Faith and The Helmet of Salvation

July 17, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5: 8. NKJV.

When I grew up, helmets were not a thing. Nobody wore helmets bike riding, and it was rare to see someone riding a motorcycle wearing one. I remember the first time I wore a helmet. My friend offered me a ride on his motorcycle and lent me his helmet. It felt huge, heavy and quite cumbersome. It seemed restrictive. Faster speeds, congested roadways, and statistics encouraged most state lawmakers to pass legislation requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets. It is for their own benefit. God’s Word doesn’t compel us to wear the helmet of salvation, but it is to our benefit if we do!

Roman helmets were a very critical part of their armor. That is an obvious statement, isn’t it? Craftsmen usually constructed them of brass or bronze. Later, they discovered that many were also made of iron. Each helmet, regardless of material, protected the wearer’s head. It covered the whole head, his face and even between the eyes. The New Living Translation says: Put on salvation as your helmet. What is there about “salvation” that is a head protection? Let’s break it down.

When we put on the helmet of salvation, we are declaring which side of the battle we are on. It is a declaration that we are willing to follow our Commander, no matter where He leads. This helmet shows the enemy and the world that we want to have a mind that is controlled by God and His thoughts. What did the serpent do to tempt Eve? He appealed to her thought realm. Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden? We can see Eve beginning to think…she answered truthfully, Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, the woman replied. It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, You must not eat it, or even touch it; if you do, you will die.I think God made it pretty clear: don’t eat it. You won’t die! The serpent replied to the woman. God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil. The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Genesis 3:1-6. NLT. If God had controlled her mind, the serpent wouldn’t have beguiled her. Satan got her to swallow his lie, and she began to doubt God’s goodness. He is still using the same tactics, and unfortunately God’s people are still falling for it. She was deceived, and so we can be too.

In I Thessalonians 5:8, Paul tells us But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. Reading through the Genesis passage made me stop and think, “Why do we think we can outsmart Satan?” The NKJV describes him as more cunning than any beast of the field, the NIV says he was “more crafty”; the Message has him “more clever”; but the Amplified may be the clearest: Now the serpent was more crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit) than any living creature of the field which Lord God had made. Genesis 3:1. My friends, do you really understand that without the Holy Spirit, we can’t fight him? That is humbling to admit, but he probably can outsmart us, but not when we are armored with the Armor of God.

We are humans, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. NLT. This takes the mind of Christ to be able to confront those worldly arguments. We can’t do it with our own minds. We must renew our minds as Romans 12:2 exhorts. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, and what is good and acceptable and perfect. Eve was tricked away from what was good, acceptable and perfect. Many times it is the small lies that trip us up. Is God really for you? What about the leadership of your church? Do they have your best interest at heart? Or do you even need to be part of the body of Christ? You can just love Jesus and go about your life as you see fit. These are some of the subtle lies that we can begin believing, if we do not have the helmet of salvation firmly covering our minds.

The hope of salvation causes us to stand strong and tall. It reminds us of whose we are, and where we are going. It gives us confidence in Him and His ways. We grasp the truth of Romans 6:5-7. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. As believers, we must set our minds on things of the Spirit, and we can only do that when settle in our minds and hearts that we are going to submit to our Commander, our Lord and Savior. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3. ESV. Without the helmet are thoughts scatter to fear, doubt and unbelief.

Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6:11, Put on, is written in a very firm tone. The verb tense is “put it on and keep it on”. My friends, we can’t pick and choose the time we armor up. Soldiers can’t pick and choose random days to serve or not. There is a war raging, and we are all in it. The good news is we fight from victory, not for victory, no matter how you feel or what you see. Wear your helmet. Every day. All day.

Remember: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. Isaiah 26:3. NLT. Check your peace level, maybe you have forgotten your helmet!

Father, there are some of your children who are weary in their fight. I ask you to refresh them today with your grace and strength. Teach us the blessing of our helmet of salvation. We are so grateful for the hope your salvation gives us. Thank you for the protection we have when we use your armor purposefully and consistently. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and The Shield of Faith

July 10, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 ESV.

