1 Peter 5:8 says this ... "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." What the title is referring to is .. yes .. war .. but what I'm speaking of is the spiritual warfare that is only going to increase toward God's chosen few as we draw ever nearer to the fast-approaching day of judgement. ... I mean, just look around for a moment!.. What are we seeing in this once-supposed Christian nation? .. The list of signs is long, to say the least .. but for now, allow me to point to just a few of them. ... As I've been ranting over the past few weeks, this current embarrassing election process is almost beyond rational comprehension, and, without a doubt, has to be fueled by the 'roaring lion' the apostle Peter was referring to. ... I mean, just look at this fiasco! ... Bullying, name-calling, insults .. you name it. ... And the real tragedy? .. Most appear to be oblivious to the fact of just how dangerous this strong-armed, bullying style is, especially when it could become the prevalent behavior of our next leader. .... It is really sad that it has all come to this .. that the 'anything goes' mentality is O.K. .. But this is exactly what can happen to a mostly godless & increasingly decadent society. .... Several observers have brought forth the notion that it could very well be leading to a 'czaristic' leadership, much like the one Hitler created in Germany not so many years ago. ..There has even been allusions to a 'brown-shirt -gestapo-type' presence. .. It also seems that the extreme right-wing element in the country is totally backing this type of rhetoric. ... Big surprise! .. and very dangerous ... Of course, there are other issues that only promote this rapidly advancing climate of hate towards God's chosen - the remnant. .. For one, the concerted effort to totally remove God from this society is only increasing by leaps & bounds. .. Militant atheist groups are ramping up the attacks on all fronts. .. And look at the public school agenda. .. Promote any & all lifestyles as being just fine - except Christianity! .. The college campuses are no better as they spew more & more godless, liberal rhetoric at the young minds that attend their 'hallowed' halls. .. Another one we are seeing rapidly increasing is the open violence being displayed toward Christians. .. Church shootings, for example, are increasing exponentially. .. Churches are even now hiring armed security for protection! .. The bottom line is that 'fundamental, or scripturally literal-thinking Christians are evolving into the 'enemy of the state!' ...... I could go on & on, but you get the point. .. And sadly, this will ultimately lead to the destruction of this nation. .. Biblical history shows that a godless society is one doomed to destruction. .. I think I'm even a bit surprised God hasn't already 'rained down' is wrath on us. .... So here's the point. .. We followers of Christ MUST prepare for war! .. The apostle Paul points out in 2 Timothy 3:12 ... "In fact, everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus WILL BE PERSECUTED." (emphasis mine) ... Simply, we need to prepare ourselves for the coming spiritual warfare that is only going to increase as we draw ever nearer ... Let me now share a passage of scripture I seem to be going to more & more with each passing day ... it''s Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God. ... "Finally, be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. 11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace. 16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the saints." The highlights? .. We Must be strong in the coming days of increasing persecution, and that we can do this by putting on 'the full armor of God' for protection. .. This will be the ONLY WAY we will be able 'to stand.' .. It also tells us we will be coming against the 'spiritual forces' of hell - but with God's full armor, we will be able to extinguish the 'flaming arrows' that are sure to come against us. .. And finally, we MUST constantly pray for one another. .. This will give us the strength and resolution to 'see it through' .. and that we can resist all fear through the 'Gospel of peace.' .. Hallelujah!!! ..... The Bible clearly states that we are 'not of this world.' .. Let me share just two passages to support this ... The Apostle Peter opens up his teaching by saying .. "To God's elect, strangers in the world ..." (1 Peter 1:1) ... And then the apostle John tells us in 15:18-19 ... "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19) If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." ...... I love the fact that God's Word never leaves any doubt as to what is the truth, and how it is going to be. .. Trust it and you will be strong and will persevere going forward. .. In fact, you will spend eternity in peace & glory! .. Hallelujah!!! In closing, remember what the apostle Peter tells us .. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His glory and goodness. 4) Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and ESCAPE THE CORRUPTION IN THE WORLD CAUSED BY EVIL DESIRES" ... (2 Peter 1:3-4 .. emphasis mine) ... God gives us all we will need in the coming difficult days. .. All we need is the faith to believe it. .. He WILL carry us through! .. Hallelujah!!! Until next time, Red