– Scripture:

You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.

                                  Matthew 16:18 MSG

– Reflection:

                       Prepare for Battle

The scripture mentioned is truly powerful imagine hearing the Savior Himself say that He will build His Church from you. It’s not just about you as an individual, but the essence of a person who embodies the values of Christianity. We are designed for battle by our Father God, led into battle by our King, Jesus Christ, and supported in our struggles by God the Holy Spirit. These battles are fought “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Many of the values we hold dear are under attack by the spirits of the world today. There is a pervasive mindset that prioritizes personal gain—people are often willing to do anything to appear superior, to make money, and to put their own lives above others. These challenges are real, and the conflicts we face are significant. We have genuine enemies: they are powerful, cunning, and relentless, always scheming against us. Therefore, we, too, must be shrewd and ruthless. We must be prepared for the battles that lie ahead.

Where do we go from here?

Begin creating a battle plan for your life and resist the unnecessary phrases that often enter our minds, such as “I can do this later,” “Someone else will do it,” or the well-known “Not my problem.” The fight starts now and must be addressed immediately. Stand up for yourself and for those who lack the strength to stand up for themselves. Be there for them and demonstrate what a true man or woman of God looks like. That is how we can win the world back.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, as we prepare for the battles of the day, grant us the strength to bear extra burdens when necessary and the humility to seek support if we find ourselves in need. Our community faces various challenges, and we can only confront what is before us. Please provide us with others who can help address the areas around us. Amen.