And Having Done All, Stand part 8

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(Please note that the teaching begins at the14 1/2 minute point of the mp3)

In previous studies of this series, we talked about the importance of recognizing that we are in a real battle against unseen forces of evil and the nature of that battle.  We considered the value of being inwardly empowered by the DUNAMIS of God and how to go about it.  We've looked at putting on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness and we've talked about having our feet shod "with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Last time we focused on the shield of faith.

If your salvation — like a helmet — is not worn tightly around your mind, the enemy will come to chop the multiple benefits and blessings of your salvation right out of your belief system. He will whack away at your spiritual foundation, trying to tell you that healing, deliverance, preservation of mind, and soundness are not really a part of Jesus’ redemptive work on the Cross. By the time the enemy is finished with your mind, the only thing he will leave you with is Heaven! 

-Rick Renner, from Dressed to Kill 

Today we turn our attention to the helmet of salvation.

[Eph 6:13-17a, ESV] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation....

What is meant by salvation?

The primary word family used in the New Testament to communicate salvation and its benefits is...

• SOZO- to save, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively); also used to describe physical healing and deliverance from demonic oppression
• SOTER- a deliverer or savior
• SOTERIA- rescue or safety; rendered deliver, health, salvation, save, saving
• SOTERION- defender or defense; often rendered salvation

What does the Bible reveal about the salvation that is available through Jesus?

·         Salvation from sin and sin's eternal consequences

[John 3:14-17, ESV] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,  ¹⁵ that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. ¹⁶ "For God so loved the world,  that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

[1 Tim 1:15-16, ESV] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. ¹⁶ But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

(Also see Acts 4:10-12; Rom. 1:16-17; 10:8-10; Eph. 2:1-10; Tit. 3:3-7)

·         Future deliverance into the fullness of all that has been eternally prepared for God's people for eternity

[Rom 13:11, ESV] Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.

[1 Peter 1:3-6, ESV] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials....

(Also see 1 Cor. 15:50-55; 2 Cor. 5:1-6; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; John 14:1-6)

Every evangelical Christian would agree that the statements above and the supporting Scripture passages describes salvation... and many would also include the following.

·         Freedom from the authority of the kingdom of darkness

[Col 1:13-14, ESV] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

[Col 2:13-15, ESV] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴ by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵  He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

(Also see Acts 26:12-18; Eph. 2:1-10)

·         Deliverance from demonic oppression and healing for physical conditions

[Matt 8:16-17, ESV] That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. ¹⁷  This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases."

[Acts 10:36-38, ESV] As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ ( he is Lord of all), ³⁷ you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

[Acts 8:4-7, ESV] Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. ⁵  Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. ⁶  And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. ⁷ For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.

 (Also see Matt. 9:35-!0:8; Acts 19:10-12)

·         Salvation of the soul (mind, emotions and will)

[James 1:21, ESV] Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

[2 Tim 1:7, NKJV] For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

• SOPHRONISMOS- literally, 'saving the mind'; sound mind

But even these do not cover the full measure of the salvation purchased for us by Jesus... which according to the apostle Peter includes everything needed for life.

[2 Peter 1:1-4, NKJV] Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: ² Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, ³ as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, ⁴ by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Think about the promise of this passage: those who have come into relationship with God through Jesus Christ have - through his divine power - access to everything that is needed for their earthly life as well as everything that is needed to grow in godliness.  No physical. material, emotional, relational or spiritual need is left out. Take a moment and ponder the Amplified Version:

[2 Peter 1:2-4, AMP] May grace (God's favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  ³ For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).  ⁴ By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.

With this in mind, read and meditate on Isaiah 53:4-5 from the Amplified:

[Isa 53:4-5, AMP] Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. ⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.

Jesus gave us what we commonly call communion - the Lord's supper - as a tangible way of remembering the promise of Isaiah 53.

[1 Cor 11:23-26, ESV] For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, ²⁴ and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."   ²⁵ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."  ²⁶ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Consider this very practical approach to putting on the helmet of salvation:

1. Bring to mind an aspect of your life that is currently (or perhaps just commonly) under assault by the enemy.
2. Locate a promise from Scripture that clearly addresses this issue. (If you don't know of a promise, ask those you trust spiritually.)
3. Take a communion wafer in your hand and thank the Lord for his body which was crucified for your full salvation, including the specific area of need you are addressing. Thank him for the promise and then speak the promise as a blessing over your life circumstances.
4. Take the cup of communion in your hand and thank the Lord that salvation, including the promise related to the specific need you are addressing, is provided to you through his blood and his righteousness, not your own. (This is especially important if the enemy taunts you with unworthiness with regard to receiving that which God has promised.)
5. Repeat as often as needed until the mental warfare is won and a sense of confidence and trust in God's provision for your circumstance prevails. (Even if the promise has not yet been fulfilled, the battle is won when the enemy's lies no longer have an effect on your confidence.)

