by Jerry Senn
“So stand ready, with truth as a belt around you, with righteousness as a breastplate, and as your shoes the readiness to announce the good news of peace” (Ephesians 6:14-15).
Standing with “staying power” against the wiles of the devil demands more than our stubborn will, but in allowing the peace of God to work within our hearts and minds. It is a “divine power” activated by faith leading to submissive obedience.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
In some ancient castles men have found deep wells meant to supply the whole garrison with water in times of siege. An aqueduct designed to bring water from outside the walls of the castle would allow an enemy to simply cut off the water supply on the inside, leading to ultimate victory. But the enemy has no power over the water supply inside those walls. The source of supply must be secured from within.
There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God,
A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God.
There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God,
A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.
Cleland B McAree (w 1901)
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