Day 20 of beauty
The beauty of armor.
Recently I attended a women's group and the subject of the night was on forgiveness. When we landed on Matthew 18:21-22 it was obviously a sore spot for a few women due to it's misuse by Christians. Many women who have endured abuse and mistreatment find great offense and confusion with this scripture. In the type of situation where one's safety is at concern are we called to just continue to endure the abuse and live out of forgiveness? In my opinion, no. Forgiveness in those cases are more about our inward heart condition and do not reflect reconciliation with the continued offender.
I honestly could write for a few days just on this subject but the main topic at hand is beauty. In my BC days (not before kids but before Christ..lol), I thought it was beautiful to be an independent bad ass of a woman. Now as I've been growing in my faith I can see that was all a false illusion and a front, no matter how much one convinces them self of it. Now I'm more so seeing the beauty of the armor that God gives us and the beauty in standing in his power and authority. Standing in Independence is actually a stance of self defense. Continually putting on a facade of proving you can handle it yourself. You can't. However, that doesn't mean you NEED man. You do however, need God and through him you will have all the power and authority that he has.
So go ahead and don that Zena warrior princess armor and stand in the righteousness that Christ Jesus afforded you!
Recently I attended a women's group and the subject of the night was on forgiveness. When we landed on Matthew 18:21-22 it was obviously a sore spot for a few women due to it's misuse by Christians. Many women who have endured abuse and mistreatment find great offense and confusion with this scripture. In the type of situation where one's safety is at concern are we called to just continue to endure the abuse and live out of forgiveness? In my opinion, no. Forgiveness in those cases are more about our inward heart condition and do not reflect reconciliation with the continued offender.
I honestly could write for a few days just on this subject but the main topic at hand is beauty. In my BC days (not before kids but before Christ..lol), I thought it was beautiful to be an independent bad ass of a woman. Now as I've been growing in my faith I can see that was all a false illusion and a front, no matter how much one convinces them self of it. Now I'm more so seeing the beauty of the armor that God gives us and the beauty in standing in his power and authority. Standing in Independence is actually a stance of self defense. Continually putting on a facade of proving you can handle it yourself. You can't. However, that doesn't mean you NEED man. You do however, need God and through him you will have all the power and authority that he has.
So go ahead and don that Zena warrior princess armor and stand in the righteousness that Christ Jesus afforded you!
Ephesians 6:11-20The Message (MSG)
A Fight to the Finish
10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
19-20 And don’t forget to pray for me. Pray that I’ll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out.
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