Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Promise of the Holy Spirit

 Ephesians 6:10-20

 It seems that Christians have been at war against other religions forever. Why? Battle imagery exists throughout the Bible. Many movies with the theme of a war between good and evil are big hits in the entertainment industry. We share the fascination of people fighting with each other. Currently, a war between Russia and Ukraine is already lasting over fifteen months. 

This passage is about a war between an unseen enemy, whose name is Satan. We have unconditional love with God, and Satan wants to destroy it. Paul tells us that we must arm ourselves and go to war against Satan. We need to put on the armor of God (13). God has provided us with all we need to protect ourselves and go to war if needed. 

During past wars, soldiers wore protective gear such as helmets and bulletproof vests, carrying shields, guns, swords, and other equipment. This passage provides protective gear to fight Satan: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. The Sword of the Spirit is God's word, which promises that if we love our God, He will protect us from any enemy, near and far, no matter how powerful they are. No power is more significant than the power of God. 

God wants you to be strong in your faith because you are in a spiritual battle with Satan. What war are we talking about, you may ask. These days, some struggles are serious illnesses, losing loved ones, hatred of others, sexual temptation, drug and alcohol abuse, and even pride. God has given you weapons: they are spiritual weapons. Use them as needed to fight against evil, which comes in many shapes and forms. 

Like David and Samson, strong men in the Bible represented great devotion and strength. David fell into temptation with lust, adultery, and finally, murder. As strong as he was, Samson could not fight off a woman's desire. Are we able to battle Satan? We have to try, and it will be hard. That is why God has given us His armor. 

Another armor God has given us is prayer. We must always pray and thank him for what he has given us. We must pray for the strength of others to fight against Satan. We all have a Satan to fight. Some prayers, however, will not be answered as we would like. It does not mean that God did not hear our prayers. He hears all prayers, but the answers come in different forms, even in ways we do not understand.


Prayer

 Dear Lord, help us to fight against Satan. We are all sinners in words, thoughts, and deeds. Please help us to overcome our battles and allow us to do the right thing for us and our loved ones.



THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 What battles are you fighting, and what armor are you wearing to fight those battles?


Mr. Shibu P. Thomas
Mar Thoma Church of Staten Island

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