The Roman soldier’s armor included a shield. The one Paul refers to here, is not a small little round one, like Captain America uses. It was almost as tall as the soldier himself. Four feet tall and over two feet wide. They made this shield with many layers, including a covering of animal hide. Before battle, soldiers often soaked these shields to extinguish flaming arrows. My thought when reading about this, was how heavy was this shield? So I googled it. The average Roman shield weighed twenty-two pounds. A lot of weight to be carrying, but the shape and construction was manageable. Often they had a metal piece attached where they would bash their opponents in close combat!

As a history major and learner, I loved reading about their armor. Reading slowly through this scripture, I stopped at “take up”. It made me stop and think. How often have I encountered spiritual battles without lifting my shield of faith. I pictured myself just standing while the arrows and darts came flying at me. I may have had the breastplate of righteousness on, and hopefully the belt of truth…but I didn’t pick up the shield. More damage occurred. Years ago, a very angry man made false accusations against Darryl and me. He was so worked up that no amount of reasoning would calm him. Darryl, wisely walked out of the room. I, in my foolishness, stayed to try to show him where he misjudged the situation. I realized now, I did not even try to lift the shield of faith. The darts of accusation and half lies landed deep in my soul. I don’t believe it was this man’s intention to damage me so deeply. However, it certainly was our enemy’s intent. I would have handled the situation much differently as a wiser and hopefully more mature believer today!

You must intentionally take up the shield of faith. When I think of physically holding up a twenty-two pound shield, it makes me feel overwhelmed. I feel like I can’t do it. Sometimes, lifting the shield of faith can seem overwhelming as well. That is why we need each other. Another unique thing about Roman shields is they were interlocking. When they stood next to each other, they formed one massive wall. There was no separation where the darts, arrows or spears could enter. It is God’s intention that we stand close as the body of Christ protecting each other. There are so many who are as “cliche” as it seems, are lone rangers. They don’t think they need community, but can do it alone. There are three things wrong with that thinking. One: it isn’t scriptural. We are told to gather to be taught, encourage and pray for one another. Two: when the battle rages you are on your own. There is no one to stand with you. Satan loves to isolate God’s children. They can become ineffective, distracted and drift from God’s plan and ways. Three: Their gifts and talents aren’t being used to the fullest extent. Their lights are not shining as brightly as they could as a one watter. (I know that isn’t a word, but it sure is a good visual!)

Paul exhorts us to put on the whole armor of God. He was very well aware that every believer is in a battle. Thinking that only God’s important people are attacked will leave us off guard. That’s not the case. Our enemy is no respecter of persons. If he can lull us into thinking we don’t have to fight him, he has already won.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17. NKJV. Scripture talks about six different types of faith. (Actually, there is a seventh, demonic faith. You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that–and shudder. James 2:19. NIV. We have to have faith to

Dead faith. Faith without works is dead. James 2:17.

Little faith. Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:30.

Saving faith. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves.

Great faith. O, woman, great is your faith! Matthew 8:10. Growing faith. Your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of everyone of you all abounds toward each other. 2 Thessalonians 1:3.

Tested faith. The genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire. 1 Peter 1:7.

Victorious faith. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world–our faith. 1 John 5:4. We grow in our faith by hearing the word of God, and then applying it. Learning how to apply what our head knows to our lives makes us more effective believers. What a joy to discover God’s Word really is alive and powerful, and changes not only us, but others. It isn’t easy fighting the fiery darts of doubt, unbelief, intimidation, accusation, guilt and shame, etc. But unless we do, we can’t live the life Jesus died for us to live, and that is a shame.

Father, I thank you for teaching us how to take up the shield of faith. Reveal to us the enemies tactics against ourselves and those around us. I ask you to restore any areas that have been already damaged by those fiery darts in my life, and in the lives of those around me. Give us a desire to have victorious faith. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Good Walking Shoes

July 3, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:14-15. NKJV

A couple of years ago, I bought two pair of Skecher slip in shoes. The store I purchased them in had a sale going, buy one and get the second one half off. It was a great deal. I decided to get two different styles. One pair was pink with a lace up front, the other blue with just the slip in elastic. I love them. I love the slip in, no hands or bending technology for my aging body. However, after about a year, I realized they are not the same. When I wear the pink pair, my feet feel great, even after moving around most of the day. The blue pair have to come off after a morning at church. For some reason, they don’t support my feet the same way. Apparently, each pair of shoes were constructed differently, even though both were “slip in”. When I get dressed, I have to “pre-think” wearing the blue pair, because my hurting feet!

