To Be...Found Fighting to the Finish
March 1
As I typed in March, I thought...God gives us marching orders everyday!
Are you ever digging into God's Word and just go WOW! Have no clue what led me into Ephesians 6, but it was on a day that the Devil's darts were flying and the Message translation was right on target for me! Before we dig in let's set the tone with these two songs by Mandisa.
Overcomer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z29olPjFbqg
Stronger
This passage is lengthy but God has something in it specifically for each of us in these words of wisdom Paul wants to pass along. Praying right now that you will be filled up and ready to fight to the finish of this journey called life!
"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out.
Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-20, 23-24
Remember, God wants us strong and able to stand against devil darts! Grab your weapons before you go out the door today. (If you live near me, take an umbrella today.) As we are doing our mental checklist before we leave our homes...wallet, car keys, water bottle, to do list...let's also do a spiritual battle checklist throughout the day, as new situations arise.
1) Pray
2) Eyes Open
3) Encourage fellow believers
We are in this thing called life together and I am oh so grateful.
"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11
