Dear Faith Family,

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might, Ephesians 6:10.

Recently my wife and I attended a webinar: “How to Teach Classically Online”.  Two clear “rules of engagement” were emphasized.  One:  make sure that everyone in your house has on pants before getting online!  Two:  Never, NEVER, take your device into the bathroom!

Maybe in this age of virtual reality, physical clothing isn’t the only thing missing from our wardrobe.  As Paul was wrapping up his letter to the Church @ Ephesus, he challenged us to be strong in the Lord.  Our strength comes not from ourselves but from our God.  So, dress yourself appropriately.

Our spiritual wardrobe contains some serious armor:  the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, gospel shoes, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.  Isn’t it interesting that once clothed in the armor of God, Paul calls us to…wait for it…PRAY!  Prayer isn’t just preparation for the battle.  It is the battle. 

Whether we are aware or not, we are constantly in the midst of a spiritual battle.  Consider this, the enemy would love nothing more than to keep you from Christ.  But, if you, by the grace of God, already belong to Jesus, the enemy would love to render you inoperable as a soldier of Christ.

How does the enemy render us inoperable?  Discouragement…despair…distraction…deception…and defeat.  He loves to lead us into temptation.  And, when we have yielded to sin, the enemy loves to heap on the guilt.  We are no match in our own strength.  Martin Luther put it like this:  “Were not the right Man on our side, our striving would be losing,” (“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”).

So, before you begin the battle each day in your own strength, make sure that you are appropriately dressed in His strength!  Then descend into the battle on your knees.  Buckle up with His truth.  Clothe yourself in the righteousness of Christ.  Strap up your sandals with the preparation of the good news of peace in Christ Jesus.  Bear well His faith.  Adorn yourself with His salvation.  Make sure that the Sword of the Lord, His Word, is in your possession.  Pajamas aren’t safe in this battle.  Suit up soldier!

In His love,
Pastor Karl