The enemy's greatest and most strategic battlefield and often times the most successful, takes place within the realm our minds. If we can become discouraged enough or afraid enough to lose our perspective of who we have been transformed to be through the redemption of Jesus Christ, then the enemy has won the battle- temporarily.
Losing our perspective usually takes place in times of continued discouragement or fear. Discouragement and fear are stemmed from deceptions from the enemy spoken into our thoughts, in attempt to exaggerate the problem into being bigger and more powerful than the promises of God. On the contrary, peace and joy are attributes of faith in God and His word.
The enemy of our soul wants nothing less than for us to see ourselves as failures, outcasts, rejected, sick, poor, powerless, and unforgivable. Those are all lies to hinder us from the truth of who we really are. Interestingly enough, our enemy doesn't always approach us in a way that is easily distinguishable of who he is. In fact, I believe it's safe to say, very rarely does he move in on us in an immediately recognizable manner. He's cunning and therefore approaches us more often than not, in subtle ways that break down our faith, hope and self-confidence over a habitual course of time rather than with one quick blow. These actions against us may come in a variety of forms that we least suspect is an avenue of the enemy, such as; a delayed time of breakthrough, a feeling of condemnation that we can't seem to shake, a critical word from a co-worker, or, possibly even with something so seemingly as innocent as, a repeated struggle with getting a good night's sleep.
If we could grasp the truth of who we have been created to be and the destiny we're meant to walk in we would be unstoppable for the kingdom of God, and all of the attacks of the enemy would be of no avail. That's the awesome truth!!
Many years ago the Lord spoke to me; "Do not give counsel based on your own opinion. Over time and with more knowledge and maturity, opinion changes. My word is steadfast and does not change. Speak according to My word."
Truth is always found in God's word and God's word has the power to transform not only our fashion of thinking but also our circumstances and the very atmosphere we live in. "For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line even of soul and spirit, and joints and marrow, exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 What does that mean? The Word of God is an accurately precise weapon in cutting off anything and everything that is deceivingly portraying itself as truth but in reality, is an impostor of truth. Deception is tricky and dangerous in that it intertwines itself so closely knitted together with facets of truth that at times it can become difficult to separate the truth from the lie. God's word is so powerfully accurate that it can sever between what otherwise is humanly impossible to rightly divide between, and it does so without causing damage to that which is good. The Word cuts off the corrupt and leaves intact that which is good, pure and life sustaining. Amazing! No other argument other than the very truth/word of God has the capability of doing that within our lives.
There's an incredible promise we can find in Isaiah 55:10-11; "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." God is not a man so that He should lie, so if He says He sent His word that you may be healed, then, expect to be healed. If He sent His word that you may have life more abundantly, then, expect it to be just as He has said. There's power in His word to accomplish exactly what He intends for it to.
Think about it in this aspect; His word is so powerful and full of life that even when there was nothing - NOTHING but God - He spoke and all of creation was formed into existence! As if that's not good enough, the very Spirit of God that spoke EVERYTHING into existence is living inside of you and me, and it just keeps getting better and better, in that, He has equipped us with everything we need to overcome any circumstance or roadblock that is opposing His will for us. I don't know about you but the very thought of that sends excitement and faith shooting through my core!
Ephesians 6:10-17 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God 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 down all to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
There's an interesting point I'd like for you to take notice of. In regards to all of the armor that is being placed onto the Believer; when properly secured into place on us, the armor is for the purpose of protecting us from the attacks of what the enemy is firing at us. Even so, just as the helmet protecting our minds, every piece is of the utmost importance so we will not be harmed and taken down. This one specific piece is the only item of our armor given to us for use as a weapon rather than for merely protection. The sword of the Spirit, being the Word of God, is the weapon that makes us dangerous to the enemy and his plans. Seeing us suited up in our armor isn't what causes the enemy to stand in fear of us and tremble. When in battle, it's not the armor that causes injury and death, rather, it's the sword.
