Hope's Harbor Podcast - Gritty Bible Devotions

Key verse Romans 1:4 - '...And (Jesus was)  declared to be the Son of GOD with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.'The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is just as crucial to our salvation as His death on the cross for our sins. For if Jesus didn't rise from the dead it means His sacrifice was not sufficient payment for the sins of the human race. It means there would be no atonement for our sin.But rest assured... Jesus did rise from the dead on the 3rd day after He died. This fact was witnessed by many people who saw Him afterward, and numerous peole with whom Jesus interacted.But how do we know for sure? Let me ask you - what changed the disciples from cowards to lions?Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Jesus was only taken down off the cross after a Roman soldier ensured Jesus was dead by thrusting a spear into His heart.It is crucial that Jesus was dead because without Him dead there could be no resurrection from death.Without a ressurection the Christian system of belief is empty, as in fake. The Apostle Paul said that those of us who believe Jesus was raised from the dead if in fact He did not rise, we are the most pitiful of all people.Why would he say that? Because our hope for eternal life would be in vain.But take heart - the dicisples, the very ones who abandoned Jesus, were changed by something to the point they turned the world upsidedown with a message coming out of an event they witnessed. And most of them died telling what they saw.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

When Pilate, the Roman governor, asked the religious leaders clamoring to have Jesus put to to death  , he asked them, "Why, what evil has He done?" But the mob didn't answer him except to cry out all the more, "Let Him be crucified!"John 19:7 gives more information as to the reason the leaders in Jerusalem wanted Jesus dead. They said because Jesus "made himself the Son of GOD."This was an excuse they used because the real reason was Jesus told them earlier in His ministry their religion would not gain them favor with GOD, and that they were the "children of the devil."Yes, that will get religious people riled up. Now, on the cross Jesus had something to say to those witnessing His death. He asked GOD His Father to forgive those men standing there as they mocked Him. And then, just before He died He declared, "It is finished!"This meant HIs death completely atoned, or paid the penalty, for the sins of the human race. All sin, for all time.Why would He do this? Because of His love for us and His desire to see the human race survive. At least for those who chose to believe in Him and show it by taking Him as their Savior. You know, like what it takes to become married.It takes more than intellectual  assent. It takes an action on our part to become married.Now transfer that to salvation and you will have eternal life according to John 3:16 - "For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not preish but have everlasting life."Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

When Jesus was at the cross where He would die, human history reached a crossroads.Treachery brought him here. Hatred kept Him there. A Roman death sentence by the demands of His own people ensured Jesus would die on the cross.The thing is... He was innocent. Being the Son of GOD as He was, why didn't GOD rescue His Son? Why did GOD allow His Son to die at the hands of ruthless men?John 10:17 gives the answer.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

When we lose a portion of our lives due to some disaster or tragedy or violence, etc., what do we do afterward?Is there a way to redeem the pain and loss? This series on the life of Joseph found in the book of Genesis in the Bible gives an amazing example of how a young man, wrongfully accused and sent to prison, redeemed the time taken by pain and loss.We too can find restoration, even if the loss is irreplacable. GOD, when petitioned in prayer, has the means and williness to restore us. We can redeem the pain for good in our lives.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Joseph was faithful to GOD throughout his time in prison. And listen, this was undoubtedly a filthy dungeon, and he spent years wrongfully imprisoned. And still he remained a faithful child of GOD.His work ethic and attitude gained him favor, but did not earn his release. GOD had to bring that about, which He did, in His perfect timing.What about us? Are we waiting faithfully? Or constantly complaining? Joseph had lessons to learn which served him later after he was released. Are you and I learning for the next phase of our life? No, really. Are we learning... and applying our newfound knowledge, or are we sitting, soaking, and drifting through life?Come on, pick yourself up and get going. Life is waiting for us. And so are others.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

