Paul’s teaching about the “armour of God” found in Ephesians 6 is pretty well known. He describes our spiritual battle as Christians. This is not against flesh and blood (i.e. other people), but against unseen spiritual forces of evil. He lists the boots ready to proclaim the gospel of peace, the belt of truth, the … Continue reading The sword of the Spirit in another person’s hand
william gurnall
Make me receptive soil
In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes a sower who sows some seed—which, he says, is a metaphor for the word of God. Ideally, the seed lands on receptive soil. Luke 8:15 spells it out: “the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain … Continue reading Make me receptive soil
A house that will not stand empty
William Gurnall wrote extensively about spiritual warfare. He said that “a man’s heart is a house that will not stand empty.”* He wrote in the 1600’s. So he’s using “man” in a general sense; what he says applies to women as well. The idea is that our heart (metaphorically speaking) is a residence which is … Continue reading A house that will not stand empty
Difficulty, but never defeat
The Lord does battle for you. You may experience difficulty, but never defeat. Let me provide an illustration. A small child walks into a street with his head down. A woman jumps into the street to get the attention of a truck driver who is barreling his way. The driver hits the brakes and swerves … Continue reading Difficulty, but never defeat
Christ will wipe it off
The Bible never fails to surprise. I recently came across 1 Peter 4:14 where the apostle is writing to encourage believers who are surrounded by hostility. Here is what he says: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” … Continue reading Christ will wipe it off
When you’re feeling low
Recently I was feeling a bit low about some things. As I folded my hands to pray, I felt as if God shoved into my mind a long list of blessings he had poured into my life—things, experiences, opportunities and people from my childhood, to my early adulthood, and to now. It was as if … Continue reading When you’re feeling low
The battle you’re in whether you know it or not
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Spiritual warfare. William Gurnall says that all Christians are in the battle whether they realize it or not, and that the war is so serious that it makes the cruelest battle between human armies seem like child’s play.* But what is spiritual … Continue reading The battle you’re in whether you know it or not
Not lacking the arm of God
Yesterday we talked about being adopted by God and the new special status that gives you. You can be at peace and be confident. You are chosen. You are loved. You are royalty. Today let’s flush out another benefit of being adopted by God. Writing in the 17th century, William Gurnall said: “He who has … Continue reading Not lacking the arm of God
Why some people can endure intense distress
Tom Long says that “People can endure intense distress and pain if they know it is not meaningless.”* Very true. Consider this illustration from William Gurnall: “If you should get up in the morning and hear men on your house tearing off the tiles and taking down the roof with hammers and axes, you might … Continue reading Why some people can endure intense distress
Sorrow to sweetness
Hardship isn’t the end of the story, nor is it the end of your story. This is easy to agree with when you’re experiencing smooth sailing. It’s harder to do so when times are tough. William Gurnall has some helpful, scriptural perspective: “Scripture gives three illustrations of great joy: the joy of a new mother, … Continue reading Sorrow to sweetness
