Category: Be Aware of Spiritual Warfare

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Seek Like They Did

Acts 3:1-6
3 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

It was the hour of prayer when Peter and John were heading to the place of prayer, to do what? To pray. And what happened? The power of God showed up. Without prayer there is no power. This is why the Church today doesn’t see the same miracles the early Church did. Our prayer lives are different than theirs were.

We consider praying before each meal and before bed an intense prayer life. How sad is that? Our prayer lives are basically non-existent anymore. We don’t need a second outpouring, the Spirit is here waiting for us to pick u0 the slack and start seeking God again. To start striving for Holiness and putting Christ above everything else.

If you want to see God move in your life, start by setting up a prayer time everyday and keeping it. Build your relationship with God by building up your spirit-man. Crucify your flesh and put it into submission, so that nothing will separate you from Christ.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Seek Like They Did.

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Return To The Former Way

Acts 19:32 CSB
[32] Some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.
Paul was packing, teaching, and leading many to the LORD in Ephesus. This slowed the business of those who made shrines of the gods because people were getting saved and no longer buying them. So what do they do? They incited a mob and started rioting.

Their goal was to silence Paul and his friends so that the Gospel would no longer be preached and their way of life would stop being affected. See, Satan is the master of confusion. God on the other hand is not. So, Satan used the greed of those men in order to silence the Apostles and Disciples.

There was so much confusion that many of those rioting had no idea why they were rioting. Herd mentality had caught hold of them. Being offended for another person had wrapped its claws around them. Today is no different. So many people are angry, offended, victimized, oppressed, but they have no idea why or how they are those things. Those that have answers repeat the lies they have been told, just as they did 2000 years ago against Paul and the other Apostles and Disciples.

There is nothing new under the sun. The strategy of the enemy hasn’t changed, so why should our defense change? The Apostles and Disciples stood their feelings and remained peaceful and silent. They didn’t insult, get loud, or agitate the crowd. They kept their peace and allowed God to move on their behalf. They didn’t allow anyone to keep them quiet. They simply accepting the punishment for preaching, teaching, and spreading the Gospel, then kept going. They didn’t stop. They refused to allow chaos to stop them from sharing the good news of Christ.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Return To The Former Way.

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Flip The World

Acts 17:13 CSB
13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and upsetting the crowds.

Paul and Silas were traveling throughout the known world, spreading the Word of God with anyone willing to listen. They even went into the Synagogues and showed the Jews the prophecies of in the Scriptures why the Messiah had to suffer. They were leading many to Christ, even the Gentiles in those areas. God was moving in the lives of those willing to listen. Because of this, the enemy had to try to stop Paul and Silas.

He stirred up people against Paul and Silas. They were thrown into prison. Those who had invited them and showed them hospitality were attacked and imprisoned. They even left the city and went to a new one, but the same angry men came to incite the people around them.

Whenever God is moving, Satan will try to move even harder. When you feel a spiritual attack coming on you, don’t be discouraged. Keep going. This only means you’re heading the right way.

Satan will try his best to stop you, but it’s up to you to stand firm and refuse to back down. For greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. No matter what evil may come your way, you have to keep fighting in order to turn the world upside down, just as Paul and Silas did.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Flip The World.

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Speak To Your Soul

Psalms 42:4-11 CSB
[4] I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts. [5] Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. [6] I am deeply depressed; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. [7] Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your billows have swept over me. [8] The Lord will send his faithful love by day; his song will be with me in the night — a prayer to the God of my life. [9] I will say to God, my rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” [10] My adversaries taunt me, as if crushing my bones, while all day long they say to me, “Where is your God?” [11] Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

David wasn’t a man without strife or hardship. He had enemies that came for him. His own men turned against him at one point. David had many (earthly) justifiable opportunities to give up and allow depression to consume him, but he didn’t. David always overcame. How? He rooted himself in the LORD.

At times, David had every right to feel sorry for himself, but he never did. He refused to allow depression to whisper in his ears. He didn’t allow his thoughts to become corrupted by pain or hurt. No. When depression came for David, David spoke to his soul. He spoke to himself. He encouraged himself in the LORD.

Too often today we give up the battle and call in defeat without even a fight. We throw in the towel and just accept our fate without even fighting back. Why? Because we listen to the lies of the enemy instead of the promises of the LORD. The LORD promises victory, overcoming, joy, peace, prosperity, success, and much more. We can’t allow the enemy to bombard our thoughts with lies and corrupt our emotions. We must speak to our soul and encourage ourselves in the LORD as David did, less we be consumed by the attacks of the enemy and miss out on fulfilling our God given purposes.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Speak To Your Soul.

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His Strength

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. ~ Ephesians 6:10-11

AI, that Adulterous and Idolatrous city. Adultery is the same as spiritual Idolatry, and Idolatry is the same as spiritual adultery, and it comes in many forms.

