October 3

Standing Firm - Breastplate of Righteousness Day Three by SGLY Ministry

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Ephesians 6:14.

Today we will focus on putting on and wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness. A Breastplate is something a soldier wore to protect his upper body and especially his heart during battle. The Breastplate of Righteousness in God’s Armor is us putting on the righteousness of Jesus Christ, so that when the enemy attacks or accuses us we can stand in the righteousness of Christ, not in our own righteousness, for as Isaiah 64:6 says: all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away. Therefore, we cannot stand firm in our own righteousness, we need the covering of Christ’s righteousness, which we received when we believed the truth and received Christ as our Savior. The Belt of Truth upholds the Breastplate of Righteousness, with this Armor in place we are secure.

Prayer: In You, O LORD, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness. Psalm 31:1. Thank You God, that I will never be ashamed, because in Christ I have been delivered and set free from sin and death. As I wear Your Armor today God, I know I will be protected from all the wiles of the devil, and will be able to stand firm in the faith, because Jesus is my Savior. I will rejoice as I walk through my world today wearing Truth and Righteousness! Thank You God. Amen.

Today: Meditate on the grace of Christ, which teaches us to live righteously, for He “who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness” 1 Peter 2:24, in Him, we wear the Breastplate of His Righteousness, held in place by the Belt of Truth, and stand firm.

Blessings to you today as you stand firm in the Righteousness and Truth of Christ.

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How Can I Come Back to God After Backsliding?

By Steven Halter
Staff Writer

CBN.com – Life as a Christian can be quite an adventure. It is like the amazing journey that Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee went on in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. You may progress from hiking along a treacherous mountain trail, to braving a fierce storm, to battling the enemy, to sailing on a placid lake or strolling through a pleasant field.
There are ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Though you may go back along a trail you have been traveling, the one thing you don’t want in your Christian walk is to go backwards spiritually.
Backsliding refers to going backwards spiritually and morally. When a believer backslides, he falls back in some way into a less desirable condition. His lapse may be a relatively minor one and unintentional. He may simply fall back through neglect by not praying, reading the Bible, and keeping his focus on living for God.
On the other hand, a believer may backslide by deliberately choosing to indulge in this life’s sinful pleasures. This type of backsliding can carry disastrous consequences. It can bring dishonor to the One who laid down His life for us, Jesus Christ. It can also sadden and bring grief to the lives of loved ones. Of course, backsliding can bring turmoil into the believer’s own life. He may be plagued by guilt or even a feeling of despair or condemnation.
But there is good news for the backslider! God does not condemn him. God’s loving concern for the backslider is steadfast and sure. The Lord calls that person back to Himself through the work of the Holy Spirit. We can see this clearly in the parable of the prodigal son. In the parable, the father saw his son returning while he was still far off. But the father did not lock the doors or demand that his son leave. Instead, the father welcomed his return.
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)
Then the son confessed to his father:
Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. (v. 21)
The father’s relief and joy at seeing his son was so great that he did not even reprove him or rebuke him. Instead, the father instructed his slaves:
Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found. (vv. 22-24)
The father showed that the son’s return was not a time for condemnation, but for celebration.
And they began to celebrate. (v. 24)
If you are backslidden.
Like the parable of the prodigal son, know that the Heavenly Father truly cares about you and wants you to return. He does not post an angelic guard to keep out your prayers and your heart’s cry. When the Lord hears you calling out to Him, He will respond positively to you.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
Do not let anything hold you back from God and His forgiveness and grace. Don’t let the pleasures of sin deceive you. In time, sin will bring you pain. Also, do not let doubt or guilt hold you back, for He promises you:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
The Lord’s mercies are new every morning, but do not assume that you are promised tomorrow. Pray to the Lord now.
After you have called upon the Lord and asked for His forgiveness, believe His promise to forgive you. He will surely cleanse you of your sins and restore you to fellowship with Him. Let His Spirit touch your heart and bring healing to your soul.
If you hurt people while you were backslidden, then ask them for forgiveness. Do what you can to repair any damage you may have caused in other people’s lives. Seek healing and reconciliation of broken or injured relationships.
Learn from the mistakes you made that led to backsliding, and determine to not repeat those mistakes. Ask the Lord for wisdom in how to live faithfully as an overcomer.
If someone you know is backslidden.
It can be disappointing or even heartbreaking when someone close to you backslides. But be encouraged and do not give up on him or her.
First, intercede for the one you are concerned about. Bind the work of the enemy in that person’s life. Be faithful to pray for him every day.
Ask the Lord if you are to say something to the person, and if so, what you should say and how you should say it. Always keep a loving and humble attitude toward the backslidden person. You don’t want to push him farther away.
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

