“When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:”
Luke 11 v21
Just on this verse alone we realize that Jesus himself also gave consideration to what we as men do put a lot of stock into. We build ourselves to be strong and the protectors of what is ours. Whether it be our families, our possessions, and even our nation, we take a certain responsibility of being the protector. Going on into the next verse Jesus alludes to the fact that when someone stronger that we comes against us the possibility for them to prevail is there and does happen. We still do our very best, and should to take that certain responsibility of what we have been charged with.
It seems that in the verses prior to this verse, there were those who wanted to doubt him, or shed a negative light on what had been done. He had just healed a man of evil possession and not being able to speak. It is hard to imagine why people choose to be divisive even when they witness good things unless the fact that a spiritual battle is recognized. What is not seen often drives the motives of what is manifested through people, and at times very easily.
The difference in these certain circumstances was that Jesus could discern their thoughts and as they brought out the negative, he challenged it directly. He gave specific examples of how men allow failure to become prevalent in their own life circumstances-“a kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation”, “Satan…divided against himself, how shall this stand?”. He directly reproved those who claimed that Beelzebub was his source of spiritual strength, and brought to point their direct kinship according to them doing the same and said to them “therefore shall they be your judges” He, even as he lives in us he is not short on knowing how to handle a challenge that comes to those that are his.
“When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace.” Luke 11 v21 NKJV
“When a strong man fully armed guards his own house his possessions are safe.” Luke 11 v21 NIV
(12/3/2018) This one verse standing alone leaves one with the thought to be strong and arm ourselves against an attack or against unexpected forces, mainly in a physical sense. This in reality is a good awareness but only until one stronger or more equipped with better armor shows up to overcome our man-made barriers.
“But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and over-come him, he taketh from him his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.” Luke 11 v22 NKJV
In a relationship to Christ Jesus he is our strength. Through grace-strength we learn to trust him and rely on him even as our barrier’s to outside forces, especially the unexpected, seem to be overcome.
(12/4/2018) We seek after peace, (i.e. peaceful living in physical circumstances, peaceful rest in a mindful spiritual sense-)
Making choices on what we know provides some level of comfort and protection if we choose to act on what is the right choice. Making wrong choices on what we know also comes with known, pre-conceived results most of the time.
A couple of quotes-
‘Knowledge is not rooted in facts; it is rooted in curiosity.’ P7
“Abiding in complete peace and silent awareness, you find the truth about eternal questions concerning God, the soul, and life after death.” P10
Super Brain-Dr. Deepak Chopra/Dr. Rudolph E Tanzi
(12/5/2018) Our first go to in many instances of challenging circumstances or as a Christian recommendation ‘of encouragement’ is Phillipians 4 v13. The verse paraphrased goes something like this-“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Most of the time we relate that to something physical we are trying to accomplish, like- (from my youngest grandsons response-a good score), and from some initial thoughts-paying of a debt, loosing some weight, running a 5k, etc… The reality is most people, even those who are not profesing Christians can be accomplished in those area’s if they apply all the available knowledge with some determination to be successful,the unconventional knowledge, but the knowledge of rules, do’s and don’ts, etc… Another time we use that quote is in a time of loss-not only of physical possessions, but in the time of loosing a family member, friend or acquaintance in the passage of death.
Our strength we relate directly to the visible circumstances we find ourselves in, most often in the time of need. That’s OK, even good to do, but there’s more.
Scripture teaches us to examine ourselves…
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Corinthians 13 v5
“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1 v4
“Wherefore the rather, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” 2 Peter 1 v10
…To take a deeper look. I believe it is correct in saying-the scripture encourages to examine ourselves daily. Why?
In our preparation for the physical-We start with just that. Our questioning begins-Are we eating right? Am I getting enough exercise? Can I do more to be in better shape faster? and so on it goes.
In Dr. Deepak Choppra and Dr. Rudolph Tanzi’s book on p10 we saw the reference to peace, truth.
