Defeat in Spiritual Warfare is a sign of being out of alignment with God

Defeat in Spiritual Warfare is a sign of being out of alignment with God

What is spiritual warfare and its understanding? Spiritual warfare refers to the battle against evil spirits and invisible forces that we cannot see. It involves confronting and resisting the negative influences and temptations that arise from these spiritual realms. The concept of spiritual warfare can be challenging to comprehend or make sense of, as it deals with supernatural elements beyond our physical senses.

      Why do Christians face spiritual warfare? Why did Paul in the book of Ephesians warn us to put on the Whole Armor of God? The answer can be found in the Scriptures. In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul writes, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, so 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." Christians encounter spiritual warfare primarily because of the ongoing battle between good and evil. As followers of Jesus, we naturally become targets for the enemy. The devil seeks to hinder the advancement of God's kingdom on earth and thwart His will from being done. Paul urges his brethren to pray and be watchful, as stated in Ephesians 6:18: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

       The body of Christ, the collective community of believers, is actively involved in a spiritual war against the evil one. Christians are defeated in spiritual warfare when they are not in alignment with God, and the cause of this defeat is their failure to put on the whole armor of God. Spiritual warfare is how we actively engage in the ongoing battle, seeking to overcome darkness and advance God's purposes in the world.

      Every true believer in Christ faces spiritual warfare for various reasons. Firstly, it arises from the ongoing battle between good and evil. Secondly, God allows tests to promote growth and strengthen their faith (Isaiah 48:10, James 1:2-4,12, Psalms 66:10, Psalms 7:9). Lastly, if someone is out of alignment with God and fails to wear the whole armor of God, their hedge of protection weakens, leaving them vulnerable to the enemy's attacks, depending on which armor is missing. 

      We engage in spiritual warfare by putting on the whole armor of God, ensuring that we do not become casualties in this battle. The reason we are instructed to wear the armor is to protect ourselves and stand firm. As stated in the scriptures (Ephesians 6:14-18), the whole armor of God includes: 

1. Girding our waist with truth.
2. Putting on the breastplate of righteousness.
3. Shodding our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
4. Taking the shield of faith to extinguish the fiery darts of the wicked one.
5. Putting on the helmet of salvation.
6. Taking the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And we are always to engage God, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful, persevering, and interceding for all the saints. By equipping ourselves with the whole armor of God and remaining steadfast in prayer and spiritual discipline, we are prepared to face and overcome the challenges and attacks of the enemy in spiritual warfare. To explain further, to put it simply, the whole armor of God includes truth, righteousness, sharing the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God as the spiritual sword. Additionally, we are to pray in the Spirit, intercede for the saints, remain watchful, and persevere through any obstacle. The lack of any part of this armor renders us susceptible to attacks.

      To be out of alignment with God means that your thoughts, actions, and desires are not in accordance with His will and guidance. When you are led by God, it means you are actively seeking His direction and obeying His instructions. This obedience requires a willingness to submit to His authority and follow His commands with a wholehearted commitment. Building a relationship with God and aligning yourself with Him starts with getting to know Him through reading and studying the Bible. The Bible serves as a source of revelation about God's character, His promises, and His teachings. As you read the Bible and seek understanding, you begin to develop a personal connection with Him. In this relationship, you can approach God with your questions, concerns, and uncertainties. He responds through His word, guiding you and building trust in His promises.

     When you are in alignment with God's will, you become familiar with His voice as He speaks to your spirit. This recognition occurs because you have come to know His will through His word. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within you, guides you in discerning when to pray, how to pray, when to be still, and when to take action. Your spiritual discernment becomes sharpened, allowing you to navigate according to God's leading. Developing this level of sensitivity to God's voice and discernment does not happen overnight. It is a process that unfolds over time as you spend dedicated moments with Him. Just as in a human relationship, the more time you invest in getting to know someone, the deeper your understanding and trust in them grow. Similarly, as you spend time with God, reading His word, praying, and seeking His presence, your knowledge of Him deepens. This intimacy enables you to discern His voice more clearly and understand His ways. Trust is built as you witness His faithfulness and experience His guidance in various aspects of your life.

     Remember that this journey of alignment and discernment is ongoing. It requires ongoing communication and fellowship with God. The more you invest in this relationship, the stronger your ability to discern His voice, follow His leading, and trust in His guidance. Through regular Bible study and prayer, you deepen your knowledge of God and His ways. This knowledge allows you to discern His will and align your thoughts, decisions, and actions with His truth. As you grow in your relationship with Him, you develop a stronger sense of trust in His word, knowing that His guidance is reliable and worthy of following. In summary, alignment with God begins with getting to know Him through the Scriptures and developing a personal relationship with Him. Through this relationship, you gain understanding, guidance, and the ability to trust in His word as you seek to live in harmony with His will.

