Good Morning everyone! I pray everyone had a great Christmas and still enjoying this special time between now and the new year. How has 2020 been for you? For myself, I feel the Father of Lies has been working overtime this last year to win the battle in our minds and hearts. I know I have been on the end of some losing battles this year. Thankfully, He reminds me us in 1Corinthians 15:57 these minor defeats are temporary and victory is ultimately His.
Maybe this last year you were impacted by a job loss or didn’t get a position you had applied for. The devil will often speak the lies of insecurity, failure, and struggles that will ask you what’s next?
Maybe you have lost touch with some friends, family, or haven’t been able to meet with your small group face-to -face? I’m grateful for Facetime or Zoom but I also know these are not the same as sitting together in the same place, face-to-face enjoying time together with laughter, tears, and great big hugs! The devil will speak lies of loneliness that can lead to questioning yourself or turning to false pleasures.
Maybe you have lost a loved one this last year? I’m sorry. The devil will make you question why this horrible thing happened to you or maybe even you did something to deserve it? Whether it be Covid related, mental health or just the stress that living through this last year has brought; the fact is those are only lies. You have not lost faith, hope, or love.
1Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
I’m asking us all to pray for each other as we head into a new year. Pray for those areas we each need strength. If you need specific prayers please comment back. We would love to pray with you! Here are some ways we can fight against the enemy that has worked hard this last year.
- Keep the Faith – Have faith like Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen God has been and always is working for the good for those who love Him. Romans 8:28.
- Have Hope – God will always prevail. Sometimes our timing is not always Hs timing. His plans are not always our plans. Romans 8:24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
- Always have Love – God’s love is present in every joyful circumstance and painful experience. We can ask for spiritual strength to trust 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Let’s put on the Whole Armor of God! The biggest war is in our minds. Be active this year. Full of Faith, Hope, and Love! Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Dear God,
The devil is constantly seeking to destroy me. Yet, in Christ, You have given me all that I need to win this battle. Please help me to put on Your armor daily and to stand strong against the enemy’s attacks. Amen