Spiritual Warfare

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me, Says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” ‭‭ Genesis‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.  Exodus 14:14 NIV

The Lord your God, who goes before you, He will fight for you, according to all He did for you in Egypt before your eyes,  ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1:30‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.  ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭6:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.” Then Joshua put the kings to death and exposed their bodies on five poles, and they were left hanging on the poles until evening. ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭10‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So the people went out into the field of battle against Israel. And the battle was in the woods of Ephraim. The people of Israel were overthrown there before the servants of David, and a great slaughter of twenty thousand took place there that day. For the battle there was scattered over the face of the whole countryside, and the woods devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.  ‭‭II Samuel‬ ‭18:6-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” ‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭20:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. ‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭32:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭2:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18:34-35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; Fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, And stand up for my help. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭35:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth His love and His faithfulness. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭57:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭84:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:1-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭110:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to The Lord. Proverbs 21:31 NLT

Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

A message to Satan:  All your pomp has been brought down to the grave, along with the noise of your harps; maggots are spread out beneath you and worms cover you. How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit. Those who see you stare at you, they ponder your fate: “Is this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble, the man who made the world a wilderness, who overthrew its cities and would not let his captives go home?” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭14:11-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prepare the table, Set a watchman in the tower, Eat and drink. Arise, you princes, Anoint the shield! For thus has the Lord said to me: “Go, set a watchman, Let him declare what he sees.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭21:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭52:7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me, Says the Lord. Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

If anyone does attack you, it will not be My doing; whoever attacks you will surrender to you. “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from Me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:15-17 NIV

For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭59:17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” Matthew 10:34 NKJV

“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:18-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭7:15-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:8‬a ‭NKJV‬‬

And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. ‭‭Mark‬ ‭14:47‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For no word from God will ever fail. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:37‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:31‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:33-34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:37‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:14 NKJV

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭16:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.  ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:10-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. ‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭10:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NIV

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. ‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭11:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. ‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭11:14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10-18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ‭‭James‬ ‭4:7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5:8-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. ‭‭I John‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 NKJV

for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. ‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:4-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭12:7-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20:7-10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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Book

Spiritual Warfare for the End Times – Derek Prince

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Devotionals

In our everyday battles against the forces of evil, we can envision ourselves as having our foot on Satan’s head…just keep it there, don’t let him get up, or he will attack you. The Lord God said this to Satan after he tempted Adam & Eve: “he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”  (Genesis 3:15) Commentary by Kevin Mallery. Jesus is crushing Satan, but since we have the heart & mind of Christ, He is currently doing it vicariously through us.

The LORD your God which goeth before you, He shall fight for you, according to all that He did for you in Egypt before your eyes; Deuteronomy 1:30 KJV, Commentary by Barry Adams. Promise: I will go before you and fight your battles. Lightning is a great image to go along with today’s promise. Such power released from heaven in such a short time. May this image be a reminder of the incredible power of our God and Father for He is the biggest Dad and the strongest Dad in the universe! In Exodus 14:14, the Lord makes this promise to Israel… “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (NIV) Today’s promise is yet another reminder that God has committed Himself to fight for you. In Romans 8:31 Paul reminds us that if God is for us, who can be against us? We know from Ephesians 6 that our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the dark powers and rulers of this world. In Ephesians 6:10 we are called to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power and to take on the full armor of God. It is His armor, not ours. If you are feeling overwhelmed today with the things that are opposing you, may this promise bring great comfort to your heart. My prayer is that each and every one of us would live in the safety and security that is described in Psalm 91, knowing that we live in the secret place of the Most High, and we dwell under the shadow of the Almighty. …God is for you, not against you and He will go before you and fight your battles on your behalf.  

So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets…. And the people shouted with a great shout, [and] the wall [of Jericho] fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.  Joshua 6:20. Confuse the enemy, commentary by David Jeremiah. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, Paul says the people of God do not “war according to the flesh.” Our weapons are “mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” A classic example of fighting differently was when the “stronghold” of Jericho was taken by the Israelites (Joshua 6). The world is not used to seeing God’s people act unexpectedly. So when the armies of Israel marched around Jericho for six days, and on the seventh day blew their celebratory trumpets and gave a shout of victory, they likely didn’t know what to think. Israel rushed over the collapsed walls and took the city. The same thing happened when Gideon used torches, pitchers, and trumpets to completely confuse his enemies (Judges 7). The armies were thrown into confusion and fled the scene. Satan is the author of fear. When God’s people are courageous instead of fearful, their enemies — spiritual or human — are confused. Trumpets and shouts of praise are signs of victory by faith!  