     When you are in alignment with God, you are prepared for spiritual warfare. There are no sneak attacks because the hedge of protection surrounds you. This hedge of protection remains intact as long as you are in alignment with God. However, it is crucial to remember that an ongoing spiritual war exists, and it operates with legalistic principles. To avoid becoming a victim, understanding the rules of engagement in this war is vital. God often trains us through trial and error, so we learn not to operate in certain ways again. Additionally, spiritual warfare has different levels. The spirit realm follows God's laws, and if we break the rules of engagement, God does not interfere, as He established those laws. Thankfully, God's mercy shields us from the full consequences of our actions due to our ignorance, preventing us from receiving what we truly deserve.

       If you are not covered with the whole armor of God, there are consequences, and you become vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one. It is unfortunate but true that many Christians, including myself, can fall victim to the schemes and temptations of the enemy when we are not properly aligned with God and fully equipped for battle. Spiritual warfare requires vigilance, obedience, and an active reliance on God's strength and protection. It is only by wearing the whole armor of God that we can stand firm against the enemy's tactics and emerge victorious.

      Therefore, it is crucial to continually seek alignment with God, diligently putting on the whole armor He provides, and remaining steadfast in our faith. By doing so, we can withstand the attacks and temptations that come our way, and avoid becoming casualties of the ongoing spiritual war.

Cultivating a prayer life is of paramount importance for your spiritual journey, particularly in a fast-paced society where allocating exclusive time for prayer can be challenging. The solution is clear: "Simply Prayer for Our Daily Journey," a scripture-enriched prayer book designed for all aspects of life. Additionally, pair it with a Faith-building scripture book to assist you in persevering through the waiting time on God’s promises and strengthening your faith. However, it's essential to note that this prayer book doesn't replace genuine, quality time with God; you must spend dedicated time with Him.

    

Understanding the Mechanism of God's Forgiveness

Understanding the Mechanism of God's Forgiveness

Let us explore the mechanics of God's forgiveness: The significance of Jesus' sacrifice and God's perspective on forgiveness.

     What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is the act of pardoning or letting go of resentment, anger, or negative feelings toward someone who has wronged or hurt you. Now, let us explore this concept from God's perspective. According to the Bible, forgiveness is described as God pardoning us of our sins. What are the most prominent characteristics of God? He is holy, just, righteous, faithful, loving, compassionate, merciful, gracious, forgiving, jealous, and a God of judgment.

      I have listed some prominent attributes of God. First, let us focus on one of the paramount attributes of God, which is His justice. What does it mean for Him to be just? It means that He is morally upright and fair, completely unbiased, and operates according to His standard of righteousness as described in the Bible. Scriptural examples that demonstrate God's justice include: 

• "For I, the Lord, love justice" (Isaiah 61:8a).
• "Therefore the Lord will waits, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him" (Isaiah 30:18).
• "Surely God will never do wickedly, nor will the Almighty pervert justice" (Job 34:12).
• "He is the Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice. A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He" (Deuteronomy 32:4).

These scriptures affirm that God loves justice, is a God of justice, never perverts justice, and all His ways are just. Secondly, let us delve into the nature of God as love. Throughout the Scriptures, He is described as the God of love, actively demonstrating His love through the act of redemption. This profound love is most prominently displayed through His sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to sacrifice Himself for our sins, thereby opening a path for our reconciliation with Him. It is essential to recognize that God is not merely the possessor of love, but He is love itself. Every attribute of love finds its essence in God Himself. His love is unconditional, selfless, forgiving, compassionate, patient, kind, trusting, accepting, protective, enduring, and beyond. As the Scripture affirms, "Because Your steadfast love is better than life" (Psalm 63:3a). It is indeed a concept that stretches our comprehension. God is love!

     I have expanded on two attributes of God: love and justice. God is equally loving and just due to His faithful nature. This means that whatever God says, He will do, and whatever laws He has established, He Himself must comply with because He is faithful and a God of order. Our heavenly Father is holy and just, and His laws are unwavering. Even God Himself cannot violate them. It is His faithfulness that upholds His perfect character. To demonstrate the harmonious interplay of God's love and justice, we can turn to the Scriptures. In 1 John 4:10, it states, "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." This verse reveals that God, out of His immense love for us, took action to reconcile us to Himself. He did so by sending His Son as the sacrificial offering for our sins, satisfying the demands of justice. God punished His Son on our behalf so that justice could be fulfilled. This act exemplifies the profound depth of God's love for us, as He willingly stepped out of His divine throne to become human and ultimately die for our sins.

