January 24, 2019 (Thursday)
One of the news channels is promoting Super Bowl LIII as “the battle of the ages.” Sorry, that’s not so. No doubt it will be a good game, pitting the experienced guy against the new guy. It’s the Patriots and Brady against the Rams and Goff.
The Rams beat the Saints to get to the Super Bowl. Saints fans with season tickets are suing to bring back the teams and let them replay the end of their game with the Rams because of a suspicious call. I doubt that will happen, but I am certain there will be no replay of Spiritual Warfare. It’s not a game; it’s war. This is it. We are in the midst of it, you and I.
I had planned to write a blog about spiritual warfare. I was going to take my text from Ephesians 6. After reading it again in the New Living Translation, I decided to share the text itself as my blog. The Bible says it perfectly. Here it is:
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Hold the Fort
Philip P. Bliss
1870
Ho, my comrades, see the signal, waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”
See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on;
Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”
See the glorious banner waving! Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader’s Name we triumph over every foe.
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”
Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander, my comrades, cheer!
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”Click here to hear this old, old great hymn!
Philip P. Bliss
1870
Ho, my comrades, see the signal, waving in the sky!
Reinforcements now appearing, victory is nigh.
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”
See the mighty host advancing, Satan leading on;
Mighty ones around us falling, courage almost gone!
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”
See the glorious banner waving! Hear the trumpet blow!
In our Leader’s Name we triumph over every foe.
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”
Fierce and long the battle rages, but our help is near;
Onward comes our great Commander, my comrades, cheer!
“Hold the fort, for I am coming,” Jesus signals still;
Wave the answer back to Heaven, “By Thy grace we will.”