Ephesians 6:11-13 (New International Version)
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take
your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 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.
There is a story of a black bear in Kootenay National
Park in British Columbia. If you are planning a picnic in that area you might
want to consider what that smart black bear on the loose, is saying.
"He he he. I can't wait for some tourist to come
along and eat their lunch. It's unbelievable how gullible they are! They
innocently park their cars and amble over to these wonderful picnic tables.
Meanwhile I am hiding behind these bushes where no one can see me, patiently
biding my time . . .
"I do have to be patient. If I scare them too early,
they rush away with all of their delicious food! No, it's far better to wait
until they are all settled around the table and have started eating that food
that they THINK they have prepared for themselves, but they have REALLY
prepared for . . . For me! Then I spring my entrance. Grrrrr! I make sure to
growl really loud, and I put on my most vicious face. I also have to move
quickly-too quickly for them to grab their food back up!
"As these predicable tourists run for the safety of
their cars, I take my time enjoying their delicious lunches. None of them ever
dare to come back for their food. They'd better not, otherwise I will pretend
to go after them! My goal isn't really to hurt them, only to scare them away,
but they don't know that!
"You won't believe the thousands of delicious meals
I have been able to steal. It sure beats raw fish and berries! Hey, why don't
you come on over and see for yourselves? But be sure to bring your picnic
along!"
Sounds a little bit like Yogi Bear, doesn't it? You know,
Yogi bear who's smarter than the average bear, Yogi bear who's always in the
rangers hair, have a picnic basket you will find him there, that's because he's
smarter than the average bear . . .!
Okay, so it isn't really Yogi bear, but it is a true
story. I haven’t personally experience this smart bear but I have read about
him.
So often we fall for these kinds of hidden dangers. In
fact, the biggest threat of all is mostly ignored as non-existent, and billions
of people have paid it with a life of addiction.
This is real! God doesn't tell us to be prepared for
nothing! ("Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness
of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in
the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Eph 6:11-13 NKJV) The world
is in a spiritual war zone. The devil finds us easy prey for the addictions he
hopes to lure us into. Un aware we unpack our "lunches", only to find
ourselves attacked viciously by the intruder called sin, and once in its
clutches, it is almost impossible to find freedom.
The good news is that freedom is attainable, by believing
in the One who paid the price for our freedom with His life.
Only with God's power can we resist the one who wants to
take us as prisoners. Only with God's power can we be free indeed.
Dear Lord we thank You today for the freedom we can have
through You. Help us resist the powers of the one who wants to devour us today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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