Stand firm in Christ. Scripture: Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15

It’s Christmas time, but no time to compromise. It’s really Christmas 365 days a year to the believer. We have the gift of Jesus and the power of standing on His Word. We must stay in peace to keep our walk with the Lord pure and holy. And learn to stand in agreement with GOD in prayer. We must heed the warnings of God however He sends them…through a check in our spirit, an uneasiness or burden we sense, a dream, vision, through His Word, or voice. Never ignore the warnings and promptings from God. Keep your heart pure and your feet shod with the gospel of peace at all times so you can hear the Voice of God. 

When was the last time you heard a message about feet? You might be reminded of the time in Scripture when Jesus washed the feet of His own disciples. Some of you might think of walking on sand in the heat of the day and coming in to a refreshing bath. Some of you might be thinking about coming in from a ski trip out in the snow—with your feet by a fire and a cup of hot chocolate.

The Apostle Paul did not avoid the subject of feet. He made feet a focal point of one of his most powerful messages. We must learn to stay in peace…with our feet shod with the gospel of peace, at all times. We must not allow the wind and waves of life to get inside us…no matter what we are facing in life. No matter what battle is raging, what attack has happened, or what you are seeing all around you, don’t allow the raging seas to get inside your heart. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and don’t allow the enemy to abort God’s plan for your life. Look at what Scripture says about standing firm. 

You can read about it in Ephesians 6:10-18—about the armor of God. Let’s take a closer look.

The Bile says it four times in four verses (verses 11-14 NIV), Paul declares that the armor’s purpose is to help us “stand,” “stand against the devil’s schemes,” “stand [our] ground,” and “stand firm.” Armor would be incomplete without shoes. Paul identified this as “the preparation of the gospel of peace” (verse 15). Paul knew that we would need to be equipped and have a firm foundation in Christ to face opposition. And you get rest assured, if you are still breathing, you will face opposition. 

The Roman soldier’s sandals had a long spike at the heel of the shoe. The purpose was to allow the warrior to plant his feet firmly in the ground when an opponent approached. The soldier would have an obvious advantage with his feet secured in the ground. He would be able to stand in the face of opposition and not be moved. This part of his uniform enabled him to keep his footing even in the face of the enemy and danger. 

That is precisely what our Father God wants for every one of His children today: the ability to stand firm in the face of troubles and opposition. This is possible when we plant our feet on a firm foundation—the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ—the Solid Rock on which we stand. That’s what happens when we are in a life or death situation, we can cry out to God for help. We know WHO to turn to when problems arise because we know WHO we are IN CHRIST and we belong to HIM. We must learn to live by faith. 

Ask yourself this question: “Is my faith well grounded?” 

With the evil that has escalated across America and the unrest across the nations, it is imperative that we are secure in Christ and learn to stand firm in Him. We are also to be identified by the fruit of our lives—the way we act. (See Luke 6:44 and Matthew 7:16). The Holy Spirit has graciously given us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). When we are faced with extreme adverse circumstances, any of us can act inappropriately. Often times our fruit can be anger, conflict, sorrow, defensiveness, harshness, impatience, and even rudeness. We could say it may be anything but self-control. Oh, and let’s not get in the seat of judgment and pretend to know how it feels to walk through a crisis of one sort or another. You really don’t know how you would respond or react till you walk in the same situation. So ZIP IT now….God doesn’t call us to be jury and judge. We are called to pray for one another. 

We also must not pretend the enemy does not exist…like an unwise person who walks up on a python and thinks it is okay to play with it. We are not called to ignore the enemy or his tactics. We must know that the deceiver can use our wounds from the past, agreements we have made, weaknesses in our flesh, and the lies we have believed of the enemy to keep us locked in a negative cycle of sinful behavior and wrong choices. 

I can assure you that if you have any knowledge of God at all, when faced with a crisis, most people will call upon God. Even America called on God in prayer right after September 11th…and churches were filled to overflow for about three weeks. Then life went back to what the world thought was normal. But it is anything but normal. 

