Jeremiah 51:20 Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms.
Just as God told Jeremiah in days of old, He is saying the same to every believer today. We are His battle axe and weapons of war. A battle axe was explicitly designed for combat and was used to chop and slash. A weapon is an instrument used in fighting a war which is an active struggle between competing entities. The way God designed our bodies enables us to use our various members (mouth, hands, feet, eyes, ears) as a battle axe and weapon in warfare. Our task is to learn the proper utilization of these members and apply them.
All believers are part of God’s earthly military. Age does not matter, nor socio-economic status, gender, or race. We are in a battle that requires our participation to win. God has planned to use believers, but many believers are only spectators. We must realize attacks are forthcoming; how we handle the attacks is up to us.
I have often wondered about our apparent defeat at the hands of the enemy. As I mused over this sad occurrence and prepared to write this blog, a light bulb went on in my spirit. Growing-up we sang a song, “I am a soldier in the army of the Lord,” however, I was just singing the words. The reality that I am a soldier and need to act like one escaped me. For all of a believer’s life, we are required to be in active duty. Understand this today, to be victorious in God’s army, there is no discharge, retirement, missing in action, reserve, or inactivity; you are forever a soldier.
I looked up information on military training, which allowed me to understand better how I should be acting in God’s military. In America, there are five branches of service: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Individuals have the opportunity to decide which branch they will join, but all branches provided them with similar basic training, which is the induction and indoctrination process of the military forces. Ultimately basic training is to reprogram recruits into warriors; you enter a civilian and end as a soldier.
In basic training, you have a training instructor and drill sergeant who are continually instructing, yelling, and telling you what to do. Your diet, sleeping, and movement are determined by others. You are drilled physically, technically, and psychologically. You have no freedom or privacy. Within the first several days, they shave off your hair to make you lose your identity and create a uniformed appearance. You are taught: military skills, military language, weapon usage, self-discipline, sacrifice, loyalty, stress endurance, and obedience.
To apply this spiritually, these officers can be likened to demons who are relentlessly harassing, bullying, and belittling believers. Demons see what you are doing; you cannot hide from them. Attacks come against your body, emotions, and mind. However, all of this is permitted by God. It is our responsibility to learn warfare techniques, understand spiritual language, discipline our self to stay active and alert in warfare, be loyal to God, endure as a good soldier, sacrifice our time and energy in this battle and obey the Word.
I encourage you to go on the internet and look up information on basic training. Study it, and utilize it in your warfare. Finally, remember while living on this earth, we are in a battle, so we might as well win it.
Right thinking and doing is paramount in the life of a believer. People can say all kinds of things about you, but what matters are your personal thoughts about yourself. In warfare, if you perceive yourself as victorious and capable of doing what the scriptures instruct, you will be successful. Believers cannot just think; thinking must be coupled with doing. To prosper, we first must do. The following scriptures confirm these two things:
Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Another important concept to internalize is everyone is under attack. No one is exempt. Job 14:1 says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble,” and Matthews 5:45 tells us God makes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust. Sometimes we look at others and have a pity party for ourselves because we think the grass looks better in their yard. However, if we were to do a close examination, we would find it is full of weeds just like ours. Know this; everyone living will have their own individual challenges.
The scripture also informs us of the outcome of our battles. Psalms 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” There is nothing the enemy tries to put on you from which you cannot be delivered, and Isaiah 54:17 gives us more vital information. It says, “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” In other words, unfortunate things will form, but these things do not have to defeat you, because your godly heritage changes the outcome.
I have found the enemy tries to intimidate me, tries to make me feel scared, and tries to make me think if I engage in warfare, I will experience additional problems. However, in II Timothy 1:7 I have learned God has not given me the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. On my own, I would fail, but with the help of God, I can endure the challenges in life. I can reject and resist the spirit of fear that the enemy attempts to send my way. Instead, I confess I have power, love, and right thinking.
Finally, I encourage you if you have not been thinking right and if you have been a lazy believer, from today make a change. YOU CAN IF YOU DO.
Ephesians 6:12 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.
Remember, Satan is a created being; thus, limited in his abilities. He needs help to carry out his mission for the world; therefore, he has kingdom workers. Satan’s kingdom is mainly comprised of fallen angels and demons. When Satan fell he was able to deceive one-third of the angel population who fell with him, and when needed they take on human form; unlike demons who are evil disembodied spirits that seek to inhabit bodies.