There may be a time for tough love, but make sure that you are being led by the Lord and that you are not reacting out of your hurt, frustration, or anger.
How to keep yourself from backsliding.
Pay close attention to matters of the heart. The Christian life is about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Avoid focusing primarily on a list of dos and don’ts. Stay close to the Lord throughout each day. Keep your heart and mind upon the kingdom of God.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Prov. 4:23, NIV)
Beware of the enemy’s schemes. Flee from situations that tempt you. Rebuke Satan when he attacks you. Have a trusted prayer partner that you can share your personal struggles with.
Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
Finally, let the Holy Spirit lead you, fill you, encourage you, and empower you as you go through the day.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
Do You Want a Relationship with God?
If you want this kind of relationship with God, pray this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you took the pain of the cross to give me new life. I ask you to come into my life and to give me your peace and joy. I confess that I am a sinner -- that I have gone my own way and have done wrong. Please forgive me for my sins. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow you and to serve you all my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, you are now a child of God. The things of your old life have passed away and He has made all things new.

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Be Transformed!
"DON'T LET THE WORLD...SQUEEZE YOU INTO ITS OWN MOLD." ROMANS 12:2 PHP

Do you ever feel like a square peg in a round hole? It can be a frustratingly familiar feeling for Christians living in today's world. But listen: Don't let the world...squeeze you into its own mold.' If you're feeling 'squeezed,' here's what to do: Be transformed: The Bible says, 'Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think.' (Rom 12:2 CEV). Instead be transformed into the faith-driven person God meant you to be. But how? By renewing your mind: Instead of struggling to change the stuff around you, change how you think. 'Renewing' means to line up your thoughts with God's. Kick out those self-defeating thoughts that tell you 'you're not, you can't, and you'll never be able to.' God says: 'You are, you can and you will be able to,' because of His power that lives in you! John writes, 'Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory' (1 John 5:4 CEV). Go to God's Word! Find out what He says about the things that hassle you, then pull the plug on them. The Word for you today is: 'don't be afraid...I am your God. I will make you strong...I will support you' (Isaiah 41:10 NCV). How cool is that? You've got the big cheese on your side and He's got your back, forever! Word4U2Day

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Notice the Little Things by Joyce Meyer

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

One day as I was going into an office building, a man standing nearby opened the door for me. I thanked him and smiled.

“You’re the fifth person I’ve held the door for,” he said, “and you’re the first one to smile and the second to thank me.”

I thanked him a second time, with a smile on my face. Afterward, I thought how much we take others for granted, even in simple things, such as opening a door for a stranger.

We often commend people when they do big things for us, but how often do we appreciate the little things?

When someone does something nice for you and you thank them, it builds them up and encourages them. It means a lot to them, just like it did to that man at the office building.

Did your bus arrive on time today? If so, did you thank the driver? The last time you ate at a restaurant, did you thank the waiter for filling your coffee cup a second time without being asked? This is the point I want to make: Develop an attitude of gratitude toward the people in your life.

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When God created woman He was working late on the 6th day.
An angel came by and asked. "Why spend so much time on her?"
The Lord answered. "Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her? She must function on all kinds of situations,
She must be able to embrace several kids at the same time,
Have a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken heart,
She must do all this with only two hands,
She cures herself when sick and can work 18 hours a day."

The angel was impressed. "Just two hands.....impossible! And this is the standard model?"
The Angel came closer and touched the woman
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," said the Lord, "But I have made her strong. You can't imagine what she can endure and overcome."
"Can she think?" The Angel asked.
The Lord answered. "Not only can she think, she can reason and negotiate."
The Angel touched her cheeks.
"Lord, it seems this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her"
"She is not leaking ... it is a tear," The Lord corrected the Angel…
"What's it for?" Asked the Angel..... .
The Lord said. "Tears are her way of expressing her grief, her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her suffering and her pride."
This made a big impression on the Angel,
"Lord, you are a genius. You thought of everything.
A woman is indeed marvelous!"
The Lord said. "Indeed she is.
She has strength that amazes a man.
She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens.
She holds happiness, love and opinions.
She smiles when she feels like screaming.
She sings when she feels like crying, cries when happy and laughs when afraid.
She fights for what she believes in.
Her love is unconditional.
Her heart is broken when a next-of-kin or a friend dies but she finds strength to get on with life."

The Angel asked: "So she is a perfect being?"

The Lord replied: "No. She has just one drawback.
She often forgets what she is worth."
--Author Unknown

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A Bible Devotion

Be Slow To Speak

JAMES 1:19 NIV 19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

How many times have you said something and later regretted it?

Too often we practice: Speak now and think later.

What would happen if you silently consulted with God before speaking? If you thought about, and prayed about, everything you said -- before you said it -- your life would be different.

1 PETER 3:10 LB 10 If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies.

Words are powerful and should be used to accomplish a purpose. Don't just talk for no reason.

PROVERBS 17:28 NIV 28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Remember, you can always learn more by listening than you can by talking.

Be slow to speak!

SAY THIS: God, please help me to control my tongue.

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God Forgets!