Part of the armor Roman soldiers wore, were specific shoes. There were two types: caliga-more sandal like, and calceus–which was more boot like. They both consisted of a thick leather sole, with lighter thinner leather on top. The calceus, or boot type, covered the foot and ankle for more protection. Both types of foot coverings usually included metal hobnails on the bottom, to help keep their footing. Paul’s analogy on our need for armor included the importance of making sure we had our own specific feet coverings.

We can’t just simply throw on these shoes, like flip flops, and run out the door. There is a reason he said, “having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” We need to prepare these shoes. To begin with, need to understand that we have received peace between ourselves and God, by faith. Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. Romans 5:1 NLT. Why would that matter? Because if we have peace with God, then there is no need to fear what is before us. There is something that shifts in our soul when we have His peace. It is a confidence builder for sure, just like wearing the breastplate of righteousness.

When we comprehend His love, His grace and His mercy, we do not need to fear our enemies. When soldiers put on their shoes to fight, they do so to fight against the enemies of the nation. We put on our shoes to fight against the wiles of the evil one. We also wear them to spread the good news of the gospel. It really is our main purpose.

It seems many believers do not know what the preparation of the gospel of peace means. They are unaware how their words, actions or lack there of, can affect the spreading of the gospel. It is God’s intention that every believer spreads the good news. Part of our preparation is understanding how to rightly divide the word of truth, according to 2 Timothy 2:15. They haven’t taken the time to “study to show themselves approved unto Him.”

Oh my friends, it is God’s heart that every believer is equipped to share the gospel. Satan wants to keep God’s people intimidated, so they don’t open their mouths and talk about Him. He wants to keep us distracted from learning and fellowshipping with Him. As a result, we don’t have any God stories to share. We lose our footing when he assaults us with lies, guilt, and shame.

My friends, we are called to share the good news. As I pondered that thought, I began to wonder, “do we comprehend the fact that it really is good news?” Taking the time to remember the work of His salvation in my life gives me perspective. It reminds me just how good He is. I am sure embedding every little hobnail in the Roman soldiers’ shoes took time. But it was worth it. Spending time in prayer, worship and the scripture helps us prepare to share the gospel, also takes time. But eternity is at stake!

How we treat people is often a reflection of how we are feeling inside. When we walk in His peace, we can share His peace with others. If someone jumps in front of you in the grocery line, you can simply smile. You can wait patiently because of the peace of God that rules and reigns in your heart. It might even lead to a conversation with them or others. I’ve had it happen to me! I even asked them if I could pray for them, because they seemed harried. They said, yes!

My friends, don’t forget to take the time to prepare your feet with the gospel. Ask the Lord to show you how. Spend time with Him. Check your peace level. If it is low, you need to refresh your understanding of the work He did on the cross for you.

It seems shoes are a major part of both women and men’s attire in some culture streams. Having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace goes with everything. This will never go out of style.

Father, I thank you for your grace today. I thank you for the gift of the gospel. You want us to be prepared to share it with others. Please teach us more about how you want us to do it! Forgive us for walking through life unprepared to share your good news. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Photo by David Cruz asenjo on Pexels.com

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Faith and the BreastPlate of Righteousness

June 26, 2025 Martha Rodman1 Comment

He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. Isaiah 59: 17. ESV.

When was the last time you thought about the breastplate of righteousness? It is the second part of the armor of God Paul exhorts us to put on. A Roman soldier’s breastplate consisted of metal plates or chains. These covered their bodies from neck to waist. It encircled their entire body. I am sure they were grateful for such armor. It protected their vital organs, like their heart and lungs. The breastplate was an essential part of their armor.

But what is the breastplate of righteousness? It also covers our vital spiritual organs, but it is not something we can manufacture, in fact it is something Jesus gives us when we receive Him. We can’t earn it, we can only receive it by faith. It is God declaring we are in right standing with Him. It means we can ward off guilt, sin and shame. This is possible because of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross for us. When Satan tries to send condemnation, guilt or shame our way, we simply tell him we are forgiven and stand covered by God’s grace and mercy.

