Last week I shared with you something shocking, the death of my neighbour and her little unborn baby. But it’s with a very sadden heart that I now write about the tragedy that took place in my country a week ago, at the very same moment as this email has been sent.. 1.40pm NZDT on Friday March 15th, a 28 year old male entered two mosques in Christchurch and starting shooting. As I write this, 50 have been killed, 34 injured with 12 in critical condition. So many people did not make it home to their families last Friday afternoon.
So many questions. One answer – pure evil.
There is one verse that keeps coming back to my mind again and again this week.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers,
against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
What do we see increasing on our planet? in our countries? in our communities?
Violence. Bloodshed. Racism. Lies. Corruption. Slavery. Greed.
The ultimate battle is in the unseen – what is governing the evil. Ephesians 6:12 names them as … Spiritual Forces of Evil.
It is becoming clearer and clearer with each day that we are in the last of the last days. We are the light that shines in this darkening world. But our light comes with a cost…..persecution.
Are you ready to stand up for truth?
Are you prepared to disagree with the Pope’s and other religious leaders sentiment,“We all (the world) believe in the same God”?
Are you aware of the resources God has given for this battle?
We need to be armed and prepared for the day when we will be asked to declare our allegiance to Jesus as the only Way, the only Truth and the only Life.
7 Day Devotional for Battle Preparation
Here are 7 days of Battle Preparation verses to study, mediate and journal on. Take time in prayer asking God what areas of your life need to change in order to be ready for the coming suffering.
Start the each day focusing on one area:
- Write out the verse in your journal – there is something powerful in writing out the Word of God.
- Read the verse in other translations and read the verses around it.
- Look up what the original language (Hebrew/ Greek) of any word that sticks out to you – use Blue Letter Bible
- Talk over the verse with God – ask Him for his truth – his application to your day
- Journal your thoughts – What am I battling? What do I need from God’s resources and how to use it?
Day One: Stand Firm
“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.” Ephesians 6:13 ESV
- Are there areas on my life that are not firmly placed in God’s hands?
- Do I have a wishy washy mindset that changes with society’s opinions?
- What does the word “firm” mean?
- Is taking up the whole armor of God a daily activity or a one time event?
Day Two: Fasten on Truth and Put on Righteousness
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness” Ephesians 6:14 ESV
- What does truth and righteousness mean?
- Do I live a life of truth?
- Is there any areas in my life and mindset that are not following God’s right ways?
Day Three: Put on Peace
“and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” Ephesians 6:15 ESV
- What is Good News peace and how do I put it on?
- How does a peaceful mind help me to be fully prepared?
Day Four: Hold up Faith
“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” Ephesians 6:16 ESV
- Is there any part of me that doesn’t believe God? That God is good? That God is faithful? That God has a plan and is working?
- How have I deactivated my faith?
- How can I reactivate my faith?
Day Five: Put on Salvation
“and take the helmet of salvation” Ephesians 6:17a ESV
- What is salvation?
- How does it protect my mind and decision making activities?
Day Six: Take up the Word of God
“and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17b ESV
- How is God Word my sword?
- Am I utilizing His Word in the daily battle of life?
Day Seven: Pray. Pray. Pray.
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18 ESV
- How can I pray in the Spirit at all times?
- What does “staying alert” look like?
- Am I persistently praying for other believers – even believers I don’t know.
Feedback: Please take the time to comment below or on my contact me page, with your feedback. Share what God is saying to you.
Keep Leaning into God
Rachel Larkin
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