How can we "be strong in the Lord" in our daily lives? Our Anchoring Verse “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10) Recognizing the Source of Strength • Strength is a Person, not a program—“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer… my strength.” (Psalm 18:2) • He supplies power to the powerless—“He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29) • Apart from Christ we can do nothing—“For apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Practices That Build Daily Strength • Saturate your mind with Scripture – “I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Pray continually – “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer.” (Ephesians 6:18) • Worship and give thanks – “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1) • Obey promptly – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Walk in fellowship – “Let us not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25) Armored for Every Battle • Belt of Truth – anchors every other piece • Breastplate of Righteousness – guards the heart • Shoes of the Gospel – readiness to move in peace • Shield of Faith – extinguishes flaming arrows • Helmet of Salvation – protects thoughts with assurance • Sword of the Spirit – the spoken Word cuts lies with truth Standing Firm Against the Enemy • “Resist him, standing firm in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:9) • “The weapons of our warfare… have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4) Strength Through Weakness • “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) • Admit need, receive grace, display Christ’s strength. Living It Out Moment by Moment 1. Begin each day acknowledging total dependence on His might. 2. Choose obedience in the small decisions; strength grows with every yes. 3. Speak Scripture aloud when tempted or discouraged. 4. Stay alert to spiritual opposition yet confident in Christ’s victory. 5. End the day recounting evidences of His power at work. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) |
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