What does it look like for a Christian in bondage. Is it even possible. This episode compares Joseph's prison experience with that of Christians in a prison of bondage to numerous poor choices. Some choices we make in ignorance of the consequences of those choices. Other times we ignore the consequences to our peril.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Confinement in prison - it is meant for those who don't follow society's rules and laws. Therefore, prison is a means of punishment as an attempt to teach lawless people to obey the law, even if they don't want to.But in Josdeph's case, he was innocent And we, even if innocent, have a mortal enemy called Satan who will bind anyone he can into a prison of sorts, a kind of bondage.We can learn from Joseph's experience how to endure being enslaved, imprisoned by mental, physical, or addictive behavior.What to do when you are bound on every side.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Did you know it can be hazardous as a follower of Jesus? In what way?Here are the words of Jesus concerning the hazard: John 15:18 - "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you." In civilized nations, the hazard is likely to come from standing for truth and being honest in business and work situations. Problems may come from standing firm with your integrity intact, refusing to give a false report of sales, or profit in the business world. For teachers, it may be difficult to report what a student's score actually is, not what the parents or school administrators would rather that teacher put down. It may be a law enforcement officer faced with being truthful, but it allows a guilty perpetrator to go free. Or a real estate agent being pressured to misrepresent the value of a piece of property. In countries where the dominant religion is other than Christianity and is hostile to any beliefs other than those held by the majority of people, Christians and others of different beliefs have lost their lives for no other reason than holding different values and beliefs concerning GOD. This hazard has faced GOD's people throughout Bible history, from the time of the prophets to New Testament times when Christians were killed for sport.Then came the dark ages around 1500-1600 AD in which Christians were killed by the thousands for simply possessing a Bible.And now in our day and age to avoid hazards at all costs, will we sit silent in the face of evil? Or, take our stand for the Son of GOD and His Word?Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Friendship with Jesus is easy enough to think about. But consider this: what is it like to have a friendship with the Son of GOD? You know, the One who created all there is.Yes, that's in the Bible: Colossians 1:15 - ' He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:16 - 'For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:17 - 'And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.'If Jesus is your friend, are you loyal to Him? How so?Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

A deeper look at John 15:2 reveals a tender promise from GOD. That of a loving Father who lifts up a fallen child and takes the steps necessary to restore His beloved child to wholeness.But what about our part in the restoration process? If you have fallen into a low condition of stress and depression, etc. what can you do to help yourself within GOD's power and promises?Listen in and let me know if this message helps you in any way. I need feedback in order to improve future episodes. info@hopesharbor.netShow notes at HopesHarbor.net

During the night before Jesus was arrested, He spent hours teaching His followers several things dear to His heart. Abiding with Him spiritually was one of the lessons He wanted them to remember.He used an analogy of a branch abiding in the vine, without which a branch will wither and not produce that for which it is intended.We are those branches. Jesus is the vine. Almighty GOD tends to both. And from this state of being close to the Son of GOD, we are promised a life of benefiting others, we are promised joy, and we are promised answers to our prayers when they are prayed in keeping with Jesus's nature, power, and authority.The question is, how do we abide?Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

The foundation for living the Christian life is, I believe, obedience to the commands of Jesus. There are truths in the Bible by which to test our faith and whether we are who we say we are. That is... when we say we belong to GOD. The bottom line question is this: is our name written in the Book of Life? The truths I refer to help us determine if we were sincere when we gave our lives to GOD and took the forgiveness offered. This episode takes a balanced look at what the Bible reveals to us concerning our relationship with GOD.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Every system of religious belief must have a solid foundation upon which to base its claims. If viewed the same as constructing a highrise building, if the foundation doesn't hold up, the system, like a building, will fail those who inhabit it.Christianity makes the claim of eternal forgiveness of sin, restoration of the lost connection with GOD, power to live each day in faith (belief), and witness accounts of each of these claims.What makes Christianity different is the forgiveness of GOD is offered free to those who choose it, although it cost GOD the life of His Son here on the earth. So what happened to Jesus that caused religious people to seek His death at the hands of the Roman government?He told the religious leaders of His day their religion would not get them to Heaven.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Have you ever thought about the influence people have in your life? How about in the past? Many things influence us, especially during our childhood, whether physical or spiritual.Let this episode bring consideration to the influence you're having in someone's life right now. We all influence others; how will they remember us in years to come?Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Have you ever seen the bumper stickers that read 'CoExist,' and then usually followed by a row of major religious emblems? Coexistence is one thing. All religions being the way to GOD in their own way is quite another.Do you know what Jesus had to say about the way to GOD? By the statement He made concerning this issue, He excluded His claim to divinity and His teachings from consideration as just another way to find GOD.This episode examines the claims of Christianity and those of several other major religions.Something to consider: Either Jesus told the truth about Himself, or He is a fraud.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

