The Armor of God

My quiet time in prayer and Bible study this morning led me to the book of Ephesians. Since feeling a bit discouraged today due to an increase in my dizziness symptoms, I found a lot of encouragement in reading through this book. (Funny how I asked the Lord to encourage me this morning since He commands me in Joshua 1:9 not to be discouraged or afraid, and He did just that)! 

There are many nuggets of wisdom in this book but what I enjoyed the most was reading through the armor of God. What caught my attention today, though I've read through Ephesians hundreds of times, was God's formula for standing firm against the devil's schemes. Since I felt that the enemy was trying to discourage me this morning, I thought I would take a more in depth look at the armor we put on to stand firm against him.

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil". (Ephesians 6:11 NASB)

The Bible warns us to be alert, that we have an adversary, the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and that our struggles are not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, powers, world forces of darkness and the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12). You will note that this verse from Ephesians immediately follows the verse above on how to stand firm against the devil.  He is our enemy and will stop at nothing to try and steal, kill and destroy us (John 10:10). Although, thanks to the sovereignty of God, the devil can not touch us without first getting God's permission (ever read the book of Job)?  God is good!

The Armor of God (Eph 6:13-17)

• Gird your loins with truth

What is truth?

Jesus is truth: "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 16:6)

Jesus is the word of God: "In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.... and the word became flesh" (John 1:1, 14)

All truth is wrapped up in Jesus. Therefore, to gird your loins with truth, you must know the word of God. Spend time every day reading the Bible and getting to know your Lord and savior. According to Kay Arthur's study on Ephesians, a Roman soldier could have several belts; however, the belt that he tucked his short tunic into served as part of his armor, not only holding the breastplate in place, but also holding the scabbard for his short two-edged sword. The truth holds everything together.  Without the truth, we have no basis to stand on.

• Put on the breast plate of righteousness

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cornthians 5:21)

"..and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness and truth" (Eph 4:24)

"I put on righteousness, and it clothed me" (Job 29:14)

A breastplate protects a soldier's vital organs from mortal wounds, especially the heart. Through our faith in Jesus Christ and His death, burial & resurrection on our behalf, we are covered with His righteousness. This is the righteousness we put on in battle, it is not our own. Since it is His righteousness we put on, we can stand confidently in battle against the enemy knowing that the righteousness of Jesus covers our hearts and that we are forgiven. 

• Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace

What is the gospel?  It is "the message of truth.... our salvation" (Eph 1:13)  It is the good news that Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh, lived a sinless life yet died on the cross as God's perfect sacrifice for our sins.  By why?  So we can have peace with God. 

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Ro 5:1)

Stand firm in battle in the knowledge that you are at peace with God, and share the good news with others!

• Take up the shield of faith

"Take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Eph 6:16)

The flaming arrows of the evil one are his lies and accusations (more lies).  Our shield is our first line of defense. We have to shield the truth with faith in Christ's shed blood for us; without faith everything else is meaningless. You extinguish the lies of the enemy with the truth, believing God's word. You can spend all the time you want in the Bible (truth) but you have to believe it (faith). What is the truth? That we are standing righteous before God and at at peace with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

• Take the helmet of salvation

The helmet protects our heads and minds (our thoughts!)  Be careful what you let into your mind, paying close attention to constantly feed your mind with the truth, the word of God. 

"... we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine..." (Eph 4:14)

Don't believe everything you hear but test the spirits (1 John 4:1)!  Believe only the word of God.

Now, you may be wondering why it's called the helmet of salvation?

"But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on.... as a helmet, the hope of salvation" (1 Thess 5:8)

Salvation belongs to every believer, that is the truth.  This is something the enemy can never take away from us. Stand firm in battle believing that truth.

• Take the sword of the spirit

The sword of the Spirit is the word of God (Eph 6:17). The sword is an offensive weapon. It's what Jesus used against the devil in the wilderness and it's what we use in battle too.  When the enemy comes against you with his lies, defeat him with God's word, the truth. 

I hope this post on the armor of God encouraged you as it did me. It's been a while since I studied these passages and digging deeper into them once again was time well spent this morning.  So, stand firm my brothers and sisters in Christ, in the full armor of God! 

Feel free to share any thoughts or comments, I love to hear from you. 

God's gift of Grace

I just started an online Bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries called "Living So That".  It explores many of the "so that" verses in scripture.  One of my own personal favorites (which may or may not be included in the study) is when Jesus says: 

"These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)

Yes, thank you Lord Jesus!  Because He has overcome the world, I am an overcomer too! 

