Welcome to Hank’s Place –
Recently hurricane Helene has destroyed lives, cities, towns, infrastructure, at a level not seen in decades. Media has not covered the incredible magnitude of destruction, according to relatives there in North Carolina of our close friend. Please, ask the Lord what you can do to help in relief, recovery and restoration. Certainly pray. Give financially, materially, physically, as He directs. I would suggest Samaritan’s Purse and/or local churches for financial giving.
God did not send the hurricane. But the devil will accuse Him of judgment upon a wicked America. No. Not true. He is FOR America. At this time of shaking we could use a good word concerning victorious living — and we find it in the book of Ephesians.
The overall theme is our new life in Christ. Paul begins by revealing we are now already seated, by grace – in the heavenly places with Christ. Then he speaks of our walking – worthy, in love, in wisdom, as children of the Light. He concludes by telling us to stand firm – in spiritual warfare, resisting in the evil day. Seated. Walking. Standing.
Listen to chapter 6 verse 10. “FINALLY, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” “…be strong in the Lord” – our strength comes from the Lord, not ourselves. The verb “strong” literally means “empowered.” We are not spiritual athletes exercising spiritual disciplines like prayer, bible reading or study to make stronger spiritual muscles. It is NOT ABOUT US, our strength, but recognizing our reliance upon the Lord Jesus and HIS power, HIS strength, HIS might. Remember Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens – empowers – me.”
Then verse 11 reads, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
“Schemes of the devil?” What are those? Those schemes are large scale plans intended to distract us from Jesus. Life is all about Jesus. The devil does not care what it is we do, as long as we are believing the devil’s lies and relying upon our flesh, our own understanding, our strength, rather than the Lord’s.
Now, what have I been sharing about God in Hank’s Place? About yourself? To believe who He says He is. To believe what He has done for us. To believe His word concerning us. To believe His promises toward us. Now Paul repeats some of these vital words of truth to us, describing them as God’s armor for spiritual warfare.
Although the devil was defeated and disarmed at Calvary, he and his demon forces are still roaming about seeking to ruin humanity through schemes, deception and lies designed to fill us with doubt and unbelief.
So TODAY, have faith in God, and COME ALIVE by STANDING FIRM in the victory Christ has won for you!
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