Uppermost in our minds, is impending war by the powerful over the less powerful all because of wanting more power.  The outcomes of these actions will affect everyone in the world eventually. Simply put, the reason for war is, “I want more so I will take want you have to satisfy my needs for more.”   Mm, what does God say?

Paul is in jail because of preaching nonstop about Jesus’ saving grace for all.  Romans still have their self-produced power over the weak.  Religious leaders, who left God long ago, also lord it over those who are weaker while trying to maintain a relationship with the Roman forces.  They want nothing to do with Jesus.  Paul closes his letter reminding believers that the real battle to be fought is not against flesh and blood, but against evil.  Evil, the one who lost the war with God and His Son, Jesus previously, has less power but wields what power he holds in this world against us in daily battles and skirmishes for our souls.  The real battle is for our souls no matter what else is going on in this world.  Focus on this truth.  The war has already be won!!  WE are the victors with Jesus!

I heard this morning about a missionary in the Ukraine who sent this prayer request to people who support her.  She is now making her way to Poland for safety while Russian forces attack the country full of people she has grown to loves dearly.  She writes;

“This is what the Christians in Ukraine have asked us to pray … We ask you to pray that the Lord renews our minds in Jesus Christ:

1. That we, citizens of different countries and representatives of various races and ethnicities, could manifest unity of God’s people in love;

2. That being transformed in our minds, we could comprehend God’s will, good, acceptable, and perfect;

3. That in these complex circumstances, God’s people were steadfast in unity, standing firm shoulder to shoulder, foremost, for the faith of the Gospel (Phil. 1:27)”

THIS is the best offense against all battles on earth until we see Jesus, our Victor.  This is what Paul, powered by the Holy Spirit, is teaching believing Christians of his day.  Today, nothing has changed.  Our victor is Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord, who defeated the real enemy once and for all.  Worship him alone. “Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.”

EPHESIANS—RECONCILED TO BE

Ephesians 6, The Message

^1-3 Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life.”

⁴ Fathers, don’t frustrate your children with no-win scenarios. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.

^5-8 Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free.

⁹ Masters, it’s the same with you. No abuse, please, and no threats. You and your servants are both under the same Master in heaven. He makes no distinction between you and them.

A Fight to the Finish

^10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no weekend war that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

^13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

^19-20 And don’t forget to pray for me. Pray that I’ll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out.

^21-22 Tychicus, my good friend here, will tell you what I’m doing and how things are going with me. He is certainly a dependable servant of the Master! I’ve sent him not only to tell you about us but to cheer you on in your faith.

^23-24 Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.

Lord,

We join your missionary’s prayer with ours.  ALL power belongs to you.  You are the Victor over all.  When we truly grasp with understand where real power lies, we become victors with you forever.  Guide and lead our thoughts.  Keep us focused on Your Word.  Help us the hear your voice above all others.  Help us to love like you love us.  And yes, “Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words”.  Help us to apply them daily.

In Jesus Name, For Your glory, Amen.