
THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN
Stand Firm
One of the most consistent prayers and encouragements we hear in the message of the Christian Bible is that the Lord would work through his people, to enable them to stand firm when facing trials and challenges.
It should not be a surprise to the honest reader of scripture that the follower of Jesus Christ will encounter times of great joy, as well as great hardship and trial. In the following reading, we hear an encouraging message that speaks to how we are to stand firm when we encounter these challenging times. The passage below was inspired by the Holy Spirit, given by the Apostle Paul to the church and worthy of our time and energy today:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.
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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
Reflection
As you face your day today, consider the following points and meditate on their meaning and application into your day to day life:
· I am called to stand against the devil’s schemes. (vs 11)
· Our true fight in this life is not with one another but against the opposing spiritual forces that seek to lead me away from the narrow path of Christ (vs 12)
· Prior to the time of battle, I need to seek out the armor of God so that I will be able to stand firm in the time of trial. (vs 13)
· As I stand, the Lord will equip me and enable me to fight this good fight, so long as I rest in his salvation, truth, and calling. (vss 14-17)
· Amazingly, the Lord wants me to pray in his Spirit on all occasions and about all that I encounter. (vs 18)
· God wants me to pray for others, not just myself! (vs 18)
In Christ,
Ryan Laden
OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH
“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”
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