How you doin? So the Eagles lost a heart breaker last night. They are a very young team and it showed last night. Great experience for them. It should serve them well next session. Please be praying for Stacey and I as we begin fasting today. Ephesians 6 today.
This final chapter is from the posture of standing. We sat and received. Then we walked. Now we stand. This is a defensive posture. Standing our ground in Christ. I think it's interesting that this chapter starts with instructions on obeying and honoring parents. Verses 1-3,"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—3"so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” I never think of this commandment of being the first with a promise. Verse 4, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." God's plan and instructions make perfect sense. Kids obey and honor your parents and parents train up your kids in the Way of the Lord. All of that so we can receive the promise “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” I want it to go well.
Verses 10-13, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your standagainst the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." I have a hard time with this Scripture. I always make my struggles against flesh and blood. My own flesh and blood that is. Sometimes it feels like being in a net. The more I fight, move, wiggle, and struggle, the more entangled I get. This set of instructions say to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power". It says to "take your stand" and "stand your ground". It does not speak of wrestling or struggling myself into more entanglement. This posture requires a deep understanding of the power and authority that I have in Christ.
It's no coincidence that the postures of a follower of Jesus are in this order. Sitting, so to receive all the power and authority of heaven and earth that Jesus won back by defeating death. Walking, so to activate the full measure of faith that God gave me. Standing, so not to be entangled in the devil's lies and schemes. Bill Johnson said "spiritual warfare is the only warfare that you don't look at your opponent, you look at the Victor". Sit, walk, and stand today.
PS What a great chapter to read heading into a fast. Please be praying for us. This fast is to allow my spirit to lead my soul and body. I don't want to struggle with my flesh and blood anymore. God has made it clear to me that this is necessary and right. I will need prayer to keep my eyes on the Victor throughout this time of lies and schemes. Verses 18-20, speak of prayer as part of the armor of God and standing my ground. SO GOOD!!!!!!!
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