March 5, 2022 God Has Something Better (Hebrews 11:40) Prayer Group Devotion
We are engaged in spiritual battle—all believers find themselves subject to Satan’s attacks because we are no longer on his side.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV).
We must depend on God’s strength, Holy Spirit’s anointing and use every piece of armor.
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 (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). Pray in united faith for His supernatural spiritual deliverance, wisdom and guidance on Russian and Ukraine government leaders, military personnel, volunteers, Christians, and all involved party in the conflict resolution.
Separate the person from the act. Satan uses people in power and deploys his demons over whom he has control. As we battle against the power of this dark world, fight in the strength of the Church and prayer partners whose power comes from the Holy Spirit.
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 (Ephesians 6:13 NIV).
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:14-15 NIV).
Satan fights with lies, and sometimes his lies sound like truth, but only believers has God’s truth. Meditate and hide in your heart God’s Word that will set you free from his lies. See Hebrews 4:12.
Satan often attacks our hearts—the seat of our emotions, self-worth and trust. God’s righteousness is the breastplate that protects our hearts and ensures His approval. He approves us because He loves us and sent His Son to die for us.
Gospel of peace gives us the motivation to continue to proclaim the love and salvation by faith in Jesus; by His Holy Spirit’s empowerment on us—news everyone needs to hear.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16 NIV).
What we see around us and in the world are Satan’s attacks in the form of insults, setbacks, temptations, wars, poverty, and hopelessness. With God’s perspective, by faith in Jesus Christ, we can see beyond our circumstances and know that ultimate victory is ours. See John 16:33.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17 NIV).
Satan wants to make us doubt God, Jesus, and our salvation; fearful of the events around us. The helmet, our assurance of salvation protects our minds from doubting God’s saving grace, provision and protection.
The sword is the only weapon of offense in the list of armor. There are times when we need to take the offensive against Satan. When we are tempted, we need to trust God’s powerful and creative Word; His Holy Spirit within us; and His character as our mighty and holy Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ who defeated Satan on the cross at Calvary.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18 NIV).
How can anyone pray on all occasions? Make quick brief prayers your habitual response to every situation you meet throughout the day. Order your life around God’s desires and teachings so that your very life becomes a prayer. You don’t need to isolate yourself, make your life a prayer or a prayer your life while living in a world that needs God’s powerful influence. Remember we are the paramedics of His grace and mercy.
God can use us in any circumstance to do His will. Even as we pray for a change in our circumstances, we should also pray that God will accomplish His plan right where we are. Knowing God’s eternal purpose for us will help us through the difficult times.
If you have comments, questions and need for prayer or encouragement contact me at http://www.lilianhosfeld.com.
Lilian Hosfeld 