“Finally, my brethren, BE STRONG in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you MAY BE ABLE TO STAND against the WILES (methodeia: scheming, craftiness) of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, TAKE UP THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that you may be able to WITHSTAND IN THE EVIL DAY, and having done all, to stand. STAND therefore…” (Ephesians 6:10-14)
My thoughts right now, go to (Psalms 23:4), “Yea, though I WALK THROUGH the valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL; For YOU ARE WITH ME; Your rod and Your staff, THEY COMFORT ME.” So, how will we “withstand in the evil day?” We’ll walk right through it because you Lord ARE WITH US!!! “The LORD is MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD; My heart TRUSTED IN HIM, and I am helped; Therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I WILL PRAISE HIM.” (Psalms 28:7)
“Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else TO FOLLOW YOUR STEPS. When they WALK THROUGH the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains! They will GROW CONSTANTLY IN STRENGTH, and each of them is invited to meet with the Lord in Zion…For THE LORD GOD IS A SUN AND SHIELD; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, Blessed is the man WHO TRUSTS IN YOU!” (Psalms 84:5-7, 11-12) That is why we, “Trust in the LORD with ALL OUR HEART, and lean not on our own understanding; In all our ways ACKNOWLEDGE (yâda‛: to know by experience, to be made known) HIM, And He shall DIRECT OUR PATHS.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham