Spiritual Battles

Ephesians 6:12,  "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."

      Halloween is fast approaching.  Little children see it as a time to dress in costumes, go trick or treating, and gorge on the candy they have collected as long as it lasts.  Schools have viewed it as a possible way to raise money, and the Halloween Carnivals were the forerunners of the Fall Festivals that are popular today.  Some churches see it as a good time to have alternative entertainment and use it as an opportunity to present the gospel to those who attend their event.  But the scary costumes, the bizarre masks, and the macabre decorations should remind us that evil is not only present but prevalent in our world.  God hasn't called us to a tea party but to a battle.  He calls us soldiers and tells us to put on our armor for defense against our enemy.  We are to take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and to use it as our offensive weapon.  As the time for Christ's return grows nearer, we can expect evil to grow more intense, and I definitely think we are seeing that happening today.  We are to stand firm in our faith, to hold our ground, and to fight a good fight.  Ephesians 6:13-14a exhorts us,  "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."

Father, may we be true soldiers of the cross.  Empower us to stand firm against the tide of evil that is so prevalent in our society today.