…The battle is not yours, but God’s. —2 Chronicles 20:15. Our Daily Bread, commentary by Jennifer Benson Schuldt. While millions watched on television, Nik Wallenda walked across Niagara Falls on a 1,800-foot wire that was only 5 inches in diameter. He took all the precautions he could. But adding to the drama and danger of both the height and the rushing water below, a thick mist obscured Nik’s sight, wind threatened his balance, and spray from the falls challenged his footing. Amid—and perhaps because of—these perils, he said that he “prayed a lot” and praised God. The Israelites also praised God in the middle of a dangerous challenge. Theirs involved a large group of warriors who had gathered to fight them (2 Chronicles 20:2). After humbly asking God for help, King Jehoshaphat appointed a choir to march out into battle in front of the Israelite army. The worshipers sang: “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever” (v.21). When they began to sing, the Lord caused the enemy forces to attack and destroy each other. Praising God in the midst of a challenge may mean overriding our natural instincts. We tend toward self-protection, strategizing, and worry. However, worshiping can guard our hearts against troubling thoughts and self-reliance. It reminds us of the lesson the Israelites learned: “The battle is not [ours], but God’s” (v.15). Lord, I praise You, for Your mercy is everlasting. Help me to remember that every battle in this life is Yours. The outcome belongs to You because You are sovereign. No matter what is in front of us, God is always behind us. 

Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us. Psalms 2:1-3, commentary by Mike MacIntosh. It is so important for us to be people in the Word of God. Rulers, nations, and all enemies of God want to break our bonds and tear apart the very fabric that holds us together–Jesus Christ. They desire to break off any relationship with heaven…and they want to take you down with them. They will distort everything you try to say. But let God’s Word give you the words to say, and the wisdom that you give to others. The wisdom of man is foolishness, but God’s Word never returns void. Keep your words few and let the love of Jesus pour through your life. Yes, the enemies will still try to catch you, but you can count on the fact that Jesus Christ will bless you abundantly for your faithfulness to His Word.

He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18:34-35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬. Commentary by Barry Adams. Promise: I will train you for battle with My shield of salvation. The Bible says that we are to fight the good fight of faith and to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the enemy. It also says that the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force. There is no question that there is a battle going on in the spiritual realm and we are called to take our stand and resist the enemy. In today’s promise, King David paints an intimate picture of how God Himself trains him for battle. I really like the NIV Bible translation of Psalms 18:34-35: He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. What a picture of intimacy! Even in the midst of preparations for battle, David speaks of God that gently trains him and sustains him and even stoops down from heaven to make him great. No matter what battle you are facing today, be comforted in knowing that it is God Himself that will equip you to fight the good fight, for the battle belongs to the Lord. He will stoop down beside you, give you His shield of victory and His gentleness will make you great! Psalms 18:34-35. WEB: He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand sustains me. Your gentleness has made me great.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1. Commentary by David Jeremiah. “Know your enemy” is a famous phrase from Sun Tzu’s sixth-century book, The Art of War. The exact quotation is: “If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.” In spiritual warfare, it’s important to know our enemies, which is why the Bible gives us so much information about the world, the flesh, and the devil. We mustn’t be ignorant of Satan’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). But greater than knowing our enemy or ourselves is knowing the Lord. He is our refuge and strength, our fortress, and our advocate. He is our shield and strength. He is our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend. Knowing that God is more powerful than the enemy is crucial when facing spiritual warfare. The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Know yourself; know your enemy; but most of all, know your Lord.

