BE STRONG!

Ephesians 6 : 10 ~ "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might."
The reason apostle Paul write this letter to the Ephesians congregation is because of the great war they must faced. This war is not against the flesh and blood but to stand against the wiles of the devil, the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places.
This is the situation and condition we face it right now. We face the same enemies today.
Let us go back first toJoshua 1 : 9, when the Lord encourage him, " Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua and the Ephesians congregation have the same faith in trusting God, they both obeyed God's order, but yet in a certain time they felt that they loose strength. They both had been promised to received inherintance, God promised the richest of HIS glory, HIS mistery to the Ephesians, that's why Paul prayed for the Ephesians that may the Lord give them spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God, and the eyes of their understanding being enlighten because of their incredible faith to God and their love for the saints. They are under the law of the Cross. where everything is under HIS grace. Paul remind them that they were once strangers from the covenants of promise but now in Christ Jesus they have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

God showed the promise land to Joshua, God also said that Joshua must observe to do according to all the law, Joshua must not turn from it to the right or to the left. Joshua is in God's control, he followed God's order, received HIS strategy to overtake the promise land. He is facing the great enemy now.
But in Joshua 3, threre's something that Joshua must told to the people of Israel,"Sanctify yourself...."

Now we must understand that to overtake our inheritance, there are character and attitude to be build, character that can trusting God 100%, believe in HIM that HE will guide us in every ways.

Joshua and the Ephesian were in process of their character and attitude, it is not easy but they have to live in holiness, have a pure heart, loving each other etc.

God said Be strong and have courage..! When the richness of HIS glory in us, we are already in the enemy's target to be destroy. The enemy can manipulated us to jump in his trapped by sending the spirit of doubtness and spirit unbelieve. Joshua has to deal with this spirit when the 10 spies came out with a very bad report as he and Caleb focused on what GOD's promised them.
The key to defeat this enemy is focus on what God is saying abot us and HIS promises to our life..Just focus to the future and bring it back to the present!!!

In Jesus Mighty Name,
~Debra~