5.17.2016

Equipped to win


Are you fighting a battle today? Weary from your struggle in dealing with the challenges of life, feeling like you might just go down in defeat?

I’ve had a challenging week myself. Sometimes the battles just seem overwhelming, don’t they? Like they’ll never end, never change. Then discouragement sets in and down I go.

But one morning the Lord reminded me of the bigger picture. No soldier is sent to the front lines in a t-shirt and jeans, right?  They are completely outfitted and trained to fight.

The Father knows that we are living in a hostile world, fighting against an enemy who hates us and seeks to work his destruction in our lives. BUT, God did not leave us defenseless. He equipped us perfectly to fight every battle—and win!

Like soldiers who must be trained to use their weaponry, so must we. Mastery comes through knowledge and practice. God has shown us in His Word what’s ours to freely use, and how to use it.

So in the battles of your day, here’s what you have to fight and stand your ground:


The Word of God - what God who cannot lie has said He will do for you if you believe it and act on it in faith.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Ephesians 6:17  (NLT)

The blood of Jesus - deliverance from all sin.
He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.   Ephesians 1:7  (NLT) 

The name of Jesus - His authority and the right to use it.
You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!   John 14:13-14  (NLT)

The Holy Spirit - our Helper, Counselor, Advocate (helps you discern the nature of the battle, gives you wisdom how to fight).
And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.   1 Corinthians 2:12  (NLT) 

The gifts of the Spirit - specific helps for every situation.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.   1 Corinthians 12:7  (NKJV)

Prayer - the living connection to God Himself and His power.
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.   James 5:16  (NLT)

Holy angels who are on assignment to protect and fight for us.
Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.   Hebrews 1:14  (NLT)

The gift of peace.
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.   John 14:27  (NLT)

The assurance that the Father is at work in every situation for our good.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.    Romans 8:28  (NLT)

The armor of God - a great overview of how to go into each day!
Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For 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. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.   Ephesians 6:10-18  (NLT)  

Pretty awesome, huh?  Thank You, Lord!

Whatever battle you are facing, remember--you are not defenseless.  The Lord means for you to win and He has provided you with a complete arsenal of weapons to fight and stand your ground until you see the victory!

5.05.2016

Finishing well


My daughter has been in the last push before the end of her college semester, so her days are filled with the flurry of final projects, tests, and general wrap-up of her studies. I pray each day for her strength, mental focus, and the ability to finish well.  You know how hard it can be to keep up the momentum and get the job done well.

It's easy to start...hard to finish!

Are you working on an ‘assignment’ from God today that sometimes seems will never end?  Maybe you're a mom tired from parenting battles with your kids. Maybe you’re under pressure at work to get a project done and but obstacles continue to delay you.  Maybe you’re trying to pay off debt and progress is disheartening. The enemy of our souls will use all the negative stuff coming at us daily to wear us down and discourage us even further.

Then there’s the struggle to stay motivated. We might have started off full of vision and determination, but fatigue, disappointment, or discouragement in the long haul can make us want to pack a bag and disappear for a while. (Been there!)

I’ve been in such a season the last couple of years, that of helping care for elders in our family. Sometimes when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I try to remember that I only have to serve well today. God promises strength and wisdom for today, and that is enough.  The Big Picture is made up of all the todays, done faithfully.

If you are struggling today to keep your momentum, I encourage you to step back and get the big view again. Remember that the Lord equips who He calls! Jesus' words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant' are the reward we seek. The goal is to finish well, to complete our call, carry out our part of Kingdom work.

Be encouraged!  He doesn't call you to do it all, just be faithful in your assignments today.  The Lord is your strength and will give you all you need to finish well.