Dear Friends, I encourage you to be bold as a lion and to recognize where many of your problems are coming from. Ephesians 6:12 states we are not fighting against people, but rather, here is the list:
Evil spirits which are organized and operate in groups and ranks such as:
1. Principalities - Chief rulers of the highest order
2. Power - Authorities under chief rulers to execute their will
3. Rulers of darkness of this world - world rulers who are men
4. Wicked angels in the heavenlies
God's Good Word to You:
Remember the story from Luke 10:17-20, Jesus gave His apostles and disciples authority over all the power of the enemy. Since this is true and His power is greater than all satanic power, why do many Christians feel weak and helpless?
Here is the Good News: Ephesians 6:11, 13 states Christians are to put on the whole armour of God so they can stand against the tricks of the devil. The armour is the presence of Christ filling and ruling your life. This will only become operative as you receive the mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit (verse 10). Without this strength, you are very limited in your awareness of the workings of Satan given in verse 12.
Take Three BIG Steps:
Here's why many Spirit-filled believers miss their victory. They do not consistently use the three big steps given in verses 17 and 18. Verse 17 says to take the helmet of deliverance and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God (yes, that means your Bible).
The helmet of deliverance (full salvation) is your protection over your mind. If you don't keep the spirit of the world out of your mind - you will rarely win the big battles. Your mind will be so indoctrinated with fear, worry, sin, etc. your faith level will diminish. When you are up against big problems, verse 17 says to use your scripture verses as a sword and cut the life of the enemy to pieces.
1. By applying the Word to the problem
2. By praying the Word over the problem
3. By speaking the Word to God, to the devil and to yourself.
Hebrews 4:12, Proverbs 4:20-22, Joshua 1:8
The Bible states it is proper to remind God of His promises.
The last step is given in verse 18 and is so powerful, yet neglected by many. We are told to pray with all prayer in the Spirit. If we don't develop our relationship with our Father God and take time to know the Lord in times and seasons of prayer our miracle reports will be few - James 4:7 gives us a great word of instruction and hope, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Please don't neglect the three BIG steps - Keep your mind and heart filled with the Word so you will know that God always wants you to win. Remember time spent in prayer with Him keeps your armour in place!
What are acts of righteousness Jesus gave much importance to? Why did He say they should be done in secrecy?
Matthew 6:1-18 gives an informative teaching for good habits of Kingdom life. Jesus talks about giving, praying, and fasting. He said when you give to the poor, you should not blow a trumpet and call the poor so that you can make a show of your giving.
Rather Jesus said if your charitable deeds are done in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. We are told not to be a hypocrite or play actor when it comes to giving.
Jewish tradition said there was in the temple a "chamber of secrets" into which the devout people used to put their gifts in secret so the poor could also receive support in secret. God certainly looks at the motive for our giving.
What kingdom principals and rules bring positive rewards? We have definite steps to effective prayer given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:6.
1. Go into your room
2. Shut the door
3. Pray to the Father in secret
The Lord wants us to periodically shut the door on activity and others. He wants to spend private quiet time with us. He wants our full attention in times of prayer, so we can share our heart with Him.
Can you get alone with God? He got alone with you in the very beginning of your existence.
Psalm 139:13-15 states: "For you formed me and made me in my mother's womb. You saw me as I was being formed in secret (in utter seclusion) as I was woven together in the dark (in my mother's womb).
He is the Master designer and creator of life. Are you up to date in your contact with God? Do you have the highest level of direct contact with Him? We have been promised complete and daily direction for our lives as we remain in high level communion with Father God.
Proverbs 3:6 "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." The word acknowledge is Hebrew, yada'.
It can mean:
1. To know by observation,
2. Investigation
3. Firsthand experience
God promises to make our crooked places straight (Isaiah 45:2). He will direct our paths toward fruitful and powerful endeavors.
Have you responded to the greatest invitation that the Lord Jesus ever gave? He simply said in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me...and I will give you rest."
He said if you are tired of all the rituals, hype, works, etc., then I invite you to come into My Presence. If you will just come to Me, you can bring all of your troubles, problems, and sin.
As we decide to take His yoke upon our lives, then He carries our burdens and cares. He promises to give us His rest and peace. As we live in His rest we can daily experience peace for our soul (mind, will, and emotions).
As we live close to the Prince of Peace, He gives ease, refreshment, recreation, and a blessed quietness for our heart (Matthew 11:28-30). Have you responded to the invitation? He is waiting.