Spirit Wars

"But I say, Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another; lest whatever you may will, these things you do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under Law." ~ Galatians 5:16-18

"Put on all the armor of God, for you to be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil, because wrestling against flesh and blood is not to us, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenlies. Because of this, take up all of the armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having worked out all things, to stand. Then stand firm, "having girded your loins about with truth" and having put "on the breastplate of righteousness," (Isa. 11:5; 59:17) and having shod the feet with the preparation of the "gospel of peace." (Isa. 52:7) Above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the darts of the evil one being kindled. Also, take "the helmet of salvation," and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God; (Isa. 59:17 LXX-Isa. 11:4; MT-Isa. 49:2; LXX and MT-Hos. 6:5) through all prayer and petition, praying at all times in the Spirit, and watching to this same thing with all perseverance and petition concerning all the saints." ~ Ephesians 6:11-18

A preacher at one point in a sermon called to the congregation: "Everyone who wants to be active in the army of the Lord, raise your hands," to which all but one complied.

Calling out the one elderly man, "sir, you are not active at all in the church. You never even sing during praise and worship, which is not itself a form of service. Do you not want to be a part of the army of God?"

The old gentleman leaned over and whispered into the pastor's ear, "Secret Service."

Sounds funny, but it does not fly with the Lord. Those who choose to sit on the sidelines rather than becoming involved in the Church, will wind up collateral damage of one sort or another.

Have a glorious week as you walk in the faith of the Lord!

~~ John