Category Archives: Guard

Bible, Commands, Guard, Law, Scripture, Witnessing, Words

ENTRUSTED

ROMANS 3:2

“Great in every respect. First, that they were entrusted with the actual words of God.”

Have you ever been given something for safekeeping? Perhaps a friend asked you to hold on to something for them for a while and protect it. We see this idea a lot in movies when one character is given a treasure which others are trying to snatch from them. They fight to protect what has been entrusted to them. That’s a close analogy to today’s verse.

Paul answers his own questions asked in the previous verse. Remember those? What advantage or benefit did the Jew have over the Gentiles? And Paul answers literally, “Much in every way!” Why can he say that? He answers in the next sentence. Because God had entrusted them with His words. No other people had been given God’s words like the Jewish nation. God had cut covenant with Abraham and then gave Moses the ten commandments and the rules that followed. God had spoken directly to the Jews for generations through their prophets and judges.

APPLICATION

The key word in today’s verse is “entrusted.” It is the very commonly used word pisteuó, which is the word we translate as “believe” or “have faith.” The word here is in the Aorist Indicative Passive. What does that mean? One source said, “When you see an aorist indicative passive verb, you can understand it as conveying a past, completed action that was done to the subject.” The Jews were given God’s words in the past. That’s a fact. There’s no doubt about it.

The question arises then how they kept it, how they protected it. Psalm 119 is a great chapter to learn more about God’s word. Almost every verse of the 176 verses mentions God’s commands or precepts. Here are just three verses from Psalm 119, to show you what I mean. “4 You have ordained Your precepts, that we are to keep them diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be established to keep Your statutes! 6 Then I will not be ashamed when I look at all Your commandments.”

Are you keeping God’s words safe by obeying and sharing? Nothing keeps God’s words safer than by sharing them with others. That may not make logical sense, but it’s the way God has passed on His words to generations, person by person. There are still billions of people out there who have not experienced the saving power of God’s words. Will you be the one who takes it?

Lord God, use me to keep and share Your Word!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Captivity, Guard, Scripture, The World

TAKEN CAPTIVE

COLOSSIANS 2:8

“See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ.”

We just witnessed a few days ago the release of three women who had been held hostage for well over a year by Hamas. These women underwent extreme suffering and treatment while in captivity. I can’t even begin to imagine what they went through. They are free now, but I am sure their minds are still being tormented by what happened to them. Praise God they are alive.

Even though you and I may never be taken hostage physically, we are at risk daily of being taken captive through our minds. Paul warns the Colossian believers in today’s verse to “see to it” that does not happen. The phrase “takes you captive” is sulagógeówhich comes from sulon (booty or plunder) and ago (to lead or carry away). Literally, to carry away booty. Sulagógeó is only used right here in the whole New Testament.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes explains sulagógeólike this. “The Greek word used here means to spoil in the sense of plunder, rob, as when plunder is taken in war. The meaning is, ‘Take heed lest anyone plunder or rob you of your faith and hope by philosophy.’ These false teachers would strip them of their faith and hope, as an invading army would rob a country of all that was valuable.”

I don’t want that happening to me. Do you? I don’t want someone messing with my faith. I don’t want my thoughts about God to be warped and confused. But that is exactly what is happening around the world right now. Remember, the devil is a deceptive foe. He won’t reveal himself outright. He disguises himself to woo us to his side. If we are not grounded solidly in the Word, he can deceive the most determined believer.

Guard yourself against “philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world.” If the world says it is so, it probably isn’t. The old saying goes “Believe half of what you see and nothing you hear.” That is so true today. Be on guard!

Lord, praise You for showing me the truth. Keep my eyes on You.

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Beware, Bible, Guard, Scripture, Walking, Warnings

WALKING WISELY

EPHESIANS 5:15

“So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise,”

Long gone are my days of reckless abandon, jumping across creeks, running through the woods and walking recklessly down steep hills. I can’t feel my feet that well anymore since I developed neuropathy from my chemotherapy a few years ago. I have to watch each step I take. I can’t rely on feel. I have to be able to see where I am stepping or leaping or jumping. One misstep and I could break an ankle or leg.

The Greek text gives a clearer emphasis of what Paul is writing in today’s verse. It literally reads, “Take heed, therefore, carefully how you walk…” The first word is blépō, which according to HELPS Word studies, means this, “properly, to see, be observant (watchful). Blépō suggests ‘to see something physical, with spiritual results (perception).’ That is, it carries what is seen into the non-physical (immaterial) realm so a person can take the needed action (respond, beware, be alert).” Then we see the Greek word translated “carefully.” This word refers to having the highest degree of accuracy. These two words together give a much clearer image than just “be careful.” Paul is telling us to look closely and carefully and apply what we see.