       In our fallen state, when we sin, we are unable to approach God directly because His holiness cannot tolerate sin. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were required to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This aspect of God reveals His role as a righteous judge, administering judgment for disobedience. However, when Jesus died for our sins, He became the ultimate sacrifice. Scripture affirms that through His sacrificial act, we can now boldly enter into God's presence and obtain mercy. As Hebrews 4:14-16 states, Jesus has accomplished the work on our behalf, allowing us to approach God with confidence and receive His mercy.

       God's forgiveness plays a crucial role in all of this. While it is true that Jesus' sacrifice has provided the way for our forgiveness and reconciliation with God, our active participation is still required. The question arises: Is repentance necessary? Let's explore some relevant scriptures to shed light on this matter. 

     One scripture that addresses this is found in, 1 John 1:7: "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." This verse emphasizes that walking in the light, meaning conforming to God's precepts, allows the blood of Jesus to cleanse us from all our sins. It signifies that God forgives us and removes our sins from us. The following verse, 1 John 1:8, states: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." This verse highlights that everyone sins, and denying this truth makes us liars, lacking the truth which is the light of God. Another scripture, Ecclesiastes 7:20, affirms that there is no righteous person who is without sin. The final two verses in this chapter, 1 John 1:9-10, further reinforce the significance of confession. They state: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." These verses urge us to confess our sins, assuring us that when we do, God not only forgives us but also cleanses us from our sins, meaning they are removed and forgotten. Additionally, they emphasize that denying our sinfulness makes God a liar, and His truth does not dwell within us. Therefore, based on these scriptures, repentance and acknowledging our sins through confession are crucial aspects of seeking forgiveness from God and experiencing the cleansing and removal of our sins.

       I want you to keep in mind that the reason why Jesus died was to save the world. We receive this grace by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, which involves forsaking our old ways and following Him. When we do so, God forgives us our sins. However, the question arises: Why do we still need to repent of our sins if we have already accepted Jesus and been forgiven? The reason is that, despite accepting Jesus and being forgiven, we still live in a fallen world and continue to sin. Repentance is an ongoing process of acknowledging our sins, turning away from them, and aligning ourselves with God's will. This is why the scripture says, "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1). Furthermore, in verse 12, it states, "I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake" (1 John 2:12). It is important to note that while our sins are indeed forgiven through Jesus' sacrifice, repentance allows us to maintain a healthy relationship with God and strive towards a life that reflects His love and righteousness. Repentance demonstrates our humility and desire to continually seek God's forgiveness and grow in righteousness. It is through this ongoing act of repentance that we deepen our relationship with God and live in alignment with His will.

       Scripture teaches us that we need to acknowledge our sins, repent, and ask for God's forgiveness (2 Chronicles 7:14, Matthew 3:8, Act 17:30, Proverbs 28:13, Romans 2:4, Revelation 3:19, 2 Timothy 2:25). When we approach God, it is important to recognize our need for His forgiveness and to sincerely repent of our sins. Repentance involves a genuine change of heart, turning away from our sinful ways, and seeking to live in alignment with God's will. By confessing our sins to God and seeking His forgiveness, we demonstrate humility, genuine remorse, and a desire to walk in righteousness. As 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Cultivating a prayer life is of paramount importance for your spiritual journey, particularly in a fast-paced society where allocating exclusive time for prayer can be challenging. The solution is clear: "Simply Prayer for Our Daily Journey," a scripture-enriched prayer book designed for all aspects of life. Additionally, pair it with a Faith-building scripture book to assist you in persevering through the waiting time on God’s promises and strengthening your faith. However, it's essential to note that this prayer book doesn't replace genuine, quality time with God; you must spend dedicated time with Him.

     

The devil's deception is often in the small details

 The Devil's deception is often in the small details

The devil, referred to as the father of lies in John 8:44, employs deception as his primary weapon. These deceptions are incredibly subtle, intricately woven into the smallest of details. It is due to our lack of knowledge and incomplete dependence on God, that we often succumb to the deceitful schemes of the devil and become victims of his lies.

     How do true believers in Christ fall victim to the lies of the devil? This often happens in subtle ways within their thoughts, even among believers who diligently seek God and study their Bible. Scripture warns us, "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). This verse cautions us that just as Satan deceived Eve with persuasive and seemingly logical words, he can also deceive us easily. 

