St. Louis Family Church – Pastor Jeff Perry » Blog Archive The Essentials of Faith, Hope & Love - St. Louis Family Church

The strong foundation and solidifying power of faith, hope and love and what these elements mean for those who love and serve Jesus. Key Bible verses: Proverbs 13:12; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Peter 3:13-15

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The Battle For Your Focus

The truth is that, although of course we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not those of human warfare but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 Philips Translation

1. USE GOD’S WEAPONS. Instead of focusing on circumstances, Paul tells us in Ephesians that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). We are to fight our battles with the tools and armor God has given us: the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit which is the Bible, the power of prayer, and the name of Jesus – which gives us authority over every evil (Ephesians 6: 13-18, Mark 16:1718).

2. RESET YOUR THOUGHT LIFE. A lot of the battle takes place in our thoughts. That’s why the Bible says to take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). God hasn’t given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). The best way to interrupt any negative thought patterns is to focus on God and His eternal purposes, renew your mind in the Word of God, and speak His Word out loud.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1-2

3. MAINTAIN AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE. What matters most to God is that we become like Jesus (Romans 8:29). Then it’s important that we develop a razor-sharp focus on leading others to Jesus. Even if you feel broken, or you’re coming out of defeat or dysfunction – you are still a forward presence of the Kingdom of God. The Bible says that not only does God choose the weak things but that His power will make the weak strong. (1 Corinthians 1:17; 12:9-11). Focus on who Jesus is and who He has made you to be. Old things are passed away – all things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God loves you!
Pastor Jeff Perry

DAILY CONFESSION based on Ephesians 6:13-18:
I put on every piece of God’s armor so I can resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle, I will still be standing firm. I stand my ground and I pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. I stay alert and am persistent in my prayers for all believers everywhere.

per·spec·tive noun
The proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it; objectivity. A view over some distance in space.

Copyright © 2020 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Phillips, J. B. The New Testament in Modern English. HarperCollins, 2000. “perspective.” Collins English Dictionary. Web. 21 Jan 2020 .

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The Essentials of Faith, Hope & Love