QT on Ephesians 6

QT on Feb. 23, 2007 (9 days before Joe woke up)

After realizing that what was happening to Joe and to other (sick) members of the church was a spiritual battle, I requested that people pray and fast. We were pretty much beat up because we were all mostly discouraged and hopeless and sad about our situations. But when we go to war, we ought to have the right attitude to FIGHT and not give up, right?

So, I turned to one of the most useful scriptures that teach us how to "gear up" for a spiritual battle: Ephesians 6: 10-20. Please take time to read that scripture now.

Let me share with you how these scriptures struck me by putting them into my own words as God revealed them to me.

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"Finally, be strong. Remember that in this battle, God is on your side. The devil is deceitful and will feed you with different lies in order to discourage you. So, be ready and gear up for the battle.

The battle is not against flesh and blood. Don't be afraid to see Joe's body deteriorating. That is the least of your concerns right now. Focus on the spiritual battle that is going on. That is more important. Also remember that your enemies are invisible and they are powerful, almost scary to a certain extent. They are "ganging-up" on you right now with all their forces because they know that you are much more powerful that they are.

So hurry! Put on God's armor now! It is available for you. The enemy will come and strike but with God's armor, you will survive the battle (which is already won by God). At least when the battle is over, you will still be able to stand your ground and not die.

Here then is how you should prepare:

1. Put on God's buckle of truth. Be sharp minded and alert. Don't believe things that are not truthful and not based on God's words. People will have different opinions and different things to say, but hold on to the TRUTH ONLY. Remember, filter the messages that you receive everyday and see to it that you only believe that which is TRUTH and based on God's word. Don't let anyone tell you that there is no hope because that is a lie. And don't let anyone tell you that miracles don't happen because they do.

2. Wear the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS. Don't give the enemy a foothold by responding in an ungodly manner. Still be good and kind to others even though you are suffering. Still try to serve and understand others. Do not let fear, doubt, anger, bitterness rule your heart because that is what the enemy wants. Still follow God even in the midst of your trial.

3. Let your feet be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Believe it or not, this is a time for you to shine the most as a disciple. Let it be evident to all who are observing your response to God, that you are a DISCIPLE of God. Let your light be evident to all at this time. Be always ready to share your faith because it is at this time that people will ask you the reason for the FAITH that you are displaying. So, be ready and share God's gospel of peace to anyone who asks.

4. Take up the shield of faith. The flaming arrows of the enemy definitely hurt and they are aimed at your heart. Do not let Satan's lies hurt your heart. Block Satan's lies with words of FAITH that come from the Bible. Remember God's promises and comfort to help you in times of trouble. Your faith will keep your heart from getting hurt. When tempted to dwell in discouragement and disbelief, hold up your shield and block them off. This will greatly help you overcome sadness and hopelessness.

5. Take the helmet of salvation. Always, always remember that you are already saved and therefore you are already victorious. Keep that in your head. Don't equate what you see in the flesh with what is truly happening in the spiritual world. In this battle, you already are a winner.

6. Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Who says you can't strike back. Strike back as hard as you can against the enemy by using God's words. Conquer every lie, every doubt, every accussation by God's powerful words. In no time, God's enemies (your enemies) will run away squirming in pain. So, why not use your sword powerfully? Use it fiercely and confidently because it is God's word.

Pray in the spirit on all occassions. There is no limit as to what you can ask and request for. Ask for a miracle and don't doubt. God is able.

With this in mind, be alert. Do this by getting enough rest, enought nutrition, and enough energy. An emotional and tired person isn't alert and sharp. Lastly, keep on praying for all the saints to be spared from similar trials. Keep on praying.