Star Wars, the original Star Wars movie, since renamed Episode IV: A New Hope, came out Wednesday, May 25, 1977. I saw it that Friday with my friend John Wolf, fellow Air Force officer, and our base housing neighbor at Offutt AFB near Omaha, Nebraska. It was the first (and still one of the very few) movies I had ever seen in its first few days.

I still have fond memories: good and evil were evident, I could follow all the characters and the plot, the objective was clear, and we all celebrated success when the Death Star was destroyed with, yes, the help of The Force.

It’s a good reminder that we are still engaged in a cosmic battle against the forces of evil, and victory requires the Spirit – the real FORCE.

God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (Ephesians 6.10 – 18, MSG)