We are in a Battle, not against flesh and blood

Ephesians 6:10-13, "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."

Onward Christian Soldiers
Words: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1864

Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, 
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle , see, His banners go!

At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Christians, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise!

Like a might army moves the Church of God.
Christians, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided; all one body we:
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Crowns and thrones may perish. Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never 'gainst that Church prevail; 
We have Christ's own promise, which can never fail.


Onward, then, ye people! Join our happy throng; 
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ, the King:
This thro' countless ages men and angels sing.


Onward, Christain soldiers! Marching as to war, 
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
 

What Did Rulers in Days Gone by Give Each Other As Gifts?

2 Chronicles 9:1a, 9, 13 & 14b

"Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon,..." "Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold and a very great amount of spices and precious stones; there had never been spice like that which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon."

"Now the weight of gold which came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold,"

"...all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon."

There weren't any frivolous gifts here, no DVD's or I-Pods. What has happened to the respect that used to be between rulers?