Hello Advent Family,

Do you know that according to the Bible we are at war? We have an enemy who is on the prowl looking to devour us – I Peter 5:8. Our enemy is a Thief who is looking to steal kill and destroy us. – John 10:10. We don’t often think this way but there are lots of reminders in the Bible about this. Let’s look at one of them found in Ephesians 6 together today. 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 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.

We are reminded to prepare ourselves for battle and to put on our armor so that we are ready for the schemes of the devil. Too often we simply journey through life without paying any attention to the battle that is going on over our hearts and passions and desires. Slowly over time we wander from our first love, Jesus and embrace other things. The battle can be subtle which is why it is often easy to ignore but we must stay ready. Put on your armor the battle belongs to the Lord!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave