IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS I SING FOR JOY!

When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. (Psalms 63:6, 7 KJV)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV)

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalms 139:23, 24 KJV)

Make no mistake. When you declare that God is your God and make the decision to follow after Him and to love and serve Him with your ALL, you are going to get the attention of the enemy. He does not want you honoring God or glorifying God. He will do whatever he can to discourage and isolate you and make you feel as though you're the only sinner on the planet.

We are going to focus on how to stand firm and fight and hide ourselves in the shadow of our Lord's almighty wing. Read Ephesians 6:10-18a.

Engaging the Enemy

1. Position: Remember your position-You are in Christ! Therefore, you know that the enemy has no claim on you.
2. Prepare: Don't go onto the battlefield unarmed! You have an entire suit of armor provided by your Lord. Put it on. Bring the appropriate ammunition.
• Study the Word ahead of time.
• - Know your areas of vulnerability by continually praying Psalm 139:23-24.
• Find Scriptures that speak to the areas of vulnerability the Lord reveals to you. Go to the YouVersion search bar, type in a key word, and locate Scriptures to hit the target. For example, if you sin when you speak, type "speak" as your key word. James 1:19 might be your "Sword" to carry with you: "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (ESV).
• Memorize and keep the Scriptures handy. Write them on cards and place them around the house. Store them in your cell phone.
3. Pray continually: When you get up and throughout the day and in the onset of an attack, immediately stop and pray- out loud if necessary-and call upon your covenant Lord for help. He is with you always! He is your defense and your shield!
4. Plunge: Have your Scriptures ready so you can plunge the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, in to the heart of the enemy. Assault his lies with the truth!
5. Praise: Humbly worship God for His grace, His power, and His protection.
6. Proceed: Go forward in Christ, fixing your eyes on Him.

The Lord has equipped you and will equip you to be a mighty warrior as you hide yourself in the shadow of His almighty wings.