father’s good pleasure to GIVE us the kingdom (John 12: 32). We know our God gave and gave…and He has not taken, and nor will He take, anything away. He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16). He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also FREELY GIVE us ALL things? (Rom. 8: 32) Jesus came to GIVE us abundant life (John 10:10).

Beloved, God is not waiting to catch you in the wrong and take away what He gave (Strangely, this is the idea some Christians have). Either you lose it yourself, or the thief has stolen it from you. But remember, it is not God who has taken it away from you, after He gave it to you first. Romans 11:29 clearly states: For the GIFTS and the calling of God are irrevocable. Those of you in the banking sector may well understand this legal term: irrevocable, for example one may use it while transacting via a letter of credit from a bank; It means that the terms and conditions cannot be altered!

Here is our God- a Giver. The Father has given Heaven's best gift-Jesus; yes, the darling of heaven to be crucified for your sake and mine. Have you received Him yet? Receive Him, receive life. In Jesus name, Amen.

Progress of the Righteous

 (Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Please proceed!)

Prov. 4:18 says: But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

The Christian walk is a glorious walk that shows an increasing measure of brightness day after day. If you find that your spiritual awakening is stagnant, it is time now to rise up. Just as in the secular job, one has the ambition to be better- to rise up higher; even so in our spiritual life we must never be satisfied with mediocrity, else, we remain in the past memories of great ‘experiences’ and fail to progress into God designed destiny.

Today I want to share from the Old Testament example-the typology of that tabernacle of Moses, which consisted of three distinct parts.

• The Outer Court – meant for Israelites only; the gentiles had no place here.
• The Holy Place – meant for ministering priests, serving daily, only from the tribe of Levi (and prohibited for other tribes of Israel);
• The Holy of Holies – meant for only the high priest, and that too once a year for atonement of the sins of the entire nation

Exodus 40: 3-7 describes the things that were kept in these 3 distinct parts of the tabernacle: In the Holy of Holies was kept the Ark of the Testimony (containing a golden pot of manna, the laws on tablets of stone and Aaron’s rod that budded), and above it the mercy seat of God’s very presence with cherubim on either side. A veil (thick and strong) separated this Holy of Holies from the other parts of the tabernacle. In the holy place was kept a table with the (daily fresh) show-bread on one side, and a lamp-stand with seven lights on the other side, and an altar of gold for incense in front of the veil right before the Ark of the Testimony. A screen (serving as the door) separated the Holy place from the outer court-where as they enter a laver of water was kept, and the brazen altar for sacrifices of animals, whose blood was used for atonement of sins.

 

 

The Outer Court

If you want to progress in the spiritual walk God has called you to, one must proceed to be drawn into the outer courts, then enter the Holy place and go on towards the Most Holy Place. As you enter the outer court (the general assembly of meeting), you have the laver and the brazen altar before you. Heb. 13: 11-13 says: We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.

 

If you are looking for salvation, or have never experienced your sins being forgiven, I ask you, to go to Jesus who suffered and shed His blood for your sins. With what little faith is given to you, lay hold of Jesus, confess and repent of your sins; you can have a new-life in Jesus. If you trust Him and accept the forgiveness He offers, you are be born-again. This is the simple gospel of salvation-salvation is free. Yes, the best gift available on earth is free; Believe in the name of Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.

 

As priests who accept sacrifice of animals, go and wash themselves in the laver of water, when your sins are forgiven, go and be baptized. If you do not know what ‘baptism’ means ask your local church Pastor or Christian worker, he/she is sure to help you. In the Book of Acts of the Apostles, we find Paul searching for someone to show him the way. There Ananias met him, and said to Paul, ‘Brother Paul, receive your sight… And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ (Acts 22: 13, 16) Remember, this is Paul who Jesus Himself met while on his way to Damascus, and there Paul received the truth; yet, he had to go and be baptized! Baptism-the passing through of waters, is a simple act of obedience to what you believe happened in your spirit when you were born-again, that your sins were forgiven. Baptism is a fundamental, but important, step of open confession to your belief in Jesus Christ-Call on His name!

 

Holy Place

 

But today, I want to encourage all believers to progress further into the Holy Place. A table is prepared before you, with fresh loaves of bread-symbolizing the word of God. There is a new word from God for you today; Jesus quoting from the Old Testament said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4: 4). If you are looking for the word of God every Sunday, I say, it is a sorry state; just as the man who eats bread once a week! Also, as you see Jesus-the bread of heaven, you can have something new of Him.(I, for one, have a dislike for eating stale food-even if it is the best dish cooked yesterday!) There is some word new today from Jesus; else we will be living on what God told me yesterday, or last month… or last year… or several years ago.

In the Holy Place is also the lamp-stand with the seven lights… ’which are the seven Spirits of God’ (Rev. 4: 5). The light signified the Holy Spirit, helping us shine everyday with the gifts and talents endowed to us. Let keep the oil full and the lamps trimmed, that the continual anointing of the Holy Spirit may rest upon our lives. Remember, this is apart from the baptism of the Holy Spirit, when we first believed in Jesus (John 1:33); this is the daily walking in light experience and being continually filled with the Spirit mentioned in Eph. 5: 18, and speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

 

And in the Holy Place, is also the golden altar of incense which, are the prayers of the saints (Rev. 8: 3). Prayer is a precious way to commune with God; it signifies our relationship and our dependency on God our Father. We are guided day by day through our communion of prayer. In fact, if you see, all the activities in the Holy Place were done on a daily basis-the fresh loaves of show bread on the table, the filling of oil and the continual burning of lamps, and then the incense on the gold altar. In the Old Covenant, the Levitical priests performed these duties; in the New Covenant, we-believers, have entered into the Holy Place because of the sacrifice of Jesus and have been made priests unto God (Rev. 1: 6). Therefore, let us have a daily fellowship with our God.

