When will the war end?

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
                                                                    Romans 12:2

Did you start reading to find out my opinion on the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, or the growing troubles with Iran? If so, I am sorry to inform you that those wars do not compare to the war we all face on a daily basis, the war against Satan. When will this war end? On judgment day we are told in the Book of Revelation.

But we are tasked with holding our own, protecting our position, covering our fellow soldiers. We can do this by simply following God's Word, so simple and plain. There are many places to find this in the Bible, the above verse from Romans chapter 12 is just one example, but I believe a terrific example. It puts our instructions in plain language that we can all understand. The pattern that has been set in place in this world is not one that we should follow. Each and every day, Satan attempts to chip away at our resolve to follow God's will.

Stand up against the aggressor. Do not fear his wrath, for Jesus is right there beside you ready and willing to cover you as you fight the enemy. And Satan cannot win against Jesus, so as long as you keep your faith in Him and live by God's will, we will win this war.

Friends, when I was growing up there were definitely temptations in my path. And I can say that when I gave in to these temptations, I usually got caught. Whether it be by my parents, a neighbor, I could be sure that someone saw or heard what I did and would pass that information on to my parents. The world is much more dangerous now. Some may argue that we know more, we have more technology to keep our kids safe. But is that really true? Technology has surely helped in some respect to keep us and our children from harm. But that harm is physical. What we really need to worry about is our spiritual well being.

That same technology that is helping in so many ways is also working to attack our spiritual lives. The 24/7 instantaneous news feeds will surely help us to see dangers quicker, but also is being used to bombard us with earthly thoughts, trying desperately to tear us away from God. The Internet which has become a wealth of useful information also brings the threat of bad influences, pornography, and other sinful items into our homes, sometimes without us even being aware. We can now choose from over 200 channels to watch on television (I remember 4 growing up). So much choice, but the goal is to pull us away from family time, reading, talking. The networks are forced to push the limits on what is acceptable to "keep up" with cable channels, offering more sex, violence and bad language to corrupt our minds.

Pray for our country, pray for our world. Seek out ways to utilize technology for a greater good. Let us use the gifts God has given us to further His Kingdom, not destroy it. And let us never put our guard down against Satan. He is relentless and will not give up trying to pull us from God until judgment day. Hold your position and God Bless you.