Ephesians 6:10-17
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.
I once heard a saying that goes like this: "if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything". What do you stand for? Is there a line in the sand that you stand firm on? What happens when someone or something crosses the line? Do you move the line, or stand firm? Scripture tells us to, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13
Does it matter what is happening around us? Should we go about our business, not bothering with the things going on in the world? Is it an option to not pay attention? In the book of Matthew, scriptures,10:16, Jesus tells His disciples, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves."
Why would Jesus provide us with so many scriptures pertaining to the evil that is perpetually around us, if there was nothing to be concerned about? In Matthew 12:34-35, Jesus addresses the Jewish rulers of that time, stating, "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him."
It seems to me that it is wise to be aware of the circumstances, God is certainly aware of the events that are taking place and He is always by our side. There is a story about a man who sat on his roof during a deep water flood and he prayed that God would save him; God sent a man with a boat, more than once, and yet, the man remained on his roof. He ultimately drowned and when he got to heaven, he asked God why He didn't save him; God reminded him that He sent a rescue boat more than once, but it was up to the man to "get in the boat."
What boat is God calling you to get into, how is He preparing you for any dangers that may lie ahead; will we recognize the safe guards He will send when we're in trouble. Look around you, look up, Jesus is calling us as the time is near. Isaiah 65:1 tells us, "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I." Isaiah 55:6-7, says, "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Jesus is our boat, we need to get in!
Closing Thoughts:
There is so much going on in the world right now that which has blurred the lines in the sand; one thing is crystal clear, God asks us to stand firm on His Word, "Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58
In the book of Luke, 12:4-7, Jesus reminds us, "So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim on the housetops."
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