Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

We are encouraged by the apostle Paul to put on the whole armour of God before we enter the fray. However, we must bear in mind that in war the enemy will use all sorts of tactics to ensure that they succeed in their quest to defeat you. And defeating you by any means necessary is their ultimate goal. As we position ourselves offensively and defensively we must be aware that there is one area of our body that remains open to attach, and that is our backs. So the question, ‘who has got your back’ comes starkly into focus. As we engage in this spiritual battle, firstly we must be aware that we are fighting an unseen enemy, rather like the US government’s fight against terrorist. We are aware that the enemy is out there but are not sure when or where he will attack. Secondly we must also be aware that the enemy fights dirty and every opportunity he gets to sneak up on you, he will do it. He fights like the Amalekite’s of Moses’ era. They wait until you have passed by a particular hurdle and then sneak up on you picking off the young, the old and the weak ones first. Finally we must be one another’s keepers. That is, we must watch out for each other’s back. Although we are fully protected from the front with our breastplate and helmet fully on, our backs are wide open. It is for this reason why we are encouraged to be part of a fellowship, belong somewhere where you are under the covering of the leadership of that fellowship. Be a part of a group as it is impossible for you to fight with a sword in either hand; how then would you hold the shield of faith??

So today let us take heed to the apostle Paul as he encourages us ‘to make every effort to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace’, (Eph 4:3). Since we belong to one body of Christ, let us endeavour to protect each other’s back by daily praying for those in your circle who provide covering for you.

Read Ephesians 4 and Genesis 4.