To appreciate and appropriate this gift, we must first really grasp the state of our own righteousness. Only then can we fully comprehend and appreciate the wonderful gift of the breastplate of righteousness. Our righteousness is not good. Isaiah 64:6 gives us a very honest opinion of our righteousness. We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Ouch. Unless we have Christ’s righteousness, we are a mess. Sometimes, we forget just how bad our sinfulness was. Pride and arrogance can lie to us. “Oh, you are not really that bad”. Subtle comparisons sneak in, and we feel pretty good about ourselves. Then we get reminded how weak we really are. Romans 3: 22 comes into play. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3: 22-24. NLT. I am so grateful for His grace and mercy. As I grow older, I realized how much I need Him and exactly how short I fall from His standards. The breastplate of righteousness covers those areas the accuser would love to send shame and guilt. Apparently, the soldiers breastplate was attached to the belt they wore around their waist. If the belt fell off or loosened, the breastplate would fall off. As in the physical, they both need each other, so in the spiritual. If we do not know or walk in the truth, we are vulnerable to attacks.

We must learn to appropriate Christ’s righteousness by faith, no matter how we feel. The other day I was struggling. Struggling with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. My emotions (my heart?) were running wild. I kept praying, crying out to the Lord for help. I “felt” like prayer wasn’t working. As I waited on the Lord, pouring my heart out to Him, I humbled myself before Him. My heart shifted from me to Him. When I admitted, I couldn’t do it, but He could, peace came. I thanked Him for being the Savior I needed! More peace and then more joy came!

I found the Amplified version very interesting. So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart). Ephesians 6:14 AMP. As we understand our need for this saving grace to become righteous, it also begins to affect our actions. When we put on the breastplate of righteousness, we should align our actions to His Word and His ways. We begin to guard our heart and put off our old man and His sinful ways. It is our choice. His righteousness begins to cause us to live more righteously. Because we wear His righteousness, we no longer need to fear being accepted, liked, or approved by others. If the God of the universe accepts us, we are approved!

My friends, it is time to discipline ourselves to appropriate the breastplate of righteousness every day. It gives us confidence to stand firm against the wiles of our enemy.

Father, please help us appropriate this amazing breastplate of righteousness. The price you paid for it was nothing we deserve. I thank you for the privilege we have in wearing it. Please continue to show us how to use this armor, In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Dealing with Doubts

June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Luke 24:38 ESV.

Doubts: a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. Have you ever faced a sneak attack, from the enemy, of doubt? I faced such an assault last week.

This is a very transparent story I am sharing with you. A couple of weeks ago, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to write a letter. It wasn’t an easy letter to write, so I sought Him for the wording. The day I wrote the letter, I actually woke up with, what I felt was His wording for the letter. This came with such peace, that I knew I had heard from Him on the matter.

All went well for the next few days. Then, one night as I was falling asleep, a very subtle feeling of unease crept in. I dismissed it, and went on with my life. But slowly but surely the unease led to insecurity which led to condemnation. The condemnation became so strong that I began to doubt anything and everything else I was doing. Along with the doubt, insecurity came fear.

The “feeling” was awful. I went back to the Lord, apologizing and repenting if I had misunderstood His assignment. I asked Him to be merciful and gracious to the person I wrote to. Finally, I shared the letter with someone. She knew the person I wrote to. She said, “it’s a good letter”. That helped.

As I went back to the Lord, I heard Him whisper: “doubt”. No wonder I was struggling. Doubt is an insidious tool. It subtly caused me to turn my eyes away from the Lord. Focusing on myself is never a good thing. I truly was like James 1:6 says, but let him ask in faith, or the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. My emotions had me all over the place.

When the Holy Spirit whispered the word “doubt”, peace came and it was like a light turned on! I knew I was the victim of a sneak attack by the enemy. What began with the letter, tried to spread to every ministry area in my life. It tried to undermine my calling and my purpose. Doubt and insecurity attempted to steal my confidence in the Lord. They wanted me to focus on myself. This shift in focus distracted me from God’s ability.

My friends, I felt confident that the letter I wrote, written in love, was an act of obedience. Only God knows what the outcome will be. Part of the letter challenged the works of darkness. I knew of the possible backlash, but was still unprepared for how it came. My friends, obedience isn’t always easy. We do have an enemy that does not fight fair. He seeks any entry he can find. He found an area of weakness in my life. I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit and His words of life and truth. The peace of God came immediately.

