Tag Archives: Spiritual Warfare

Standing, Sitting, Or Sleeping??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #663

02 Thursday Jul 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Prayer, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #663  Standing, Sitting, Or Sleeping???

 

I just want to share a word of encouragement today as we see so much going on around us.  God has called us to stand fast—but we can only do that as we “stand” in HIM!  Here’s my presentation of the passage that I go to daily.  I pray that it will help to adjust your focus!

“Finally, my brethren, (now—2 Corinthians 6:2)

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of

his might.  

(in God’s Spirit and power-Gal.5:16 &25)

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

(His provision—Philippians 4:13)

that ye may be able to stand

(persevere—James 4:7)

against the wiles of the devil.

(resist—1 Peter 5:8)

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but (not ‘when’ but continually in the battle–

       1 Peter 5:9-10)

against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

(the unseen things—Ephesians 2:1-3)

13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all, to stand.

(persist in God’s light—Romans 13:12)

14 Stand therefore,

(Don’t quit—1 Corinthians 16:13)

having your loins girt about

with truth,

       (Jesus—John. 14:6)

and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

(Jesus—2 Corinthians 5:21)

15 And your feet shod

with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

(Jesus—Romans 5:1-2)

16 Above all,

taking the shield of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

                             (Jesus—John 12:46)

17 And take the helmet of salvation,

(Jesus—Philippians 2:5-8)

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

       (Jesus—John 1:1-5, 14 & Hebrews 4:12-13)

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit,

              (In Jesus—John 15:16)

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”   Ephesians 6:10-18

(Through Jesus our intercessor—John 16:26 & Hebrews 7:25)

May God open our eyes to see beyond this world and “withstand in the evil day”?  Suit up my friends, the only victory is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen and Amen!!!

Who Are You Fighting With??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 09

03 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Armor of God, Faith, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Fighting With God's Weapons, IN Jesus!, Spiritual Warfare, Stand Fast

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 09 Who Are You Fighting With???

 

As we all wrestle with the circumstances surrounding us, we often find ourselves wrestling, even fighting, with others.  No, not usually fisticuffs, but sword-fighting with our words, our emotions, and our fleshly wits.  Let’s take just a few minutes today to remind ourselves of the resources we have, IN Jesus, to overcome our own wrestlings—no matter our “perceived” adversaries!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”   Ephesians 6:10

Even as Jesus told us so clearly in John 15, our strength, power, wisdom, and ability to follow HIM comes from HIM!  It’s what Paul was reminding the Ephesian Christians of; our strength is IN “the Lord” and IN “the power of his might”!  Just as we talked earlier about the battle being The Lord’s—our strength is from HIM—always!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”   John 15:5

“O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge

of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory

for ever. Amen.”   Romans 11:33-36

Paul also continued to tell the Ephesian believers:

“Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not

against flesh and blood,

but

against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.”  Ephesians 6:11-12

And because we are in a battle with unseen forces, Paul tells us that this battle requires heavenly weapons, just as he told the believers at Corinth to be aware and prepared, so must we.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down

of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience

of Christ;”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

So, as you take on that armor of God, just a quick guide to what that armor represents in our life every day!

Truth:

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

Righteousness:

“For he hath made him to be sin

for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness

of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 15:21

Peace:

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:”  Romans 5:1

“And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:7

Faith:

“And be found in him,

not having mine own righteousness,

which is of the law,

but that which is through the faith

of Christ,

the righteousness

which is of God

by faith:”  Philippians 3:9

Salvation:

“Neither is there salvation

in any other:

for there is none other name

under heaven.”   Acts 4:12

The Word of God:

The Living Word:

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.”    John 1:1

The written Word:

“For the word of God is

quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any

twoedged sword,

piercing even to the

dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints

and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have

a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.”   Hebrews 4:12-14

Prayer:

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points

tempted like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:15-16

(Remember prayer is not “dictation” to God, but rather the “pursuit” of HIM, HIS will, HIS way, and HIS purposes for me!)

So, dear brothers and sisters—hold fast to the one who loves you, gave His life for our salvation, and ever lives to intercede for us.  May you draw near to Him and overcome those battles—no matter who the adversary is!

“Wherefore he is able also

to save them

to the uttermost

that come unto God

by him,

seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession for them.”  Hebrews 7:25

Amen and Amen!!!

Stealing Your Base??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #573

23 Tuesday Jul 2019

Posted by in A Father's Love, Armor of God, Spiritual Warfare, The Father of Lies!, The Little Things.

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #573   Stealing Your Base???

