![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fullmeasureofjoy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/Daytona-500-004.jpg\" "\\"Daytona")
<\/a>While there are some enjoyable events and happenings that go hand-in-hand with summer, I am always sad to see my time leading women in Bible study come to an end. I find great joy in sharing God\u2019s message with others who want to know His Words.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
So I am sad. There are only two more weeks that we will be together and what lessons we will cover! We are studying \u201cFollow Me\u201d by Randy Sprinkle and this book has changed my way of thinking on prayer and being a prayer walker and warrior.<\/p>\n
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Mr. Sprinkle brought to mind a correlation between our spiritual battles and the provisions we have while in battle. Let me share these with you.<\/p>\n
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As we read through Ephesians, the Apostle Paul helps us to understand the three primary forces at work around us as we live as Christians in our daily lives. In Ephesians 2:1-3, we are battling against the world (v. 2), the ruler of the kingdom of the air (v.2), and our sinful nature (v.3).<\/p>\n
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Oh how blessed we are to see that we have a great hope so that we are not left in this state nor are we left alone.<\/p>\n
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\u201cBut because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions\u2014it is by grace you have been saved.\u201d<\/em> (Ephesians 3:4-5)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If these two verses don\u2019t make your heart leap for joy, I don\u2019t know what greater message I could share with you today to lift your spirits. God loved us, when we were unlovable. God saved us, when we were unsaveable. God made us alive, when we were dead. Hallelujah!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul reminds us again in chapter six of Ephesians of what and whom our battle is against. We are to take our stand against the devil\u2019s schemes; the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world; and the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:11-12).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And as we see later in the Book of Ephesians, God didn\u2019t leave us to fend for ourselves in this world and against the evil one and even against ourselves. He offers His armor, His full armor, for our battle. It\u2019s up to us to put it on, but He\u2019s giving it to us.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at the equipment we have been given.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14)<\/p>\n \n The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)<\/p>\n \n The Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)<\/p>\n \n The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)<\/p>\n \n The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17)<\/p>\n \n The Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With all of this in mind, we as believers are also told to do a couple of things from this chapter. We are to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). We are to stand firm (Ephesians 6:11; 13; 14). We are to pray (Ephesians 6:18). We are to be alert (Ephesians 6:18).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, there is a battle raging all around us and the evil one is continually looking for ways to drag us back to our former self. But we have a far greater power within us to lead us into this battle. Don\u2019t give up the fight. Keep your armor on. Be alert. Be prepared. And do it all as you bathe it in prayer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I\u2019ve got the victory. You\u2019ve got the victory. We\u2019ve all got the victory now!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n <\/p>\n