We must seek godly counsel and wisdom, along with prayer and ministry to find lasting help. For immediate help, prayer is the first thing we must do. No matter if you personally believe it or not, Satan is real and so are his evil tactics. He uses a hierarchy of fallen angels for his evil purposes because he doesn’t have the authority, power, and abilities of God. Satan is not omnipresent. And don’t think Christians cannot be harassed, oppressed, or afflicted. If you think that way—you are already deceived. 

The enemy comes like a roaring lion—seeking those he may devour. So what can we do when it is obvious that we are being attacked? What can we do when we are acting out in ways that are not in our character as a born-again believer of Jesus Christ? Get on our knees in prayer—cry out to God for help.

Pray Psalm 91 and Psalm 59. Say them out loud. The spoken Word of God cannot return void. What else can we do? Put on the armor of God. (See Ephesians 6:11-18) The shield of faith, the helmet of salvation that guards our mind, will and emotions, shoes of peace, and the belt of truth are defensive weapons. The Word of God is an offensive weapon. We need to stay close to God…read His Word and study the Bible on a daily basis. Our other offensive weapon is prayer. Choose to cultivate a life of prayer that goes far beyond praying over meals and crying out to God only in a crisis. Talk to God all day long. When you wake up in the night time, tell the LORD that you love Him. Talk to Him throughout your day. Each day of life is a gift from our Father God. 

The Bible and prayer will do more to help show the true fruit of who we are than anything else we can do in this life. We must ask God to help us cast aside any of the rotten fruit of Satan and enjoy the precious fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Choose to enjoy Christmas—365 days a year. Choose to enjoy family and friends. Make wise choices and stand firm—planted on the solid Rock—Jesus Christ. 

#Christmas365 #telltheworldaboutJesus #AbidingInChrist 

(Excerpts from all three books…) 

Stand strong in the Lord,

Merry Christmas,

Deborah Starczewski 

BOOKS BY DEBORAH STARCZEWSKSI

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed and Know Your Purpose)…learn to move from drama to destiny. Learn that you can make right choices and change your life through turning to Jesus Christ. You can overcome the pain of divorce, heartache and loss. Learn to triumph through trials and tribulation by turning to Jesus.

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)…the full account of God raising my husband from death, healing him from two strokes, and the walk through two open-heart surgeries. Read the amazing ways the Holy Spirit led us—through our son’s first open-heart surgery….and through the loss of a loved one—my daddy. The amazing ways God led us will encourage you and give you hope to believe God for yourself, for your loved ones and for the world around you. 

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?) …a must read for ALL! 

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.starministriesinc.com and other distributors.

Suppose it were your last hour! What would you choose to be doing? But let me tell you, it is the last hour. God is giving us warnings and signs in the heavens and in the natural. 

“Little children, it is the last hour…” (1 John 2:18). John penned those words almost two thousand years ago. If John were writing today, he would probably say it is the last seconds of the last hour. If anyone thought they only had an hour left, I seriously doubt they would be concerned about things…they would be concerned about where they would spend eternity and those they love. Living with eternity in mind brings all of life into proper perspective. 

When I heard about the recent evacuation at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the story of a line being cut at a bridge that ushered in darkness and loss of power for three days…my mind thought about the evacuation that will happen in a twinkling of an eye when the Trumpet sounds. 

When we don’t renew our minds in the Word of God and stay connected in close communion with God, and with other believers, we can live in the world and be unaware of the times. Anyone can lose their power if they live in denial or do not stay plugged into God and His Word. 

With the power outages and evacuation that occurred due to power lines being cut, I also thought about how the law has been changed to go against God’s Word, and how He is warning America to return and repent. The enemy wants to destroy all mankind through destroying our connection with God. My third book THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?) is a wakeup call for everyone. America was founded on God’s Word. Jesus is the bridge for all mankind to heaven…and it is our choice if we receive the gift of eternal life or not.

With the next event happening on August 21, 2017, with the narrow path across America where the total eclipse will be visible, I learned that it has only happened once before in 1776. What is significant about 1776? It is the year that is celebrated as the official beginning of the nationhood of America. 

People are converging from all over the place to watch this total eclipse of the sun. Hotel rates have skyrocketed and mass productions of eyewear are available. People are being warned to check the safety of their glasses as viewing the sun without proper eyewear can cause permanent damage. 