 

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside

every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy

that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”    Hebrews 12:1-2

I had an experience recently that brought the urgency of this verse to my mind once again.  When we take our eyes off of Jesus and forget to keep our armor on, we will find ourselves tricked, distracted and deceived by the enemy of our souls! When we find ourselves faced with the unexpected (of whatever sort it is—emotional, physical pain or temptation, financial, or any other occurrence) we can so easily be caught up in the “flesh and blood” rather than recognizing the spiritual warfare that we may be encountering!  And as this was true in my case, I just want to take this time to remind us all that we must be diligent each and every day.  In this recent episode I was so caught up in the “off-guard” nature of the encounter that I responded totally in the flesh, and before I could recognize the spiritual nature of the “real battle”, I had wasted a whole day!  When I finally came to my “senses” (my spiritual senses), I grieved before the Lord, sought His forgiveness and that of the others involved in the situation, and received His cleansing and forgiveness.

But I sadly realized that while Satan had me distracted with my own selfish flesh; I had failed to stand in the gap for a particular prayer need that I had been petitioning God about!  I wasted many hours focused on “me” rather than the need that I ought to have been interceding over!  I must confess, my heart was broken that I had missed the opportunity to respond appropriately!  While I have been forgiven, and cleansed, that time and opportunity to intercede in “that moment” can never be regained.  While God is always ready to forgive, we often suffer when we miss the boat, by being distracted!  Spiritual warfare is urgent business!  We must ‘stand fast in the evil day’; remembering that forgiveness isn’t erasure!

“If we confess our sins,

he is faithful and just

to forgive us

our sins,

and to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

We must “suit up” with the armor of God—every day—every moment of every day!  Being ready for the battle—standing “fast in the evil day”!  It’s what we have to do to be ready for every battle—ready for the enemy’s attack; for he always comes when we least expect it!  Like a baseball player stealing a base when no one is looking!  Satan wants to advance his schemes in our lives, but we must keep watch, and keep our eyes on Jesus not the lion—for Jesus has rendered him ‘toothless’ if we will remain diligent!

“Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist

stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:8-9

Peter reminds us that we must be aware of our enemy, keeping our trust in Jesus; recognizing that Satan is always busy seeking a prey; resisting the enemy—steadfastly in our faith IN Jesus; and remembering that we are not alone.  Others are dealing with the same things we are; but even more importantly, we are never alone, for Jesus has promised to “never leave thee, nor forsake thee”!

So, I invite you to determine with me, to make sure that we are “suited up” each day, that we are cognizant of our enemy, and that we will “resist stedfast in the faith”! As a reminder to us all let’s rehearse the greatest passage on the “armor of God”!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against

flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness

of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to

withstand in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about

with truth,

 and having on the breastplate

of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation

of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield

of faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet

of salvation,

and the sword

of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer

and supplication

in the Spirit….”  Ephesians 6:10-18a

Let us walk “in the Spirit” not our flesh!!!  In “the Spirit” we will find spiritual victory in all we do!  (See Galatians 5:16 & 25). Keep your eyes on the ball, and no one can steal your base!

Amen and Amen!

Keep Your Armor On??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #513

07 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in Spiritual Warfare, Victorious Living

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #513  Keep Your Armor On???

 

As we see people around us in the hustle and bustle of activity during this Christmas season, let us not forget that we will have opportunities to share the “Good News” of Jesus in places and to people who wouldn’t normally be open to it. Yet that will require us to keep our armor on! The enemy of the hearts and souls of men is busy about us, and we must not ‘go to sleep on the job’, so to speak. We must stay awake, aware, and alert for the opportunities that God may be sending our way!

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the

darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness

in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.” Ephesians 6:10-13

We must be “strong in the Lord”, not relying on our own strength or wisdom, for our God has a purpose and a plan for our daily walk, and HE will supply “the power of his might”! We must also remember that we are not fighting against the ‘Scrooges’ that we encounter day by day, but that we are in a “spiritual warfare” for the hearts and souls of men, women, boys and girls. We must ‘suit up’ for the battle and recognize the opportunities that God may send our way! God gives us the tools to do what He calls us to do, and not to be trite, but as a modern proverb says, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called!”

“I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Yes “I can”, and so “can you”—for it is God at work in us!

“For it is God

which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.”   Philippians 2:13

So as you press on with Jesus today, remember that you are not alone, nor do you/I have to rely on the resources of our flesh, for God has provided HIS resources through Jesus!

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

 but mighty through God

to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself against

the knowledge of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought to the obedience

of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Amen and Amen!!!