In Mark 9, we find the story of a father bringing his son to Jesus for help. His father asked “if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. And Jesus said to him, “if you can! All things are possible for one who believes. Immediately, the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”. (Mark 9: 22-24. ESV.) The Lord has gone on to show me, what I started in faith, I needed to continue in faith. Praying and believing the words I wrote, spoken in faith and love, would produce the good fruit God intended. When doubt entered in, I stopped praying for the situation. It began to be about me. I’ve gone back to praying in faith, that He is moving. I’m praying the truth will set free and God’s will, will be done.

We must continue to grow in our faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17. My friends, don’t let doubt and unbelief hinder you from obedience. It is not worth it.

Father, I thank you for your victory. I am humbled by your gracious Holy Spirit who speaks words of life to us. Please teach us how to resist doubt and unbelief by learning Your Word and Your Ways.

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Faith and A God Story

May 22, 2025 Martha Rodman2 Comments

He will rescue the poor when they cry to him, he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. Psalm 72:12

A Fresh Personal Testimony from Sunday, May 18, 2025. This is why I love and serve our Savior.

My friends, we have an amazing God who shows up when we need him. Last week, I mentioned my sister was in hospice care. She passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025. After I received the text from my niece with this sad news, I started calling our remaining siblings. Losing a loved one is hard. Calling and sharing the news is draining, but also good. There were 8 of us in our biological family. One sister passed a few years ago. Now our precious Carol is gone. Sharing the news that she was with Jesus was expected, but still hard.

That day also held a Senior Life Ministry event that needed my leadership and presence. Our Senior Life planning team was so understanding and helped fill in some of my less than stellar thinking! But by the evening, I admittedly was drained and tired. Grateful for my Alexa app, I asked it to play some worship music while I tried to unwind. The worship tracks Alexa picked were just what I needed. I could feel my body try to unwind.

My alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. for my Sunday morning routine. I felt “off” and admitted I didn’t really feel like going. But after so many years of the discipline of church attendance, I knew I would go. However, I wanted my ‘inside’ heart to want to go too. It’s my habit, while getting ready for church, to listen to Living Word Fellowship, Voluntown, Ct service. Darryl and I were a part of that church family and they still support Impart Ministries. Pastor Kevin has been preaching about the Holy Spirit since the first of the year. He has laid a wonderful foundation for Him. The message this week was based on John 14.

Friends, have you ever simply pushed through doing what is “right”? But not had your heart into it? Me, too. But this time, I felt convicted. Instead of doing the “right” thing without the Spirit’s help, I asked for His help. Pastor Kevin talked about how precious this gift Jesus sent to us was. How He asked His Father to send Him, and I had a fresh revelation of His value. I knew I did not want to waste it. The Amplified Bible makes it clear how valuable the Holy Spirit is. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor–Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever. John 14: 16. AMP.

I thought about other gifts I have been given. Some appreciated, and others not so much. When we were twelve, my parents bought us big and beautiful dolls for Christmas. I looked at her and was so disappointed. A doll? At 12? I can tell you I was not feeling very appreciative. The funny thing is my mother kept her and one of my granddaughters has her! As I meditated on the incredible gift Jesus asked the Father to send us, I teared up. This message was so timely to me. I am not sure if I can truly write the right words to convey how personal God’s presence became. I just knew God had not only heard my heart cry, but gave me even added revelation.

My friends, I know it was the Holy Spirit who drew me to lean into Him that day. I did not lean away, as I so easily could have. He (the Holy Spirit) is so much more than we comprehend. He is definitely more than that doll I so despised. What good is it to have a Helper we never lean on? A gift we never appropriate? If I asked the Comforter to help my sister Carol’s family, including my siblings, do I trust in Him to show up as a Comforter? Do I believe He will fulfill His purpose?

Just reading those job titles in John 14:16 is mind-blowing. Do you believe He wants to be your Intercessor? Your Strengthener? I surely do. But Jesus did not stop with this. He is also the Spirit of Truth (vs 17). The Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. John 14:17. AMP. One of my mentors described the Holy Spirit as a perfect gentlemen. He will not barge in where He isn’t wanted. I am sure He remains with us, but unless we acknowledge Him, we may not even be aware of Him. I want to remind us all, if we call on Him and He is there.