Potash & Repentance

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l  Jan. 2012 / Alan Smith talking about soil ammendment.

l  I hear what I believe to be the Spirit of God say, “ The soil needs ash.”

l  I asked God what did ash represent and believe Him to say “Repentance”.

l  All parables of God will be as true in the natural as they are in the spiritual.

l  Our hearts are the soil in the parable of the sower. Our process is to CHANGE that soil. We need to ammend our soil, making the good soil as in the parable of the sower.

l  Study according to USGS / United States Geological Survey and PDA / Potash Developement Association

My questions were:

l  What benefit does ash play in soil ammendment ?

l  What does a crop deprived of ash look like?

l  What does a crop with plenty of ash look like?

l  Is soil ammendment a one time act?

I researched from a secular site called USGS ( United States Geological Survey)– “Science For A Changing World”.  Also PDA / Potash Developement Association.

**I found the results to be far more than I had anticipated, and unbelievably thorough. Here is what USGS and PDA have to say about ash in regard to soil.

Normal plant  growth requires large amounts of potash (K). In fact, throughout growth most plants contain more potassium  than any other nutrient. Adequate quantities of potash (K) are essential for a crop  to achieve its full yield potential and for product quality.

Lack of plant available potash (K) in the soil results in weaker, less vigorous crops that suffer major penalties in difficult growing seasons. In years when growing conditions are good the response to potash (K) may be modest. But in adverse years its contribution to optimum yields will be substantial. Adequate potassium (K) thus provides some “insurance” against adverse conditions in difficult growing seasons.

The addition of other fertilizers can be a waste of time and money, sometimes even counter-productive, or dangerous to the growing enviroment, because they cannot be properly processed without the functions that potash brings to the soil. It is the job of potash to evenly distribute the other nutrients throughout the plant.

(We have been praying for “other nutrients” such as signs, wonders and miracles. Is it possible God is requiring us to first prepare our soil with healthy amounts of ash so that we will not be burned up when He gives us Phosphates ( revelation) and Nitrates ( power), which in the natural are the other two main nutrients needed for healthy, vibrant growth.)** see information resources**

Potash is necessary for  producing a healthy growing environment.

Potash  is a quality enhancing fertilizer; it helps to assure plant  health and proper maturation.

Potash improves root health and strengthens the very cellular structure of plants, helping them resist all kinds of stress.

Potash (K) is one of the three main plant  nutrients, one that has no substitute.

(repentance)

The role of Potash is as follows (as taken from PDA)

l  Water Retention – The ability to absorb and retain the water of the Word of God and to allow it to bring life to our spirit and soul.     

“ Whoever drinks the water that I give will never thirst. Indeed, the water that I give will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14     

                  

l  Yield – To have the ability to produce the maximum fruit we were created to produce.

“Still other seed fell on good soil where it produced a crop; a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” Matt. 13:8

l  Nutrient Value -  The ability to strengthen our lives which will strengthen the lives of others through encouragement, hope, compassion and truth.

“Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then their will be equality. 2 Cor. 8:13-14

l  Taste – That the words we speak, the life we display causes those who see and hear to want to return for more of this fresh, pure, sweet fruit.

  “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Gal. 5:22-23

l  Color -  Our lives are to be vivid and beautiful to the beholder.

“ How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” Romans 10:15

l  Texture – Our lives are to be rich in love and in sincerity, not just in word but in deed also.

“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Heb. 13:16

l  Disease Resistant –

o    Able to hold fast to the truths of God in times of trial and turmoil.

o    Able to stand firm as a beacon, of sorts, to those who may be fainting or losing their way. Able to recognize the schemes of satan and have understanding how to avert disaster.

o    In other words, having had the necessary nutrients for proper maturation. 

“My brother, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this; whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19

(Also, as an added bonus, a healthy resistance to natural disease.)

How Painful Is Repentance?

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” 2 Cor. 7:10

Never meant to be painless.

Not sorry I got caught. True repentance WILL bring about a change. Regardless of whether or not the repentance is face to face with another person or alone before God, TRUE Godly sorrow WILL bring change. CHANGE is our barometer. The goal was never keep repenting, the goal is to stop sinning!  The hope is that the “anticipated” pain, the pain of having offended a brother or the pain of having grieved the Holy Spirit, will produce the sought after gain,  a humble, repentant heart. It was the kindness of God that gave us the act of repentance for those times when we fall short.

