Stand Firm

Stand Firm

1 CORINTHIANS 16

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“Be on alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

1 Corinthians 16:13 NASB

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This is the final chapter of Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth. He packs a whole lot of advice and wisdom in this short statement.

The idea of being on alert seems to suggest that we are in a battle not just with earthly powers but also against the powers of evil. We have so many forces in this world that work against Jesus and His followers. We must always be on guard. I know for myself how very easy it is to get distracted and drift away from the ways of Jesus. We are currently in a 21 day prayer and fasting time with our church and I can just feel the devil on full attack to keep me from Jesus. The unrest, worry, moodiness within me are on such an escalated level. I have every good intention to be focused fully and yet my mind can so easily lose track of the thing I want to stay focused on. God!

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"Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful

ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked."

Psalm 97:10

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We then have the call to be courageous and strong. Why can this be so difficult when we know that God equips those he calls? Only He knows exactly what we are capable of, and He calls us to believe that for ourselves. I have access to all kinds of information but can still lack the courage to step out in faith and do as God is calling. I need to press into the internal strength that only comes from God. Holding back from His prompting will never move me to a deeper relationship with Jesus. In fact, the holding back is where the enemy creeps in to keep you from doing God’s will.

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"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid,

do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness to us. Help me to stand firm in the faith and act in a way that does not dishonor your name. Help me be alert to the evils that surround me and never compromise the truth of the glorious gospel of grace but be strong in the Lord and his power. Help me to be courageous and strong in the fight of the enemy. Be with me Jesus through all my doubt and temptations and always lead me back to you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.