Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand

Ladies has God done anything for you? Had God delivered you or your family from any hardship? Do you see love ones being tormented with worry, fear, of unforgiveness? Does the breakup of families affect your heart? As a born again believer you have the answers to these issues.  You have the key to unlock the inner strength of your family and friends.  You have the tools and power to share the gospel of God that can change their lives. You have the most important information that can be given and you have been mandated by Jesus to share it with all others.  Ladies God is requiring each of us to step out in faith according to the same instructions he gave to is disciples, so that you are not committing the sin of silence.  You must share this knowledge of Christ or you are being disobedient.  Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand!!

Ladies we have learned today that giving the gospel away is one of the best ways of experiencing God’s power in our life, and evangelistic journey.  Can I share something with you? Virtually every earnest Christian is grieved by his weakness in this area. Did you know that? There is not a zealous Christian who feels content with his effectiveness in personal evangelism. We feel guilt for our timidity and regret for missed opportunities.  We have heard it by the grace of God. We have believed it by the grace of God. And we have been saved through it by the grace of God. And now Paul says in Ephesians 6:10 "This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength."  How do we know what Paul said is true? Well we can be certain that:  God has made provisions for us so that we can stand and not fall.  The provision God has for our protection is His armor.  He has given us a sword, and that sword is His word. We use the sword of God as a reference guide to instruct us, and remember is promises to us.  The sword (of the Spirit) Ephesians 6:17 is the only weapon of offense in the armor, but it is also a tool for defense.  Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all weapons the enemy uses against us.  With the sword we are equipped to deal with them all.  We need to trust in the truth of God's word.  have confidence in the value of God's word.  We must always have a hunger and desire for it.  Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand!!

Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all carnal weapons the enemy uses against us.  Isn't it funny how people of the world use the same tactics against us.  With the sword we are equipped to deal with them all.  We need to trust in the truth of God's word.  Ladies you must have confidence in the value of God's word.  Get a hunger and desire for it.  One thing for certain God will always make sure we are equipped through prayer and supplication, and give us a shield of protection as our helmet.  The helmet is our protection so we do not fall in worldly confrontation, are let our thoughts get cloudy with vengeance.  The Lord spoke these specific words: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” Isaiah 55:8.  This is the Lord's declaration!! There is confirmation in 1Peter 3:15 that explains how you should stand when you go forward to share God's word, are even when you are taking a stand against the wiles of the enemy.  Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand

A Parallel in 1 Peter 3:1 The very word "ready" is used in the same kind of exhortation.  Ladies we have to always be ready to make a defense to anyone who calls us to account for the hope that is within us, we must do it with gentleness and reverence.  The more ready and equipped you are to move with the gospel, the more life, power, joy, and security you will know, and have in the Gospel of Christ.  Ladies taking a stand will not only help cultivate your spiritual connection with Christ, but it will help you when you stand to share His word through opportunity.  The 'Armor of God" is not just for our protection, it is a call of obedience and trust we have in God.  God will not leave us without a safety net.  God will give us:

      Belt of truth - "Stand firm in the belt of truth" Eph 6:14

 Be Steadfast and Unmovable:The belt of truth involves two places; our hearts and   

 our minds. 

 Truth keeps us secure in Christ and makes effective all the other pieces of armor.

 Breastplate of righteousness – "with the breastplate of righteousness in place," 

 Ephesians 6:14

A soldier with a breastplate goes into battle boldly with confidence. The devil is constantly attacking with lies, accusations and reminders of past sins. Without the breastplate of righteousness, these will penetrate your heart.  Ladies you have to become aware of who you are in Christ Jesus.  Look what it says in Hebrews 4:16, "Come boldly into His presence." Ladies not only must you walk in boldness, but you must have childlike confidence knowing that God has equipped the very being inside of you.

     
      The Shoes - (of Peace & Preparation): "For shoes, put on the peace that comes      
      from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared." Ephesians 6:15

Shoes allow us to step freely and without fear while we turn our full attention to 

the battle at hand.  They aid in our movement and defense.  

The shoes God gives propel us onward to proclaim the true peace, which is 

available in Christ. Prepare yourself to follow the Lord no matter what. 

“For He Himself is our peace" Ephesians 2:14-15 

Shield of faith - "Taking the shield of faith" Ephesians 6:16 

Taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."

 

Helmet of salvation - "Take the helmet of salvation" Ephesians 6:17

Satan's target: Your mind. “Nor is there salvation in any other" Acts 4;12

Satan's weapon: Lies. The enemy wants to make us doubt God and our

salvation. The helmet protects our minds from doubting the truth of 

God's saving work for us. For eternity: 2 Cor. 4:16-18

Ladies sometime we have too take the initiative and lead by example.  Ladies, we do not  have to be helpless victims anymore, just like a child is carried in the strength of his/her father's arms, let God carry you today.  We have to learn how to be strong, not in ourselves but in the Lord and His mighty power!! We are women of God, divinely created in the uniqueness of God.  We have the power and strength to stand on God's Holy word.  God has given us a lantern that is like a beacon of light to direct us in the right path.  Ladies the example has already been paved for our walk with God.  Just think about these women in the bible who stood in the strength of God, which is like a guideline to help us understand exactly what they have learned during their difficult time in life.  

Naomi - Even in her personal tragic circumstances God was showing his providential care. In fact, even in her moment of bitterness she called God "the Almighty", a name which speaks of God as the provider and protector.

Esther - Esther saves her people, brings about the downfall of their enemy, and elevates her kinsman to the highest position in the kingdom. Esther becomes the model for the Jew living in exile.

Deborah – Deborah relationship with God was first. She was also a wife, perhaps even could have been a mother, and she was a judge. She balanced many roles and with each role we are not told she did not have "the time" to fulfill a certain role. She served God faithfully and God provided Deborah a way to balance all her roles according to His calling.  Deborah spirituality, power, and inner peace were not disturbed by either adversity or prosperity. She was stable and of strong character.   

Ladies visualize this in every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Instead remember Paul’s word, “Finally, be strong.” But how, where will you get the strength, how can you receive the strength? We can be strong in God’s strength.  Ladies be blessed, my prayer for you today is that you continue to walk circumstantially in the will of our Lord and Savior.  After you done all you can:

Ladies It's Time 2 Take A Stand

Sincerely, 

Diane