1.    Acts 26:20

First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds

2.    Ezekiel 18:30
“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall

3.    Luke 17:3
So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them

4.    Luke 17:4
Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

5.    2 Corinthians 12:21
I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged

6.    Acts 8:22
Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.

7.    Revelation 3:3
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

8.    Revelation 3:19
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent

How important is repentance?

John's message was

l  “REPENT , for the kingdom of  heaven is near.”

l  “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

l  ...and so John came ...preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Then Jesus, after John was put into prison, said

l  “The time has come, the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.”

What was the introduction?.....REPENT! The first thing you did as a believer was to repent.

This call is still being extended, and will continue to cry out until  Jesus returns.Repentance should be a way of life, not a one time act. Keep the fire burning! Don't let the debris build and build and build. Through repentance, God will turn your debris into fertilizing ash, your ashes into beauty. (Story of burning  large pile of debris.)

l “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” 2 Cor. 7:10

Many times the disciples asked Jesus to explain a parable.

 This parable is easily explained by replacing“ash (or potash)” with “repentance”,

“plant” with “christian”, and “crop” with “church”.

Normal Christian growth requires large amounts of repentance. In fact, throughout growth most Christians contain more repentance than any other nutrient. Adequate quantities of repentance are essential for a church to achieve its full yield potential and for product quality.

Lack of repentance in the Christian life results in weaker, less vigorous churches that suffer major penalties in difficult growing seasons. In years when growing conditions are good the response to repentance may be modest. But in adverse years its contribution to optimum yields will be substantial. Adequate repentance thus provides some “insurance” against adverse conditions in difficult growing seasons.

Repentance is necessary for producing a healthy growing environment.

Repentance  is a necessary quality enhancing fertilizer which helps to assure Christian  health and proper maturation.

Repentance improves root health and strengthens the very cellular structure of Christians, helping them resist all kinds of stresses.

Repentance is one of the three main Christian nutrients, one that has no substitute.

**Information sources include:**

PDA (Potash Developement Association)– Leaflets #8, 24, 28, 29 and “Understanding Potassium”

USGS-Science For A Changing World- Minerals- Potash Statistics and Information

Potash Uses In Gardening

New American Webster College Dictionary

Three main nutrients: Potassium, Phosphate, Nitrogen

Potassium – a soft, silvery white chemical used in fertilizers, commonly refered to as

“Potash” – a white chemical obtained by leaching wood ashes.

Phosphate – a compound of phosphorus used as a fertilizer

Phosphorus – a chemical that gives off light when struck by ultra-violet  radiation; (phosphorescent) property of giving out light without sensible heat

Phosphorus, phosphor – from Greek (lit. light bearing), the morning star.

Nitrogen – a colorless, ordorless, gaseous element, no.7, symbol N,forming four-fifths of the volume of the earth's atmosphere; used in making explosives as in nitric acid; niter – nitrate of potassium used in making gun powder.

(New American Webster College Dictionary)

And Having Done All, Stand part 7

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In previous studies in this series, we talked about the importance of recognizing that we are in a real battle against unseen forces of evil and the nature of that battle.  We considered the value of being inwardly empowered by the DUNAMIS of God and how to go about it.  We've looked at putting on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness and we've talked about having our feet shod "with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

Today we turn our attention to the shield of faith.

Eph 6:16, ESV   In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.

The goal of this study is to...

• come to understand the word pictures Paul uses to describe the importance of faith in spiritual warfare
• come to understand the specific application of "faith" that Paul is trying to express
• leave with a clear understanding of what we can do to activate and grow our faith in such a way that we are able to withstand every fiery attack of the enemy

Flaming Darts

• BELOS- a missile; could refer to darts which were hurled by hand, arrows which were propelled by bow, or spears which could be launched by hand or throwing machine

Most likely Paul was thinking of flaming arrows, one of the most dreaded weapons of his day. The simplest flaming arrows had oil- or resin- soaked cloth tied just below the arrowhead. These were mainly used against wooden structures. Other arrows were more advanced and would have been more terrifying. Some had hollow tips which were packed with combustible material. Others had iron boxes and tubes attached to them which were filled with incendiary substances. These arrows came in quickly, so they were hard to see, and when they hit they would burn or explode.

1 Peter 4:12-13, ESV  Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

A study of Scripture reveals two specific types of fiery trials that can be expected from the enemy: 

• psychological and physical attacks because of our commitment to Christ (1 Pet. 4:12-14; 2 Tim. 2:3; 3:10-12)
• temptations to sin ( 1 Cor. 10:6-13: Jam. 1:12-15)

The Shield

The Roman army utilized a variety of shields but Paul chooses a very specific term to describe the shield of faith - THURA, which comes from the Greek word for door. The THURA was approximately 52 inches high and twenty-five inches wide, which means it was designed to protect the whole body. THURA were made of two layers of wood (a primitive form of plywood) and were frequently lined with brass. Most importantly, these shields were covered with several layers of leather and before battle they would be soaked with water, which would effectively extinguish the flaming arrows.

