In the previous posting, we discussed the necessary defense against the schemes of the devil and realized the importance of taking on the full armor of God. The next step is to actually show up to fight. As a Christ-follower, how often do you choose to serve your own interests and to coast through the good times you are having rather than to join your battle buddies in combat? If 1 Peter 5:8-9 is right, then we are foolish for forgetting the importance of showing up to fight by prayer and petition...
Ephesians 6:18-20 reads ... With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Think for a moment about friends or family members who have fallen in battle recently. Do you know anyone who is lost in sin, bound by the chains of addiction, hurting and suffering because of their poor choices or the choices of others. These are the casualties of the combat of which I am writing. The Bible is clear that we are in a spiritual battle for our very souls, with eternal consequences. Please remember your duty to fight alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ to defend yourself, your family, your friends, and believers around the world.
I urge you to consider your role in this great struggle against "spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph 6:12) We need you on the front line in this struggle, in prayer for the saints. Please take time right now, and each day to pray and petition on behalf of you and others to stay the straight and narrow course which Christ has set before us.
Blessings...
-atg-
"Peace be to you all who are in Christ..."
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