There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear! Mark 7:15-16.  The enemy within, commentary by Mike MacIntosh. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the U.S. was one of the most powerful nations in the world, but couldn’t win a war. Though we had hundreds of thousands of troops on the ground in Vietnam, employed much larger and superior armed forces, and enlisted attack helicopters, fighter jets, missiles, and everything you can imagine, we still couldn’t win. Why? Our enemy, the Viet Cong, realized that the key to victory was not in killing American soldiers, but in wounding them. Every American soldier wounded required five more American soldiers to carry him off the battlefield. By wounding a single soldier, they effectively removed six soldiers from the combat zone. It was a strategy not to dominate U.S. forces, but to neutralize them. And it’s the same strategy that the devil uses with you. You see, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, the devil has no real power over you. The breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:14-17) — you are too protected by God! So, the enemy’s only strategy is to cause you to defeat yourself. How? He tries to convince you that no war is being fought at all — that you don’t even need to wear the armor of God as protection for your soul. In fact, he even poses as a friend, making himself look attractive and trustworthy, but then slyly placing stumbling blocks in your path to trip you up. His goal is not to fight you, but to neutralize you — to get you off the battlefield. Because make no mistake: The enemy is always at war. If you are not fighting, you are losing. Why do we stop fighting, then? Why do we retreat from the spiritual battle that rages around us, as if we’re defeated, when we know that we are victorious through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57)? It’s not because the battle is over, or because the devil has defiled us — he doesn’t have that much power! No, it’s because we defile, and neutralize ourselves. Mark 7:15 tells us that nothing can defile us but ourselves. “There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.” It’s not that extra cheeseburger that is defiling you; it’s the way you beat yourself up after you eat the cheeseburger. It’s not the lustful thought that enters your mind; it’s the way you entertain it. Sin leaves us injured; it will destroy us from within. Are there things in your heart that you would like gone once and for all? Is there something that is hindering your prayer life, your worship, your love and concern for other people, your desire to be a servant, and your passion to tell other people about Jesus Christ? Today, if you will go to the throne of God and plead the blood of Jesus Christ, He will make you victorious. He will erase those things from your life; He will kill them. They will be put to death right now. Simply say, “God, I ask you to take this right now from my life. Not tomorrow, not a week from tomorrow, but right now.” Though you may have been neutralized before, unable to fight because of the crippling effect of sin, Jesus will make you and me “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). It is not a religious exercise God is concerned with — this is a war. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). 

And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you.” Mark 13:2-5. Commentary by Mike MacIntosh. Don’t let your spiritual guard down. Have you ever noticed that some of the most important truths from Jesus come at the very beginning of His dialogues? If we don’t listen to Jesus from the very beginning, we miss some very important details. Consider Jesus’ response to the disciples in this passage, for example. After Jesus had prophesied that the temple would be destroyed, the disciples privately asked Him for clarification. When would it happen? What signs would foretell it happening? Surely Jesus knew they were concerned by His prophecy — we saw recently how fascinated the disciples were with the temple. After all, they probably thought it would eventually house Jesus’ throne, and that they would assume posts there. But rather than satisfy their curiosity, Jesus refocuses their hearts by first saying, “Take heed!” This Greek word means “to see,” and the present tense is best translated as, “Keep on (or continue) seeing.” Remember when Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 7:16)? Well, it’s as if Jesus is now saying to the disciples, “He who has eyes to see, let him see.” Jesus is so quick to love the disciples, to refocus their attention onto the issues that really matter, and to point out the potential dangers that they would face. It reminds me of a caring parent, encouraging a child to “Be careful” when setting out on a task. You see, there are things that the enemy produces to steer you in the wrong direction; to move you away from the Lord and His people. Jesus is saying: Look. Be attentive to your surroundings. Be aware of things that are going on about you. Watch that you are protecting yourself and your family from the dangers of the world. See that you don’t let your spiritual guard down. What television shows are you watching…or paying for? What books do you purchase or allow your kids to read? What magazines do you pick up or allow your kids to look at? Take these simple words of Jesus to heart. Be attentive. Be watchful and know exactly what’s going on in your life and in your family’s life. 

For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. Mark 13:8a. Commentary by David Jeremiah. Wars and conflicts are a part of life in a fallen world. But behind those conflicts are spiritual realities and dynamics that demand our attention and our involvement. That’s the reason Jesus taught His disciples to pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Only when the spiritual dynamics on earth are changed will the physical dynamics between nations and people change as well. Job 1-2 and Daniel 10 give glimpses into how spiritual realities affect life on earth. Satan likes nothing better than to stir up conflict and foment rebellion on earth. For when man is fighting against man, then man’s attention is taken away from God. When man is occupied with physical realities alone — peace between nations and individuals — then spiritual realities escape his attention. Creation’s groaning is heard in part in the cries of humans in conflict with one another (Romans 8:18-22). It is the Christian’s duty to stay focused on heavenly citizenship and realities, to pray for the kingdom of God to be consummated on earth. Pray today for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. 