I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come back to you. John 14:18. AMP. That morning, the Holy Spirit came to me in my grief and allowed me to feel His loving care. I was not an orphan, comfortless, bereaved, and helpless. I could feel strength and purpose returning to my soul. It was such a special moment. I could serve my duties with joy, love, and care. Let’s not leave our gift on the shelf, getting dusty and old. Verse 23 in John 14 says: If anyone loves Me, he will keep my word (teaching) and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our dwelling place with him. Now that is humbling and amazing. I wonder how often we settle for less than we could, simply because we are too independent and maybe even stubborn.

Father, I thank you for helping us understand how to really lean on the Holy Spirit in every aspect He is to us. When we comprehend what a difference we have when we access Him as teacher, as Comforter or Friend our lives will change for the better. You truly will be glorified through our lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Lessons on Trust

May 15, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

Oh Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Psalm 25: 1 NLT.

This short verse opens Psalm 25. I find myself increasingly drawn to this simple but profound prayer. This week, our family has dealt with life’s troubles.

My older sister Carol is getting ready to transition to heaven. This was not unexpected, but it is still difficult. She lives four hours away. I struggled to decide if I should drop everything and go be with her and her daughter. So I prayed this prayer, Lord, I trust you. When I talked with my niece, I realized it was best for me to stay here. They have hospice care, and that seems to be all they need right now.

My granddaughter just got her driver’s license last week. Tuesday afternoon, she was driving with her mother. A man pulling a trailer got distracted. He plowed into their car. The car is now being evaluated to see if it is worth fixing. The other driver took full responsibility for the accident. The good news, no one went to the ER. We are grateful. It was frightening to hear about. Yet, it was another chance to say: thank you Lord for keeping them safe and I continue to trust you.

This morning my son-in-law fell. The pain was so intense he passed out. Now, they are running many tests to see if there was any internal damage done to any of his organs. Amid all these tests, I am declaring, “Lord, I trust you”. I trust you to show the doctors any critical issue. I trust you to meet their needs. Keep fear far from them. Just hear:d. No fractures seen. CT scan looks great. Use of ibuprofen/tylenol alternating for pain along with lidocaine patches. Monitoring his heart for twenty-four hours and a breathing tool to prevent pneumonia. Declaring my trust in Him helps me release my faith during stressful times. It also helps me capture wild and wayward thoughts that would lead to fear, and all those “what if” scenarios!

My sister’s end-of-life situation is part of living in this world. So many wonderful memories and the fact she knows the Lord makes a hard thing a little easier. The car accident was shocking and unexpected. By the time I received the call, there were people on the scene helping. The other driver took many opportunities to reassure my granddaughter it was not her fault. Each of these things help build trust in Him even more.

Psalm 25:4 reveals another of David’s prayers that I use. Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. My friends, if we surrender to His will, He will lead us. If you are seeking His will for direction, you must determine beforehand to follow whichever road He shows you! Settle in your heart that no matter what it looks like, His road is best. Remember along that path, you will encounter truth and you will learn some lessons. Some of these lessons may be for you, or they may be to help others.

There is another aspect we need in this area of trust. We find it in verse 6. Praise the Lord! Praising the Lord in stressful times acknowledges Him again. Praising Him unlocks even more trust in Him. For he heard my cry for mercy. David declares: The Lord is my strength and shield. No matter how weak and out of control we may feel, God hasn’t changed. He is still stronger than our adversary. His shield is protecting us. We are not alone in our troubles unless we want to be. I am trying to grow in my trust, like David declares in the rest of this verse. I trust him with all my heart. This is a process. A few nights ago, my friend was facing a difficult situation. I began praying for her. My heart was broken for her. I declared through song: My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow. Strength for today is mine all the way, and all I need for tomorrow. My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow. I may have sung it with tears, but singing it released my faith. I added her name in the song, declaring the Lord knows her way through her own wilderness and I ended up sleeping peacefully.

The rest of this Psalm has good trust statements as well. I encourage you to read it. God’s Word is often like a reset to me. We can never go wrong trusting it!

Father, I thank you for teaching us to trust you. We declare with your son David, O Lord, I give my life to you, I trust in you, my God. You are so trustworthy. Forgive us when we lean unto our own understanding and decide to walk our own paths. I am so grateful you know how to “show the proper path to those who go astray (verse 9). Help us Lord, In Jesus’ Name amen.