The above scripture Ephesians 6:12 describes the kingdom of Satan:
1. Principalities translated in Greek are “archas” meaning territories or jurisdictions over which chief rulers, princes or angels of the highest rank presides.
2. Powers translated in Greek is “exorisais” meaning authorities who derive their power to execute orders from the chief rulers.
3. Rulers of darkness translated in Greek are “kosmokratos,” meaning the evil spirits rulers who are controlling the world system.
4. Spiritual wickedness translated in Greek is “pneumatika ponerias,” meaning the wicked spirits of Satan. They have the lowest ranking in Satan’s kingdom.
Most of Satan’s kingdom followers are engaged in warfare tactics. In the life of believers, these tactics are enforced by ungodly angels, demons, and familiar spirits assigned to us by Satan. Your familiar spirit has been with you probably from birth; so, it knows what you like and dislikes and it along with other demonic spirits, uses this information against you. Dissimilar to believers they do not get tired; neither are they missing in battle. They are ready to fulfill their task to the best of their ability, and from the response of many believers, they have been successful.
Ultimately the primary mission of Satan is to separate mankind from God. His forces work in the political, religious, and socio-economic realms, and they seek to affect humans physically, emotionally, and mentally. Some of their tactics are to:
1. Repress = to keep down, restrain. Example: Your faults keep resurging, so you never feel good enough.
2. Depress = to cause to sink, fall, or assume a low position. Example: Ignorance of God’s word causes you to accept the lies of the devil.
3. Oppress = crush, burden, or trample down. Example: Experiencing one crisis after another.
4. Obsess = to occupy an undue or disproportionate place in mind. Example: Not able to control thoughts, and to allow the mind to be filled with negativity.
5. Possess = completely inhabited and controlled. Example: Actions are controlled by demons.
To counteract their attacks and tactics, we must remember our fight is not against flesh and blood. Human methods cannot be employed; they will fail. Believers must use the vast arsenal of weapons that God has provided (in future blogs, I will share them).
Finally, two critical scriptures are found in Luke 9:1a “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils” and in Mark 16:17a, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils.” These scriptures inform believers that we have power and authority to cast out demons that hoovers in our atmosphere or life. Remember, since Jesus said it, we can do it.
2 Cor. 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
The Greek word “devices” in the above scripture can be interpreted as “purpose.” From the words of Jesus, we understand Satan to be our enemy, and his purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy by any means necessary. So, let me share some vital information with you about this foe.
Throughout the Bible, various words are used to describe the character and actions of Satan. Some of these names are Adversary (1 Peter 5:8), Corrupter (2 Cor.11:3), Dragon (Rev.12:3), Enemy (Matt. 13:39), Liar (John 8:44), Murderer (John 8:44), Oppressor (Acts 10:38), Roaring Lion (1 Peter 5:8), Tempter (Matt.4:3), Thief (John 10:10), Wicked One (Matt.13:19; 1 John 5:18), Wolf (John 10:12).
After reading this list, believers should not feel warm, cozy, or comfortable but realize this being is not one to be trusted. This list should make believers attentive, vigilant, sober, and armed for battle.
To aid you in this process, here are some other relevant facts about Satan:
1. Satan is a created being. He is not omnipresent. He can only be in one place at a time. Many people say Satan visited them, but they are mistaken. Satan has a command post, and his kingdom workers (angels and demons) come to him to give updates on people, places, events, and to receive orders. These angels and demons do his dirty work.
2. Satan is not omniscient. He cannot read your mind. He only knows what comes out of your mouth. Our words give the devil ammunition to use against us. So, learn to be quiet. Watch over your words. Your words have power, not only with God but with your enemy. I strongly suggest praying in your prayer language during difficult times because only God understands what you are saying (1 Cor. 14:2). This is a powerful tool that God has given to believers that is underutilized.
3. Satan is not omnipotent. His power is limited. He can only do what God allows. Some things are allowed to happen because of our disobedience; others things happen to build our faith and other things happen because it rains on the just as well as the unjust.
I can only imagine, though Satan has great intellectual ability and deceived his followers to believe he is as powerful as God, he must feel overwhelmed at times trying to manage the world, trying to keep believers in check, and trying to become the supreme ruler of the universe.
4. Satan’s activities are overt and covert. The overt actions can be recognized easily; however, the covert needs prayer and revelation to be detected.
5. Satan is given more credit for bad things happening to believers than he deserves. Many negatives things that happen in our lives are because of our carnality and the decisions that we have made.