     Let's consider this from a different perspective. Sometimes, God's ways may not make sense to us, especially when He leads us in directions that seem unfamiliar or illogical. Scripture emphasizes that our ways and thoughts are not like God's ways and thoughts, and the difference is as vast as the distance between heaven and earth (Isaiah 55:8-9). It is beyond our human comprehension unless God reveals it to us. Moreover, God often does not reveal His entire plan to us at once. In such moments, when we choose not to obey Him, we fall victim to Satan's deception.

      As human beings, when we lack the full understanding or knowledge of God's plan, our logic can come into play. It is at this point that the seducing spirit (1 Timothy 4:1), which is the devil in disguise, tempts us with reasoning that aligns with our fleshly desires. This is why we must be vigilant and rely on God's wisdom and guidance to discern the truth and resist the lies of the enemy.

     Let's use a scenario in some sense, similar to the movies we've watched, where we encounter a person standing at the crossroads of a decision. On one side, there is the portrayal of a devil with a pitchfork, while on the other side, an angel appears. However, it's often observed that the character is enticed by the devil's charm or appeal and how easy or uncomplicated it seems. Now, let's consider a believer in Christ facing the same scenario. Why do they also fall for the schemes of lies? It is because they are not fully dependent on God or their minds are not fully saturated with God's word, which serves as a guiding light to discern the truth, even in the smallest of details. 

     Let me provide an example of how the devil uses deception in subtle ways, particularly in the small details. Imagine the Holy Spirit prompting you to start reading the Bible in order to deepen your understanding of God and grasp the rules of engagement. With a genuine desire to know your God, you schedule dedicated time for studying Scripture and strive for consistency. However, you find yourself easily distracted or frequently falling asleep whenever you attempt to read. Determined, you turn to an audio Bible, but the same obstacles persist. Frustration sets in, and you may even seek God's help, yet still find yourself struggling to stay awake. Then, a voice whispers in your mind (seducing spirit), questioning whether it's truly necessary to read the Bible every day. After all, I attend church every Sunday and Bible study weekly. I have a knowledgeable pastor and listen to online preachers who teach sound doctrine. I believe that I already possess sufficient knowledge of God's Word. Reading the Bible every day isn't essential; God understands my busy schedule. In succumbing to this deception, you return to your old routine. This scenario illustrates the devil's deceit in the small details. While it may not be a sin to forgo daily Bible reading and listening to preachers can aid in your growth, you overlook the fact that you are disobeying the prompting of the Holy Spirit and relying solely on human sources for your understanding of God. Additionally, you deprive yourself of the personal experience of encountering God through His Word.

    The scripture reveals, "But through knowledge, the righteous will be delivered" (Proverbs 11:9b). Upon pondering its meaning and thinking about it for a second, when we comprehend that possessing knowledge plays a vital role in the deliverance of the righteous. It signifies that truth and understanding direct our paths. In parallel, another scripture states, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). These verses highlight the profound importance of truth and knowledge and how it set us free.

     We are warned about the significance of truth and knowledge to shield ourselves from the deception and lies of the Devil. By acquiring knowledge and deepening our understanding, particularly through the truths revealed in God's Word, we equip ourselves with the discernment required to identify and resist the cunning schemes employed by the enemy. Through this knowledge and truth, we fortify ourselves, ensuring that we do not fall victim to the deceitful tactics employed by the Devil.

      The truth starts with humbling ourselves before God. In our relationship with Jesus, as Christians, we often emphasize Him as our Lord and Savior. However, the reality is that many Christians, through their actions, demonstrate that Jesus is more seen as their Savior than their Lord. When Jesus is genuinely our Lord, we surrender ourselves wholeheartedly to Him without reservation. We recognize His authority over every area of our lives, which means we strive to follow His teachings and strive to become more like Him. Above all, we are thankful that He saved and reconciled us to God by bridging the gap with our Heavenly Father.

     My dear brethren in Christ, let us ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the devil's deception in the small details, for it is in those subtle moments that he often ensnares us. Begin by diligently reading your Bible, for the Holy Spirit utilizes what is stored in your heart. Hey believers! Bible time! Open your book, let God's words work their power and transformation, and keep the devil at bay!

Cultivating a prayer life is of paramount importance for your spiritual journey, particularly in a fast-paced society where allocating exclusive time for prayer can be challenging. The solution is clear: "Simply Prayer for Our Daily Journey," a scripture-enriched prayer book designed for all aspects of life. Additionally, pair it with a Faith-building scripture book to assist you in persevering through the waiting time on God’s promises and strengthening your faith. However, it's essential to note that this prayer book doesn't replace genuine, quality time with God; you must spend dedicated time with Him.