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| September 15, 2001 |
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| Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perserverance and supplication for all saints." Ephesians 6:10-18 There is a demonic world around us and it is manifesting itself at the present hour. People are being ensnared and led into all kinds of demonism. There are spiritual forces today, working in our world, evil forces working against the church ~ they are working against the believers, against God, against Christ Jesus! It is happening!! And you and I are no match for it! Satan has a well-organized group, and his organization is manipulating in this world right now. The heartbreak, the heartache, the suffering, the tragedies of life are the work of Satan in the background. He is the cause of the great problems that are in the world today. However,we have the enemy located and identified! That enemy is spiritual ~ it is Satan who heads it up! Now, let us recognize where the battle is. Could it be amid our church? Are we, brothers and sisters, content and comfortable with our own personal church families to the point we stopped recruiting more soldiers for Christ? And, are we still encouraging those whom we have invited? Or have they gone astray also, possibly seeking some attention and companionship elsewhere (where Satan is just waiting for their kind!)? WHAT ARE WE DOING to maintain God's army? Guilty? I am not ashamed to admit that I could be doing much much more myself! How about you? The Bible tells us our command is to stand! "Having done all, to stand." The devil will attack!!!!! Again, and again, and again! STAND, CHRISTIANS!!! Application: The whole armor of God consists of six pieces: Truth, The breastplate of righteousness, Preparation of the gospel of peace, The shield of faith, The helmet of salvation, and The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying is linked to "stand" (v14). Without prayer God's armor is inadequate to achieve victory. Prayer is indispensable! We are to pray always "on every occasion." May God bless you and guide you today as you go out and win soldiers for His Magnificent army! Love in Christ, Sandy |