The author of Living So That reminds us that we don't do anything to earn God's grace, but rather it's His free gift to us. It doesn't depend on what we have done or do, but what God has done for us by sending His son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross as payment for our sins. 

Today's blog post from the P31 Online Bible studies was regarding this word grace.  One of the women posted a short video where she shared what God spoke to her heart regarding this grace and the message was just plain awesome! It gave me chills. She said she was texting her friend the word grace and accidentally typed grave. This is when God spoke to her heart the message that Jesus has taken us from the grave to grace. The "C" (Christ) covers the "v" in grave (just as we are covered by the blood of Jesus!) and turns the word to grace. Since I feel I can't do the story justice, I'm posting the link to the video below and I hope you'll take 2 minutes to watch it. For those who are visual learners like me, you'll like this.

From the Grave to Grace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qxEAHV5zLg

I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did!  What a message to carry through the day. 

Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

So, I finally got my diagnosis as to why I've been so dizzy on a daily basis for almost 2 months now.  My ENT sent me for a test called an ENG which revealed a 28% unilateral vestibular weakness in my right ear. He's not exactly sure what caused it but thinks it was most likely a virus that attacked my inner ear. He encouraged me to continue with vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) and I'm in my third week of that therapy now.  

Update: I got a second opinion a while back and was diagnosed with uncompensated labyrinthitis (a form of unilateral vestibular weakness).  Truth be told though, she didn't really know for sure what I have. Apparently, I don't meet all the criteria for any vestibular disorder, so this was her best guess as its the category I most closely fall into to.  It's been over 2 months since this post and I continue to struggle with the dizziness, although it's getting better with my vestibular therapy!  I have days where I feel 80-90% better and days where I'm back in bed.  I'm plugging along though, patiently waiting for my healing from the Lord!  "For the vision [of my healing] is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, [I will] wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (Habakkuk 2:3)

Update #2: I now believe I may suffer from Migraine Associated Vertigo. I don't know for sure, but it certainly sounds possible and given the fact that my doctor isn't sure what's causing my problem, I'm going to try the MAV diet as recommended in "Heal your Headache" by David Buchholz, MD.  For the fully story, I posted about this here. 

For those not familiar with vestibular rehabilitation (I certainly wasn't before having such issues!), it's like physical therapy for the balance system. It's a series of exercises that actually provoke my dizziness so the brain can compensate for the inner ear damage. I do a lot of exercises with my therapist that include balancing on one leg with my eyes closed (on both solid ground as well as balance foam), standing heel to toe with arms crossed and eyes closed, turning my head quickly from side to side and up and down while focusing on a letter on the wall, etc. It may not sound challenging but it is HARD! Because of my inner ear imbalance, my system relies heavily on my eye sight right now so any time I have to close my eyes I'm pretty much a fall waiting to happen. 

My homework includes walking up and down my hallway looking up/down, right/left, diagonal up/diagonal down, and even adding half turns into my walks.  Those are the worst!  I've avoided turning around as much as possible so having to force myself to do it has been difficult.  Now that I'm almost done with my third week of therapy, I do find that it's starting to help.  I no longer react as strongly to the exercises, meaning the dizziness doesn't get provoked as bad. The one move I still struggle with is those turns but I look forward to mastering those too. 

Now that I know the exact illness the Lord is going to heal me of (see His promise to me here), I will continue to walk by faith through my therapy exercises and in life, and wait on His perfect timing!

Has anyone else walked through vestibular therapy or suffered from vestibular dysfunction? I'd love to hear from you so we can encourage one another in the Lord!

For more information on Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, see the link below:
http://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder/treatment/treatment-detail-page

The Perfect Result

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4

I took my blog post title and scripture today from Kay Arthur's Facebook page.  (If you haven't heard of her, she is the founder, along with her husband, of Precept Ministries International.  If you're looking for serious and effective Bible study, you must check out what they have to offer).  Her teachings have changed the way I study my Bible and helped deepen my faith like non other.

