Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.
So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm. Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God's justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:10-17
Earthly things speak loudly to us about spiritual matters. We have light and darkness on this earth to help us learn about spiritual light and darkness. We have marriage to show us a type of the relationship of Christ and the Church. We have war on earth so that we will know more about Spiritual Warfare.
My youngest son was an avid paint ball enthusiast when he was in high school. Then after graduation he joined the U.S. Navy and deployed to a war zone. The games that people play with paint balls cannot be compared to struggles of real war with real bullets.
Today there are many Christians for whom Spiritual Warfare is simply a game to be played on Sunday. It is a great song sung, or a great sermon preached but has nothing to do with a costly encounter with Satan on the field of battle.
If as a Christian you have been playing with paint balls instead of the sword of the Spirit, don't be surprised if you are seriously wounded by Satan.
Spiritual war is waged with real bullets and it is without a doubt a life or death matter. Never forget that even if you have been a Christian for many years Satan wants to take you down today. Keep your shield up and your sword ready to swing.
"Lord help me to be ready today to do battle with the Enemy. And by the power of Your Word may he be defeated at every turn. Amen."
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