Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

In case you hadn’t noticed, full-scale war has been declared on everything we once held sacred.

The latest escalation in our government’s relationship with Israel exposes the deep chasm that has opened in our country, which hopefully will awaken the sleeping giant, the silent majority, to be silent no more.

What can we do?

When in doubt – read the Manual!  When installing a new appliance, most of us haphazardly just plug it in and hope it will work. If something doesn’t seem right, we refer to the Owner’s Manual.

When our Heavenly Father made us “in the secret place” (Psalm 139:15), He didn’t leave us without an Owner’s Manual. He provided us with a detailed record of His many interactions with those who had responded to His call to lead according to His instructions. He even disclosed incredible ‘inside knowledge’ of how He would restore the broken relationship by coming Himself in the flesh to redeem those He cherished.

In this Manual, we find detailed instructions on how to respond to the war that has erupted around us. These are the same instructions, suitable for all generations and in all circumstances. That’s the amazing thing about the Manual – it is relevant, consistent and practical.

Don’t be sucked in by lies, misinformation and deception

With the level of information available to us today, it is easy to become complacent. Maybe we don’t have time to verify everything. Maybe it’s easier just to accept the news beamed into our living room and readily available on our devices.

But this is dangerous. Just check out the disastrous results for the Israelites who listened to the ten scared spies. They didn’t trust God’s promises and caused a whole generation to miss out on entry to the Promised Land.

God’s plans will not be thwarted, but they may take an unexpected course if we aren’t fully awake to the Devil’s Schemes.

What are the Devil’s Schemes?

So, what are the “Devil’s Schemes” Paul talks about? In a dispute with Jews who had believed in Jesus, then disputed who He was, Jesus said:

“Why is My language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
~ John 8:43-44

Now it makes sense. Those who peddle lies – such as denying biological sex, rejecting our Christian heritage, accepting non-sensical news reports and spreading hatred – cannot actually hear what God is saying. They are mesmerised by the devil’s schemes to such an extent that they have lost touch with reality. They are delusional. As frustrating as it is to see common sense and rationality, let alone Biblical truth, being trashed every day, we need to see it for what it is. The devil’s schemes.

In 2 Corinthians 4:4 ,we read:

“The god of this age {Satan} has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Standing against the Devil’s Schemes

Thank God we have very clear instructions about what to do to protect ourselves from the fiery darts of the evil one.

We need to:

“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so you can 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 realm. Therefore, put on the full armour 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.” ~ Ephesians 6:10-13

Standing for Truth

The first piece of spiritual armour we need is the truth. Pilate famously asked Jesus: “What is truth?” Did he really want to know, or was he cynically suggesting that although Jesus embodied the truth, nobody believed Him?

God’s truth is to be as a belt around our waist. Earlier translations refer to ‘girding one’s loins’. Literally, this meant tucking your long robes into your belt to be ready for action.

We need to know the truth so we have a strong foundation, can be unequivocal in our arguments, and know who we are in Christ. Jesus is the Truth, the Life and the Way. If we know Him, we know the truth and the truth will set us free – free from delusions, free from falsehoods and lies. If we ask Him, He will also give us wisdom and discernment, to cement the truth in us.

Guard your heart

You guard your heart with the breastplate of righteousness. This is not your own righteousness, but the righteousness gifted to you through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

He paid the price for us to be made righteous before God. The assurance of God’s acceptance, forgiveness and grace invites us to live a righteous life in obedience to Him.

Ready for action

When the ground is uneven and the way is uncertain, be prepared with your shoes on. This will give you confidence to bring the “Gospel of peace”.

Lounging around, or staying in your comfort zone, is not an option. Be ready for action. You will be challenged because you carry the light of Christ. The darkness can’t stand the Light, so whether you seek it or not, your very presence is a beacon inviting challenge.

Only one way to be fully protected

A critical part of your armour is your shield. It is called the shield of faith. This is total dependence on the promises of God; on His goodness, His protection, and His purposes. The shield is not a small one to cover your face, but protects your whole body.

Remember, the enemy will try to find a chink for his deceptive arrows. You can only strengthen your faith shield by daily polishing it with the Word of God. The fiery darts will just bounce off your shield if you have it securely in place.

What happened to common sense and rationality?

Your head desperately needs protection. It is so easy for the mind to become corrupted. You need the absolute assurance that your salvation is secure. You are destined for eternity, but the battle is all around you here on earth. It will attempt to steal your brains, your imagination, your creativity and your hope. Make sure your helmet is securely in place.

Your only offensive weapon

When it comes to the manipulation, distortion, lies and corruption of the truth that assails us daily, you have a magnificent asset when you can wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

This means you need to know what it says. The devil loves a dusty Bible. Invite the Holy Spirit to increase your desire to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the Word each day – then it will be on your lips and readily recalled in any situation.

With your armour in place – just stand

Although we are told, “After you have done everything, just stand” (Ephesians 6:13b), “done everything” means ensuring your armour is in place, you know who you are, who you belong to and who you serve. Then pray without ceasing, being alert, so the evil one cannot gain an inch – because he takes an inch and it soon becomes a mile.

The Lord promises to fight your battles. Armed and ready, you are fit to be His soldier.

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve You to the end;
Be forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If You are by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If You will be my Guide.
~ John Ernest Bode (1816-1874)

___

Image courtesy of Adobe.