truth: he will arm us for battle.
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 firm. stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. in all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God… [ephesians 6:13-17]
the promise celebrated:
the flaming darts are extinguished behind the shield of faith. remember: we are hidden in Christ! yes, we are in an intense battle, but the Lord equips us for it!
we started this advent by describing the journey as a battle plan. what are specific ways the Lord has used these truths to thwart the plan of the enemy to consume you with busyness, distraction, and temptation?
because of Christ, satan is and will be defeated.
the God of peace will soon crush satan under your feet. the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. [romans 16:20]
and they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. [revelation 20:9-10]
satan couldn’t stop Jesus from dying and rising…
and he won’t stop the power of Christ now!
prayer
God, thank you for victory in your son Jesus! forgive me for living in defeat so many days…forgive me Lord! God, remind me today how victorious you are. give me joy in your victory! o God, grow our longing for the return of Jesus as we await the celebration of his birth!
~ ms