So, why am I blogging about trials? Many weeks ago, I wrote an entry about my struggle with vertigo and dizziness and how the Lord spoke to me and told me that He was going to heal me. You can find that blog post here. While I'd like to say that I was healed instantaneously and miraculously (who doesn't want that?), which I know my Lord is more than capable of, I was not. Instead, the dizziness progressed to the point where it became a daily, constant occurrence and still is to this day. I don't doubt that Jesus will heal me as He promised, but I know now that I'm going to have to wait for His perfect timing. He knows what's best for me and I just have to trust Him. He has taught me so many things through this trial that if I were to write about it, my post would be pages long. I have also experienced Him in new ways and my relationship with Him and faith in Him has deepened even more. What more could I really ask for?  Do I want to be healed right now? Of course. However, would I trade what I have learned from Jesus and how deeply I have experienced His presence since this all began just to have that instant healing I asked for over a month ago?  No way.  I would miss out on my perfect result. 

For those of you who have been following my review of the Fe Fit workout system, I'm sorry to say that any exercise of that manner is going to be on hold for now. You may wonder how I even pulled off doing the workouts while feeling this way. It's kind of a two part answer. First, my determination tends to outweigh physical limitations and second, I actually feel somewhat better when I'm moving. The dizziness hits me hardest when I'm still. All that aside, I started Vestibular Rehabilitation (physical therapy for the balance system) and my therapist told me to cease all activity other than walking for now.  Anything more is just too much stimulation on my vestibular system. Not only that, but the therapy itself has increased my dizziness.  I was told that I will feel worse before feeling better and boy, they weren't kidding! Once I am healed though, I plan to get back to it. The workouts that I've tried were awesome and I have no doubt that they'll just keep getting better.

Here are some final thoughts from Kay Arthur regarding the above scripture:

Whatever you are enduring now—or whatever comes your way in the future—it is not without purpose in the sovereignty of God. And it is for that reason that you can have that inward sense of joy. God promises that it will not destroy you—rather, over time it will be the making of you. 

Amen!

Review: Fe Fit 90 Day Fitness Experience

Image taken from www.fe-fit.com

About a month ago I heard about a fitness company called Fe Fit. They created a 90 day system consisting of a variety of workout genres (core, cardio, barre, upper body, lower body, total body and stretch), all 30 minutes or less, with a time commitment of just 3 times per week. I looked into their workout system on their website, and checked out some free Youtube clips of their classes and was immediately intrigued!  

Now I'll admit, I'm not the type of gal who likes heavy lifting, dark sets or puke in the bucket cardio sessions. I also don't like to spend hours a day, 6 days a week working out.  I'm all about a balanced approach to health and fitness these days and if I can fit in a formal workout most days of the week, and make sure I'm getting in some type of movement the other days, then I'm good. If I can get in and get out in less than an hour and feel worked out, then that's a bonus! Therefore, what really appealed to me about these workouts is: 1) the length (30 minutes or less); 2) the commitment (3x per week); 3) the structure (90 days all laid out for me!), and last but certainly not least; 4) what I like to call the feminine factor! The set is bright, the focus is on the female trouble zones, the instructor seems cheerful and motivating and there's lots of pink!! Okay, that happens to be my favorite color! 

The goal of the Fe Fit creators is to get you to make fitness a priority, and who doesn't have 30 minutes, 3 times per week to fit something in? It's not about slaving away at workouts to achieve a certain look, but rather a realistic way to get you up and moving for your health with aesthetic results being a bonus. When we're healthy, we can better serve those around us! This set was made by moms for busy moms, but anyone can benefit. Although I'm not (yet) a mother, I'm really looking forward to my 90 day Fe Fit experience!

When I received my set I was pleasantly surprised to find my package wrapped up like a present, right down to being all tied up with a pink bow!  I thought that was really cute. Inside was a handwritten note welcoming me to the Fe Fit family signed by the founders, Renee & Melonie.  Also included is a Fe Fit Quick Start Guide, a 90-Day Calendar with pink Fe Fit stickers to track your workouts, the Health & User Guide and the workouts.  

Image taken from http://www.fe-fit.com/90day-experience/

Fe Fit Quick Start Guide
This is a card that outlines, in 6 steps, how to get started with the 90 Day System.  You will need the following equipment: yoga mat, dumbbells, resistance bands and a Pilates circle (or ball).

90 Day Calendar
This booklet outlines what workouts you will be doing on which day each week, for 13 weeks. It comes with small, pink circular stickers that say Fe Fit which you can use to keep track of each workout as you do them (just place the sticker on your calendar each day after your workout is complete).  

Health & User Guide
The user guide provides you with information about about the 90 Day System and genres used, some background information on the instructor, the equipment you will need, as well as a page to track not just your aesthetic results, but also your increase in strength & stamina.  In addition, you get a "3 phased,13 week approach to improving your overall health and nutrition".  You will be adding one healthy habit a week for 13 weeks.  The first phase is about your choices, the second is your habits and the third focuses on your wellness.  I like this approach of making small changes each week, rather than trying the all too common approach of changing everything at once and feeling overwhelmed.  