Finally, as believers, we have a responsibility to be victorious over Satan and his kingdom; for we are God’s battle ax and weapons of war. To accomplish this goal, we must:
1. Be in right relationship with God.
2. Know how Satan operates (motives and methods).
3. Remember, Satan is a defeated foe.
4. Utilize the warfare tools God has provided for us.
A description of Lucifer whose name means Bright Star can be found in Ezekiel 28. In verses 1-10 of this chapter, Ezekiel describes the Prince of Tyrus, who became arrogant because of his military prowess, commercial prosperity, and intellectual ability. These assets became his downfall when he declared himself to be a god. Like Herod in Acts 12 and Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2, God judged him for his lofty thoughts, and his life ended in shame, disgrace, and defeat. Many commentaries likened the behavior of Lucifer to this prince.
Commentaries also believe verses 11-19 describe the outward appearance and character of Lucifer who was created by God, called a cherub, and whose assignment was to cover/guard the throne of God. Lucifer was clothed in a nine jewel-bespangled robe. He had a musical voice superior to all the other created beings, and he was perfect until he became corrupted in his thoughts and actions.
Further details of the events that led to the fall can be found in Isaiah 14:12-14. Enamored by his countenance, wisdom, and capabilities, Lucifer became infatuated with himself resulting in the Spirit of Pride possessing his very being, and causing him to make five erroneous “I will” attempts.
First, he wanted to move out of his assigned place/territory and ascend into heaven.
Secondly, he wanted to change his position and elevate himself above the other celestial beings. He wanted to be their boss.
Thirdly, he wanted to redirect God’s plan and purpose for his life. He wanted to rule over the universe.
Fourthly, he overestimated is potential in thinking he could rise above the glory and majesty of God.
Fifth and final, he became delusional in his thinking and thought he could be like God. He was not omnipotent, nor omnipresent or omniscient. He was a deceived created being.
Consequently, these actions caused him to be cast out of heaven and unfortunately as recorded in Revelation12:4 he took one-third of the angels with him. With the fall came a name change from Lucifer to Satan which means Adversary.
Job 1 shows us that presently, Satan still is permitted access to God. However, Revelation 12:7-10 tells us during the tribulation he will be restricted to earth. Revelation 20 shares he will be placed in a bottomless pit during the millennium reign of Jesus and after his release from the pit and final conquest against God he will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.
As I thought of the fall of Lucifer and the Spirit of Pride, I realized how subtly this spirit creeps into the lives of believers. Discontentment is bred from feelings of inferiority or superior, which both originate from the Spirit of Pride. Inferiority makes us dissatisfied with ourselves and makes us desire to be like someone else rather than be the best you that God has ordained us to be. Discontentment with our present situation can also cause us to be envious or jealous of others. Superiority makes us arrogant, lofty, and thinking since we are better than everyone; we should be in charge. Also, the Spirit of Pride opens the door to other spirits that are displeasing to God and causes chaos in our lives.
Finally, throughout the Bible, those that exhibited a Spirit of Pride were humbled and some even destroyed. So I close repeating the sayings of Peter, “Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God.” This is my confession and prayer for you and me.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Daniel 4:3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
Colossians 1:16 -17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
From reading the Bible we realize that God created two realms: spiritual and natural. There are beings that reside in each of these realms. We are quite aware of the natural realm in which we live. We can see and communicate with these beings, which we call humans. However, the spiritual realm is unseen to most of us, and the majority of us humans do not communicate with the beings that exist in that realm.
No one knows when the beginning was; however, the bible states that it was God who created in the beginning. Scientists believe that the earth is billions of years old. Taking this information into account, we realize that prehistoric man and animals lived on earth before the creation of Adam and Eve. The bible does not give any information on God’s interaction with prehistoric beings; so, we do not know how, or if the two realms were in operation, and what the relationship between them was. Prehistoric times leave me with many questions, and maybe when I see Jesus, I will ask Him.
What we do understand from the scriptures is all the created beings were godly and worked in their place of assignment until the fall of Lucifer. (My next blog will be on Lucifer fall.) When he fell, there was a division in the spiritual realm. Thus, for your information, I am going to divide the spirit realm into two sections: godly and ungodly. I will also give a few scriptures that you can examine about the beings in this realm. If you want to do more research, you can find additional scriptures in a concordance.
