To set ourselves up for the best year ever in 2024, we talked about 3 keys to keeping our focus, we learned the 16 Foundational Biblical Doctrines for true Christian living, and we briefly talked about 15 changes we need to make throughout the year.

Because our journey walking with the Lord is a never-ending learning one, I am doing something unconventional on a podcast. As you have noticed I do have a few series on some of our topics. I do this so that each podcast stays around 30 -45 minutes and to ensure that I provide all that is needed to have a solid foundation to stand firm. For example, this is a series on the Ten Essentials, whereas on Thursdays it will be a one-off teaching on different topics.

Here is the current schedule which is subject to change as I grow and obtain feedback from you, my listeners, and/or readers of this blog. Currently, all episodes are released by 6:00am MST.

Sunday: is my rest and if anything is posted on that day it will be a bonus or simply a blog post with a message from one of my mentors.

Monday: is a year-long weekly mini bible study from my book You Are Who God Says You Are. This is to help you Think as God thinks, set your mind on the Lord for the week, and transform your thinking about yourself into Stellar Thinking!

Tuesday: for the first 16 weeks of this new year, we are going into detail about the 15 changes on how to implement them into our lives.

Wednesday: right now, Wednesday is open, which I’m saving for potential interviews.

Thursday: is a range of topics for living our holy life as a single woman.

Friday: is also open at this time.

Saturday: for the first 12 weeks of this year will be what we are talking about now which are the Ten Spiritual Essentials based on the Ten Essentials for the backcountry.

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. [1 Timothy 4:1-2]

Make no mistake about it my dear sister, we are in a battle. Like never before are we up against evil rulers and true enemies. There are evil authorities in the spiritual world that we cannot see, and they are fighting with all they have because they know that we are in the last days.

This scripture is real and so are the demonic forces all around us. Seriously take a look at what is going on with our economy, the border, our fluffy churches, transgender agenda, and all the lies from seriously evil people within our government. I do not want you to be deceived or duped into any more of their schemes and trust me, there are more coming.

However, it’s not only the outside forces that we need to fight. The biggest battle you are fighting is protecting yourself from being in a fluffy church, poor doctrine, or not hearing the full Word of God.

There are so many deceptive spirits and teachings that YOU MUST have protection and these Ten Spiritual Essentials to stand firm.

ESSENTIAL TWO – BELT OF TRUTH
Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)

With that said let’s jump right into Essential #2. This is a defensive weapon that we have to protect us.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm. [Ephesians 6:12-13]

Last week we talked about our first essential which was navigation, we learned that we need to put on the full armor of God. We need to do this so that we can resist the stupid enemy and also, so we are not walking around spiritually naked.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth [Ephesians 6:14a]

What exactly does this mean? Well, let’s first look at what a physical belt does. It holds things in place, and it is wrapped around the center of the body. Belts come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and of course bling.  It also can be used to secure or carry other things that are needed.

When the men fought or ran, they had to gird up their loins. This was done by tucking their robes into their belts. Paul was saying that truth is the belt that allows us to fight without being entangled in our garments. Those who do not surround themselves with truth will become entangled in their webs of deceit and will fall.

The first preparatory piece of armor that a soldier wore was the belt. Centuries ago, men would wrestle with only a belt. The object of the match was to remove the opponent’s belt.

If Satan can disarm us of our belt of truth, he will defeat us, for his greatest weapon is deceit and lies. If we are under his control, it is because we have believed one of his lies instead of the truth of God’s Word. Jesus said, I am the truth. To have the belt of truth on is to look to Jesus to lead the way, to keep your eyes focused only on Him.

Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. [John 14:6].

When the Divine Warrior, Jesus Christ, returns to claim His kingdom, He will be wearing the belt of truth. Jesus will have on the belt of faithfulness and truthfulness. Faithful means adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, steadiness, reliability to a cause, or idea; and staying loyal.

When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. [1 Timothy 1: 3-6]

The scripture is warning people about false teachers and false doctrine. This is so applicable to us today; we need to stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. We need this belt of truth so that we do not waver because of so many false teachings that are being taught now in our fluffy churches. Always come back to the Word of God to check anything that you hear.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth [Ephesians 6:14a]

See how I love your commandments, Lord. Give back my life because of your unfailing love. The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever. Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word. [Psalm 119:159-161]

Putting on the belt of truth involves our heart, mind, and body. It is taking hold of the truth (sound doctrine) and standing firm, not wavering from one belief to the next. If God said it – it’s true and you believe it. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom to discernment. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth [Ephesians 6:14a]

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. [Romans 8:11]

Before we wrap up here, I want to remind you of the power that YOU have been given as a believer. Look at Romans 8:11, we have been given the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. I know this is an entire teaching on its own, but I wanted to remind you that you are NOT helpless and powerless to fight this stupid devil. You have the power of the risen from the dead Jesus Christ inside of you, halleluiah. Also, remember that jerk, the devil doesn’t actually have any power unless you give him yours.

Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. [Luke 10:19]

We have the authority to crush the enemy’s head, he is already under our feet with God’s Word. So put on your belt of truth and STAND FIRM.  Because we have the Word of God, we have the truth, and it’s because of this truth we can stand our ground.

For further study:

1. Look up and write down three more scriptures on what the bible says about God’s Word is truth.
2. Look up and write down three more scriptures on what the bible says about being naked spiritually. (without your armor what happens)
3. Look up and write down three more scriptures on what the bible says about standing firm.

 

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
[1 Corinthians 16:13]