The Workouts
The discs come in a cardboard book.  There are 8 discs with 28 workouts.  You have the option to play the workouts with the music on or off.  You will be doing 3 Fe Fit workouts per week with 2 days of optional run/walk/active relaxation, or one of their stretch workouts. Whether or not you choose to do something active on your off days is totally up to you, but it's always a good thing to get in some form of movement.  I personally love walking and can't wait for the spring to get here so I can get outside again!!  

Disc 1 has the Intro to Fe Fit video that you are to watch first.  It also has 7 workouts, 15 minutes or less, called the Fe Fit Essentials (Barre, Cardio Circuit, Core, Lower Body, Stretch Flow, Total Body Toning and Upper Body), that you are to do before starting the program.  I believe you can find them on Youtube here. Disc 1 also has 3 workouts for Week 1.  

Discs 2 through 7 have two weeks worth of workouts on each of them; 3 workouts per week, for a total of 6 workouts per disc.  Are you following? ;-)

Disc 8 has 4 optional stretch flow workouts.

Here's a clip:

I plan to get started on my 13 week fitness experience this upcoming week.  Feel free to join me on this journey and share any thoughts, comments or questions along the way!

For more information on Fe Fit, see the links below:
Fe Fit Website
http://www.fe-fit.com/

Fe Fit Youtube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UChyjJ9X02DsRHhZ5bLQtnbg

Fe Fit Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/festrongmoms

Fe Fit Twitter
https://twitter.com/Fe_Fitness

I received this video set from Fé Fit at a wholesale price. I am not being compensated in any way and the opinions expressed herein are solely mine.

Jehovah Rapha: The Lord our Healer

I've been wanting to make this blog more than just about video fitness DVD reviews for a while now.  Since what I experienced this morning while in quiet time with the Lord was too good not to share, I thought I'd make my first non-fitness related post about it.  

I suffer from a form of vertigo called benign positional vertigo. Without all the technical details, I'm told that the balance crystals in my ear occasionally get out of place and float around, thus tricking my body into thinking the world is spinning when it's not. If you've ever experienced this, I really feel for you and please know you are in my prayers.  It's called benign because it's not serious (as in: life threatening... it certainly feels serious otherwise!), and positional because it has to do with head movements.  It used to only happen once, maybe twice a year but lately it's been getting more frequent.  In between my bouts of vertigo, I tend to feel like I'm on a rocky boat. It's this constant feeling of being off balance and the world around me sort of swaying.  That almost feels worse than the vertigo because no change in head position can make it go away. 

I've prayed about it, asked others to pray for me and have tried to not worry and just trust in God. I have felt the prayers of others for me working through peace and even feeling better physically, but for the past few days, the dizziness has gotten the best of my emotions.  I reached a point just last night where I cried out to the Lord with one of those desperate please, please, pleeease meet me here Lord cries.  I needed Him in that moment, I need Him now and as the tears fell I begged Him to heal me.  More than that, I just begged for His presence, for His life changing power to fill me up and to help me go on.  I needed to know that He heard me (by faith I believe He heard me, but I wanted one of those confirmations only He can give physically).  I started to feel a bit better and laid back to relax.  As the day drew to a close, I slowly drifted off to sleep.

During my quiet time this morning, I've been working through a Bible Study called No Worries: Learning to Trust our Sovereign God.  The days study revolved around 2 Kings 20:1-6 where the Lord tells King Hezekiah that he needs to get his affairs in order because he's going to die. Hezekiah cries out to the Lord in tears and this is the Lord's response:

Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David, "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you".  (2 Kings 20:5)

Wow!! My eyes immediately welled up with tears as I felt the Lord speaking directly to me. I can't even fully express here in writing what an awesome moment that was or what power I felt in those words.  The God of the universe was speaking to me. That was His answer to me.  He heard my prayers, He saw my tears, He will heal me.   He chose to reveal Himself to me, not at all surprisingly, through His living word. 

Does this mean I will be instantly free from my vertigo or ongoing feelings of being off balance? I don't know, but I believe that my all powerful God can do it if that is His will. According to His word, which never fails that is His will!  He will heal me, in His time, how He sees fit.  For now I will rest in the security of His promises and preserve His answer to me in this post as a reminder of my God who loves me, who hears me and who answers me when I call.  

Thank you, Lord.