You may have heard of the love of GOD, but how does GOD's love help us today? What can I know and understand about GOD's love so that it becomes real to me?Well, GOD's nature is love and everything about Him stems from His nature. All of His attributes, those characteristics that help identify GOD to us, are all tied to His love and His love to all His other attributes.This episode explores the measure of GOD's love and what it led Him to do for us. And this is where knowledge meets experience. You see, all new spiritual life offered to us is possible right now for the asking because of what Jesus did for us on that cross.If we choose to believe what the Bible reveals about the new life in Christ, then we begin to experience GOD's love as His purposes for us are lived out. Those purposes are also revealed in the Bible.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

GOD's goodness ensures He carries out justice. His justice is tempered by mercy.Do you want or need GOD's mercy? In goodness He gives mercy. But what about justice? It was justice that sent Jesus, the Son of GOD to the cross to die. However, the mercy of GOD moved Him to substitute His Son in our place of death.You see, justice demands the death penalty for sinning against GOD. And if we take the message of this episode to heart, we need not die an eternal death of the soul but rather, live for eternity with GOD who loves us dearly.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

These attributes of GOD explain something of the mind of GOD. Is there comfort in knowing GOD never changes? Would you trust your life, and your future to GOD regardless of the cost if you believe He knows all there is to know?And what if GOD holds all knowledge? Doesn't He need to know how to apply His will to our lives with wisdom?It's easy to say we believe these attributes are true about GOD, but do we live by them, day by day? This is not a rhetorical question. If you want to deepen your knowledge of GOD and by deeper knowledge deepen your faith, listen to this episode and others in the series The Attributes of GOD, taken from A W Tozer's book Knowledge of the Holy.Key verses:Malachi 3:6 Psalm 147:4 & 5 Romans 11:33-36 Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

How is it known GOD is trustworthy? Well, over the last several thousand years people of those ages and even today test GOD's promises in the Bible. How is this done? By praying. And how to pray... that is a whole other subject!Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:10 - 'whom we trust...' And he meant GOD.I was skeptical about GOD when I was younger, and whether the Bible is true. Then I took a chance by choosing to believe the Bible account. It took time but I eventually came to experience enough interaction with GOD over the last 47 years to learn something.GOD is trustworthy.I explain it as best I can in this episode.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

How trustworthy are GOD's attributes? Of course, we may say we know we can trust GOD, but how far does that belief go? Will we step out without knowing every aspect of something GOD calls us to do?It comes down to the question of who is in charge. Us or GOD. If you want to go further in your experience with knowing GOD, then learning how to trust GOD's nature is how to begin.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

What is it that makes GOD great? Is it His power? His majesty? His nature?While all of these characteristics contribute to GOD's greatness, what makes you revere Him, if at all?This series will examine GOD's attributes, which are something true about GOD. And behind all studies of GOD, one truth stands out above all others.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

The missing effect I neglected to mention is the most important part of re-establishing a relationship with GOD. Even if you've never had a relationship, you may even be an atheist, the Bible describes how the human race turned its back on GOD and walked away from a relationship with Him.The things we see changing in our world today are a negative effect of that lost relationship. Want to see what it is that's missing? This episode reveals the missing element between us and GOD and how to reestablish what is missing...if you want it, that is.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

When looking at the causes and effects of salvation, of course, the best is being born again with a new spirit. This spirit comes from GOD. Even then a new birth, becoming a child of GOD, is but an entrance into a life lived with GOD. This new life is lived by faith, or belief, in the fact the Bible is true. Sometimes we don't feel any different than before we were reborn and this is where faith comes in. To live despite how life still mistreats us. To believe regardless of pain or discouragement.Then we get to the part justification plays. This is a legal term by which we are allowed to stand before GOD, forgiven.Now, the Holy Spirit begins His ministry to us by changing our mindset about everything. How does He do this? Primarily through the Word of GOD, the Bible. When we read and study the Bible, it opens our minds to GOD and allows Him to teach and guide us. Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