GODLY SPIRITS
Angels (Daniel 8:16, 10:13; Luke 10:26; Hebrews 1:7, 13 -14; Genesis 28:12, 32:1; Revelation 5:11 – 12, 12: 7; Psalms 34:7, 91:11, 148:2, 103:20; 1 Kings 19:5; Matthew 4:11, 24:31, 25:31, 28:2; Luke 1:13 & 30, 2:10; Acts 8:26, 10:7, 12:7, 27:23)
Watchers (Daniel 4:13, 17, & 23)
Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2 – 7)
Cherubs (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18)
Zoe (Revelation 4:6 – 9)
Horses (2 Kings 2:11 – 12)
Spirits (Proverbs 16:19; Psalms 51:10; 34:18; Zechariah 12:10; 1 Peter 4:14; Romans 8:2, 9 & 15; John 15:26; Isaiah 4:4, 11:2, 28:6; 2 Corinthians 3: 17-18; Daniel 5:12; Nehemiah 9:20)
UNGODLY SPIRITS
Lucifer/Satan (Ezekiel 28:11 – 19; Isaiah 14:12 – 17)
Fallen angels (Revelation 12:4; 9:11&14; Jude 1:6; Daniel 10:13 & 20
Demonic locust (Revelation 9:1-10)
Demonic horsemen (Revelation 9:16-19)
Demons (Mark 5:9, 16:17; Acts 8:7, 16:16; 1Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15, 11:8; Isaiah 19:14, 61:3; Proverbs 16:18, 17:22; Numbers 5:14; 1 John 4:3; Ephesians 2:2; Luke 13:11; 1 Samuel 1:15, 28:3; Matthew 12:22; Mark 9:25; Judges 9:23.)
God is a God of structure and order. He has a hierarchal system which is noted in the following scriptures: Colossians 1:16-17; Daniel 10:13; Ephesians 1:20 – 21. Satan is known to counterfeit the things of God; therefore, his kingdom is probably similar to God’s kingdom. The following scriptures also give a glimpse into Satan’s system: Daniel 10:13 & 20; Ephesians 6:12.
I am saddened to report that there are believers that do not realize Satan and his kingdom is real and busy. I hope the above information will assist you in understanding the reality of with whom we are contending and knowing we have help to be overcomers.
As I stated in my introduction blog of this series, there will be some work for you to do to get the most out of this series. I pray you will ask God to open up your heart and mind to receive; for we are not wrestling against flesh and blood.
I have been impressed in my spirit to do a blog series on “Spiritual Warfare” I plan to share information on this subject that I have gathered, studied, and taught in the past.
One of the scriptures that I confess often is found in 2 Corinthians 2:11. It states, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Satan uses our ignorance concerning the Word to get a foothold in our lives. This ignorance allows his goal to steal, kill, and destroy to be easily achieved.
God desires us to be overcomers. He has given us His Word, which provides instructions on how to deal with our spiritual enemies, and He has given us powerful weapons to utilize in this warfare. Failure is our choice. Success is attainable; however, it will take work.
Some things I write will be informational; other items will be for your application. I do not know if you have been praying about this topic or asking God for warfare strategies. Prayerfully, this series will answer some of your questions and aid you in your Christian walk.
Some of the topics I will share are:
- The fall of Lucifer
- Transference of spirits
- Warfare weapons
- Two Realms
- Binding and loosing
- Occults practices
- Witchcraft
- Casting down imaginations
- How to keep your deliverance
- Works of the flesh
Finally, I pray you will follow this blog series and be richly blessed and edified by it.
Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
I am guilty; I am guilty, help me, God. This is my response to my thoughts about writing this blog.
I am one of those persons who grew up in a godly household. I accepted Christ as my Savior in my childhood, and 56 years later, I can thank God I have not strayed. As the saying goes, “All I know is holiness.” However, I realize there are many areas of failure in my life because of unbelief.
God inspired men to write the Bible so that humans would have a divine plan by which to live. It contains answers and instructions. Also, it includes many promises that belong to believers. Some of these are conditional, meaning we have to meet the condition (follow the instructions) as stated in the promise. But for some reasons, believers think we can pick and choose the promises and also commandments to which we will adhere. We expect God to cater to our actions forgetting that the scripture says, “He changes not.” I am required to eat the whole loaf. When I read books, I can decide what I will follow; however, the bible does not give me that option. My actions are displaying I don’t believe when I respond negatively to the Word or show opposition to what the Word reveals. My mind wants to believe God’s grace will allow me to do things my way. I choose not to remember there are consequences for disobedience.