In Mark 11:23, Jesus tells us how to effectively use this sword we've been given; "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'be removed and be cast into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." We must speak aloud, declaring the word into our circumstances, (and sometimes into our own hearing) simply believing God at His word. There's power in His logos word, which is the written word - the scriptures, and there's also power in His rhema word, which is the word spoken to us by the Holy Spirit, such as a prophetic promise either spoken to us by the Holy Spirit directly, or through another Believer.
Remember, because the same Spirit of God who spoke everything into existence, lives - dwells - makes His abode, within us we have tremendous power in our words. "A man's self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]." Proverbs 18:20-21 Therefore, let us be sure and quick to speak in agreement with His word to create life in the promises and to precisely sever off all that opposes His truth and will for us.
And this is the truth that we need to daily remind ourselves of;
God is my Father (Matthew 23:9) and in so being He is my Healer (Jehovah-Rapha: Exodus 15:26), my Provider (Jehovah-Jireh: Genesis 22:14), my Restorer (Jehovah-El Ashiyb: Psalm 23:3), my All in All (Philippians 4:19) because He provides unsparingly for His children (Psalm 84:11). He IS a good and loving Father to me (Psalm 136:1 & Jeremiah 31:3).
He accepts me unconditionally, without fail - ALWAYS! (Ephesians 1:6)
He ALWAYS wants my fellowship - yes, ALWAYS! (John 14:23)
He has forgiven me - FOR EVERYTHING! (Isaiah 43:25-26)
All that is His, He makes available to me. (Luke 12:32)
He sees me as I am, and yet as if I am already perfected. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
He receives me wholly as I am now, and yet gently guides and teaches me how to bear better and more productive fruit in my life. (John 15:16)
Why? Because He wants the best of the best for me. Always! (Matthew 7:11 & Romans 8:28)
God is for me - not against me. (Romans 8:31)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed, to proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18-19
"Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power that the enemy possesses, and nothing shall in any way harm you." Luke 10:19
In His word, in one way or another, our Father has covered everything that we could possibly be in need of. He's declared to us promises and assurances sufficient enough to cover all of life's trials and tribulations.
Blessings!
Losing our perspective usually takes place in times of continued discouragement or fear. Discouragement and fear are stemmed from deceptions from the enemy spoken into our thoughts, in attempt to exaggerate the problem into being bigger and more powerful than the promises of God. On the contrary, peace and joy are attributes of faith in God and His word.
The enemy of our soul wants nothing less than for us to see ourselves as failures, outcasts, rejected, sick, poor, powerless, and unforgivable. Those are all lies to hinder us from the truth of who we really are. Interestingly enough, our enemy doesn't always approach us in a way that is easily distinguishable of who he is. In fact, I believe it's safe to say, very rarely does he move in on us in an immediately recognizable manner. He's cunning and therefore approaches us more often than not, in subtle ways that break down our faith, hope and self-confidence over a habitual course of time rather than with one quick blow. These actions against us may come in a variety of forms that we least suspect is an avenue of the enemy, such as; a delayed time of breakthrough, a feeling of condemnation that we can't seem to shake, a critical word from a co-worker, or, possibly even with something so seemingly as innocent as, a repeated struggle with getting a good night's sleep.
If we could grasp the truth of who we have been created to be and the destiny we're meant to walk in we would be unstoppable for the kingdom of God, and all of the attacks of the enemy would be of no avail. That's the awesome truth!!
Many years ago the Lord spoke to me; "Do not give counsel based on your own opinion. Over time and with more knowledge and maturity, opinion changes. My word is steadfast and does not change. Speak according to My word."
Truth is always found in God's word and God's word has the power to transform not only our fashion of thinking but also our circumstances and the very atmosphere we live in. "For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line even of soul and spirit, and joints and marrow, exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 What does that mean? The Word of God is an accurately precise weapon in cutting off anything and everything that is deceivingly portraying itself as truth but in reality, is an impostor of truth. Deception is tricky and dangerous in that it intertwines itself so closely knitted together with facets of truth that at times it can become difficult to separate the truth from the lie. God's word is so powerfully accurate that it can sever between what otherwise is humanly impossible to rightly divide between, and it does so without causing damage to that which is good. The Word cuts off the corrupt and leaves intact that which is good, pure and life sustaining. Amazing! No other argument other than the very truth/word of God has the capability of doing that within our lives.
