Warfare Settings (Ephesians 6:13-18

A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power.  Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.  For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood.  But against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Use  every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil. so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth, and the body armor of God's righteousness.  For shoes put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared.  In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Pray at all times and every occasion by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christian everywhere.

Warfare! We are in a warfare.  How is the setting of the warfare?

WWI and WWII, I wasn't there, but I have heard it was pretty bloody.  Did they complain how harsh it was?  They didn't have time.  Did they complain about the mud bath in the tranches or no coffee.  It was warfare!  Were they out making friends with the enemy?  They didn't dare to or they would be shot guaranteed.  The Devil is the same, no friends, "I am out to kill you no matter what."  Even as I write this I am realizing that I have missed the mark...that is what sinning means.  Any thing short of God's Glory is missing the mark.  Wow! That doesn't leave much time to lay in the sun and enjoy a comfortable Christian life maybe sunbathing under the bullets or arrows.

 This is a real armor, a spiritual armor.  You go covered with spiritual weapons on your mind and heart and feet for walking.  If your mind is covered with the backup of salvation and your heart is covered with righteousness you pretty covered away from doubts and fear.  You can overcome, you will still need the sword and the shield though.  The Word of God and faith.  I don't think it means having a Bible in your hand and confessing the words, "I am full of faith now, Satan watch out."  He will flip you like a tile.  No it means the promises and the belief with confidence in those promises.  Satan can read body language you know, figuratively of course.  He can tell whether you believe it or not.  For your feet, you will need care as well.  There are debris on a battle field you need shoes peace that comes from knowing and believing the Good News and what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross and resurrection.  You have to constantly remind yourself of your stand before God in this fiery battle.  One doubt could put your life on the line.  Look at your own life right now.  How many times do you get distracted from the Truth.  It's time to take a stand and to stand firm.

Have a great day!

A side story:  Yesterday, I helped someone move with a bunch of other people and someone offered  to help that person move some of their stuff to a nearby town.  The person was overwhelmed with gratitude.  The person offering, said simply that it was normal to do this for a friend.  I got some insight...God is waiting for you to ask and sometimes he does it anyway out of his generosity and because he can and he is your friend.  Whether you know him or don't he is still willing to help.

It's normal for him to do it and we are grateful for that.

Sometimes, he will pursue a person to their deathbed, but I don't suggest waiting that long because you never know how close danger really is.