Truth – The first outfit for DEFENCE

(Ephesians 6:14) Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth

Looking further into our outfit as we continue in the finding the real you series, we will look at the truth, remember the bible says the truth shall set you free (John 8:32).

What is THE truth today? Is it according to what the world teaches?

Most things in life always start from an individual like you and I. Depending on what or who is directing and leading the individual, the truth is different, this is why you need to guard yourself with the truth at all times and by the truth we mean truth, tested and confirmed by the holy bible.

The wisdom of this world is not the truth in most cases and the ruler of this world intends it to be so. Why? You may ask and how? It’s simple really, because if your basis of truth is false then you will end up ridiculed when the TRUTH turns up because your truth is based on lies of falsehood. The economy of the world today (May 2009) seems to confirm this because men have lead governments and economies based on the wisdom of this world without the truth. See research carried out by an American research organisation here.

Before corruption or falsehood becomes worldwide, it always starts from an individual hence we need to protect ourselves by searching out the truth every time we are presented with what could be called the truth at work, church, personal life, hospital and all facets of life.

 

The truth will set you free; don’t buy into the ways of this world because you are not of this world. Guard yourself with the truth and search for truth in all you do by checking what the bible says in every situation. Don’t stretch the truth to help you better or to make better sense, that will make it false and a lie. Don’t encourage lies nor allow it to be part of your build up because it’s not.

John 8:44 (Amplified Bible) 44You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.

A practical way to girdle yourself with the truth is to present the truth always. At times it appears that certain situations will happen so fast in your early and young walk with God that will plotter a lie out of your lips before you think of taking control, there is no shame in correcting yourself right there and then by saying, ho sorry, I just gave you false information there. Also meditate on the word of God always and as often as you can

John 3:21 (Amplified Bible) 21But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are–wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God's help, in dependence upon Him].

 

We encourage you to change your media diet, be selective in your audio diet and also start building up further faith based habits such as reading biblical based books and always remember to check the bible for the truth in all you indulge yourself in. Check out our book reviews section for books we have read and have found to be helpful. Should you need immediate advice, please contact us via walkwithme@dvsoul.org.uk.

Find Yourself

DV SOUL – Awakening the Spirit of God in man

Is that really YOU?

An average woman today has an extra something to enhance the way she looks: she either has an extended eyelash, filled in or well coloured plastic nails, boobs enhancer, bum enhancer, layers of foundation and makeup and of course hair extensions that are obviously not hers even though she did pay for it.  Men themselves don’t make it easier on the ladies as they too seem to seek out a media made woman with all the media made up looks and seem to now be disappointed when they get one with all these features only to find out that they look different the morning after.

Ladies too want a brother that looks like Morris Chestnut, walks like Omar Epps and talks like Boris Kodjo, we want a man who has game so we look for a man that has all this outward appearance the media suggests and now become hugely disappointed when few months down the line he isn’t the real deal.

In the world today, we all know that the outward appearance is what everyone emphasizes on and in my opinion I believe it’s because that is the first thing people notice. We hear again and again that you only have one chance at making a first impression and I have come to understand that some see this statement from an out ward appearance point of view neglecting the value of a true and Godly inner self.

 Jesus has urged us to be imitators of Christ and in my opinion, a person of value is who you are behind the designers regalia, the perfect makeup, gorgeous hair do, perfect lips, hips and fingertips, mortgage value handbags and tower high shoes, made to measure suits, perfectly carved hair cut or a smooth voice, nice wheels, flat or mates.  Though I myself is attached to some of the above mentioned and ensure I am up to date with my make-up and wardrobe essentials, I still believe that true beauty as a woman, is your value outside all this cover-up.

I have opportunities to talk to ladies about beauty and style and recently had an event where I showed ladies the tips and tricks of make-up and wardrobe essentials and I remember my husband wanted to be sure that after all said and done, the ladies and I knew the value of true beauty. I had written in my notes a lot about Queen Esther who happens to be my biblical role model and read how she was pampered in beauty therapy and rare perfumes for 12 whole months before going to audition for the crown of the Queen. I also understood from her story in the bible that she added value to her beauty by asking the keeper of the maidens what he taught was best to win the heart of the king and the bible records that Esther found favor in all who knew her. (Read the book of Esther)

We can put a price on external appearance but an inner self worthy of emulation is priceless. For a woman, the value of your beauty is measured around how people feel when they are around you, how much your husband values you, your children praise you, your neighbors have a smile when they see you, your church family always looks forward to seeing you and are thrilled to have a chat with you, your parents, siblings and family, extended or in-laws all have everything positive to say about you. ( Read the account of Ruth). True beauty is from the heart, mind and spirit, it is oneness with God. I have always prayed, worked hard and made sure I am not tagged as a beauty without brains!! I try to ensure that people’s first impression of me is not only about my outfit, hairdo or designer bag but also about my heart, my warmth and my intelligence.

I don’t personally find anything wrong in enhancing ones beauty with extra eyelash, nails, hair extensions or boob enhancers, I wear them now and again but what I find wrong is going through all this beauty processes and still coming out with a stinking attitude or behavior.(Read the account of Queen Vashti) I have a husband who has all the essential looks any woman would hope for however his heart with God was the most attractive thing about him which gave a great balance to his outward appearance.(Read the account of Daniel and David)

 I must admit that I have struggled to give the right first impressions sometimes because people just see you and sum up what they think they know about you and pre-judge you based on your looks however when I have an opportunity to show my value, my true beauty, I take it like my life depends on it because I need to show that the source of this beauty is Jesus. This reflects in my way of life undoubtedly as i strive everyday to be an imitator of Christ.

How do you express your true value? There are biblical based books out there that can help focus on what value we should have for today’s world, please read them, not neglecting historically true examples that can be found in the bible. Take opportunity to develop your intellectual knowledge, the bible does say that we should study to show ourselves approved.

DV Soul’s Finding You Series has a detailed biblical approach to finding the real you, please visit this site’s articles.

Does beauty mean something different to you? Let us know your thoughts by dropping a comment or two for us below.

Would you like to gain deeper insight about who you are, email us at walkwithme@dvsoul .org.uk

Your outfit

Ephesians 6 V 10 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 (craft or deceit) 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.

I have come to realise the importance of what the scriptures said in Ephesians 6 verse 12 that “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”. This does not only mean the obvious gory demonic attacks we have always been told of.

This in the world today is directly focused on subtle attacks though they go skin deep in killing the real person that God created us to be. The Wiles (craft or deceit) of the devil secretly settling in such things as inability to control the gates to our soul via media, entertainment, total love of self (2 Timothy 3:1-6), lack of awareness of the soul and eternity etc. For if we were aware we would look at eternity and not just the present.

Hence this series is meant to equip you fight back using the Word of God. Such subtle attacks are things we dealt with in the first 6 series showing that if the foundation can be thwarted then the battle against spiritual wickedness is lost. 

Ephesians 6:13 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.

Our outfit of: Truth, Breastplate of righteousness, Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit.

What does this mean to us? Find out as we continue in this journey of finding our true self via our outfit.

 

We encourage you to change your media diet, be selective in your audio diet and also start building up further faith based habits such as reading biblical based books and always remember to check the bible for the truth in all you indulge yourself in. Checkout our book reviews section for books we have read and have found to be helpful and should you need immediate advice, please contact us via walkwithme@dvsoul.org.uk.

Find Yourself 

DV SOUL – Awakening the Spirit of God in man

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