Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. – Ephesians 6:10
A war of words is being waged against Christians in America – particularly those who love their country. Individuals, families, social groups, and churches are being disparaged by terms such as “Christian nationalism” by news pundits and others as the most dangerous form of terror the United States is facing today. The National Institute of Health in 2022 said there is a “relationship between Christian nationalism and support for political violence.” A December 2023 report from the U. S. House Judiciary Committee titled “The FBI’s Breach of Religious Freedom: The Weaponization of Law Enforcement Against Catholic Americans,” details the agency’s actions under “the guise of tracking the threat of domestic terrorism.” A news anchor earlier this month decried all Christian fervor as dangerous to democracy. The assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, this month may well have been motivated by such slanderous rhetoric.
The slings and arrows of the wicked one abound. Many suggest it is because he knows his days are short and the return of the Lord is at hand. Some cite 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, 2 Timothy 3:1-17, and other passages concerning the end times. Just before Paul outlines the armor of God that has been provided to each believer, he says in today’s verse, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Teacher, missionary, and author Ruth Paxson, who writes on the victorious Christian life, says, “God has no place for the spiritual pacifist. Every Christian is conscripted for both defensive and offensive warfare. He calls every saint to arms. ‘Not into a religious playground or sports field, but into grim, terrible conflict we are called.’”
In the midst of the dark and evil attacks, God calls His people to engage in what Pastor Ray Stedman calls “intelligent combat.” Stedman says, “It is a call to us to be men and women of God, to fight the good fight, to stand fast in the faith, to be strong in the Lord in the middle of the battle.” Keep yourself aligned with your Heavenly Commander in Chief. Be led by Him and by His Word. He has not left you defenseless. Yours is the victory. Pray for the Lord’s strength and protection to rest upon God-honoring men and women in America’s military and intelligence services.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
