Life Plan Devotion [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part I]

Hi, Everyone.
I trust you had a good weekend. There are just a few weeks left of school, and summer will be here before we know it. Wow!
Today, I'm excited to begin the fifth piece of the Armor of God--the Helmet of Salvation. As I often do, when I contemplate beginning a "new" devotional topic, I feel a bit overwhelmed, but I know that God will lead and guide, for this is His project. I'm just the one doing this:
As always, it blesses me to hear from you. Thank you for taking time out of your day to get into the Word. God will bless you for it. If today's devotion causes you to feel less than assured of where you are, in regard to salvation, just PM me. I'd be honored to help you.

Life Plan Devotion #83 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part I]

     Ephesians 6:11 tells us the purpose of "the full armor of God," which is "so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." We have looked at these pieces of holy armor: 1) the Belt of Truth, 2) the Breastplate of Righteousness, 3) the Gospel of Peace Shoes, and 4) the Shield of Faith. Today, let's begin to look at the fifth piece of God-gifted armor, the Helmet of Salvation.
     Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary defines "salvation" several ways. No doubt, when you hear/read the word "salvation," you think of something like this definition: "In the New Testament, [salvation] is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin, wrought by Jesus Christ, 'the great salvation' (Hebrews 2:3)."
     While the redemptive and regenerative aspects of salvation is not the total meaning of the Helmet of Salvation, it is what makes one a soldier of Christ and the reason one is given the Armor of God. Salvation is a most important topic, and your answer to the question, "What will I do with Jesus?" will affect your life, both now and for all eternity.
     Salvation, in regard to the verses we will look at today, comes from the Greek soteria, which means "to rescue, deliver, save." Luke 19:10 tells us that Jesus "came to seek and to save what was lost" [you and me]. Acts 4:12 says that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
     Jesus came to earth for the express purpose of dying for the sins (past, present, and future) of all mankind. You will know where you are, concerning salvation, based on your reaction to the gospel, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (I Corinthians 1:18). 
     There are two basic, true markers of one who has said "yes" to salvation. First of all, one believes with one's heart. Secondly, one confesses one's salvation (Romans 10:10). One is saved by grace, through faith, not from works, although good works should follow (Ephesians 2:8-9).
     Salvation is a gift of God's mercy (Titus 3:5), but one must receive it. It is a gift that is meant to be given away, as well. The message of salvation must be shared with others. It's the believer's responsibility and carries a great blessing, both for the one who shares and for the one who hears the message. James 5:20 tells us that "Whoever turns a sinner away from his error will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."
     Salvation qualifies you for the Helmet of Salvation, along with every other piece of the Armor of God. Have you been saved? You're not promised tomorrow. Have you put the Helmet on? You need its protection. Have you passed along the good news of salvation? You may be the last person to speak to someone, before he/she enters eternity. Don't miss the opportunity.

II Corinthians 7:10
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret..."

What this has to do with weight loss: There is a difference between "sorrow" and "godly sorrow," not only with respect to salvation but also with one's weight-loss journey. If you are merely "sorry" for allowing yourself to become obese, you haven't gotten to the place of "godly sorrow," which leads to true repentance. How will you know you've reached the latter stage? You'll not just be sorry, you'll be different.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, my decision to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus is most important, with eternal consequences. May I allow it to change me. May I never take it for granted. May I share its news with others. Thank You for the Helmet of Salvation, which comes to me the moment I say "yes" to You, in Jesus' Name. Amen."

Go forth today, receiving the Helmet of Salvation based on salvation.

Blessings,
Mary

Hello Mary, God Bless you. I have been not only reading your devotions which I am so blessed by, but I know print two copies everyday. I give them to two of my coworkers. One is the one I mentioned to you that is a weigh watchers leader and needs to get off 10 pounds. She is so blessed by the Word God gives you everyday, that I printed her the whole series on the armor of God and she wants to give it to her sons. The other copy I give to another coworker who is not saved, but struggles with her diabetes and weight. She lost a lot of weight but then put it right back on. She wants to know if you speak publicly or are a writer. I told her I would ask, but she so appreciates all you have to say. Thank you again so much for all you do for God. I know it was Him that brought me to this website, forum and you. Thank you again for being obediant and using your gift for God's glory.


In Christ
Karyn

Hi, Karyn.
What a fun reply! It blessed me. I'm so happy that you're sharing these devotions with your two coworkers.  I know that God's Word will bless and help them. Let's believe that your unsaved friend will get saved!
We still have the Helmet of Salvation to finish and the final piece of Armor, the Sword of the Spirit, and then your friend's collection will be "complete." :)  Of course, since we're dealing with God's Word, no book or devotional series can ever really be complete. That's one of the things I love about the Word of God. There's always something new in it, even when I've read a verse over and over. :)
You can tell your friend that while I've taught a few Bible Study classes and small groups, I wouldn't call myself a speaker. It is a dream of mine to sing and speak in front of women's groups. I believe that I will have opportunity to do that, once I get the rest of my weight off. It will open new doors for me. :) 
While I have never written and published a book, I do enjoy writing. I've kept a journal for years. My children look at all of them and tell me that when I die, they're going to publish them and make some money off me. lol  I tell them that's fine with me, because that's probably the only way they'll get money from me. lol
I have had the privilege of editing a few books. I enjoy that. It's fun to see my name with a thank you from the author. I would love to write a book, especially a devotional, as that seems to be the area where I'm most prolific in writing. If God opened the door, I'd walk through it. Until then, I'm content writing them for anyone who cares to read them. It never ceases to amaze me that God can use me. That's our God, though. He will use anyone willing to be used of Him.
Have a wonderful day, Karyn. Thank you so much for reading, replying, and being used of God to make a difference in the lives of others.
Blessings,
Mary

Mary thanks for the reply. You are such a wonderful example of how God can use people in others people lives and how if you listen to Him and obey Him you will be blessed. I thank you for that.
" Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. " Psalm 37:4 Have ablessed day.

In Christ
Karyn