Life Plan Devotion #91 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part IX]

We have looked at 2 of the top 5 most common fears used by Satan, the fear of want and lack, and the fear of peril or danger. Today, let's look at the third most common fear used by Satan to try to discourage and defeat you, fear of sickness and disease.
Of all the fears utilized by Satan, the fear of sickness and disease is the one used most successfully. The reason is because so many of us believers are ignorant of (lacking revelation knowledge of) the fact that "by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5), a prophecy fulfilled by Jesus, when He was flogged prior to His crucifixion (Mark 15:15).
The Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) give you protection and ultimate victory from sickness and disease, but you must know the promises of healing found in God's Word, qualify for them, and claim and speak them into your life.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, they allowed Satan to bring in sin, sickness, disease, and death. Sin is the cause of it all, but the Cross is the cure. Jesus "took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows... He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5, NIV). Since Jesus fulfilled that which was prophesied by Isaiah, there is no need for any believer to either fear or endure sickness or disease.
So many believers are either sick or afraid that they will get a horrible sickness or disease. Fear is the opposite of faith, and when a believer entertains fear, he/she gives Satan an open door to bring in that which is feared. If you need healing today, it will be "according to your faith" (Matthew 9:29). Next time, we'll look at some specific promises of healing. Until then, read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), about the healing ministry of Jesus, and know that "He is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Psalm 107:17-20 [NIV]
"Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them."

What this has to do with weight loss: Each of us with a weight problem has been foolish and rebellious. We have suffered physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. No diet, not even weight-loss surgery, will take care of all our afflictions, but if we cry out to God, He will save us from our distress. His Word heals!

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I have an enemy who wants me to fear sickness and disease, but You have 'not given me a spirit of fear' (II Timothy 1:7), so I do not have to be afraid of anything. Truly, You have sent Your Word to heal me. I pray that I will avail myself of it. May my faith in You, Your Word, and Healing be so strong that, according to my faith, sickness and disease shall have no power over me. I pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Go forth today, choosing faith in healing over fear of sickness.

Life Plan Devotion #70 [God's Armor--Gospel of Peace Shoes, Part II]

Yesterday, we took our first look at the third important piece of the Armor of God--the gospel of peace shoes, which gives the believer protection, preparation, and purpose. Today, let's focus on the aspect of "peace."
Jesus Christ is the only foundation of a sinner's peace. When the heart has experiential knowledge of that, through salvation, it cries out with joy, "Christ is [my] peace" (Ephesians 2:14). Truly, "we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
The Greek word for peace in Ephesians 6:15 ("having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace") is ειρηνης (eirene; pronounced "i-ray’-nay"), and it means "peace, prosperity, one, peace, quietness, rest, set at one again." When you know "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding," you will see it "guard your hearts and minds," and it's all "in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:21).
Yes, it's Jesus Christ who lines our shoes with the peace of the gospel. That peace is amazing and overwhelming. When you get the revelation of that peace in your heart and down in your spirit, you will have instant peace with your past (no matter what was there), your present (no matter your current circumstances), and your future (with all its potentially fearful unknowns). You come to the place where you are fully submitted to God's divine will, knowing absolutely that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion" (Philippians 1:6).
This peace comes over you when you read God's Word. You make the conscious decision to "listen to what God the LORD will say" because "He promises peace to His people" (Psalm 85:8). Whereas before you found Jesus as Savior, you felt conflicted within yourself, you now have received the benediction, "May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way" (II Thessalonians 3:18). You find yourself filled with great peace, peace that spills over to your family, friends, coworkers, church family, and even all mankind, knowing that "God has called us to live in peace" (I Corinthians 7:15; Colossians 3:15). Is it always easy? No. God understands that, for He says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). There's just more power to live in peace, now.
What a gift of peace given with these gospel shoes. This gift is meant to be shared, which is the theme for tomorrow's devotion. Until then, meditate on the fact that "peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness" (James 3:18).

Isaiah 53:5 [NIV]
"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed."

What this has to do with weight loss: When you feel any dis-ease on the weight-loss journey, know that you have Someone waiting to help bring you back to a place of peace. He is the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, and through Him there is perfect peace and healing.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, in a time when there's so little peace in the world, You offer a most amazing gift of peace through Your Son, Jesus. Help me to live in that gift, to the full. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen."

Go forth today walking in the peace, quietness, protection, and rest that comes from knowing Jesus.