​The Apostle Paul shares some encouraging as well as challenging words to the church in Corinth. 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. ¹⁴ And do everything with love.” (NLT)

The Apostle Paul reminds the brothers and sisters of the church in Corinth to Be on Your Guard!!The Scriptures make it clear that believers in Christ are to be on our guard because the enemy is against God, so he is also against the Father’s children. I recently read these words and it spoke to my heart; “Satan knows that he cannot attack God so he attacks the children of God.” We are part of a spiritual battle that on many days we wake up forgetting that this struggle is going on in our lives. When our lives are consumed with the temporary life, we are easily trapped into forgetting the journey to eternal life. When you stop and think about how you need to specifically be on your guard right now, what comes to mind? We need to identify in what ways the enemy is attacking each of us, our family, our friendships, our workplace, and our church? Just as God is active, the Devil is active too. He is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for people to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Being on our guard works best when we are not reliant on our own strength but on the help of the Holy Spirit and the armor of God. We are not left in the battle unguarded and vulnerable; we are equipped and empowered with the victory of Jesus and believing that this temporary suffering is for His glory. Here is the call to stand firm. When we think of the word firm, what do you picture? I think of a rock, a strong muscle, or a wall. I imagine something immovable and steady, something that will not shake or even give the idea that it would fall. We have a firm foundation in Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 says, “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” We have the wonderful opportunity to build our life with as well as on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!! I am reminded to remember the fact that we can trust in the FAITHFULNESS OF GOD!! He is with us at all times and in all situations!!! 2 Timothy 2:19 says, “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.’” We can rest assured that God knows that we are His. He can help us, and He can remind us that He is our firm foundation in this life. We can place our full trust in Him, more so than when we sit in a chair and it holds us up or ride in a plane and hope it lands. We have the promise that He is always with us, and He will keep us safe in His arms. PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!! WALKING AFTER THE HEART OF GOD!! PASTOR MIKE