Ps 115:9-11, ESV  O Israel,  trust in the Lord!He is their help and their shield.10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord!He is their help and their shield.11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!He is their help and their shield.

The Shield of Faith

• PISTIS- reliance, trust, confidence, belief, faith

As used in the New Testament, PISTIS essentially means "a trustful human response to God's self revelation via His words or actions."

Heb 11:1,6 AMP  NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].... But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].

This defines the essence of faith, but no single Scripture passage or definition can capture the full meaning of biblical, kingdom faith. We can get a little closer to the full meaning by viewing faith from four perspectives:

• Saving faith... the inner conviction that leads to an outward response that results in salvation, when someone hears the good news about Jesus (Rom. 10:8-10; Eph. 2:8)
• Belief in the body of truth revealed in the Bible, often referred to as "the faith" (Jude 3; 1 Tim. 3:9; 4:1)
• Specific faith for a specific circumstance or need (Matt. 9:20-22; Acts 14:9)
• Trust or confidence in the ability, constant availability and ever willingness of God to guide and protect me
• All three are attributes are essential for trust to be well founded.

It is this fourth perspective of faith that Paul is emphasizing as he writes of the shield of faith... an overarching confidence on the part of the believer in God's ability, constant availability and willingness to protect from and give victory over every fiery attack of the enemy.

Trust in the ability, constant availability and willingness of God to protect is the faith "...with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one."

An example might be my confidence in FedEx to deliver an important letter by the next morning. They have developed the organization and the systems for overnight delivery. They have the equipment and human resources available. And they are willing and ready to take care of my overnight delivery need. When all of this is combined with their reputation for millions of successful, on time deliveries, I have good reason to trust that they will take care of my letter. 

When it positively, absolutely has to be there overnight....

Rom 8:37-39, NIV  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Cor 1:8-10, ESV  For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10  He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

2 Tim 1:12b, ESV ...for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.

Common theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms

Ps 62:5-8, ESV For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,for my hope is from him.6  He only is my rock and my salvation,my fortress; I shall not be shaken.7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;my mighty rock, my refuge is God.8  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him;God is a refuge for us.

Ps 71:1-5, ESV In you, O Lord, do I take refuge;let me never be put to shame!2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;incline your ear to me, and save me!3 Be to me a rock of refuge,to which I may continually come;you have given the command to save me,for you are my rock and my fortress.4  Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.5 For you, O Lord, are my hope,my trust, O Lord, from my youth.

Ps 91:1-6, ESV  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most Highwill abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust."3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowlerand from the deadly pestilence.4 He will cover you with his pinions,and under his wings you will find refuge;his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.5  You will not fear the terror of the night,nor the arrow that flies by day,6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.Ps 9:9-10The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,a stronghold in times of trouble.10 And those who know your name put their trust in you,for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

The best way to build and strengthen this aspect of faith is by meditating on the passages of Scripture that highlight and celebrate the ability, constant availability and ever willingness of God to guide and protect.

Rom 10:17, ESV  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

One more way this aspect of faith is built and strengthened - the Testudo Formation

The historian Plutarch , when writing about Mark Antony's invasion of Parthia in 36 BC, described the TESTUDO formation that soldiers carrying the THURA would make when attacked by a cascade of arrows:

Then the shield-bearers wheeled round and enclosed the light-armed troops within their ranks, dropped down to one knee, and held their shields out as a defensive barrier. The men behind them held their shields over the heads of the first rank, while the third rank did the same for the second rank. The resulting shape, which is a remarkable sight, looks very like a roof, and is the surest protection against arrows, which just glance off it.

The Roman historian Cassius , writing about the same military campaign, described the TESTUDO formation this way:

The Baggage animals, the light-armed troops, and the cavalry are placed in the center of the army. The heavy-armed troops who use the oblong, curved and cylindrical shields are drawn up around the outside, making a rectangular figure, and, facing outward and holding their arms at the ready, they enclose the rest. The others who have flat shields, form a compact body in the center and raise their shields over the heads of all the others, so that nothing but shields can be seen in every part of the phalanx alike and all the men by the density of the formation are under shelter from missiles. Indeed, it is so marvelously strong that men can walk upon it and whenever they come to a narrow ravine, even horses and vehicles can be driven over it.

Rom 1:11-13, ESV For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.

This is the essence of Heb. 10:24-25 (read 10:19-25).