  • Fornication
  • Sexual perversion
  • Pornography
  • Money
  • Power
  • Your job/work
  • Family
  • Car
  • House
  • Electronics
  • Games
  • Spiritual laziness
  • Sports
  • Celebrities
  • Concerts
  • TV
  • Ministry

When the men went up to fight AI, they were deceived into thinking they had it covered, not realizing they had a breach in their armor. Let us put on the full armor of God so that in the day of adversity, we will be able to stand.

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Shake The Giants

17 And Jesse said to David his son, “Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers. 18 Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.” 19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. ~ 1 Samuel 17:17-23

I recently had a conversation with my cousin, who describes himself as a Hebrew Israelite, and his wife, who is a self-proclaimed Muslim. They both deny the Godhood and the deity of Jesus. They both tried to argue from different standpoints why salvation and Jesus don’t make any sense. My cousin argued from the standpoint that a God who flooded the earth wouldn’t allow man to nail Him to a cross and kill Him. She argued that if Jesus was God and died for our sins, then there would be no more sin in the world, and all people would be perfect.

So, I did as my father taught me and gave an answer for each and every question they had using Scripture and not just my own opinions. After I gave my answers, I was told by my cousin’s wife that it didn’t make any sense, and no one died for anybody. So, I simply asked her what the Quran says about Mohammed. Does it not say that he didn’t know what Allah would do with him or them? Does it not say that Mohammed died and was buried? She was reluctant to answer my questions, but she agreed and answered. I then asked about Jesus. I asked if the Quran does not testify that He went into Heaven alive. To which she then had to concede and say it does. I then posed one last question, “If Jesus was taken into heaven alive and Mohammed died and was buried, why would I follow the dead man instead of the man taken into Heaven alive?”

She wasn’t a fan of this question, so my cousin attempted to come to her defense, stating that Mohammed knew things he shouldn’t’ve known, and therefore, you have to at least wonder. She then chimed in, saying that that was proof from God. I then pointed out that that isn’t actually evidence of anything, as there are writings from ancient Asia that describe brain surgery that modern scientists don’t understand how they knew these things. Just because someone is given knowledge doesn’t mean that they received that knowledge from God. She then proceeded to tell me that I need to let people believe what they want to believe and stop trying to convert people.

I didn’t go to my aunt’s house looking for a conversation with my cousin and his wife. In fact, I didn’t even know they were there. I went there to try to find something to fix my phone with, but instead of finding anything to fix my phone, I found myself in a debate with my cousin, his wife, and the lady who cooks for their family. It doesn’t matter where you are or what your plans are, sometimes, the Devil will try to shake up your faith, and if you haven’t prepared you’re faith will be shaken.

David didn’t go to fight Goliath; David went to bring food to his brothers. But he had prepared in private, so when it came time to face the giant, he was ready. Our lives involve battles upon battles upon battles. Some will be simple and easy; others will be three giants against one of you. And if you’ve prepared in private, you’ll be able to defend yourself against each giant that comes your way. Not only will you be able to defend yourself against their attacks, you will be able to attack back and shake the giants who attacked you.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Shake The Giants.

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Call It Into Action

29 The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy, and have extorted from the sojourner without justice. 30 And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. 31 Therefore I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the Lord God.” ~ Ezekiel 22:29-31

God made a long list of wrongs and called out the iniquities that both the people and the priests were guilty of. But He doesn’t want to bring a swift and terrible punishment on them as He would be justified in doing.

He doesn’t do it because He does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. Neither does He find delight in punishing the guilty. God would rather bless than curse. Give than take. Help than hinder. Forgive than punish because His love is a steadfast love. Therefore, God looked for someone, anyone who would stand in the gap and intercede for those wayward people, but He could find none.

Today is no different. God is still looking for intercessors. He’s still looking for someone to stand in the gap and pray for the lost that they might be found. The love of God will move, but only if we will call it into action.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Call It Into Action.

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Silence Them

3 Then the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today?” He said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.”

5 Then the sons of the prophets who were in Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today?” He said, “Yes, I know. Be quiet.” ~ 2 Kings 2:3, 5 CSB

It was time for Elijah to be taken up. It wasn’t private knowledge; others knew of this, and they came to Elisha to tell him Elijah was being taken away that day. They were the sons of the prophets of Bethel and Jericho. Two different times. Two different locations. Two different sets of people came to discourage Elisha, but he stood firm.

They came to him and asked if he knew his master was being taken away from him that day. The man who called Elisha and taught him everything he knew was being taken away, and these two sets of men came to let Elisha know.

Now, their prophecy could’ve discouraged him, but he didn’t allow their words to penetrate his heart or his mind. He silenced them.