What did GOD do to cause, or make possible, salvation for the human soul?Is redemption all that important, and if so, how much so? This episode examines redemption, and the call of GOD, and then looks at the part regeneration plays.John 3:16 reads: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. "This one verse contains all three causes of salvation and leaves us with a choice. Do you see it?Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Knowing the causes of our salvation will help us appreciate more fully the deep love of GOD for all people. And then knowing the effects helps us live out all GOD intends for us as His people. And also receive something He has for us.The Son of GOD has a particular purpose for us to enjoy. It's found in the Bible, the book of John 15:11 - "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."He wants you to have joy, whether you are a Christian, or are interested in having the salvation Christians enjoy.Join my wife, Kris, and me as we go through this series to learn  more about the blessings Jesus made available through His death on the cross. Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Since depression stalks us, some more than others, this episode looks at depression's effects on those who struggle with it. And we'll look at ways to help alleviate some of the more dangerous aspects of it.I'm not a professional counselor. I speak here from my experiences with depression and from having nearly lost my life to suicide years ago. There is hope for you if you're in the depths and surrounded by darkness, but listen, you must get help if you're considering taking your life.It may feel like the only answer, I know, but put off harming yourself. Give yourself more time to find an answer to relieve the pain. If all else is failing you, call 911, please, and ask to have an officer meet with you. I was in law enforcement nearly 21 years and went to numerous calls for help when suicide was being considered. Give someone the chance to help you.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

In John 15:4 Jesus said to abide in Him. What does it mean, to abide? In this episode, we'll look at why Jesus said to abide in Him and how it benefits us. To abide takes some effort on our part but the blessing and benefit are worth the effort.Besides the benefit of following Jesus's instruction to us concerning abiding, John chapter 15 is rich with Jesus's declarations of love for us.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Acts of mercy are something  to be practiced by every Christian. Unless it is your gift you may struggle being merciful, especially with the acts of evil surrounding us today.This episode looks at ways to implement mercy, whether it is your gift, or not. Learn ways to avoid being misunderstood when wanting to be merciful, while learning how to use your gift of mercy for the good of others.Further information on mercy is found in the Appendix to the show notes. Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

The spiritual gift of leadership involves many aspects within Christian service and church organizations. We are all leaders in some way, but this gift is unique in that leaders will influence others, for either good or ill.Find out if this is your gift, and if so, begin to exercise it in keeping with the teachings of Scripture.We need strong leaders, unafraid to do what is right, always.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Exercising the gift of giving requires we take action consistently. This episode explores fundamental principles involved to help ensure giving is done with the right motive and with wisdom. The right motive pleases GOD, and wisdom helps to avoid scams. Learn how to determine whether a ministry is worthy of your giving and ensure your gifts get to those in need.And listen, more than money is involved in giving.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Exhortation may be the most difficult Biblical spiritual gift to exercise. Listen in to learn more about this gift and get helpful guidelines to use.When you are faced with exhorting someone, especially if they come to you for help, there are pitfalls to avoid because it is all too easy to offend others with this gift. This is not necessary when you learn the value of wisdom in applying this gift.Be encouraged to explore whether this is your primary gift. We need what you have to offer.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Do you have the gift of teaching? Before you click out of this page, may I share something with you? I have always had a fear of speaking in front of a group. Then one day when I was a newly promoted police sergeant, the chief stopped by my office and told me I was signed up to become an instructor.My stomach knotted. He went on to inform me the course was scheduled within a couple of weeks. I dreaded it. But having no choice (at least GOD gives us choice of whether we will use our gift), I went through the course, passed and taught my first class.Something happened while teaching those police recruits. I began to enjoy sharing with them the knowledge I had. That was 1998. And I still enjoy teaching.This episode takes a look at the gift of teaching and gives a few tips for learning how to teach. If you listen and come to realize teaching could be your gift, at least seek out a chance to fulfill your calling in this area. Who knows? You may like it.There are a couple of resources copied into the show notes that you can use as a starting point.Show notes at HopesHarbor.netShow notes at HopesHarbor.net

Have you wondered what your spiritual gift is? Many of us do. Finding which gift is your primary one gives you the opportunity to serve others with an ability many others do not have. This episode looks at the gift of service by examining the pros and cons that may come with the gift. When we live within the power of our gift it may upset others if we don't realize our behavior may irritate those around us.This is more common than you may think due to the zeal with which we may get carried away.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net.   