There's an incredible promise we can find in Isaiah 55:10-11; "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." God is not a man so that He should lie, so if He says He sent His word that you may be healed, then, expect to be healed. If He sent His word that you may have life more abundantly, then, expect it to be just as He has said. There's power in His word to accomplish exactly what He intends for it to.
Think about it in this aspect; His word is so powerful and full of life that even when there was nothing - NOTHING but God - He spoke and all of creation was formed into existence! As if that's not good enough, the very Spirit of God that spoke EVERYTHING into existence is living inside of you and me, and it just keeps getting better and better, in that, He has equipped us with everything we need to overcome any circumstance or roadblock that is opposing His will for us. I don't know about you but the very thought of that sends excitement and faith shooting through my core!
Ephesians 6:10-17 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God 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 down all to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
There's an interesting point I'd like for you to take notice of. In regards to all of the armor that is being placed onto the Believer; when properly secured into place on us, the armor is for the purpose of protecting us from the attacks of what the enemy is firing at us. Even so, just as the helmet protecting our minds, every piece is of the utmost importance so we will not be harmed and taken down. This one specific piece is the only item of our armor given to us for use as a weapon rather than for merely protection. The sword of the Spirit, being the Word of God, is the weapon that makes us dangerous to the enemy and his plans. Seeing us suited up in our armor isn't what causes the enemy to stand in fear of us and tremble. When in battle, it's not the armor that causes injury and death, rather, it's the sword.
In Mark 11:23, Jesus tells us how to effectively use this sword we've been given; "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'be removed and be cast into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." We must speak aloud, declaring the word into our circumstances, (and sometimes into our own hearing) simply believing God at His word. There's power in His logos word, which is the written word - the scriptures, and there's also power in His rhema word, which is the word spoken to us by the Holy Spirit, such as a prophetic promise either spoken to us by the Holy Spirit directly, or through another Believer.
Remember, because the same Spirit of God who spoke everything into existence, lives - dwells - makes His abode, within us we have tremendous power in our words. "A man's self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]." Proverbs 18:20-21 Therefore, let us be sure and quick to speak in agreement with His word to create life in the promises and to precisely sever off all that opposes His truth and will for us.
And this is the truth that we need to daily remind ourselves of;
God is my Father (Matthew 23:9) and in so being He is my Healer (Jehovah-Rapha: Exodus 15:26), my Provider (Jehovah-Jireh: Genesis 22:14), my Restorer (Jehovah-El Ashiyb: Psalm 23:3), my All in All (Philippians 4:19) because He provides unsparingly for His children (Psalm 84:11). He IS a good and loving Father to me (Psalm 136:1 & Jeremiah 31:3).
He accepts me unconditionally, without fail - ALWAYS! (Ephesians 1:6)
He ALWAYS wants my fellowship - yes, ALWAYS! (John 14:23)
He has forgiven me - FOR EVERYTHING! (Isaiah 43:25-26)
All that is His, He makes available to me. (Luke 12:32)
He sees me as I am, and yet as if I am already perfected. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
He receives me wholly as I am now, and yet gently guides and teaches me how to bear better and more productive fruit in my life. (John 15:16)
Why? Because He wants the best of the best for me. Always! (Matthew 7:11 & Romans 8:28)
God is for me - not against me. (Romans 8:31)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed, to proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18-19
"Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power that the enemy possesses, and nothing shall in any way harm you." Luke 10:19
In His word, in one way or another, our Father has covered everything that we could possibly be in need of. He's declared to us promises and assurances sufficient enough to cover all of life's trials and tribulations.
Blessings!
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