- We are given the command to Be strong in the Lord.
- To be Strong in the Lord means to walk in His word, know his Word and to trust His Word.
- You are strengthened through His Word and your relationship with Him; your union with Him.
- Don't think that your difficulties and struggles are with a person, a teacher, a boss or a situation.
- No, we have to realize that everything is spiritual.
- v. 12 says, "we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."
- See your problems for what they are.
- The enemy wants to distract you from growing in your relationship with God and wants to break your unity.
- He wants to strip you of your power so you feel powerless.
- He wants you discouraged and frustrated.
- But God has not left you powerless. He has given you weapons to fight with.
- His weapons are designed for you to draw your strength from Him.
- Strength that is provided by His boundless might.
- He reminds you to put on the Full Armor!
- Don't leave a piece of it off or leave any part of yourself exposed as an easy target.
- If we fail to put on the armor, we will not be able to stand in battle.
- Satan wants to exploit our weakness, he looks for areas to take us down, and so we cannot stand.
- Remember as you get dressed physically to also put on these pieces of "Spiritual clothing".
- The Belt of Truth - Knowing The Truth, Jesus Christ, and walking and living in Truth... His ways! (John 14:6)
- The Breastplate of Righteousness - The Holy & perfect Righteousness that comes from Jesus Christ and right living that comes through living in the power of His Spirit.
- Sandals of PEACE - Inner peace and readiness "For He Himself is our peace..." Eph. 2:14-15
- Shield of FAITH...Living by faith (Gal. 2:20, Rom. 4:18-21
- Helmet of Salvation - being secure in your Salvation through Christ today and forever. Acts 4:12
- The Sword of the spirit: GOD'S WORD. (John 1:14) Heb. 4:12
- Have Gods word in you...read it, memorize it, speak it, live by it.
- Remember to dress for success every day.
- Be alert
- Be prepared
- Be ready
- v. 18 says, "Pray in the Spirit at all times and every situation. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
- Don't be surprised when attacks come.
- 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."
- Know that attacks will come, know the source of the attack and be prepared!
- Have a great Tuesday!