Good morning,
The holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving and Black Friday are done. Now comes the push to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. There will be stress coming from gifts to buy, food to prepare, parties to attend, decorations to display, and maybe some time for our families.
If we are not prepared to deal with the stress Biblically, we will have a miserable holiday season.
God has given us a battle plan not only to survive but to thrive. This week we will look at who is our enemy, our need for a spiritual mindset, spiritual conversation, spiritual fruit, spiritual conduct, spiritual trust, and spiritual cleansing.
SPIRITUAL BATTLE (EPHESIANS 6:10-12)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(The battle is being waged by the forces of evil, Satan himself.)
Each day Satan and his demonic hosts are in opposition to every believer. They try and distract us from doing right. Many believers do not have a chance because they are unaware of what the Bible says. However, others, who read, study, obey, and practice God’s word, have a much better time in dealing with Satan.
According to Colossians 2:14-15, Christ triumphed over Satan at the cross, shedding His perfect blood for our sins.
“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
James 4:7-8 explains what we are to do when we are tempted.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
A stress less holiday season begins by recognizing who the enemy is and engaging him.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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