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Faith and Teachableness

May 8, 2025 Martha Rodman1 Comment

Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser, teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. Proverbs 9:9 NLT.

I wonder how you and I would rank on a “teachableness” scale? Would you consider yourself very teachable? Somewhat teachable? Or lousy at it? Jesus taught with parables. Some understood them, some didn’t have a clue what he was talking about, even His own disciples! They are excellent role models for us. Because they didn’t just go on with their day, nodding, “oh yes, wise sayings”. In Luke 8, Jesus told the parable of the farmer scattering seed. They did not understand, so “his disciples asked him what his parable meant”. Luke 8:9. My friends, we need to ask about things we don’t understand.

But we must first acknowledge what we don’t know. There are some things in my life I don’t know how to do. Sometimes, I just don’t want to bother with them. Last week, after our Life Group was over, someone noticed a leg on my chair was loose. She picked it up, did something, and tightened it. I didn’t want to admit; I didn’t know how to do it. Usually, I wait till my son comes over, discovers the wobble and fixes it. I never watched him do it or ask how to do it. I just lived with it. However, this week I told myself, it can’t be that hard. I found an Allen wrench, experimented and finally got it to work! Are there areas in your knowledge about God that you have never asked Him to teach you about?

God gave us the Holy Spirit to be our teacher. He wants to instruct us and teach us in God’s ways. Come unto me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30. I wonder if the reason so many of us grow weary is that we don’t know Him well enough. We are walking in our own strength and wisdom, and doing things harder than need be. We focus on the problem more than on God and His ability to solve it. He wants to teach us better ways to do things, if we only ask.

If we want to be teachable, we must quiet our own thoughts and ideas. Then we must put on our listening ears. Many of us find this hard to do amid our noisy world. I’m trying to remember to pray before I open my Bible every day. “Father, teach me. Help me understand what I am reading”. I don’t want to read simply for information, I want to read for application. Sometimes this is hard, because it means I have to change. Being teachable means you will change your approach, your thoughts, your attitudes, or your actions. But we don’t have to make these changes by sheer willpower. We have the Holy Spirit’s help!

Praying with King David, in Psalm 25: make me t know your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Psalm 25: 4-5. ESV. The more we seek Him and His ways, the more comfortable we are with His paths. A person with a teachable spirit is correctable. They do not need to be defensive. They are soft and tenderhearted toward the things of the Lord. They will admit they are wrong.

Years ago I was talking with a friend about the scripture about putting new wine in old wineskins. I was sharing my “wisdom” as a young pastor. My friend offered a very insightful comment, and, to be honest, I was embarrassed by my lack of insight. I was dishonest, and said, “Oh, yes I knew that’. Unfortunately, that lie lost me the insight and wisdom she shared. I had to repent and admit my pride stood in the way of my learning something. I ranked very low on the teachable scale that day. Don’t let that happen to you. Let’s be learners, no matter who the teacher might be.

Father, please forgive our pride. Help us humble ourselves and seek to learn from you. Thank you for your willingness to teach us, even if we resist it. Your ways are higher than our ways, once we learn that it is so much easier to do things your ways. In Jesus’ Name, amen/

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Faith and The Church

May 1, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3: 10 NLT.

Have you ever felt two opposite emotions at the same time? This past Easter, over 100 people raised their hands to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It was so exciting to hear. The next week, we baptized about 30 people! It was exciting to catch their enthusiasm. God is on the move! So I experienced the joy and excitement with our church, and more importantly, The Church. But these new converts are going to need milk and nurturing in God’s ways. They need this if they are to grow up like He desires. I want them to fall in love with Jesus, but also His church.

So my question to all of us is, do you love the church? He does. Do you respect God’s heart toward His church? Is it easy for you to criticize it? But my friends, it is easy to forget the church comprises people.Those people are you and I! If we as “mature” believers do not model love for God’s house, then how are they to learn to?

Maybe you are struggling to love your specific local church. If something has offended you, do not let it fester. Do you not see how the enemy is trying to separate you? If not physically, then emotionally? Forgive where you need to forgive. Get clarification where you need clarification. Remember, every church is made up of imperfect humans. We often expect the perfection of others and want grace and mercy for ourselves. What type of church would the church be if everyone was like you? Now we know we aren’t all the same and that can create problems. But He has made us a body with separate parts and functions. So learn to be grateful for those with different gifts than you have.

