This week I received two shots directly into my spine. They are administered via a long needle and progress is monitored real time using an X-ray machine and video display which tracks the needle on the screen and enables the physician to directly position it into the discs that need medication.
The procedure is called an epidural and it is used to block the intense back pain that I have and promote healing. I have a large bruise at the base of my spine where the injections were made and some soreness from the procedure remains, but the deep pain in my spine is already diminishing somewhat, albeit ever so slowly.
This week I received a bunch of mail from folks who are hurting from a variety of serious problems. I was thinking that it would be nice if they could just get an epidural and make their grief and pain go away and allow the healing to begin.
I happened to think that in addition to my physical back problems, I also faced a plethora of problems that are more spiritual in nature than physical this week; (my father is in the hospital, I’ve endured a rash of criticism from my detractors, I have serious problems with a friendship, and have been tortured by the circus going on in Washington D.C. just to name a few).
I’ve been fighting my spiritual problems by putting on the “full armor of God”. I’ve been praying, reading the Living Translation Bible that I’ve downloaded to my I Phone, I heard a good message preached last night, and I’ve been fellowshipping with other Christians.
Hmmm . . . Much of my spiritual pain has been blocked and I’m already beginning to heal from my wounds. I’ve taken a spiritual epidural and it didn’t even utilize a nasty needle going through the meat of my back and into my spine. In fact it was a painless procedure.
If you suffer some pain this morning I urge you to do as I have done and treat your dilemma the old fashioned way; the Bible way. Our great Physician prescribed it through His servant the Apostle Paul. Do not find it strange that you are being persecuted. Nothing is happening to you that hasn’t already happened to others many times over. We all suffer in this fallen world.
Did you know that it is estimated that more than 14,500 wars have been fought from 3600 B.C. to present day — and that number keeps rising. In fact, during the same time period, there have been 5,305 years of war . . . and only 292 years of peace.
However, the primary focus of Scripture isn’t traditional warfare, but the ongoing conflict between Christ and Satan. Revelation speaks that what began as a war in heaven will soon end in Armageddon. In this showdown between the forces of good and the powers of evil, truth and light are under constant attack from deception and darkness.
And like it or not, every single one of us is involved. The battleground for this intense spiritual struggle is not some piece of disputed land; it’s the human heart. Both Jesus and satan are supremely interested in winning possession of our minds and hearts. For this reason, Christians are called to be more than peaceful spectators in this conflict. We must be committed front-line soldiers.
The Apostle Paul told us in order to win this war we must put on the full armor of God daily. I want to assure you that although we are in a war, we need not fear. God’s Word tells us how the battle will end and who will be the final victor. None other than Jesus forged our armor, and He guarantees its effectiveness and promises that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.
Jesus Christ and His followers will reign victorious! Amen.
So there you have it this fine Friday morning; we all need to put on the full armor of God today and every day! Oh, and by the way, one last thing for all of you haters that wrote me this past week, it is highly recommended, (by me), that before you take a spiritual epidural and put on the “full armor of God” that you first take an enema and purge yourself of the vileness that ails you.
Have a great weekend and be sure and be sure and go to church this Sunday!
Eph. 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
October 4, 2013 – Click here to listen