“Therefore put on the full armor 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 6:13
The news has been focusing more and more on the protests, riots, looting, and arson going on in several major cities in the U.S. These riots have been going on for months and as we see the violence we are all reminded that the world we live in is not a peaceful one.
Politicians and activists have been talking about racial injustice, riots, gun restrictions, the police, and more. Our minds race about the flesh and blood battles that take place, but there are other battles taking place as well…all the time.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us…
“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.“
Every day, well before anyone shows up with rocks, fireworks, or Molotov cocktails to riot, the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil attacked and led people into sin and towards committing evil acts. Before any racial injustice or injustice of any kind is committed, the spiritual attacks were well underway. Even when the riots end, the enemy will continue their attacks.
Each and every day we face the attacks of the enemy trying to lead us away from God, lead us into sin, and lead us into evil. So, the Bible says to prepare.
Put on the full armor of God.
Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness, the belt of the Truth of God’s Word, the shoes of the Gospel, the shield of faith, and sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).
In other words, spend time in prayer. Spend time studying God’s Word. Remember and hold fast to the promises of God. Live and share the Gospel. Know God’s truth so you can combat the lies of the enemy. Surround yourself with brothers and sisters in Christ who will support you. Cover yourself in the grace and mercy of God that by His grace you may withstand the attacks of the evil one.
“Therefore put on the full armor 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:13-18
Dear Jesus,
This world seems full of evil sometimes, but I know Your goodness is also here. Remind me of Your goodness. Watch over me and protect me from the attacks of the evil one. Cover me with Your armor and keep me steadfast in true faith in You.
Amen
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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