Bible Readings:
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
A Thought
In the battle against Covid 19 we face an invisible and previously unknown enemy against which many people seem to have one of two extreme responses. There are those who are fearful and ultra-cautious. They take the view that, because they can’t see it, it could be everywhere, and they strictly observe all the rules of shielding, social distancing and hygiene. Then there are those who are cavalier and reckless. They take the view that, because they can’t see it, it doesn’t exist, or won't affect them, and they take a fairly blasé approach to the rules of social distancing and hygiene. Between these two extremes there are those who recognise the danger, take the appropriate precautions, and live as normal life as is possible.
I think the same can be said when it comes to spiritual warfare. In the spiritual world we face an unseen enemy, an enemy who wants to destroy the good that God has created and undermines his plans and purposes for our lives. There are many who ignore the danger and get involved in activities that may, on the surface seem harmless but in reality can have a detrimental effect on our lives, spiritually and emotionally. Things like horoscopes, ouija boards, fortune telling. Then there are those who are afraid of everything that goes bump in the night, and whose lives are seriously curtailed by fear.
There is a middle way, a way that recognises the dangers, takes appropriate precautions, and enables us to get on with our lives with confidence and without fear. The appropriate precautions for the safe life of a Christian are the armour of God; the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.
We will look at the individual parts of the armour of God in the days to come, but for now let us be aware that there is an enemy prowling around, who wants to pick us off through temptations, doubts and fears. But let us also remember that Jesus has already won the battle between good and evil and that he just asks us to stand firm in the faith, and to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, Victorious King, help me to recognise the times that I make myself vulnerable to the schemes of the enemy and to stand firm in the faith so that I might live without fear, and with confidence in your love and protection.
Amen.
You are my vision - Rend Collective