Listen on:
The Bible tells us that we do not battle against human flesh but against Satan and the fiery arrows that He uses to attack us. These fiery arrows often come in the form of lies that have been rooted in our souls through pain and wounds developed from our life experiences.
Maybe you’ve experienced loneliness or have felt rejected. What message have you believed? It could be “People don’t care about me,” “I’m unwanted,” or “I must not matter.” Maybe you’re experiencing financial hardship. What message are you telling yourself? Perhaps, “God doesn’t care about me,” “I’m not good or gifted enough,” or “No matter how hard I try, I just can’t provide for my family. I’m inadequate.”
Such messages are often not true. Lies have been the Enemy’s tactic since day one in the Garden of Eden. He works to twist the truth, deceive us, and get us to believe lies about God, ourselves, and others.
In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve fell for a lie from the Enemy and disobeyed God’s command not to eat fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They ate the fruit and were immediately filled with shame, believing not just that they had done wrong but that they were wrong.
Proverbs 30:5 ESV
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
The Enemy wants to use whatever he can to get us to believe lies, often using our losses and painful experiences. But what is the truth about your current situation? In loneliness, remind yourself that Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Remind yourself that in Christ you are a beloved child of God (1 John 3:1), chosen and wanted (John 15:16), and God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). In financial hardship, remind yourself that God will provide for you (Matthew 6:26).
Look over that list of losses you made from Day Two. What messages have you been believing that you know are lies from hell? What truths from God’s Word give you assurance and hope to counter those lies?
Ephesians 6:10-17 ESV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Sit with God and experience His truth intellectually and emotionally. Memorize the verses you need so you can come back to these truths and experience them when sadness, shame, or lies surface again. Experience what it feels like to be loved, accepted, and adequate.
John 17:17 ESV
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
God, lead me to the truth. Your Word is truth.
Colossians 3:16 ESV
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Hale Ministries
Andi and Brian Hale have a long history of ministry service, including 20+ years for each of them as AWANA Leaders and Teachers. Andi directed the Zion Evangelical Church Choir for 10 years and is now on the Praise Team for the largest church in Texoma (North Texas and Southern Oklahoma). She has had the opportunity to sing and pray with Avalon and Casting Crowns and landed the lead role in GREASE (50+ version) as Sandy at Wichita Falls Backdoor Theater. Brian has a long history in the media, including Radio, TV, Newspaper, PA Announcer, Social Media and On-Stage in front of thousands. As website designers of more than 25 years, they are always eager to help answer any questions you might have.
Together, Brian and Andi are out to prove that you can still have fun in your 50’s in this crazy, upside down world we live in today, as long as we keep our focus on Him, the One who created us for a purpose!
2 days ago
Clogs are wooden shoes🙃
2 days ago
We listen to this podcast this morning again. Ephesians 6:14-17 NLT [14] Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. [15] For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. [16] In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. [17] Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. That gives us courage!