APPLICATION

That advice can be applied in many areas of our life, but especially our spiritual walk. How many times have you and I taken a wrong step spiritually? Too many to count! In Mark 8:15, we see blepo used when Jesus refers to the leaven of the Pharisees. “And He was giving orders to them, saying, “Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and the leaven of Herod.’” Look carefully for those things that want to deceive you.

In Philippians 3:2, Paul uses blepo three times to give us warning. “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;” Warning signs! Danger ahead! Take caution! Guard yourself! In each example of this word blepo I have given you, it is in the Present Imperative Active which means it’s a command that is to be continuously followed. You can’t afford to take a day off.

I am reminded of the death of King Ahab of Israel. Remember? Let me remind you from 1 Kings 22:34. “Now one man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel in a joint of the armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, ‘Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am severely wounded.’” He had disguised himself and even brought in a “body double,” King Jehoshaphat of Judah, to throw off the enemy’s attack on him. But he was still struck by an arrow and died. You cannot disguise yourself enough to hide from the enemy’s arrows aimed at you. You must guard your heart daily with His Word and His Spirit. Beware!

Father, thank You that You are constantly guarding me. Keep me alert and aware of the devil’s schemes.

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Allies, Bible, Choices, Deceit, Division, Falsehoods, Guard, Isolation, Scripture

ISOLATE

GALATIANS 4:17

“They eagerly seek you, not in a commendable way, but they want to shut you out so that you will seek them.” 

Some people, in an effort to control you, will try to isolate you and shut you off from your friends and family. They will appear to have such compassion and care for you, but it is all part of their plans to have you to themselves. They will fill your mind with all kinds of platitudes. You will think they are your best friend. They can be very convincing.

In today’s verse, Paul is referring back to the people who were trying to put the Galatians back under the law. One term used to describe them is “Judaizers.” These people “eagerly” sought the Galatians. They wanted to “shut…out” the Galatians, isolate them so they could control them. They knew Paul stood in their way, so they were always trying to stir up discord about Paul and drive him out of town. Paul is warning the Galatians here about them.

APPLICATION

How does this verse apply to us today? Well, there are still a type of Judaizers among us. There are people who want to control how and what we think. There are plenty of modern day legalizers who want to force you to obey laws and commands which we have been freed from. Romans 8:1-2 says it clearly. “1 Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” 

When we learn to live in freedom, without any guilt from what others are saying we should and shouldn’t do, then we will experience true freedom in Christ. Later in this letter to the Galatians, Paul says this, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) “A yoke of slavery”! Who wants that? I sure don’t.

So, don’t let others tell you what you must do or not do in Christ. Go to the Word. It will instruct. Sure, we need good counsel and good teaching. But ultimately, you must discover your freedom in Jesus. Don’t get isolated by any one person or group. We need fellowship with other believers. Remember that Christ has set you free through His blood.

O Father, I thank You that I do not have to conform to a list of rules to show my love for You.

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Allies, Bible, Defense, Guard, Guardian, Protection, Scripture

GUARDIAN

GALATIANS 3:24

“Therefore the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.”

When I worked in the Child Welfare field, I often had dealings with people who served as a Guardian-ad-litem (GAL). That person was someone who watched out for the care of a child who had been placed in state custody. They were appointed by the court to ensure that proper placement occurred and, once it did, that the custodian at that site was meeting the social, spiritual, educational and medical needs of the child. Most, if not all, these GALs I met were special people with good hearts.

Paul describes the Law much like a GAL. Its purpose was to direct and care for the people. Its purpose was to try to guard them against getting hurt by giving them clear directions on how to live. But try as it might, the Law could not save them. It was limited. It was powerless to save. It did, however, point to Christ Who can save us.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for guardian is paidagōgos. It’s only used three times in the New Testament (here, in tomorrow’s verse and in 1 Corinthians 4:15). HELPS Word Studies says it “is used of the role of the Law (OT), especially the necessary “letter” (foundation, technicalities) needed to establish the doctrines of salvation, grace, faith, etc.” A guardian is a good thing, even though many people who have one begin to resent it. They want their freedom. Hmmm, that sounds familiar, doesn’t it.

1 Corinthians 4:15 says, “For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” What was Paul saying here? Guardians are no guarantee of getting things right. You need someone to truly come alongside you and spend time with you. You need someone to serve as your role model.

In my ministry (Every Man A Warrior), we do just that. We get men to spend time with men and be each other’s allies. We need each other. We need others to serve as our guardians, our role models, our defenders and protectors. All of that is for one purpose – to point each other to Christ. Nothing is more important than that. Can you do that for someone?

Father, help me be a good “guardian” for another brother in Christ to help them in their walk with You.

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Advocate, Allies, Battles, Bible, Covenant, Defense, Enemies, Fighting, God's Will, Guard, Opponents, Protection, Rescue, Safety, Scripture

THE LORD IS ON OUR SIDE

ZECHARIAH 14:3

“Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle.”