What is the purpose of having a spiritual gift? The Bible gives three basic reasons:To edify - this means to build someone up, ie to encourage them.To exhort - to encourage them to go forward, ie to engage with life.To comfort - to be there when a brother or sister is in need.Key verse: Romans 12:8 - 'Having then gifts, differing according to the grace given us, let us use them...' To use our primary gift we must first discover which one we have.This series examines 7 gifts imparted to believers and how to recognize each one. The gifts come from the Holy Spirit, therefore pray to Him and ask that your gift is revealed to you. This kind of prayer will enable you to learn about your primary gift, and learn about those secondary to you, as well.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Have you noticed few people have time for us anymore? And I wonder... do we have time for others? An online search for how to break free of overbearing busyness is an eye-opener. If you feel trapped by all the demands on your time, listen to this episode and see if it helps shed light on the issue first of all. You see, many of us don't even know we're trapped. Second, see if any of the solutions offered, or links to resources help.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Legalism is prevalent throughout the world today in every form of religious exercise known. At its root is the belief and practice of earning favor with whatever god or deity someone worships, other than the GOD of the Bible. Even then, well-meaning Christians are caught in legalism's clutches. This is because legalistic practices appeal to human nature. For Christians, legalism gives a sense of worthiness by performing rituals, etc., and ignores the Bible's teachings that acceptance from GOD comes from Jesus's death on a Roman cross.This episode examines how legalism is deadly, and how to escape the lies surrounding it.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

What is an idol in this present day and age? They are those things that occupy our hearts to the exclusion of spending time with GOD.A key verse to consider: 1 Thessalonians 1:9 - '... and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,' These idols are sometimes subtle in their toxic effect on our hearts. In this episode, my wife, Kris, will present 3 primary idols that may keep us in bondage. Seem harsh?If you listen in it may surprise you to learn more about what we worship by the place they hold in our lives.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net - 

This episode is the 2nd in a series of periodic episodes on marriage and other close relationships drawn from our combined years of marriage, both our 1st marriages and the marriage we're in, 15 years this past Thanksgiving Day, 2022. If my math is correct the total years for both of us being in a marriage relationship is 65 years. Snap -In relationships, there are rarely boulder-sized problems, but there are pebble-in-the-shoe problems that fester over time. In this episode, my wife, Kris, and I will discuss some of what we've encountered in 15 years of marriage. Our second marriage for both.We offer suggestions for some of the issues we've had to overcome. This is not a 'How To' but rather a look at solutions that worked for us.Relationships can be difficult and not just marriage. If you're married, thinking about marriage, or single and dating, I hope you'll find helpful insights to consider.Show notes not available since this is more discussion than devotion -

In the song In Christ Alone  a lyric reads 'When on the cross as Jesus died, the wrath of GOD was satisfied.' Why did GOD have wrath and why would His wrath be satisfied with the death of His Son?This episode tries to answer those questions. The reason the answer is so important is that fully understanding GOD's hatred for sin helps us with being thankful for the forgiveness GOD offers and also gives peace to our souls knowing He has no anger against us as His spiritual child.On the cross just before He died Jesus cried out, "It is finished." Meaning the payment for sin, all sins, for all time, and for all who will ask forgiveness from GOD, was completed. Nothing more needs to be done other than receiving this forgiveness by believing in Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection. John 3:16 - "For GOD so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

'"It is finished." That is the last word in the Redemption of the human race.' (Oswald Chambers in Utmost For His Highest- paraphrased.)The Cross where Jesus died. This is a common statement of belief among Christians, but have you ever thought about what actually happened? As Christians, we know Jesus died to pay the penalty for sin, the sin of the whole human race.But what happened on that Cross to the extent the course of human history was altered? This episode takes a look at the legal transaction of Jesus's death and the benefit, if we will understand it, of the freedom we gain.This freedom is from bondage to sin and more. The Apostle Paul lamented his struggle with his old nature, the one corrupted by sin within him, and in despair cried out in Romans 7:24 - 'O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?'  In this episode, E81, and the next, E82, we'll find the answer to Paul's question.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Have you wondered lately what your purpose is? Are you looking for a way to find out more about your purpose? Then I hope you find this episode a help by offering insights into GOD's Word about this issue.There are guidelines within the Bible to help us find our purpose if we know where to find them. Listen in and discover suggestions I give drawn from my experiences of also seeking GOD's purpose in life.You'll find a bulleted list in the show notes to follow to help you know GOD's purpose for you.Key verses Ephesians 3:11 &12Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

