From: "Beverly French" <frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us>
To: "Heritage" <gheritage.ga@verizon.net>
Subject: Blessings to all
Date: Sunday, September 08, 2002 6:49 AM

"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.  Put on
the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the
schemes (strategies and the deceits) of the devil."  Ephesians 6:10-11
(Emphasis from The Amplified Bible)

As we are coming up to the first anniversary of 9/11/2001 we are
reminded  a fresh of the evil that was perpetrated on our country.  At that
time so  many turned to God for comfort and mercy, but now there are
voices that  are blaming God and even questioning His omnipotence, even
some of the elect.  But we who belong to the Lord stand in His truth.  Our
Scripture verse today says that we are to be strong in the Lord and to stand
firm.  Let's look at some other verses that bear this out.

Be strong:
"Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
 All you who hope in the Lord."  Psalm 31:24

"Say to those with anxious heart,
 'Take courage, fear not.
  Behold, your God will come with vengeance;
  The recompense of God will come,
  But He will save you.'"  Isaiah 35:4

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
1 Corinthians 16:13

"You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
2 Timothy 2:1

God is our strength:
"The Lord is my strength and my shield;
 My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped...
 The Lord is their strength,
 And He is a saving defense to His anointed."  Psalm 28:7-8

"God is our refuge and strength,
 A very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

"My flesh and my heart may fail,
 But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  Psalm 73:26

We are to be strong not in our own strength, but in God's strength.  How?
By putting on the whole armor of God which is spiritual armor for that is
the only way we can stand firm 'for our struggle is not against flesh and
blood, but...against the spiritual forces of wickedness...'  Therefore it
must be the whole spiritual armor! Looking closely we see that this whole
armor covers completely!  Safe and secure in Him!

The whole armor is Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation and the
Word of God; this is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.   With this
armor do we rush out to do battle?  No!  We are to stand firm!

James 4:7 tells us, "Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will
flee from you."

And,
"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary the devil, prowls
about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him,
firm in your faith..."  1 Peter 5:8-9

The battle belongs to the Lord!
And we are to,  "Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in
the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty.  To that end keep
alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in
behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people.)  Ephesians 5:18

We are one in Christ, therefore, we are to uphold and encourage one
another just as one of last week's verses said,
"Now we exhort you, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted,
uphold the weak, be patient with all."  1 Thessalonians 5:14

Hallelujah!  God is in control so let the peace of Christ reign in your
hearts!  Amen.