I rarely gave any thought to the
happenings of the spiritual realm before 2 months ago. In fact, I mostly tried
to avoid thinking about it, seeing as it usually just scared me. It seems that
the majority of Christ followers live each day completely oblivious to the
spiritual warfare that continues to wage around them. We dwell on the temporary
contentment (or discontentment) that we find here on earth.We camp out in what
we can see, and become ignorant of what we can’t. I know I did. In fact, I
avoided all thought of spiritual warfare because I was so dang afraid. I
somehow forgot that the Holy Spirit’s power within me is WAY more powerful than
anything, in both the physical and
spiritual worlds.
I have realized that the devil has
had too much victory in my life. Even though I am a sealed child of God and he
knows he can never have me as his own, he’s done what he can to make me
ineffective for God’s Kingdom. He does
what he can to make all Christ followers ineffective for God’s Kingdom. We must be on watch and beware, so that we don’t fall into
his schemes. He’s a crafty one. For so long, I bought into so many fears. Fear
of change, fear of what people think, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear
of demons. But there is no room in Love for fear. Somehow I thought the two
could coexist, but they really cannot. Perfect Love drives out all fear. If I
have the perfect love of the Father inside of me, fear is not welcome.
I am reading a book right now called
“The Final Quest” by Rick Joyner. It is about spiritual warfare (his
visions/dreams over a period of time that he recorded and believes are from the
Lord). Angela recommended I read this book when we were talking one night about
angels and demons. And at Casa Shalom, we randomly found a copy. I don’t think this
was a coincidence. I admit I was scared to even start reading it at first… to
even think about the reality of demons was just too much for me. But finally I
did open its pages and begin. I can’t describe to you how interesting it is. Not
scary, but so interesting and thought provoking…
The
hordes of hell are marching… marching in pursuit of our destruction. But Love does win.
Everything is under the control of
our good and righteous God. That includes the dark forces of evil… they can
only operate under the amount of power allowed to them by God. This is how we
know that nothing is too hard for us to overcome. “God is faithful; he will not
allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear…” (1 Cor. 1:13) Although it is
a battle, He is rooting for us and always provides a way out for us.
“For
he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he
loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians1:13-14
darkness try to trip me up, but they do NOT have dominion over me. The day we
trust Christ, we become citizens of His Kingdom, Heaven. There we can find peace that is beyond understanding. Kingdom
business is what we should be about. Since the World Race is all about bringing
the Kingdom of God to the earth, we no doubt will run into lots of spiritual
warfare. The devil and his crew aren’t happy about people advancing the Kingdom
of God. He knows big things are to be done in Jesus name, and will try to get
us to slow down or stop at any cost. The hordes of hell are marching. But we
are ready for the fight, clothing ourselves with the armor of God.
6:10-20 to always be aware and reminded that our battle against the forces of
evil does not have to be overwhelming. God’s given us all the things we need to
not only be guarded from evil, but to fight back! We have the ability to do
damage to the evil one and his army of destroyers. These words keep my mind
ever aware of the Truth. I invite you to join me!
The
Whole Armor of God…
10 Finally, be strong in the
Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we
do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the
authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the
belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and,
as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of
peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you
can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the
helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the
saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my
mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an
ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