Everybody remembers the childhood games when kids gathered outside and picked sides to play a game. Whether it was baseball, football or red rover, getting picked last was the worst. No one wanted to get picked last. Getting picked first was the sign of being one of the best, if not the best, players. Get picked anywhere – just not the last.

Well, in verse 3 of chapter 14, we find the LORD getting picked to fight on the side of Israel. Woo-hoo! They just scored the best and most powerful player. When all the nations of the earth turn against Israel, the LORD will jump in. Those nations have no idea what is about to hit them. They don’t see the LORD, but He is there. They will feel the full force of the Creator of the universe.

APPLICATION

He is on our side, as well. Did you know that? The same God who will defend Israel has joined us in our daily battles. Deuteronomy 3:22 says, “‘You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.’” How about this one? Joshua 23:3 reads, “‘And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the Lord your God who has fought for you.’”

You are probably saying, Carl, those are Old Testament verse about God fighting for Israel. That’s just like our verse today in Zechariah. Okay, how about this one? This is one I have referenced before. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” We have God’s armament!

We have nothing to fear. God is on our side. He is fighting for us. All we have to do is yield to Him. Then He can unleash the forces of heaven against our enemies – in His time. We have to wait on Him. He will come through. Never doubt that. He may seem to be late, but He is not. He is always right on time. He will fight for us!

Thank You, Lord, for fighting my battles daily. I may not see You, but I know You are there.

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Angels, Bible, Blessing, Caregiver, God's Will, Guard, Protection, Scripture

ON PATROL

“And the man who was standing among the myrtle trees responded and said, ‘These are the ones whom the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.’”

ZECHARIAH 1:10

I was just talking to a fellow brother in Christ who serves as a deputy in Wyoming. He shared that the county where he serves is very large. He could drive an hour west, east or north and still be in the county. His department has to cover that area, so they are on patrol a lot. Much of the area is sparsely populated, but they still require their services.

I wondered about that when I read verse 10 today. “The man” standing under the myrtle trees tells Zedekiah that the ones he asked about were on duty for the Lord. They were sent to patrol the earth. Their roles were not to deliver any messages to the people, only to patrol and report back to their superiors in the angelic realm.

APPLICATION

You may not believe in guardian angels, but Scripture teaches that in several places, Zedekiah 1:10 being one of them. These angels in today’s verse were watching over the people and then reporting back to heaven. Hebrews 1:14 tells us, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to provide service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”

How about Matthew 18:10? “‘See that you do not look down on one of these little ones; for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.’” That is probably my favorite since it is from the very mouth of Jesus. God is watching over us and uses His angelic forces to do so.

I have never seen an angel, that I know of (except for my sweet wife). But I am certain I have entertained some without knowing (Hebrews 13:2). Probably with all my travels around the globe, my guardian angel has had to work overtime, covering different time zones on different continents. Notice to my angel – I will traveling again soon so get your wings tuned up.

Lord, thank You for covering me with Your angels. I know I am safely guarded and protected according to Your will.

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Baptism, Bible, Disciplemaking, Guard, Obedience, Scripture, Witnessing

STANDING GUARD

HABAKKUK 2:1

“I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the watchtower; and I will keep watch to see what He will say to me, and how I may reply when I am reprimanded.”

Have you ever been waiting for a message to arrive? Maybe it was a phone call or a letter. Perhaps it was some other type of communication (we only have about a billion types now). The anticipation is excruciating, isn’t it? I remember waiting for my college admission letter. When that envelope arrived, I knew it would be either good news or bad news, but at least now I had the letter.

Habakkuk says here at the beginning of chapter 2 that he will wait on the message from God. He knows his calling as a prophet requires him to deliver the news to the people, whether it is good news or bad news. He is simply the messenger, but he must wait on God’s message. He can’t just make up his own message and pretend it is from God. He waits in obedience.

APPLICATION

God has a message for us to deliver. We don’t have to wait as Habakkuk did. We already have it. It is the story of His Son who came to give us life. We have the best news story of the centuries. For some it will be the news they have been waiting for. For others it will be the death nail in their coffin of disobedience.

Regardless of how others respond, we are commanded, just like Habakkuk, to deliver the message we have been given. The question is whether or not we will be obedient to our calling as believers. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is pretty simply – go make disciples, baptize them and teach them. It’s not complicated. You don’t need a seminary degree to do it. Just do it.

We can all improve in this area of evangelism. I believe with all my heart that time is getting short. That’s not a prophetic statement. It’s just my personal belief. So, I need to be more diligent at sharing with others. You need to join me. Time is wasting. We are the watchmen on the wall.

I will deliver the message Lord. The rest is up to You.

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