Greetings Mt. Vernon Family,

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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. (Ephesians 6:11-12)

Like it or not, if you have chosen Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior you have a target on your back. Satan is an enemy of God and all Christians. We are in a war whether we like it or not. It is important that we understand who the real enemy is and the type of battle we are in. Paul says our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. How do we defend ourselves against an invisible enemy who invades our thought life with the power of suggestion? Satan plants seeds of doubt in our minds. He distorts, distracts, and he sows division among us. Paul says, put on the full armor of God, so that we can take our stand against the devil's schemes. Just as it is foolish to take a knife to a gun fight, it is even more foolish not to use the spiritual weapons God gives us in Ephesians 6:11-18. Remember the Holy Spirit lives in us. Satan is no match for us when we rely on the Holy Spirit and put on the WHOLE ARMOR of God. This is war, and the REAL ENEMY is not flesh and blood people, but Satan and demonic forces who controls the minds of people. Suit up for battle and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests Eph. 6:11. Amen!

Be Richly Blessed,

Pastor Deborah Giles