I am so excited about the new website and all that I will be able to share with you. Last weekend MPAC hosted a conference for mothers to help them understand how to “Stand Firm” for their children on the Word of God. It was an amazing time in the Lord with Praise and Worship by Katie Furr. There was also a very moving Sacred Dance by one of our MPAC moms. This was her testimony.
We also talked about the definitions of “to stand firm” and what it means. The dictionary states “stand” is a verb an action word meaning:
- To rise to an upright position (upright means strictly honorable or honest)
- To remain stationary without disturbance
- To remain valid or unaltered
- To be likely to do something
- To act in a specified capacity
- To be a candidate for good or evil
- To remain on a specified course (to stand with intentional focus)
- To be ready for an attack
These are just a few of the definitions. Are you willing to learn how to “stand firm”?
This is what the Bible says about to “stand firm” in Ephesians 6:10–17
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NLT)
Why is the armor important? Each piece has its importance. The armor was tailored after the Roman soldier.
The belt of truth – the Roman soldier could tuck his tunic into the belt and be ready for battle quickly.
The shoes of peace – the Roman soldier’s shoes were shod with nails on the bottom so they could dig into the ground and stand firm. When you know who you are in Christ, you have the peace that passes all understanding.
The breastplate of Righteousness – the breastplate covered the chest area which includes the heart. The heart is the organ that feeds the rest of the body.
The helmet of salvation – The helmet covers your head which covers your mind. It protects your mind. When you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you know what is right and who you are in Christ.
The Shield of Faith – The Roman soldier’s shield was large enough for him to stoop behind. They were leather or wood soaked in water to put out the fiery arrows. We use our faith to put out the fiery darts of the devil.
The Sword of the Spirit – The Roman soldier had 2 swords. One was large which we see in pictures. The other one is a dagger which is for up close and personal fighting. The spirit is the word of God. So when you hear the enemy talking, all you have to do is quote scripture and he will flee. If you are not sure what to read, just open you Bible and start reading.
We are fighting from victory not for victory. Jesus triumphed over the devil when He rose from the grave on the third day. Satan has been trying ever since to get back at God, but he can’t. Satan’s job is to kill, steal and destroy but God………. The devil only has as much power as we give him. When he comes and sits on your shoulder and whispers in your ear, you immediately need to go into warfare mode. You start by pleading the blood of Jesus over you then you continue with praising God and blessing Him. If you continue to praise, quote or read scripture, the devil will leave. Why? He has to come in agreement with you or flee. What do you think he is going to do?