And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Mark 14:47. Commentary by Mike MacIntosh. Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” John 18:10-11. Judas betrays Jesus, and Peter decides to take matters into his own hands. Peter’s timing is so amazing; his tact is one to match. I mean, think of it. Of all the places to cut someone with a sword, he chooses an ear? How about the leg, or the arm, or the stomach… okay, you get the point. Peter doesn’t even know how to fight, yet he is right there picking up the sword, trying to do battle. And there is Jesus picking up the pieces. Literally (Luke 22:51). So often we are like Peter in many ways. Our timing is off because we take matters into our own hands. But God’s timing is always right because He’s always sovereign. We need to learn to go with His flow. Trust and rely on God’s perfect timing in all circumstances, even when things don’t look or seem right to us. And at times, we are too eager to pick up the sword and start swinging. Not only are we incapable of such matters, we really have no business taking the offensive. 2 Chronicles 20:15 says that the battle belongs to the Lord. Paul commands us to pick up the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17), but that’s not a weapon against people–it’s the Word of God that penetrates our very souls. We are to pick up God’s Word, read it, and share it with others. Instead of relying on your own strength and your own timing, trust in our Lord’s timing and in His supernatural ability to come to your aid. And the beauty is this: He’s there to pick up the pieces in your life. Maybe you have a few pieces lying around that need to be healed. Maybe it’s a marriage or a relationship. Maybe it’s some anger, bitterness, or pride that has entered into your heart. Whatever that may be, let Jesus Christ heal it. Let Him pick up the pieces of your life. Don’t take matters into your own hands. Trust and fully rely on the One who promises to make all things new. 

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.” Luke 22:31 Jesus gives us authority to cast out demons, commentary by David Jeremiah. On the next rainy day, sit down with a cup of tea and look up the key biblical references to our devilish enemy, Satan. On a piece of paper, list the verbs attached to his name. You’ll find things like this: Satan beguiles, seduces, opposes, resists, takes away, deceives, lies, hinders, steals, kills, destroys, buffets, tempts, persecutes, blasphemes, accuses, binds, and sifts as wheat. We’re in a battle, and our enemy is on the attack. We need to resist him. Satan can’t stand the hymns of the faith, so sing. He can’t overcome the prayers of the saints, so pray. He can’t defeat the Lord Jesus Christ, so claim the power of the Blood. He can’t overthrow the truth, so quote the Scriptures. He can’t vanquish the joy of the Lord, so rejoice. He can’t divert God’s grace, so use the shield of faith. We must use the weapons God has given us. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. 

Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:33-34, WEB. Commentary by Barry Adams. Have you ever felt like the entire world is against you? If you have felt that way on occasion, be of good cheer! Even if there are days when you feel all alone, the truth is that there is someone in your corner who far outweighs any opposition you might be facing, and that Person is God Himself! In today’s Scripture passage, Paul boldly declares that there is no one in the universe that can bring a charge against God’s own chosen ones ! Paul goes on to say that because God justifies us and Jesus makes intercession for us at the right hand of His Father, nothing can possibly stand against us. I realize that it doesn’t always feel that way when we are facing very real opposition in the natural. But my prayer today is that God would give us His supernatural insight in any situation that we might be facing. From a biblical perspective, our wrestles are not against flesh and blood but against dark spiritual forces that seek to discourage us at every turn. Intimidating as they may be, we are encouraged to simply resist the devil and he will flee from us (James 4:7). May we all not see the bigness of our problem today, but the BIGNESS of our God and Father and our elder brother Jesus who is continually interceding on our behalf. We are not alone in this world. God is for us. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And if the Triune God is for us, who could possibly stand against us?  1 John 4:4, WEB: You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. 