Hebrews 10:24-25: And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Here is another question to consider. How can you stir one another to love and good works? You can’t do this if you are not with one another. Satan wants us to focus on ourselves, so we think “It won’t matter if I go today”. The thing he won’t tell you is how God might use you that day for someone else. If we go with self-focused eyes, we will miss Him using us to help others. Even if you are shy and introverted, God can show you how to pray for someone! “Nobody talked to me” “That church is cold”….hmmm, did you talk to someone? Jesus shed His blood for everyone in your church, the same price He paid for you. It may take an effort to love them, but it may take an effort to love you too!

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without spot or wrinkle or any blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without spot. Ephesians 5:25-27. NLT I think we often forget how much God loves His church. We often forget the price He paid for her. We also forget how He is working to make her glorious. We are like spoiled and immature children. We quickly complain and criticize if we don’t get our needs met through her as we think we should. It is time to grow up.

Remember what He said to Peter? And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Matthew 16: 18. ESV. God will perfect His church. It will keep standing. My friend in India shared with me that a house church was attacked and the pastor put in jail. They are standing strong in the face of adversity and persecution. Let’s not worry about minor issues. Instead, let’s take the time to pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted. I am so grateful we have the freedom to worship here in this country. Don’t waste it. There may come a time when we can’t gather. My friends in India are meeting secretly, but they are meeting. They strengthen one another by being together. Let’s do the same.

Father, help us honor and strengthen your church. Not just our local one, but the universal one. We choose to stand with those who may think differently than we do on a topic, but still name you as Lord. Forgive us for disrespecting your Bride, Teach us to love your church, as you do. in Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Faith and Disarmament

April 24, 2025 Martha RodmanLeave a comment

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them. Colossians 2:15. NLT.

In his Easter message, one scripture our pastor used was this one. It was an amazing message dealing with time, the cross and the keys of authority we have been given. As he read, in this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. I became focused on the word, “disarmed”. I thought about police officers disarming the bad guys! I kept thinking about how they do a complete search, making sure there were no hidden weapons. They are “stripped” of everything that could be used against them. This is what Jesus did on the cross! He stripped our enemy of all their weapons!

This was the victory Jesus achieved on the cross. He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. I thought, do I really believe it? That Jesus truly disarmed those spiritual authorities that try to lie and steal my victory? How about you? How would our lives be different if we really understood that our enemy has been stripped of his weapons? I am convinced we often live so far beneath His purpose and plan for our lives. We do not really grasp what He accomplished on the cross for us. This was part of the reason Paul wrote this letter. You can hear the longing in Paul’s writing in Colossians 2:1-2. I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church of Laodicea, and for many other believers who I have never met personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.

I love verse 14: He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. This is not theory, it is reality. Our past sins are under the blood.We don’t have to live in regret for our past failings. We don’t have to listen to Satan’s lies. When the scripture uses the term “disarmed” it comes from the Greek word that means “stripped”. Do you think you can picture it? Those spiritual authorities standing before the King, and Him taking every weapon from them? They are hanging their heads in shame because there is nothing they can do. He’s done it!

So why don’t we live like this is our reality? Because we must enforce what Jesus has already done. It is our responsibility to resist him and watch him flee from us. This is a reminder. Most of you know this, but sometimes we forget. We just do until we make it a priority to really process it into our soul. I admit, he does sneak up on me with his lies and deception. I am so grateful we have the Holy Spirit to remind us what Jesus did on the cross for us. This is an area where we must allow our mind to be renewed, and most likely renewed again! We need to be in His Word daily to maintain the victory in our own lives.

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7. Chapter 2 of Colossians is an amazing reminder of what He did on the cross. Paul’s concern for the believers at Colossae and the surrounding region is so heartfelt. If you struggle with what He finished on the cross for you, take time to meditate on this chapter. It will refresh and encourage you.

Father, thank you. Thank you for allowing Jesus to disarm our enemies. Teach how to put that reality into practice. Every where we have been hoodwinked or lied to, show us. Bring into open areas where we are living beneath what you have done for us. In Jesus’ Name, amen.