For For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will [seriously] remember their sin no more. —Jeremiah 31:34

God not only forgives but also forgets all your sins. He does not forgive you and then say, “Oh, boy, I remember when I had to forgive Johnny for pulling his sister’s hair and making her cry. Now he wants me to forgive him for cheating on his algebra test. His list of forgiven sins is getting awfully long.”

No, if Johnny were to say to God, “I know You’ve already forgiven me for pulling my sister’s hair, but now I need Your forgiveness for cheating on a test,” God would say, “Your sister’s hair? You asked me to forgive you for that? I have absolutely no recollection of that; there’s no record of it anywhere.”

The passage above from Jeremiah, and many others you will find in the Bible (Hebrews 10:14-17, for example), is not talking about a forgiveness that happens the day we receive Christ and only takes care of all of our previous sins. God’s forgiveness is ongoing for the duration of our lives; it is for every day.

When Jesus died on the cross 2,000 years ago, He not only forgave everything we had done in our pasts, but He also committed Himself to forgive every sin we would commit in the future. He knows every wrong decision we will ever make, and they’re all covered. All we have to do is admit our sins, be willing to turn away from them, and stay in relationship with Him. When God looks at our sins, He sees our faith in Jesus, Who is our perfect sacrifice—not the sin we just committed.

Because of this, what God really wants from us is not perfect performance, perfect behavior, or perfect attitudes, because He already sees those things in Jesus on our behalf. What God wants from us are hearts that truly love Him.

Trust in Him: God is not surprised by anything you do. You can trust His love and forgiveness because He knew about your mistakes long before you did, and He wants you anyway. Today, determine to stop remembering what God has forgotten and focus instead on loving Him

From the book Trusting God Day by Day by Joyce Meyer.

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God's Word For Today

Always There

Read Haggai 1:1 through 2:23

Frank left at 5:00 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. flight out of Los Angeles. “Surely the traffic won’t be bad that time of morning. I should get to the airport by seven o’clock easy,” he said to his wife.

The digital clock on the dashboard blinked 8:00 a.m. “Lord Jesus, help. Boarding starts in a half hour and I can’t find an parking spot.” Frank continued praying as the shuttle bus pulled right up to where he parked. Frank’s pleas continued through baggage check, security, and to the gate, where boarding had just begun.

Often people feel they should save their prayers for major problems like serious illness or financial ruin.

Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: “I am with you,” declares the Lord (Haggai 1:13).

Can there be any greater comfort than knowing God is always with you? Whether dealing with a devastating disease, a wayward child, or a traffic jam on the way to the airport—God is with you. He’s ready to guide and provide if you just ask.

Prayer Suggestion: Lord, thank You for being with me always.

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Bible Verses

Psalm 34:2 – My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

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Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. — Hebrews 10:23

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2 John 1:6 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

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Proverbs 29:25 “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”

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Prayers

Prayer for the Morning

Oh God, who has created all things, seen and unseen, this day is your creation and I give thanks to live in it. I pray that I will not shut you out of the day you have made, blinded by the petty concerns of life, but that I may be always open to your presence.

I open my body to you and give thanks for your life that fills and warms every cell of it.

I open my eyes and ears to you and give thanks for the light of your Word, without which I would live in the shadow of ignorance.

I open my heart to you and give thanks for your love that fills me with compassion, understanding, and peace.

I open my soul to you and give thanks for your Spirit, who fills me with wisdom when I take a moment to listen.

All that I am, I open to you and I return to you, giving thanks every moment of my life for the blessings that fill this day. Through Christ I pray. Amen.

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Now, oh Lord, I pray that you may lift up the light of your countenance upon me, and give me peace; in my going out and in my coming in; in my sitting down and my rising up; in my work and in my play; in my joy and in my sorrow, in my laughter and in my tears; until that day comes which is without dawn and without dark. Amen.

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Creator God, we thank you for the creative skills of all human beings, made as we are in your image and likeness. Inspire us to use our skills for the benefit of all our brothers and sisters - working not in competition with others but as “fellow-travelers” who share the same journey. Amen.

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All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18–19, NIV

Lord our God, our Father in heaven, we come to you as your children. Bless us, we pray. Bless us especially in days when fear tries to take hold of us. Let your help come down to us as you have promised, the great help in Jesus Christ, who shall come to redeem the whole world. Bless us through your Word. Renew us again and again to stand firm and true to you, for you are our help for redemption and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Dear Lord, I am facing troubling times. Please give me the wisdom to do the right thing.

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Dear heavenly Father, thank you for Your wonderful promise of peace and comfort when I need it. You have lifted sorrow from me many times in my life. I am truly grateful, as I would not have been able to bear it without the strength and comfort of the Holy Spirit. May I be sensitive to those who are hurting, and reach out and bring that same comfort to them. I am thankful that we shall see all of our loved ones in Christ once again, when we all get to heaven. How wonderful it is to have the hope that is ours as Your children. Blessed be Your name! I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.