Tonight we are in prayer for a family close at hand. We are reminded of our own struggles in similar areas and we are reminded of the very real battle we all do face as saved believers. I am reminded of the battle that was waged for me eleven years ago and of the hard fought victory that was won by the mighty hand of Jesus, through the prayers of the church, the faithfulness of the saints.

My wife reminded me tonight of the dire need to not "move from the wall", the hedge of protection that must be mounted around our children. We must be firmly planted on the wall, not allowing the cares of this world to distract us, not allowing the wiles of the enemy to move us off our God appointed post.

Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, Chapter 6, verses 10-18, from the Amplified Bible:

"In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].". (Amplified Bible)

Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people)

As the people of God, as His children, as His chosen and bonded saints, we fight. We fight or we are defeated in this world.

All armies have a purpose, to overcome the enemy. We, saved believers, have a purpose as the "Army of God", to stand against the enemy.

Satan and his troops fight, not against God, but against you and me, God's army in this world. We have a need to resist the strategies of the devil. The war is real.

Put on the armor God prepared for you to use in this battle. Use it. Use it in the confident knowledge that Jesus won the victory, but we must maintain the peace, in the power of the Holy Spirit, using the weapons and strategies God left here for us.

It's a real war and there are very real casualties; our children, our spouses, our families, our friends, our cities, our countries.

Some deny the existence of Satan and his demon warriors as myth, fantasy, metal illness, or as some aspect of the bible long gone and "not for today". He is real, he is here today and he will be with us to the "end of the age". We have a need to be mindful, to be prepared and to not waiver; to stand.

Stand, hold your ground, lift up the shield, swing the sword.