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20 KJV, commentary by Barry Adams. Promise: I will soon crush the evil one under your feet. In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught us to ask our Father to ‘deliver us from evil’. Jesus wouldn’t have told us to pray this way unless He was certain that His Father would answer our prayer to be saved from evil. We know that in this world, we will have trouble in life because we live in a fallen world. Hurting people hurt other people and the cause and effect of a fallen humanity causes many evil things to happen. However, that does not mean that we are in subjection to the prince of the power of air. In James 4:7, the Bible says, resist the devil and he will flee from you. In Romans 8:37, Paul says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. As Paul continues to write the book of Romans, he goes on to say in today’s promise found in Romans 16:20, that the God of peace will soon crush the evil one beneath our feet. No matter what circumstances you are facing today, be encouraged that our God and Father will soon give us an eternal victory and crush the evil one beneath our feet! …So rest in this amazing promise and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

…lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.  2 Corinthians 2:11. Commentary by David Jeremiah. The world has been horrified by the atrocities of ISIS fighters. They are inhuman and inhumane. Their violent nature is inexplicable unless we see behind them the figure of the Evil One. Satan is the prince of the power of the air, and his demons are malicious around the globe. He’s a master of deceit and destruction, the author of sin and suffering, and he feeds on cruelty like a child finding candy. The enemy’s tactics aren’t limited to jihadist militants. He’s trying to corrupt the minds of schoolchildren, enslave multitudes in addictive habits, despoil the morality of entire cultures, and tear down the work of the Gospel around the globe. He hates the Church of Jesus Christ. He’s like a roaring lion trying to destroy us. We mustn’t obsess over the devil or his demons, but neither should we be ignorant of their devices. “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Take your stand against the devil. Resist him. Use the weapons of the Spirit, and remember that you are more than a conqueror through Christ who loves you. 

Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:10-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬. Commentary by Mike Fabarez. Invisible War. There is a lot going on in the room in which we sit that is very real yet unseen. Not only are we surrounded by a huge spectrum of electromagnetic radiation carrying hundreds of radio programs, television channels, text messages, and cell phone conversations, the Bible says that there is an abundance of spiritual agents, both good and bad, vying to influence our thoughts, affections, and priorities. While the world has long since made a caricature of the white angel sitting on one shoulder and the red demon on the other, we should never let such mocking dissuade us from the truth of what God says is going on all around us. How unfortunate that the world’s scoffing has lulled many Christians into being ignorant of the enemy’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). Though we interact with human beings all day long, we are informed that much more is actually in play. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood” the New Testament warns, “but against cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). God, of course, doesn’t want us preoccupied with our spiritual enemies, but he does want us to “armor up” every day with an effective defense (Ephesians 6:13-18). So let’s keep in mind the unseen realities today and always be spiritually prepared to combat the shrewd work of our spiritual enemies. 

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 2 Corinthians 10:3. Commentary by David Jeremiah. In 1944, Japanese lieutenant Hiroo Onoda was assigned to the tiny Philippine island of Lubang to conduct guerilla warfare against the Americans during World War II. Unfortunately, when the war ended in 1945, Lieutenant Onoda never got the word. For 29 years he continued his mission, living off the jungle, evading search parties who he thought were the enemy, until he finally was found on March 19, 1972. Lieutenant Onoda lived ready to fight a war that didn’t exist. If we simply reverse the Japanese soldier’s situation, we have a lesson for ourselves: We must live prepared to fight a war that does exist. The New Testament assumes our knowledge of spiritual warfare more often than it plainly declares it. But the words of the apostle John could not be more clear: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Destruction is part of the vocabulary of war. No Christian can understand what happens in his personal experience, or the world at large, without understanding he is in a spiritual war. Knowing the ultimate outcome of this war does not exempt us from living a defensive life (1 Peter 5:8). 

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3. Our Daily Bread, commentary by Bill Crowder. Written in the sixth-century bc by Chinese general Sun Tzu,The Art of War has been a guide for military thinking for centuries. But it has also been used by men and women in a wide variety of other arenas, including leadership, management, business, politics, and sports. What Sun Tzu wrote about military warfare can help followers of Christ to understand the tactics of our spiritual enemy: “All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.” Likewise, the spiritual warfare that Satan wages against us is also based on deceit. In fact, the very first sin was the result of the enemy’s deception. Notice what Paul said: “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). This truth is what gives such importance to our Lord’s warning that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), ever seeking to deceive us. What is our defense? To saturate our hearts in the truth of God’s Word. Only God’s inspired truth can protect us against the deceptions of the enemy. Prayer: Father, we know that the devil is clever, deceptive, and sly. We don’t want to be tricked by him to swallow his lies. Help us to discern his cunning methods and fill our minds with Your truth. Amen. God’s truth is the best protection against Satan’s lies. 

