Praise God for the wonders of life He bestows on us. The message today will assist us in knowing who the real enemy is so continue reading to the end.
Today’s Prayer
Father, on behalf of my brothers and sisters everywhere I praise your holy name and ask that you would help us accept the fact that life is often filled with trials; droughts, fires, lay-offs, accidents, sickness, and loss of loved ones, interspersed with times of joy, gentle love, helping hands, quiet peace, and indomitable hope! Help us to remember that others have faced similar problems, and found You. Let our faith never falter, for in the midst of our adversities You are there. Let us resolve to put our hand in Yours, for You have said that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. New opportunities will come, new doors will open. The sun will shine again! Help us to trust You all the way, and to be ready. In the matchless name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Let’s eat.
Our true enemy
Ephesians 6:10-20
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
I’m writing this because it’s fresh in my mind as I just went through a situation just a couple days ago. So many times we have a verbal battle with someone, and we want to argue with that person rather than attacking the devil that caused the ruckus in the first place. The Word of God warns us that our battle is not with flesh and blood even in a global sense, but our battle is with Satan. If we don’t see that, we are going to lose the war.
Now, I’m not saying that our nation shouldn’t be prepared and ready, but we can’t shoot down an idea with a bullet. The only thing that will kill an idea or philosophy is a better idea—the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Martin Luther wrote, “And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure. One little word shall fell him.”
Quote of the Day
God clears the underbrush ahead and guides us down special paths beaten just for us through thickets of time and uncertainty. ~Leslie Williams ~