Sometimes, people will come up to you to tell you how hard something is going to be or weigh in on how they believe your life will turn out. They may even have your best interest at heart, even though their words are discouraging. Sometimes, people in your life unknowingly allow the devil to use them in order to discourage you, and they don’t even realize it. They may think they’re doing what’s best for you when, in reality, they are defeating you before you can even truly get started.

Just as these sons of the prophets may have thought they were doing good by warning Elisha, so may other people feel the same way when they tell you discouraging things. But just as Elisha silenced them, you have to silence others. Not physically, but spiritually. You give the words they spoke to you and on you to the Lord. You don’t allow their discouraging words to penetrate your heart or mind. Instead, you cover yourself with the armor of God so that you might be protected from the attacks of the enemy. So that you can fill your mind with Truth and not lies. With hope and not fear.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Silence Them.

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Don’t Miss A Thing

1 The time had come for the Lord to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal, 2 and Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; the Lord is sending me on to Bethel.” But Elisha replied, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.

6 Elijah said to him, “Stay here; the Lord is sending me to the Jordan.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.

9 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken from you.” So Elisha answered, “Please, let me inherit two shares of your spirit.” 10 Elijah replied, “You have asked for something difficult. If you see me being taken from you, you will have it. If not, you won’t.” 11 As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire with horses of fire suddenly appeared and separated the two of them. Then Elijah went up into heaven in the whirlwind. 12 As Elisha watched, he kept crying out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!”  When he could see him no longer, he took hold of his own clothes, tore them in two, 13 picked up the mantle that had fallen off Elijah, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. ~ 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6, 9-13CSB

Elijah had completed his work for that time, and now it was time for him to leave. The LORD was calling him to cross the Jordan so that he could be taken up in a whirlwind, so he told his apprentice, Elisha, to stay where he was. He didn’t tell him once, but twice. Twice Elijah told Elisha to stay, while he went on alone, but twice Elisha refused to depart from him.

Elisha could have easily taken that as Elijah not wanting him around, getting offended, and staying where he was instead of trucking on. If he had allowed his flesh to become offended, he would have missed out on his blessing and his inheritance.

Elisha didn’t care what was said to him. He didn’t care if it was something he could be offended about, and people would understand. He didn’t care if he was wanted there or not. Elisha knew that Elijah was a blessed and highly favored man of God. He was his mentor, and he was soon going to be taken away by God. So, he refused to leave him and clung tightly to his presence. He stuck so closely to Elijah that two chariots of fire had to separate them in order to take only Elijah to heaven.

This is called dedication and perseverance. He didn’t care how far they had to walk, how long it would take, or even where they were going. Elisha knew that his time with Elijah was running out, and he didn’t want to miss anything.

Aerosmith wrote a love song called “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing,” and in it they say this:

Don’t wanna close my eyes
I don’t wanna fall asleep
‘Cause I’d miss you, babe
And I don’t wanna miss a thing
‘Cause even when I dream of you (Even when I dream)
The sweetest dream would never do
I’d still miss you, babe
And I don’t wanna miss a thing

Now, they, of course, were writing a love song about a woman, but just imagine feeling that way about Jesus. The desire to be with Him as much as possible. The desire to spend time with Him, learn from Him, and interact with Him is with more than sleep. That’s how Elisha felt about Elijah, not a romantic desire, but a disciple desire. He knew that Elijah had more to teach and show him, and he didn’t wanna miss a thing.

That was just a man; we today have the opportunity to have an even closer relationship with the living God, and we pass it up for temporary, unsatisfying things of this world. Imagine if we clung to Jesus the way that Elisha clung to Elijah or with the same kind of passion Aerosmith wrote about. There would be nothing stopping us because nothing can separate us from the love of God. A chariot of fire came and separated Elisha and Elijah, but nothing can come and separate us from God. He dwells in us and with us.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Don’t Miss A Thing.

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Prepare For Wolves

16 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. ~ Matthew 10:16

Jesus said He was sending His disciples out amongst wolves. Today, He is still sending His disciples out amongst wolves, in His command, “Go ye into all the world…” We are commanded to go into all the world and preach the Gospel.

We aren’t called to stay comfortable in our Church circles, never meeting, communicating with, or discussing God with other people. We are to allow the Light of Christ to shine through us. We are to shine the Light that darkness cannot overcome. This doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. That’s why Jesus warned His disciples of His day and us today about the ravenous wolves.

Because there are ravenous wolves out there, and even more so as the end of time approaches. So, don’t just take their word for it. Don’t just believe it is all about you and your best interest; look at the facts and do what is right for you, no matter the consequences. Do what is right for you and what is right for your family in the sight of Jesus.

Learn who Jesus is. Learn who the Spirit is. Learn who the Father is. Learn who God is. Don’t just believe something because your family or friends do. Seek an understanding of what you believe and why you believe so that when a ravenous wolf comes near to attack, you will be able to defend yourself with the Word of God, which is sharper than any double-edged sword.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Prepare For Wolves.

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