“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

• When people are walking with God and seeking His will there will not be angry conflicts and hatred present. When they are present, either one side or both sides have no thoughts of pleasing God because pride and a false sense of entitlement has taken over. May we remember that the one who loves will always be at peace and that Light will always overcome darkness. Whatever problems we have with other people can be fixed when Jesus is given control. The situation or circumstance may not change but the heart will.

• Our ability to love others depends on our understanding of this scripture verse. Our struggle is not against people. Our struggles are against the evil that is in others and/or in ourselves. When we realize and are honest about our own struggles, and we understand that others are also involved in spiritual warfare, our hearts should be filled with the same mercy and grace for them that God has extended to us. Too often we want mercy and grace for ourselves but justice for others. Most of all, may we always dwell in the center of God’s will so that the spiritual forces of evil will not overtake us.

• It is not about the fortress you build around you, it is about the fortress and power that is built within you. Your actions are caused by your thoughts and your thoughts are caused by your heart. If you change on the inside, everything on the outside will follow suit. A battle won by the heart is a battle lost by the flesh. Our goal is an earthly body held captive by a heavenly heart.

• What are you doing to build the fortress of your heart?

Dear Lord, please help us to understand that our battles are not against another person but against Satan himself. May we not expect someone who does not know Christ to act as a Christian, but may we strive to share Christ with them! May our understanding of the spiritual forces of evil break our hearts for those who are not in Christ. Give us the strength to live in the victory that was won by Jesus on the cross. Forgive us of our sins and teach us to live the abundant life that Jesus gifted us with and may all that we do be for Your glory!! Amen