So what does scripture tell us we are to do?

Be Alert and on Guard We shouldn’t be surprised.  We know how the enemy works.  We can see evidences of his hand all around us.  It’s not a matter of if he will attack, it’s simply when he will.  Expect it and be ready.  

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” ~ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13

Stand Firm, Submit and Resist Him.  Submitting doesn’t come naturally.  It is an act of faith.   

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” ~ ‭‭James‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Standing firm implies a solid ground to stand on.  What is more solid than our faith in Jesus?  It is an immovable  rock and a foundation that bring peace, power and rest in the midst of the toughest trials.  Let’s not forget there is the work of resisting.  In the Holy Spirit’s power, we are able to resist ever attack. 

Watch him flee. These attacks do come with suffering, but it is temporary, purpose-filled and  in it and comes with the promise of His reward.  

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ,will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. ~  ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:10 NASB

Be Courageous – The LORD is With You.  The presence of the LORD is powerful and priceless!  For He has promised never to leave or forsake us.  What a blessing!  What strength!  Day after day He is with us leading us on.  For no one can stand in His presence. 

‭“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Reflection

Which of the actions above do you struggle with the most?

Where are you most vulnerable to attack?

What are you doing about that?   

Are you justifying or submitting to God?

Prayer

Holy Father, we know You have the power to crush the enemy under our feet.  You are our rock and our fortress in You we will trust!  Equip us and gives us the courage to be on guard. You go before us as a consuming fire.   May Your will be done in Jesus’ name, Amen!

So how are we to know which is the voice of God and which is the voice of the antichrist? As children of God, the Holy Spirit lives in us, proclaiming Jesus Christ’s victory and testifying to our adoption. The anitchrist will not confess Jesus. 

In the most difficult times in the most horrendous attacks, we can stand firm on the truth that we are overcomers, not in our strength but in the victory of Jesus. For greater is He that is in us then he who is in the world!

Reflection

Are you struggling in spiritual battle?   Listen to the voice of truth from God’s word and the Holy Spirit that lives in you.  

What spirit are you listening to?  Does that Spirit profess Jesus as Lord?

Take heart for Jesus has overcome the world and all it’s troubles!

Prayer

Father, there are battles all around us and one raging in our minds.  All spirits vying for our allegiance.  Help our minds to listen and discern those that confess Jesus.  May our eyes be fixed on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Remind us of the victory He has given us at the cross that we may overcome any struggle we face today!  In His name, Amen!

We must learn that the battles we face are mostly fought in the spiritual realm in our mind and guard accordingly. So we test the spirits.the voices we hear in our heads,that are directing our thoughts. The spirits know who Jesus is but will not desire to confess it.   

Battling the enemy takes a plan and strategy. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, verse 5 summarizes this battle strategy well:

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:5‬ ‭NASB‬‬

We must not let down our guard but instead fight in the strength of Christ and train our minds for battle with the Word of God. This is war!

Personal Reflection

How can we know that the spiritual dialogue in our head is from God?  It’s more than a feeling.  I’ve heard people justify sins by feelings.  Someone told me once, “I feel like God is leading me to divorce my wife and enter into a relationship with a different women He has brought to me”.  Lies!  The best way to tell is to test all things against scripture.     Do you use scripture as your rudder to steer your choices in all dimensions?  To use it as a rudder you need to have it in your head and heart.  If you don’t already have a time set aside to study God’s Word, start today! Youversion.com has some great reading plans to choose from. Drink deep of the living water of His Word!

Prayer Focus

Glorious Father, teach us to test the spirits and take every thought captive.  Let us not remain naive but instead be equipped for battle.  Sanctify us by your truth; your Word is truth.  Keep our feet on Your firm foundation as we face the trials of this life with grace and truth.  May our lips be filled with praise to your glorious Name, Amen!

@brianfriedl

#spiritualwarfare #ready for battle #truthtalk4life