Preserving Our Assurance - Stressing the Rails - November 16, 2022, Stressing the Rails with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. - Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Preserving Our Assurance - Stressing the Rails - November 16, 2022

November 16, 2022

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY November 16, 2022

Preserving Our Assurance

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20

Satan is an enemy of every believer, and his lies gnaw away at our faith. The apostle Paul calls his schemes “flaming arrows” and assures us that our shield of faith is able to extinguish all of them (Ephesians 6:16). But the devil still tries to put doubts about our salvation into our minds, hoping that we’ll drop our shield of faith and believe him. However, if we understand his methods, we can be vigilant and avoid his traps.

Unconfessed sin. Satan tempts us to sin, and if we yield, he whispers, “You can’t be saved. Look at what you just did.” This harassment cycle continues until we finally confess the sin and claim God’s promise that those who receive Christ are saved (1 John 5:10-12).

Ignorance of God’s Word. If a believer isn’t well grounded scripturally, he can be fooled by false teaching. For example, it’s not uncommon to hear that we can’t be certain of redemption or that salvation can be lost. But we have the sword of the Spirit to silence the lies, because false doctrines simply do not withstand biblical scrutiny. That’s why it’s essential to study the Word.

Reliance on emotion. When we rely on feelings and experiences rather than the truth of God’s Word, the ordinary ups and downs in our spiritual life may cause us to “feel” unsaved. However, genuine assurance is built on faith in the Lord and the promises in His Word—not on emotions.

Hold up your shield of faith, take the sword of God’s Word, and trust Him to fight for you in battles against the enemy. The Lord is your defense and protection.

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About Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. is a native of Birmingham, Alabama where he was educated in the public school system. He graduated from Tennessee State University, Nashville,Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He received a Master’s Degree in Music Education; a Class A certification in School Principal ship and the Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Dr. Wesley received a Bible Diploma and Bible Certification from Birmingham Baptist Bible College. He completed the Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership Program from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Wesley earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana May 2006.

Dr. Wesley retired in 2003 after a brilliant 26-year career as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. He served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal of three different schools (Powderly Elementary; Arrington Middle and was the first African American principal of Woodlawn High School). He served on the Central Office staff as Extended Day Principal and Coordinator of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Dr. Wesley is regularly sought after to speak in both schools and churches. He has had the privilege of speaking across the nation and in several foreign countries. His spiritual gifts of teaching and preaching are well documented. He is a member of many organizations. His civic and professional associations are too numerous to mention.

Most recent is the evidence of his leadership, occurred with the completion of a multimillion dollar edifice and education facility located in the heart of the West End community.

Dr. Wesley is currently the pastor of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in the West End community where he has given thirty years of service. He has a great love for people and for learning.

He is married to the former Venita Burkes, and is the father of two sons, Rev. Michael Wesley Jr. and James Edward, one grandson and two granddaughters.

Dr. Wesley is the author of three books, When God Changes A Church, Everybody Deserves A Good Funeral and Reaching the Unchurched_Pathway to Church Growth.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.