 

Most Holy Place

Even from the Holy Place, the priests were kept away from the presence of God (Ark of the Testimony) by a thick veil separating the Most Holy Place. But would you go further now, dearly beloved, for the veil was torn from top to bottom, when Jesus died on the cross and paid the ransom for many. The Most Holy Place is now accessible for you and me! ‘All shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.’ (Heb. 8: 11) says the Lord. This is the New Covenant privilege! Not just the Jews, but also Gentiles; not just priests in the Holy Place, but together with Christ- our High Priest.

In the Ark of the Testimony were kept the laws engraved on the tablets of stone; this signifies the commandments of God and our obedience to them. This is a way of loving our God-keep His commands (John 15:1); this is a way of knowing our God-keep His commands (1 John 2: 3); this is a way of growing in God-follow His commands (John 14:21).

It is really left to us to leave- elementary knowledge (Heb. 6:1), put away childish things (1 Cor. 13:11), and press towards the goal of being conformed to the image of Jesus (Phil. 3: 14, 15); that we may know Him and the hope of His calling.

Let us proceed into the Most Holy Place; In Jesus name, Amen.

LORD Our Helper

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Happy reading!)

If I ask you which the longest chapter in the Bible is, many of you will answer: Psalm 119. But today, I must share with you from the Psalms categorized as the Song of Ascents, starting from Psalm 120 right through Psalm 134.

The men of Israel travelled three times each year to Jerusalem for the appointed feasts at the appointed time. For many, the journey must have been long and fraught with danger, as they pass by some of the toughest of terrains-through hills, valleys, and desert. And all the while, they encourage one another and encourage themselves on their journey with songs of priase. And all the Songs of Ascents put together captures this journey- graphically and poetically, starting from distant lands and progressively coming up to the gates of Jerusalem and into the Lord’s temple in Psalm 134.

My message today is simple and focused upon just one aspect in these Songs of Ascents – LORD our HELPER: “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:2)

I can imagine the journey through the valleys-and the traveler’s focus is upon the hills: I will lift up my eyes to the hills-from whence comes my help? (Ps. 121:1). In your life-valleys, remember the LORD who made heaven and the earth-He is your Helper! It is not some human and feeble help I’m talking about… it is the help from the LORD-He is somebody who created the heaven and earth. In Psalm 124:8, there is a slight variation in the emphasis: Our help is in the NAME of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Yes, we have a name that is above all names! Our trust is based on knowing who He is; He is the maker of heaven and earth, and our help is from Him.

He Has Helped Us: A Stone of Help to Remember

1 Sam. 7:12 reads: Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying: “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

 

Can you imagine, the children of Israel journeying and singing their song of Ascents and coming across this huge memorial? I am sure their memories would have been re-kindled as they knew how God had HELPED and delivered the Israelites from a hopeless situation, when they battled against the Philistines, and gave them a huge victory-a victory so great the Philistines could not recover all the days of Samuel (1 Sam. 7:13). Yes, A STONE OF HELP is our God, and THUS FAR the LORD has HELPED US.

He is with us: A Present Help to Request 

Psalm 46: 1, 2 reads: God is our refuge and strength, a very PRESENT HELP in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.

Life sure has some tight spots and tough corners, but remember there’s always a way from above. King Asa was in a tight spot in 2 Chr. 14: Here was Asa with an army of 580,000 soldiers, up against Zerah with an army of 1,000,000 soldiers and 300 chariots from Ethiopia, an army nearly twice as big! In 2 Chr. 14:11, it says about Asa: And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”

Read further and know of God’s help and deliverance rendered to King Asa.

Same was the case with Hezekiah, when he was up against the world power of that time-Assyria. Hezekiah exhorting the people in 2 Chr. 32: 7, 8 reads : “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.”

We can easily correlate with this in the New Covenant: Greater is He that is in us, than He that is in the world. We are not on the losing side-whether we are in minority or in majority. In natural eyes, it may seem improbable, but victory is sure with His HELP. For at that time in Hezekiah’s life, the LORD sent just one angel, and he cut down every mighty man of valor, leader and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria, and the Assyrian king returned shamefaced to his own land, where his own sons killed him!

Remember Jonah-he prayed a prayer from the stomach of a fish, the last place anyone would like to be in. (Surely our predicament is nowhere near to what Jonah experienced.) And He said: “I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice.” (Jonah 2: 2). So the LORD spoke to the fish (remember, He is the maker of heaven and earth and all things in-between), and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (Jonah 2:10)

The LORD will help us: A Confident Confession to Repeat

Heb. 13:6 reads: So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my Helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – This is the reason for our bold confession. He has promised, He will deliver! You know, God too is repeating the same things to us: “Do not fear, I will help you.” Turn with me to Isaiah and look up quickly Isaiah 41:13, Isaiah 41:14 and Isaiah 44: 2. Now why should we not respond and say: “The LORD is my Helper; I will not fear”

“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth…” – Psalm 146: 5. Amen.