Preparing for WAR!! Pt. 2

(Continued from Preparing for War!)

Yesterday I made the point that most single people struggle the most during the holidays.  This is the prime time for Satan to whisper tricky lies into your ears, making you feel awkward and alone.  Today I will point out how exactly we should fight against Satan in this war for our hearts.  As I said yesterday, this is not something to be taken lightly, it is in fact a war raging against us.  So put on your competitive helmet and get to work!

Ephesians 6:10-12

"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."

I like to think of these verses as Paul's pep talk to the church of Ephesus.  Get up!  Prepare for battle!  This ain't no rodeo, this is war!  Can't you hear him charging out orders with power and authority?  This is exactly what we Christians need to hear going into a battle field like this.  In the next few verses he gives the real specifics of fighting off the devil's schemes.  I will relay the message to you then put it in practical terms.

Stand firm with the belt of TRUTH.
In John 14:6 Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth, and the life.  He is referred to as the truth in many places throughout the Bible.  Many times the truth is referring to the gospel as well, but the fact is that God is truth.  God's son, Jesus is truth, and God's word the Bible is truth.

So hold tightly to the things of God.  Even Jesus quoted scripture to the devil when he was tempted in Matthew chapter 4.  Memorize verses and quote them boldly to the devil in times of temptation.  The truth of God combats the lies of Satan every single time.  When whispered a lie, quote truth.

Let your feet be ready with THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.
When we are under attack, the last thing on our mind is sharing the gospel with those around us.  Satan couldn't love this more, hence the fact that he attacks us so often.  Verse 15 in the chapter tells us to prepare our feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace.

Your most important job as a Christian is to go and make disciples.  If you don't fight off Satan, it is very likely that you will deny someone else the opportunity to live eternally with Jesus.  Meditate on the gospel before going out in the mornings.  Make sure each day of your holiday break begins with a good, fulfilling and focused study of the Word.

Dodge flaming arrows with FAITH
I wish I could find a better picture for this, because in my mind I see a soldier with a shield moving to and fro all over a battle field, rebounding every flaming arrow that comes his way.  Shinkk, piinng, bleeup!  Each arrow ricochets off of his shield and is quickly extinguished.

Satan is going to be flinging arrows at you like crazy this season!  Luckily you have a shield.  This shield does not come easy, because it is the shield of faith.  There is nothing you can do to understand it except just believe God for what his word says.  It's a blind leap in the other direction, but you must believe with all your heart that it is the right direction.  Tip:  Practicing all other battle pieces will broaden your shield.  When Satan tries to tell you that you are alone because you're weird and awkward and nothing will ever change,  put your faith in God's Word where it says he loves you and created you for a purpose, and he will complete that purpose till the last day with you.  Faith

PRAY, PRAY, AND PRAY SOME MORE
This has been made extremely urgent in my personal life lately.  1Thessalonians 5:17, Romans 8:26, and Ephesians 6:18 warn us to pray in all situations.  Personally, I think this is the best weapon simply because you can use it 24/7.  Before the battle, during the battle, and after the battle, prayer should and can be used.

Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. 

The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

How can you practically apply these truths to your life this week?  How can you implement them into your holiday break?  Are you starting to recognize the devil's schemes yet?