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1. Commentary by Phillips Brooks. “Stand fast.” The expression conjures up an ironic picture of opposing actions. To readers of Paul’s epistles, the words reminded them of the hardened and disciplined Roman soldiers who would stand fast, locking shields together and digging their feet in the ground to provide a solid front against the enemy. Paul used this powerful image to show believers how serious he was about defending their freedom in Christ against false doctrine. Over and over again, Paul uses this phrase, “stand fast,” calling believers to persevere against the winds of persecution: Stand fast in your faith (1 Corinthians 16:13), your spirit (Philippians 1:27), in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 3:8), and in the traditions you have been given (2 Thessalonians 2:15). It’s a crucial command for believers today. Look around and eagle eye an encroaching enemy to the faith. It may be in the media, a curriculum, or an acquaintance. God will give you the strength to stand fast. With no apologies, we need to put our shields together, dig our feet in, and say, “Not here, not now, not this time.” We never become truly spiritual by sitting down and wishing to be so.  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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. – Ephesians 6:10-18. Commentary by Kevin Mallery. Our spiritual armor was never meant to be taken off! Win all your battles by giving them to the Lord to fight. Pray (make your request known), and let Him fight the devil. The belt of truth will help us to fight off any lies that the devil tells us. The breastplate of righteousness will help us to fight off any thoughts of unworthiness or condemnation.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11. Commentary by David Jeremiah. Many people misunderstand the purpose of the spiritual warfare Job experienced (Job 1-2). The point of Satan was not to destroy Job or ruin his life by destroying his family and property. Satan’s desire was that Job would curse God for letting such bad things happen to him. Sadly, Job’s wife became so exasperated that she fell right into Satan’s hands when she said to her husband, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9) Thankfully, Job kept his spiritual integrity and would not blame God for his troubles. The point is this: Satan’s primary purpose is to make God, not us, look bad. But he attacks us in order to tempt us to attack God. And he will use any situation at all–just as he did in Job’s life–including our finances and economic health. If you can become so anxious over the economy or money that you lose your faith in God, Satan has won the battle. We win by giving thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Don’t let anything–including finances–cause you to “curse God.” Rather, say what Job said: “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10, NIV).

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11. Commentary by David Jeremiah. The newest innovation in body armor for soldiers and police officers is liquid gel. Military developers have invented a new super gel that’s lighter to wear than traditional bulletproof vests, yet more effective. The fluid has special particles that collide and lock together when disturbed, forming a hard surface that absorbs and stops projectiles. It’s cooler and more flexible to wear, and soon coming to a police officer near you. The believer’s armor is flexible and strong; and in this hostile world it’s never safe for a Christian to leave home without it. As described in Ephesians 6, we need the utility belt of truth, the vest of righteousness, the shield of faith, the shoes of evangelism, the sword of Scripture, and the helmet of salvation. Just as we wouldn’t think of walking out the door unclothed, let’s not leave home without the protective covering of our armor. Consciously put on each piece daily, and guard against the devil’s wiles. 

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth. Ephesians 6:14a. Commentary by David Jeremiah. Tired or Attired?  Our English word “gird” reminds us of a “girdle,” but that conjures up the wrong image. Though older translations used the word “girdle,” they were referring to the belt or sash worn in biblical times around the waist or chest. Weapons were sometimes attached, for the Bible speaks of girding on one’s sword. When running, people tucked their robes into their belts to race more freely (1 Peter 1:13). The girdle was the sash that held the rest of the clothing together. Paul likened it to truth. In a day when many people believe truth is relative, the Bible teaches that God’s truth is absolute and that His truth is inscribed and encapsulated in His Word. It’s the truth that holds the rest of our armor together and enables us to fight with mental freedom. When we’re convinced that all the Bible is altogether true, we’re outfitted for victory. Our minds are composed; our weapons ready. Without a knowledge of God’s truth, we’re not well-attired. We’re just tired. 

Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17. Commentary by David Jeremiah. Well Armed. When the apostle Paul described the Word of God as the sword of the Spirit, he used an interesting Greek term for “word.” He didn’t employ the common word logos, but the word rhema. The meaning of rhema tends to emphasize the many sayings of God rather than the unified whole. All of the Bible is God’s inspired and infallible Word; but often in our hand-to-hand combat in daily life, it’s the specific verses and sayings of Scripture that we need. Think of the Bible itself as the armory where the individual swords and daggers are stored. Paul’s point isn’t that we should always carry around a large black Bible for thumping and beating the devil, but that we have individual verses and statements from Scripture unsheathed in our minds and ready to use at a moment’s notice. When we memorize the many truths of the Bible and are prepared to use them, we’ve got a set of weapons to plunge into Satan as he tries to fill us with doubt, pride, and selfishness. Are you working on a memory verse today? The Bible is the Word of God. Period. But in this Word of God, we find those particular sayings that God gives us each day for the battles of life. 