This episode, one in a series, takes a look at several issues when host David Bradley and his wife, Kris, discuss their experiences with re-marriage and the challenges they faced.The ultimate relationship is that between a man or woman and GOD. With that in mind, why does the Bible liken marriage to our relationship with Jesus, Son of GOD?GOD created marriage and intended it for companionship between a man and a woman. He said in Genesis it was not good for man to be alone and created woman as a helpmate.This points us to the companionship GOD desires with us, a close union lost when Adam and Eve chose a different way to live... without GOD.Their choice brought in every conceivable problem within relationships.Show notes not available at this time -

This episode is a summary of sorts concerning the previous series on the Armor of GOD.Prayer and praying are the reasons we need GOD's Armor because when we are wearing the armor, our enemy, Satan, will attack us. Prayer does so many things for us.It draws us closer to GODit helps us recognize lies and deceptions in the world around usIt protects our minds and heartsIt is a means of asking GOD to protect our loved onesIt is the way to bring down GOD's blessings on our spiritual growthIt pleases GOD when we talk to Him, when we tell Him we love HimShow notes at HopesHarbor.net

Have you ever wielded a sword? They are deadly weapons for fighting in close. With this in mind as a sword compares to GOD's Word, The Bible, among other uses, is a weapon to use against darkness and despair.This devotion is taken from: Ephesians 6:18 - 'praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—' It is effective against satanic lies and deception because it contains absolute truth.How do we become effective at wielding GOD's Word as a sword? This episode examines ways to arm ourselves for the spiritual battle waged against us, every day.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Wearing a helmet is an act of protection. When I rode a motorcycle I knew the danger of serious head injury possible if I went down, especially at speed. So I wore a helmet, even though it can be hot in summer.In a spiritual sense the helmet of salvation mentioned in Ephesians 6:17 (Ephesians 6:17a - 'And take the helmet of salvation...' implies the need for protection. Protecting the mind is crucial if we are to enter into spiritual warfare through prayer. Literally, lives are at stake and our prayers will make a difference.Believe me, when I say this, our enemy, Satan, will aim his fiery darts by lying to us, trying to deceive us, discourage us, you name it, he will attack your mind, and distort your thoughts.I recently went through just such a time while creating these last few episodes. The attack was subtle I didn't recognize it for what it was.This episode on the Helmet of Salvation explains how to protect our minds.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

In this series on the Armor of GOD we'll answer the question: How important is the shield?  And, is it a very important piece of protection? If so, how so? In Ephesians 6:16 Paul writes "Above all taking up the shield of faith..." This means over everything else take up the shield. We have a part to play. It means this takes effort on our part in spiritual war.Faith is what you choose to believe. Your choice will determine whether you can extinguish a fiery arrow of deceit or sorrow and prevent it from piercing your heart or mind.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

In Ephesians 6:15:  'and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace,' Paul informs us we are expected to walk or live, in light (in the reality) of the Gospel of peace. This Gospel means a good message, one of peace. And peace in this verse means quietness and rest. Who of us doesn't want quietness? And it doesn't mean the kind of quiet that is unsettling. It means a respite from the clamor and manic noise coming at us from nearly every side.This episode explores how the good message of the Gospel brings a measure of peace to our minds even with demands swirling all around us.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

This episode examines how right behavior on our part protects us from evil. It gives us the Breastplate of Righteousness - Ephesians 6:14bWhat is meant by a breastplate of righteousness? Christians know for the most part that Jesus gives us His right standing with GOD when we trust Him as Savior from sin.This means when GOD sees us, He sees the goodness of His Son covering us. There is nothing to condemn us.This is not the breastplate of righteousness Paul is describing in Ephesians 6: 14b. The breastplate consists of our good work in how we worship and how we treat and interact with those around us.By always doing what is right we protect ourselves from the evil influences coming at us from every angle. These influences will have us lie and mistreat others, especially those for whom we have no affinity.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Is absolute truth necessary? If so, where is that written?Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesian Christians an exhortation to wear the whole armor of GOD  and begins with the  Belt of Truth. In this episode, we see why Paul put the belt of truth first in his descriptive letter of what was possibly Roman armor worn by the guard standing watch over him.Measure yourself against the Bible's teachings concerning the place truth has in our lives.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Warfare surrounds us - spiritual warfare. To go through each day unprotected is begging for assault from a determined enemy.Discover what the armor is and how it is important to understand each piece and how to don it correctly.Get ready, for if you will complete this study during the next 7 episodes you'll be ready for war, and to fight the LORD's battles.Show notes at HopesHarbor.net