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Volume 33   Number 28 Jul 12, 2009

        Ephesians 6:10-13: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (the schemes and strategies) 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 (resist and stand firm) in the evil day, and HAVING DONE ALL, TO STAND. This speaks of obedience.
        In Galatians 5:1, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Galatia: STAND FAST therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. It is important to remember 2 Timothy 2:4 which says: No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
        Galatians 5:13: For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
        Having done all, TO STAND is a key. This is probably one of the hardest things for us to learn how to do. We know how to talk about it; however, it is harder to actually come to the place where, after doing all we can do, we just stand in God. We are learning how to stand in faith. We are learning how to stand in faith as we look for God's promises. We are learning to wait on God. We are learning how to be still and see God work in our lives and circumstances. This sounds easy, but it can be quite challenging at times.
        It is only because of the blood of Jesus that we have liberating liberty. Jesus said in John 8:32, 36: "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ...."Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
        Now comes the question: What is truth? Is it Oprah's truth? Is it CNN's truth, or the government's truth? Is it religious truth? No. Jesus declared in John 14:6: "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
        Based upon the truth of Jesus and His shed blood for us, we need to make a "Declaration of Independence" from Satan, sin, and bondage, and from sickness, poverty, and fear. Remember, Jesus has paid the price for our independence by His blood.
        We also need to make a declaration of our dependency upon God and the power of His Holy Spirit, for without Him we can do nothing.
        We all want life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and we all want to be free. However, we need to remember that it is only through the blood of Jesus that we can be free. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can be victorious. It is only through the person of Jesus Christ that we can truly be a new creation and overcome. Indeed, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Jesus said in John 10:10: "I have come that they may have life and that they have it more abundantly."
        Do you want to be free from the burden of sin? There is power in the blood of Jesus. Have you done all that God has spoken to you in His Word? Have you been obedient to His will? If you have, then stand fast in faith and assurance that God is faithful. What He has promised, He will do.
        Romans 8:18-22: For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons (the express image) of God.
        For the creation was subject to futility (and vanity), not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of (and by) the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors (in travail) with birth pangs together until now.
        Do you realize that creation itself is waiting for you, God's sons and daughters, to be free so you can free creation? What is your part? Having done all, obedience is better than sacrifice. Become all He has called you to be. Do all He has called you to do. STAND FAST in Him who is the author and finisher of your salvation.