Thoughts From Ephesians 6 - Part 7

 Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.21 Now that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tych′icus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love undying.  Eph. 6:18-24

         So, I've been studying Ephesians for two months now, and I had no idea from any of the previous passages that he was in jail. He just never brought it up. I would have made mention in Chapter 1 verse 1 of the lack of food, coldness, lack of light, shortage of writing supplies, aches and pains from sitting and sleeping on a hard floor and asked for prayer especially for deliverance. What does he ask for? Pray that he would proclaim the gospel without fear. What is his concern? That the readers would be encouraged when they hear from him.

       I've been watching Young Sherlock recently and in episode one he finds himself in jail for contempt of court. When his influential brother gets him out, they discuss jail and why it didn't bother him. He states that only his body was in prison, but his mind wasn't. It seems to me that Paul has mastered this skill. As we will see in the next book he will say he has learned the secret to be content in all circumstances and this is it - to mentally be living in the Kingdom of God even though your body isn't. 

       As he finishes up on how to defeat the devil in spiritual warfare, he reminds us to pray constantly. Talking with God, who is in the spiritual realm, helps us get in the mindset that our battle is not against flesh and blood but powers and principalities. Praying without ceasing helps us to separate mind from body and live with a kingdom of God mindset. Talking with God is the key to overcoming and not succumbing and without it you can put on all the spiritual warfare garb you want but you will just be like Bill and Ted playing in suits of armor. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure-"Heavy Metal"

     Are you overwhelmed by life, stress, pain, temptations, bills, relationships? What kingdom are you living in? How's your devotional life? Are you practicing the presence of God throughout the day? If not then Satan is winning and has sidelined you. We need people in the battlefield not in the playground as A.W.Tozer would say. Today is the day to start.