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18. Commentary by Tony Evans. Now that you are familiar with the individual pieces of God’s armor, how do you put them on? To be victorious in spiritual warfare, God has a one-stop shop for getting dressed. It’s called prayer. So, you put them on in prayer. You put on the belt of truth by declaring in prayer to God that you believe what He says. You put on the breastplate of righteousness by acting, based on what God has said and declaring to God, “I want to please You in this matter.” You put on the shoes of the gospel of peace when you say, “God, confirm this situation in my life by giving me peace, or cause so much discomfort that I know I shouldn’t move forward.”  You put on the shield of faith by acting like God is telling the truth and asking God to support you in your actions, particularly if those steps are difficult to take. You put on the helmet of salvation in prayer when you ask God to clear your mind of anything that will distract you from operating with His perspective in your thinking. Then you put on the Word of God when you quote His Word and ask God to show you the right Scriptures to use. Bring prayer in and you’re dressed for success, because it is God’s means of communicating from heaven to earth when you are under spiritual attack, so the devil has no option but to leave you alone. 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8. Commentary by Bill Crowder. One early autumn morning as I drove to work in the dark, I was startled by a flash of brown in my headlights followed by the sound of something hitting the front of my car. I had clipped a deer at 70 miles per hour! It was only a glancing blow, and no damage was done to my car (or the deer, as far as I could tell), but it really shook me up. I had been in my usual “autopilot mode” for the familiar drive to the office, but the shock of the incident certainly got my attention. I was now fully alert and trying to calm a racing heartbeat. It was a most unpleasant wake-up call. The apostle Peter offers us a different kind of wake-up call—one that while unpleasant is necessary. He alerts us to a spiritual battle we are engaged in with a powerful enemy. Peter warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This is a call to wake up, see the danger, and be ready for his attack! Only when we are aware of the danger that faces us every day will we consciously seek the help we need. And only if we are on the alert will we lean on the strength of our Lord, who is greater than our spiritual enemy. The Christian life is a battleground. 

He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8. Commentary by David Jeremiah. Some readers of novels begin on page one and read page by page until the conclusion. They want to experience the questions, the tension, the crises, and the surprises just as the author intended. Others begin their reading five pages from the end. They want the context of the conclusion to provide a backdrop before they return and begin reading at the start. The Bible is not a novel, and certainly not a work of fiction, though it does follow a generally chronological path from Genesis to Revelation. So there is value in reading the Bible from beginning to end. But it is also entirely legitimate to read the last chapters first. When we read about the doom of Satan (Revelation 20) and the forthcoming New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22), we are given great confidence as to how things play out in the end. The apostle John put it best: “… the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Face this day with the confidence that the Bible’s final pages declare: Satan is a defeated foe, and you are a victor in Christ! 

I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. Revelation 6:2. Commentary by anonymous author. Don’t focus on your own problems, rescue others. They are “prisoners of war” in this spiritual fight against the dark side, and most/all don’t even know it. Christians need to bring them the Good News of Jesus and what He did for us all, and where we are headed after this life. We are noble warriors for God’s cause, meant to cast out the darkness in this world. We have a passion for this and must keep that passion burning. The Greek word for hindered literally means, “to cut a trench between one’s self and an advancing army or a foe, and to prevent progress.” Satan can try to hinder our progress and make things difficult for us here on earth, but we can overcome him with God’s help. Satan may be trying to prevent you from having a fruitful prayer life, or from tithing, or from serving the Body of Christ through a ministry opportunity. Satan can hinder you if you still hold anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, or lust , which are fruits of your flesh.

