Regardless of how frequently we fellowship with God, events may still occur in our lives that instigate negative thoughts and feelings. If we’re not careful to “rebuke” them quickly, those same thoughts and feelings could metastasize into something more treacherous than from whence they came, and we can find ourselves living a life that does not please nor glorify God. When these feelings and thoughts occur, they are a reminder of how imperfect we are and how much we do need the Holy Spirit operating in our lives - convicting, leading and guiding us daily. They’re a reminder that unless we stand on the Word of God - by reading; and, therefore, knowing the Word of God - we will not be able to “fight the good fight of faith” being fully armored and always ready for battle. It’s a reminder that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life who is able to set those who are in bondage free if only they believe. ("Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12 (NRSV))
EPHESIANS 6:10-18 (AMP)
The Armor of God
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. 13 Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), 15 and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. 16 Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.
ST. JOHN 14:6 (KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
ST. LUKE 4:18-19 (NRSV)
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Peace & Blessings,