Many people are defeated in their Christian lives because they are not seriously engaged in, or may even understand the warfare to which they are called. The enemy we face is real, fierce, and a liar, and he will stop at nothing to try to bring destruction and death into the lives of the followers of the Lord Jesus. As warriors for the kingdom we are fighting a battle over life and death, and the stakes in all reality is eternity itself. I have witnessed that people who have been deceived, beguiled, brainwashed, and more importantly enslaved by Satan, will treat everyone who is a child of God as if they are the enemy. For any who have taken the name of “Christian” you have enlisted in the Lord’s army and must recognize that as soldiers, we are all on a rescue mission, to seek and to save the lost from the hand of the enemy. I often remind myself of what is written in *Ephesians 6:10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 13 Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].* God’s words are true, this battle is real and intense. It is vital to our survival as Christian’s that we realize daily that we are engaged in a battle with an unseen spiritual enemy that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy all those who oppose him. We cannot just stand by and wait for individual attacks, but rather we must look for how Satan commonly is going to attack us and live in such a way that stops his attack from making an impact. If you’re facing a spiritual battle today, please know that you are not alone, many of us are in the battle with you. God is the One who fights on behalf of His own, constantly shielding, protecting, strengthening His children, even when we’re unaware. J. C. Ryle wrote something that has caused me to be a little more introspective, “The saddest symptom about many so-called Christians is the utter absence of anything like conflict and fight in their Christianity.”… “But of the great spiritual warfare,–its watchings and strugglings, its agonies and anxieties, its battles and contests,–of all this they appear to know nothing at all.” To all those who hear these words and do not feel the effects of the spiritual warfare going on all around you, you must evaluate if you are in the battle or just a conscientious objector. Please take to heart the words of the Lord Jesus written in *Matthew 12:30 He who is not with Me [definitely on My side] is against Me, and he who does not [definitely] gather with Me and for My side scatters.* Closing thought, if you resemble more of the character and attributes of the world more than that of Christendom, consider this day whether Jesus is worth living for, because He thought you were worth dying for. My prayer is from the heart, ” Dear Lord, please help us not to let the world’s influence soften our resolve, but instead give us boldness take our place on the front lines of the battle that is raging all around us. Bring to remembrance the significance of the cross and live every moment Battle Ready. Help us to rise up and arm ourselves with the full armor of God to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy and daily evaluate our commitment to the Lord Jesus, and live fully engaged, committed to victory, for we are not fighting for victory but from victory. Help us to choose to stand firm in the strength of Your might, resisting the darkness of this world. Let our lives reflect the victory of the cross and that we remain vigilant, courageous, and stand Battle Ready at all times. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen. 

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.