The demonic recognizes Jesus before the religious leaders do. This is puzzling yet revealing. This happens early in Jesus’ ministry. Mark 1: 23 Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who …
The enemy of wholeness in Jesus is satan and his minions, who work tirelessly every day to prevent God’s plans from unfolding in our lives. After the transfiguration, Jesus, Peter, James, and John descended the mountain and met with a spiritual battle. They found the rest of the disciples surrounded by a crowd and arguing …
Israel experienced how God fights for us in transition. God had enabled them to leave slavery in Egypt. Even though they were no longer under their slave masters, they still had a slave mentality. It would take time for them to become a free nation. God knew this and guided their exit from Egypt accordingly. …
Deliverance does not cancel the battle, as seen when the Egyptians pursue the Israelites after their escape. This is true for us today. When Pharaoh learned the Israelites had fled, he and his officials regretted it. They questioned, “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” Pharaoh then prepared his chariot, summoned …
Being persistent in prayer can make a difference in your life and the lives of those you pray for. It is one of the greatest weapons God gives us! If you’re struggling, remember the Lord listens to our prayers. Trust Him, knowing He understands what is best in His timing. Military planners note that while …
Our salvation and God’s word in the battle are essential if we are to survive the invisible war being waged against us by our enemy. Ephesians 6:17Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [1] The helmet kept the soldier’s head safe and was …
The good news and the shield of faith are some of the most essential pieces of the spiritual armor the Lord has given us. When we go into battle without these pieces of armor, we find ourselves without a roadmap, the Bible, and the faith that is rooted in His Word. Today, the Lord may …
As Paul gives us an analogy between weapons for the spiritual battle and the armor of a Roman soldier, we see that truth and righteousness are the foundation. Paul was under house arrest, probably in Rome. He was trying to pastor the believers who lived in Ephesus from a distance. So, while he was writing …
Paul says to stand your ground in the spiritual battle. I first read Ephesians 6 in the NIV translation. There, the word stand is used four times in four consecutive verses. Evidently, the concept of standing must be important. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your …
We are in a spiritual battle, and we need to put on all of God’s armor. We need God’s strength to fight this battle, and He supplies the weapons. This is not a battle against other people; it is a battle against the spiritual forces that influence them. Ephesians 6: 10 A final word: Be strong …