Dragon Slaying
My daughter-in-law's mum has a great sense of humour and an astounding gift for finding random images to post on her Instagram. The above image is one.
The caption might read, "my life is so much more interesting in my head" - but there is a reality to the image. I doubt that literal fire-breathing dragons are hovering overhead (although the book of Revelation does liken our adversary to a dragon) but as followers of Christ, we are wielding a Sword in the spirit-realm. We are contending (as the Bible says) with principalities, powers and rulers of darkness. No need to fear though, because we are also fighting what the bible calls "the good fight of faith", which, FYI, ALWAYS PREVAILS!
It's not fairytale fantasy. The realm is real. However, the Word is also clear about the realm we live in as believers. As far as heaven is concerned, we are MORE than conquers if we understand and engage the authority and freedom that we stand in; if we use the weapons we've been equipped with; and if we apply the keys of the Kingdom that we’ve been given.
I loved this Instagram image. An everyday guy doing everyday life, but with a battle stance in the unseen. Ephesians 6 is wonderful. Read it, ponder it, and apply it. If you need to personally "overcome", be encouraged to do so. If something is beyond your power to overcome, trust God to "deliver" you (His arm is not so short that it cannot save)... and if you are in the mood to slay some dragons with "fervent, effectual darkness-defying prayer" - feel free!!!!!
Have a brilliant day! We love you! Don't forget to scroll down and read the verses.
Bobbie
Ephesians 6:10 (MSG)
" And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
[13] Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
[19] And don't forget to pray for me. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out.
[21] Tychicus, my good friend here, will tell you what I'm doing and how things are going with me. He is certainly a dependable servant of the Master! I've sent him not only to tell you about us but to cheer you on in your faith.
[23] Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ"
Matthew 16:18-19 (MSG)
[18]You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.
[19]"And that's not all. You will have complete and free access to God's kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven."
