Logo

Edwin L. Jones, Post 91

Logo

Chaplain's Corner

Mark Shogren

October 2025

 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 6:12 

 

In recent weeks we have witnessed the senseless killings of school children in Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia.  We have also witnessed the recent murder of a Ukrainian woman Iryna Zarutska, stabbed to death on a commuter train in Charlotte NC; and a few weeks ago the political assassination of Charlie Kirk (a high profile Christian conservative) while speaking at a Utah College campus.  The question I have asked myself is “what has happened to our Country”?  The growing violence in America and lack of compassion for human life is astonishing.  The Bible warns us that in the last days before Jesus Christ returns that violence will increase especially toward Christians.  In (Ephesians 6:12) the Apostle Paul introduces the believers in Ephesus to the reality of spiritual warfare in the Christian life.  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood”, means that our battle is not a physical battle but a spiritual one.  This is an invisible enemy that is raging a spiritual war against those that love God.  We are not battling human enemies but demonic ones.  Challenges that seem purely physical or emotional are frequently faced in Today’s world.  However, (Ephesians 6:12) reminds us that there are underlying spiritual dimensions to many of our struggles.  Whether it’s dealing with personal crises, cultural pressures, societal injustices, or the promotion of moral decay, we need to be aware that there could be a strong spiritual presence behind each of these battles.  Christians can gain a broader perspective and deeper solutions to these spiritual attacks through God’s Word and prayer.  In the Epistle of (James 4:7) it says: “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”.  This shows the power of resistance through faith.  Again in (1Peter 5:8-9) it says: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour; but resist him steadfast in your faith”.  Apostle Paul says in our fight with this enemy we must be aware of his tactics, (2 Corinthians 2:11), “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices”.  Only God can strengthen, defend, and deliver us from the power, wickedness, and evil intentions of Satan, (2Timothy 4:17-18).  The devil may be strong, but God Almighty is stronger, (1 John 4:4) “Greater is He (Holy Spirit) that is in you, than he that is in the world”.  Our enemies are defeated through Christ’s victory over them on the cross, (Ephesians 1: 19-20 & Colossians 2:15).  

Believers can stand firm against these forces of evil as we engage in spiritual warfare.  Our fight is not against flesh and blood; we rely on God’s strength and truth to overcome the influence of these spiritual powers.  Ultimately the victory depends on the Lord, not us, remain faithful!

                                                                                                                         ✝️

 

 

Ask the Chaplain about:

Spiritual advice

End of life issues

Addiction counseling

Suicide

Family issues

Depression

These services will be confidential, and you will be treated with dignity and respect.