Commentary by Mike Fabarez. The familial terms like “Father,” “brother” and “sister” which are used in the Bible to describe the Christian experience remind us of the importance of love, devotion and connectedness that ought to characterize our congregation. But it is important that we are not led to believe that all our Christian expectations should settle on feelings of cozy, docile family room gatherings. Remember that the Scriptures also utilize balancing analogies for the Christian life which employ terms like “Captain,” “fellow soldiers,” “Master,” “servants” and “athletes.” These images transport our minds and expectations from the family room to the battlefield, the harvest fields and fields of strenuous exertion. Add to that our understanding of the prophetic schedule which promises a future age of rest and reward preceded by the current age of kingdom advancement and struggle with the flesh and the devil. While we all long for the days of relaxing together at the ultimate family reunion, for now we are brothers and sisters fighting to do what is right as we strategically assault the gates of hell with expansion of our Lord’s Church. 

Warrior mentality, commentary by Kevin Mallery. Attack! Stay on the offensive. We are on the front lines, letting God use us to spread His love and His Word to this darkened and blinded world, one person at a time! We must rejoice when troubles come our way, because Jesus has already overcome and He will help us through, so that we can remain on the front lines of the battlefield. Men should be tender warriors: fighting hard for God, yet tender at heart to share His love with everyone who is willing to hear. Every day we need to put on the full armor of God. This battle is not ours, but the Lord’s. Nevertheless, we need to have His armor on. In wearing this armor, He will protect us, and fight with us and for us, so that we can have victory in every area of our lives.

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Quotes

“Though evil may surround us, We need not fear defeat; For when God fights the battle, Our enemies retreat.” – Anonymous author

“After we win the battlefield of our mind, the enemy may try to weaken us with fear. Do not fear!” – Anonymous author

“Speak the word of God to fight the devil.” – Anonymous author

“When you meet opposition to your faith, your first reaction may be anger toward your antagonist. This may divert your attention from the deeper, spiritual dimensions of your conflict. Your adversary may be hopelessly in bondage to sin. Rather than retaliating, you should immediately and earnestly intercede for that person. Your opponent’s hostility is your invitation to become involved in God’s redemptive work to free him or her from spiritual bondage. Be alert to the spiritual warfare around you.” – Henry Blackaby

“Soldiers of Jesus Christ, take up the arms which the Apostle has set before you, cover yourselves with them from head to foot, seize the sword of the Word of God, wield it courageously, and the victory will be assured, and after the victory the crown.” – Rev. Jeremias Bonomelli, Bishop of Cremona

“We must never settle for harmony at the expense of holiness, nor for peace at the expense of principle.” – John Bradford

“Fellowship with God means warfare with the world.” – Charles E. Fuller

“Spiritual warfare is the unseen battle God wages on your behalf.” – Jim George

“Satan, as in his first temptation, is still on the losing side.” – William Gurnall

“Scars are the price which every believer pays for his loyalty to Christ.” – William Hendriksen

“Wear the truth, say it, sing it, and you will be amazed how the difficulty will be subdued; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. – John Henry Jowett

“You have to expect spiritual warfare whenever you stand up for righteousness or call attention to basic values. It’s just a matter of light battling the darkness. But the light wins every time. You can’t throw enough darkness on light to put it out.” – Thomas Kinkade

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.” – Martin Luther

“Every moment of every day there is an ongoing battle between light and dark, and we must choose which side we are on.” – Kevin Mallery

“Your walk with God involves a war that is ongoing everyday.  Wars have casualties.  You want to do everything you can not to become one of the casualties! The war is against satan, your enemy.  It is important to know your enemy and how he thinks to have the best chance at defeating him.  He is spiritual so you can’t see him, but he knows you, he is very smart, and knows your weaknesses.  You need to know what weapons you have at your disposal to fight against him. You also need practice using your weapons if you are going to win this war.  God equips you with everything you need in this fight.  Are you ready for battle?” – Miles McPherson

“Loving people is the highest level of spiritual warfare that we could ever do.” – Joyce Meyer

“The #1 key to spiritual warfare is prayer.” – Jacob Peterson

“The saddest symptom about many so-called Christians is the utter absence of anything like conflict and fight against spiritual apathy in their Christianity. They eat, they drink, they dress, they work, they amuse themselves, they get money, they spend money, they go through a brief round of formal religious services once or twice every week. But of the great spiritual warfare – its watchings and strugglings, its agonies and anxieties, its battles and contests – of all things they appear to know nothing at all. Let us take care that this case is not our own.” – J. C. Ryle

“It may be that Satan is planning some fresh temptation with which to assail you; but, though he desires to… sift you as wheat, Christ is praying for you, that your faith fail not.” – Charles Haddon Spurgeon, in his sermon, “The Tenses”