10 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. 11 So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. 12 This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13 Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet.
Eph 6:10-13 (MSG)
C.S. Lewis pointed out famously that this earth and everything in it was a battleground. That there wasn't one scrap of cloth that the devil didn't claim as "Mine!"
So it makes perfect sense that if the armies of heaven advance, that at some point a counterattack by the devil and his angels will occur. It can be in expected areas among people who you know have issues, or it can occur among best friends. But it's coming. So what to do?
14 Truth, righteousness, 15 peace, 16 faith, 17 and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. 18 In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
Eph 6:14-18 (MSG)
It's been a great year among the people of New Hope. We've reached across oceans and brought New Hope to people in Uganda, Haiti, Guatemala, and the Ukraine. We've sent help to Kentucky and Arizona. We've delivered comfort to friends and neighbors - just today 36 new blankets to the Waterfront Rescue Mission. We've served others and baptized many into the Kingdom. Don't think Satan hasn't noticed.
Now as we look forward to the "Crazy Love" small groups, a youth worship night each month, a deacon ordination and a Christmas focus called "The Advent Conspiracy", he'd love to see us take our eyes off Jesus. Don't let it happen.
Pray. Pray for each other. Let God's love show you just how your prayers can affect YOUR heart as God's will plays out in all our lives. Encourage each other. Find something to praise them for. Do not allow Satan to blind you to what God has His servants doing. It might not be what you are called to do, but pray for the Holy Spirit to use them exactly as He sees fit.
Grace and peace to you all - David
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