The constellation that is forming on September 23, 2017 is the first time since Creation. We are getting signs in the heavens of warnings, and those warnings are getting bigger. (Take time to read Revelation 12). In between, on September 11, 2017, is the Feast of Trumpets on the Jewish Calendar. One day the Trumpet shall sound and we will be called to meet the Lord in the air. We are not called to predict dates of the return of Christ. However, we can surely see the signs and warnings for all to repent and be ready for His return. 

It is obvious that we are much closer to the end every single day. Paul saw it that way too: “Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). 

The Bible’s message is that our days are “numbered”….not numberless. The Church must awake out of slumber, sleep, and sinful ways and be more concerned with the battle that rages—the war with Satan and the salvation of souls. We have to check our own hearts and be prepared at all times. The Bible says, “Pursue the enemy, and without fail you shall recover all” (1 Samuel 30:8). In THE MIDNIGHT HOUR, you can see the principles that are time tested that still work for today…if we will repent and return. David wept before the Lord, he worshiped, he inquired of God, and God gave him strategic instructions….David obeyed and recovered all. 

We also know David was also the one who chose to tackle the enemy. First Samuel 17:48 says that David “ran” toward the Philistine champion—the Giant. The believer in the army who tackled the enemy was the one who carried the anointing of God. It’s time to stand up, stand apart, and step into battle…with faith in God! Magnify the Lord over all. 

We must humble ourselves and repent and return to the Lord. The Good News of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, is eternal, but we do not have eternity to preach it….time is short. It is the last hour for someone today. Somebody is crying out to God for help. No one is good enough to make it to heaven on their own. We all are in need of Jesus. He came, he gave His life for all mankind, but we must believe on Him, confess our sin, and experience a heart change. Knowing about God is not enough. 

If you are not born again, if you are living in sin and you are reading this, it’s not too late. Repent and believe. Read the Bible for yourself. God says, “My people perish for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). 

The warnings have hit America. Weather patterns are changing, wars and rumors of wars, increased violence, chaos, confusion, and fake news. Lack of respect for authority to betrayal of all kinds. The spirit of antichrist permeates human thinking and society. It is has created havoc and caused moral collapse. But God… God has His answer. The outpouring of His Holy Spirit is His amazing and special provision for the last hour.

No one knows when the Trumpet will sound…no one knows when the Church will be caught up to be the with the Lord in the air. When that evacuation occurs, everything will change forever. All of The Feasts of the Lord are appointed to a certain day. When the stars and planets are lining up, these are signs in the heavens from the Lord. God does say, “Surely, the LORD GOD will do nothing, unless He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:8). 

God sends warnings. He warned the people through Noah of the flood that was coming. He warned Pharaoh by Moses. The list goes onward. He is still warning. He warns through dreams, visions, His Holy Word, through His Servants, and through signs in the heavens. He goes to extreme measures to get our attention. 

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; …before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD” (Joel 2:28, 31). 

The Body of Christ, armed with the Word of God, will be mobilized for the last onslaught of the enemy. Satan will lose again. We know the end of the story. 

It’s time for the harvest of souls and Satan can see his opportunities are slipping away. He knows his time is short. The greatest outpouring, the greatest revival of all time, the greatest anointing of God’s power is coming upon us. Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” 

The future has been written and settled beforehand by God. The last hour is determined and has a glorious conclusion. Make sure you are standing with Jesus. Look at the what the Bible says: 

“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” (Revelation 12:9-10). That’s a good ending. 

If you are born-again, witness to your family, friends, and foes. Walk in God’s love. Sow mercy and grace. If you are not sure, or if you are caught up in sin, repent and return to the Lord. Don’t allow darkness to cover your heart. 

The total eclipse that is coming is a warning for every person to make sure their heart is right before the Lord. Light and darkness do not mix. Check your own heart. This is the heart of our heavenly Father God—for those who will hear.

He loves YOU with an everlasting love. Worship His holy name! 

Deborah 

BOOKS BY DEBORAH STARCZEWSKI

GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed and Know Your Purpose)….learn how to move from drama to destiny, from a mess to a message, from pain to purpose, from trials, tribulation, and trouble to TRIUMPH through turning to Jesus Christ.