(12/6/2018) “Abiding in complete peace and silent awareness, you find truth about the eternal questions concerning God, the soul, and life after death.” p 10 Super Brain
A couple of immediate thoughts comes-One thread of truth… may not make up the entire truth of one matter of the un-known.
The next thought is the more important one-Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and…” paraphrased John 14 v6
And I except that truth by faith and through a manifested presence of him in my own life. The Holy scriptures also reveal a way to have ‘peace beyond understanding, perfect peace’. Our own reliance on God is not so much a position of weakness but an ability of true strength.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4 v20
According to Dr. Chopra and Dr. Rudolph E Tanzi’s book a “new study has shown that routine stress shuts down the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision making, correcting errors, and assessing situations.” p8 Super Brain
(12/6/2018) The parallel to science and faith, what is it? Would it be safe to conclude that in the limits of science the study or research significantly supported that the unseen characters in life impact the physical characters that manifest themselves through our personal lives.
So is it also a comfortable place to go in saying-being armed with full armor in a physical sense definitely helps in many circumstances, yet being fully armed in a spiritual sense brings us to a whole other level in life, peace and fullness in life.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for the saints;… And for me (Paul), that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6 v10-v20
Trust God-we hear that often. Does that mean we do nothing and expect God to fulfill our lives?
“Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. Lord, what is a man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.” Psalm 144 v1-4
I believe there is a time of required defense. Life goes on and daily there are differences among people, even the greatest nations of the world and even to the smallest ones. Our veterans and our history continue to tell these stories. Many unpleasant circumstances have been overcome and many more will have to be as life continues to come but that is not all of the story.
It is difficult to find the man all good is spoke of yet we continue with the expectations of the highest standards of life, as we should.
“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which de-spitefully use you. …” Luke 6 v26-28
Jesus set the standard really high and we are to strive to reach those as we can but our only real ability to reach that mark is to continually seek his presence in our lives.
In Writing-this past week we (my precious wife and I) passed the mark of over a year of doing “the random verse” and decided to take post from that year and study and meditate on them further than before. The work here is a continuance of the post from the February 16, 2018 post.
“When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:” Luke 11 v21
To trust God. As we keep our own abilities intact, there are at times life that seems stronger than we are which comes as one stronger than us. As we stand with the Lord on our side, by rights of the right spirit within us, he will keep us.
Lord, help me today to stand where I need to stand and to treat others accordingly. By your grace we are loving to love in the name of Christ Jesus, your name. Amen.
Friday 2/16/2018
As I seek to find the ways in grower closer to the Lord God it is a wonderful thing to have information from such great educators, Dr’s, teachers, and life itself in gaining a greater understanding.
There are times when not a lot seems to make sense, yet we keep on going. The physical does parallel closely with the spiritual and derives results from the spiritual. Scripture teaches again-
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are his. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the masters use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2 v19-21
It is a great thing for me to have the wonderful spouse/wife that I have who seeks the same in knowing and sharing our walk in life, our journey with others. We are blessed.
When I work to seek conclusion in the matter, (and to me everything matters, mostly the things that do not occupy space) even though one definition of matter is “things that occupy space. :), here is what I have came up with so far. Time, choice, and results all are measured some how.
Choosing right, God’s way, a Holy way, not of ourselves but of him leaves one with the results of fullness, even in most circumstances. The time passes with reference to hope, even an eternal hope.
Choosing wrong, the unGodly way of sin, a sinful life, even a sinful moment, works to tear at ones peace, pushing to the forefront. Sin leaves one feeling emptiness after promising great promise, an even temporal satisfaction.
This one verse has taken us far this week, and who knew the circumstances that would arise throughout the week. God did. We trust him, and leaving a last verse for today arising just from life this week, here is the one applying at the moment for the week for me…
May the Lord, bless you all as you pray for us, my wife and I and our journey we do the same for you. Amen
“And the publican, standing a far off, would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18 v13
and from one small pastor and his wife only belonging for now to the church without (not contained in) walls, Amen
Sunday 12/9/2018
Threecrosses 