Stand Firm

Ephesians 6:10-18 "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

My wife, Patty, & I recently were invited to attend the annual Southern California conference and 25^th anniversary celebration of the Family research Council (WWW.FRC.ORG) , by a dearly devoted couple from the church that Patty was the secretary prior to her “hyper-tension” condition that required her retirement. The whole evening and experience was a blessing, with the wonderful host and guest at our table, and then the outstanding Speakers that brought messages of the “Light of Christ” in these days that America and Americans are living.

The President of FRC, Tony Perkins, spoke how Christians are making a major difference in a sinful world that does not know the Lord, so acts and reacts out of ignorance or rejection and darkness to God’s perfect will. As Christians, Children of God & Followers of Christ, we need to trust the Lord, and with confidence in the power of God, put on the “full armor” of God and “Stand firm”. We are to stand up & speak out with the light and love of Christ to this society & culture for the peace and prosperity of God’s righteousness and providence. Pray for this nation, trust in God, defend the faith by bringing the light of Christ, and stand firm.

The Key note Speaker was Mike Huckabee, Governor of Arkansas and 2008 United States Presidential candidate. Governor Huckabee delivered a powerful message on the battle for morality in the hearts and minds of Americans and in politics today. Mr. Huckabee expounded on how the atmosphere is rooted in greed and pride that leads in politics, but immediately pointed out that the Lord is in control and not the unrighteous. The God that created this world, with sovereignty, reigns the King’s domain. So our battle is truly not about people, but sin. Mr. Huckabee stated that if everyone would follow the “Golden Rule” found in Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you”, the USA would not be in the choatic state that we find her in today. The true need for America, and the World, is to follow Christ and change hearts for Christ. This must be our focus, our desire and our action; to know Christ and make Him known. But do not kid yourself the spiritual forces of evil won't attempt to stop the gospel from reaching those who need to hear the words of eternal life, so put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm!

Colossians 3:16-17 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Proverbs 19:27 - Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causes to err from the words of knowledge.

In Christ, Brian