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)….the full account of God’s miraculous intervention—God raised my husband from death, healed him from two strokes, and walked with us supernaturally through two open-heart surgeries and 25 days at Mercy Hospital. He gave signs in the natural to reveal His hand at work behind the scenes. This story will keep you turning the pages—and give you hope and faith to believe God for yourself, for your family, and the nations. 

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (Will America Turn Back To God?)…a must read for all. 

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.starministriesinc.com and other distributors. 

Our society is suffering from a progressive breakdown of interpersonal relationships. People are more connected than ever…and less connected in real relationships. Texting has taken over talking. Relationships have diminished and people actually spend less quality time with family and friends. People are bashing authority, taking matters into their own hands, attempting to kill people because they don’t like them, to all sorts of manipulation and evil. What on earth has happened in this nation? How did the breakdown start? What can we do to bring about change?

It’s imperative to take time to get away to spend with family and friends, or you will get caught in the crossfire of enemy tactics. Satan is afraid of what you can become in Christ…so he seeks to destroy any of us at a young age. Be encouraged….people who have been the lowest often end up the highest. The Scriptures tells us, “He who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

There is always something you don’t know in any situation; so be careful not to assume and judge. Satan will try to get you to accuse, assume, attack, belittle, lie, and slander. He will paint a rosy picture to get you off course and it never ends well. Remember Judas. Sowing and reaping is a principle that works in the good and the bad.

David’s own father and brothers assumed he wasn’t in the lineup for God’s choice…but wow….were they wrong. The very one they thought wasn’t good enough and not even called in for the lineup, was God’s choice. See how far off assumption can get a person, and an entire family falling for their own opinions? (See 1 Samuel 16)

Satan comes to distract, deter, damage, and create doubt and duress in the lives of every believer so that we are derailed by evil tactics. Lack of respect, lack of respect for authority, and moral decay has swept through the nation. It is obvious what is happening. Satan is out to steal, kill, and destroy. 

The Bible says that we are hid in Christ (as born-again followers of Christ) and the devil cannot find us. He roars like a lion trying to get us to come out and align with him through negative confession, accusation, slander, and all sorts of evil. 

Satan comes to divide your mind against God. He will try to divide your marriage, family, friends, cities, churches, and nations. A house divided will not stand. A nation divided will not stand. When people lose their moral compass, disaster is imminent. 

The enemy wants to destroy from within. Keep your heart pure. Purity is prerequisite for power. Courage is prerequisite for impact and legacy 

Choose this day WHO you will serve —God or Satan. Determine in your heart to be the change in every situation. Determine to confess the Word of God over any and every circumstance, regardless of how it appears. Stay in alignment with God’s Word which is His will. Build your house upon the ROCK…Jesus Christ…a sure foundation. We will never improve on God’s “ancient path.” (Stand at the crossing, and consider the ancient path, that leads to Me. Walk on this path and you will find rest for your souls….See Jeremiah 6:16). 

Jesus said that whoever heard His words and obeyed Him, would be like a wise man who built his house on a rock. (See Matthew 7:24-27) 

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” (Psalm 18:2) 

God wants us to build securely on the Eternal Rock—the Word of God. Jesus is our ROCK..He is the firm foundation that we can build our lives upon. Don’t you dare budge off of God’s Word! Stand strong, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord. Instead of being divided, be determined to obey God! Believe Him, and trust Him! He is always faithful….

God loves you! 

HIS love and mine,

DEBORAH 

Dr. (Rev.) Deborah Starczewski

BOOKS FOR ENCOURAGEMENT AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH BY DEBORAH STARCZEWSKI

 GOD’S PRICELESS TREASURE (How To Overcome Challenges, Be Transformed, And Know Your Purpose)….move from drama to destiny, pain to purpose, trials to triumph,

A LEAP OF FAITH (25 Days At The Mercy Seat)…the full account of God raising my husband from death, healing him from two strokes and two open-heart surgeries….25 days at Mercy.  This book will encourage you to take your own leap of faith!

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (WIll America Turn Back To God?)….a must read for all.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, www.starministriesinc.com, and other distributors.