‘We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. ‘ 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
One of the things that I noticed about people after the Lord turned my heart was they were watching me—especially those who knew me the best.
See, I had been down similar roads before. I was a personal development guy. I was always looking for ways to make myself “better.” I went down this path until I wanted to end it all. The most important thing I left out of the equation was my heart before Jesus Christ. Without that being right, everything else meant nothing.
But Jesus met me there that day and showed me a different way.
‘At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”’ Matthew 11:25-30
At that point in my life, I was one of those who thought of myself as “wise and clever.” I was prideful; I knew all the answers if only everyone would listen and do what I thought they should. But that burden got too heavy for me. I spent more time worrying about trying to change the world around me than focusing on the changes the Lord wanted me to make in my heart.
By God’s grace, He showed me that my time was best spent focusing on the change in my thinking and my heart, and in turn, this allowed me to be more helpful to those around me. My focus went from looking at those around me as being there for me and allowing me to look at myself as there for them.
‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ‘ John 15:13
When I realized that my actual battle was the six inches between my ears, I realized that my thinking was affecting my relationships with others.
‘A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. ‘ Ephesians 6:10-18
Let’s breakdown this portion of scripture:
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
As Christians, our focus should be on Jesus at all times. He is called the ‘perfecter” of our faith. Let’s look at Peter; he called out to the Lord when He was walking on water to come out to be with Him. Peter exited the boat and walked out to Jesus on the water. Amazing!! But he sank when he started to focus on the storm around him. But he called out to the Lord, and Jesus grabbed and pulled him up.
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against the strategies of the devil.”
This is work that is required of us. We are to PUT on ALL of God’s armor, and if we don’t put on all of God’s armor, we will leave ourselves exposed to the “strategies of the devil.”
What are the strategies of the devil?
‘Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ‘ 1 Peter 5:8
His whole purpose is to get us to feel that Jesus is not enough; he would also like us to feel isolated and alone. What he used in the garden with Eve was,””Did He really say that?”
He wants us to question every word that comes out of the Bible.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
This scripture portion came at me so frequently that I could not ignore it. When I realized the weight of this verse, I realized my focus was so messed up. I went around thinking that anyone who disagreed with me was an enemy. And this is another strategy of the devil.
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
What is the armor of God?
It is the Bible.
When we start to read and allow God’s Spirit to illuminate the words in the Bible, they will change our hearts in ways we can never imagine.
When we allow the words in this book to identify us instead of this world, we start to see ourselves as God wants us to see ourselves, and we can stand firm against the strategies of the devil.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Let it affect the hearts of those around me.
Let it affect my heart and help me to be light; You have called me to be.
I pray for the hearts of my family and friends, and I pray that they come to the saving grace that You provide through Jesus.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