The Message Bible quotes the words of Jesus as stated in the above scripture as, “You’re off base on two accounts: you don’t know your Bibles, and you don’t know how God works. These same words ring true today. I must continuously remind myself that I serve an Omniscient God. My mind cannot comprehend His ways or thoughts; therefore, I should not think my ways are justifiable or acceptable to Him.
In this particular perplexing age that we are living in, we need to be guided by a higher power, namely GOD. We need to cast down the vain imaginations that make us think we have a better way, bring in every ungodly rebellious thought and surrender them to God. After all, is said and done, I realize if I read, study, believe and obey the scriptures, my life would be significantly improved. How about you?
Psalms 95:2a Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving……
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
The prayer of thanksgiving is a prayer of appreciation or an expression of gratitude to God for who He is and for what He has done. The prayer of petition and intercession is asking God for something on behalf of others or yourself.
I often find myself petitioning and interceding for things God has already provided. The reason for these actions is I neglected to search the scriptures to locate the provisions God had already given me, or I know what the scriptures state, but I have become rote in asking for certain provisions. If a parent gives his child a dollar than that child does not need to ask for it; however, the response should be one of thanks. I do not need to ask for what has already been given.
In Psalms 95, I am instructed to come into the presence of God with thanksgiving. And though many times I may be burdened down from the storms of life, want to complain and have a pity party, I can come giving thanks because I realize God is in control of everything, and I am victorious with Him. Thus, I am putting Philippians 4:6 and I Thessalonians 5:18 into practice.
Also, when I start my prayers with thanksgiving, it reminds me of the things for which I have already prayed. Therefore, I am not asking for the same thing daily; but rather, since I believe that I have received (Mark 11:24) I will be thanking God for the manifestation of the request that I have previously prayed. If I do this, I think a significant part of my communication with God will become more of thanks and consequently, blessings. For a parent who receives continued thanks from their child is more apt to bless them. How about you trying to incorporate more of the prayer of thanksgiving in your life and see how God responds to you?
Israel was in Egypt for 430 years. When they went down into Egypt, they were numbered at seventy. When they left, they numbered six hundred thousand men plus women and children. They entered Egypt, as free men they escaped as slaves. Also, during their tenure in Egypt they were governed under the customs, rules, and laws of that land.
The journey from Egypt to the promise land took approximately eleven days. However, examining the scriptures in Exodus 12 when Israel made their exit from Egypt and the actual time that God was ready for them to enter into the promise land in Numbers 10 & 13, reveals two years had passed. Why the delay? God never planned to bring Israel into the promise land without first giving them structure, instructions, and laws that would prepare them for success in Canaan. God knew left up to their own devices; every man would do what is right in their own eyes. Thus, Israel’s life in Canaan would be filled with chaos and mayhem.
God’s plan for Israel was to be a theocracy; a nation under His rule. Therefore before He brought them into the promise land, He gave them His divine laws. The Ten Commandments formed the constitutional framework for the wide variety of laws they received. God left nothing to their imagination. He gave laws on: worship, idolatry, paganism, false spiritualism, blasphemy, dedication, tithing, conquest, Sabbath observance, special feast days, sacrifices, offerings, office of the priest, the sabbatical year, the year of jubilee, purification, persons excluded from the congregation, the Nazirite vow, vows of dedication, separation, governmental laws concerning kings, rulers, judicial system, crimes against persons, crimes against property, restitution for loss, seduction, injuries, damages, masters, servants, credit, interest, contracts, agreements, weights, measures, inheritance, marriage, divorce, sexual violations, dress for genders, health regulations, dietary regulations, benevolence, duties of respect, support, treatment of animals, preparation for battles, rules of siege, camp regulations, soldier’s exemption, obedience, duty of promulgate, blessings, and disobedience.
Unfortunately, after receiving these laws and marching orders to go into the promise land, Israel added another thirty-nine years due to their unbelief.
What is this information saying to us? First, before we receive the promise there may be a time of preparation which will aide in our future success. God has always been a God of order and structure. He does not do things haphazardly, and He desires believers to follow His pattern. Therefore, when we receive a promise, before we take off running, it would be wise if we would take time to discover and master the tools needed for our continual success in our promise land.
Secondly, the continued delay may be hinged on our disbelief. Pray that our vision, emotion, thoughts, and actions line-up with the things God have in store for us. Hence, at the appointed time thoroughly equipped, we will move into our promise.
The Teacher's Pick 