Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtIt's happened to you! You get bad news. Your heart starts pounding; Your thoughts are no longer clear. They've slipped into a fog! Anxiety quickly builds like a surging flood overflowing its banks.
What happens when anyone receives bad news or a negative report? They immediately face the “fiery darts of the enemy.” God's Word tells us in Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV) how important our faith and knowing how to use the weapons of our warfare are, saying, "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." The Lord wants us to be prepared in advance for attacks the enemy tries to bring against us. He doesn't want the devil's lies and attacks to steal our joy, our sleep, our faith, and our peace in God. God wants us to know how to deal with these fiery darts so we will always come out on top.The first thing that happens when a negative report shows up in your life is that you face soulish warfare. Your soul is your mind and emotions. It's the place where lies, deception, and fear breed and take hold if we let them. The “fiery darts” are the bombardment of negative thoughts attacking your mind and emotions. If you look at what God calls the “weapons of our warfare” in Ephesians 6:10-17, you will see the weapons God has given us to resist these attacks of the enemy. They also help us understand ways the devil will attack us. There is great insight to be had through these verses, so take the time to read through them.The Apostle Paul starts out by saying in Ephesians 6:10 NLT, “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.” Before Paul reveals any of our spiritual weapons against Satan and his attacks, He tells us first to draw on God's power, knowing that these attacks are designed to make us weak-kneed. Satan wants us to be knocked out in the first round by the first punch. Paul is telling us not to let that happen. He's telling us that you may not personally feel strong enough to fight this battle, but that’s okay because you can be strong “in the Lord’s mighty power.”
If we purpose in our hearts to have faith and confidence, knowing that the Lord will help us, then we won’t cave into fear and be taken out. We'll face evil reports, knowing that the Lord will see us through. So, we don’t want to start out weak. We start out strong in the Lord’s strength. That is why you shouldn't lay in bed worrying and letting fiery darts overtake you. If you can't sleep, get up and fight. What's the first fiery dart you might hear when you get up? "You have a long day ahead of you. If you get up now, you’ll be exhausted and never make it through your day.” The devil is manipulative and tries to keep you in his control. He wants you to stay in bed and obsess in a sleepless frenzy.Inst
ead, get up and get ready for battle in the Lord's might! Respond to those fiery darts by saying, No devil, I am not going to lie in this bed and stress out. God's grace is going to strengthen me through my day. And if it’s a fight you want, it’s a fight you’ll get. I am going to get up and tell you who I am in Christ. I am washed in His blood. I am forgiven. I am His child. He is my abba, Father. He has instructed me to put on the weapons of my warfare, and I have. Let me remind you of your future in Hell. You'll be there. I won't. And that's what you hate. But the Lord is my Shepherd. He is my fortress; He is my strong tower. He is my defender! He goes before me and watches after me. He is my victory through Christ Jesus. He answers my prayers through the mighty name of Jesus. He is working in my life at this very moment, and my faith in Him is the source of my peace. You are a liar and the father of all lies. Your lies and fear have no place in my life. So I rebuke you in Jesus' name. As it is written, Resist the devil, and he shall flee from you. Flee now in Jesus' name."This is an excellent place to then transition to worshipping the Lord in song and prayer. Do these things, and you'll learn how to walk in the weapons of your warfare that God has made available to you. You'll learn how to not be moved when a bad report comes and instead to be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."2 Thessalonians 3:3 NKJV “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”In His love,Pastor Tim BurtIf today's Fresh Manna was a blessing to you, please hit the "LIKE" button below! And if you'd like to tell me why, I'd love to hear from you! Click here: FreshMannaFeedback
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