Thought for Tuesdeay, December 11th

December 11, 2012

Spiritual Warfare Is Not For the Faint of Heart

“It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.”

-       General Douglas MacArthur

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 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, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Philippians 4:4-8

But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:2-6

War is never pretty, nor is it ever without cost: but there are times when it is more than needful: it is essentially necessary for the continued safety, security and well being of the parties involved.  This is especially true of spiritual warfare.

Spiritual warfare has certain similarities to tactical real world warfare: but it also has very tangible differences.  The first of which is the target or enemy to be engaged.  Often we mistake the enemy in our spiritual skirmishes to be individuals or groups within a church or as a part of the body of Christ and this is simply not the case.  The person or persons are never the enemy: but the spirits influencing them are.  The second major difference is the implements of warfare used to engage in battle.  Spiritual warfare does not require tanks and rifles, aircrafts or ships: but rather the sword of the Spirit, prayer, the power of the blood and the authority of the name of Jesus are the tools employed and used to garner victories in the various skirmishes.  And thirdly and maybe most significantly; physical wars will end, but spiritual warfare is perpetual and continues and will be until we reach our heavenly home.

In spiritual warfare we must not be remiss in our commitment, nor do we ever want to underestimate the wiles of our enemy.

Spiritual warfare can be brutal and there is always the possibility for casualties.

That is why we must stay prayed up; read up; and filled up with the power, wisdom and word of God.

God has promised the victory: but we cannot win if we do not fight.

So sound the battle cry, get your armor on, raise high the sword of the spirit and charge boldly into battle with determination, confidence and perpetual prayer to be more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus, who not only loves us, but also gave himself for us.

Today’s Prayer

Father, give me strength, boldness and might to be a mighty warrior in service to fight for and defend your Kingdom and the things for which it stands.