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February 15, 2010 - Are You Being Attacked?

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Eph. 6:11

Our media is full of the details surrounding various wars.  The battle for freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan presents enormous risks to those brave men and women on the battle front.  Tensions continue to escalate along the India/Pakistani borders as they clash over territory. Zimbabwe’s controversial re-election of President Robert Mugabe is bringing new pressure on South Africa to resolve the conflict, and raising military tensions with neighboring Botswana. Israel is continually under attack from its neighbors and enemies.

In addition to military battles, there are battles that rage on for the control of our borders. Terrorists and drug dealers seek to assault Americans with the poisons of bitterness and addictive substances.  Then there are daily political and social battles for justice, morality, and a return to the principles our Founding Fathers adopted within the Constitution and Bill of Rights.  It seems like there are those who wish to move us away from the Judeo/Christian values that this great nation was founded upon.   Finally, there is the battle for our families.  Anti-Christian influences and demonic spirits have caused great havoc within millions of American homes.

The Apostle Paul warned us that there would be times like these.  The reality is that there exists a world outside of our own peaceful surroundings, a world we cannot see, a spirit world where real battles are fought.  Believe it or not, we are in the midst of a cosmic battle where the spirits of good and evil are warring for control of our souls, lives, and families. 

These are real and powerful beings, not mere fantasies, and believers must not underestimate them.  The evil one seeks ways to keep non-believers in unbelief and render believers ineffective through moral failures, despair, depression, and fighting with one-another.    According to scripture while our enemy is powerful, he is ultimately a defeated foe.  In order to defeat him we must put on the full armor of God and stand together with other believers.

What is your battle?  Is it dealing with fear, stressful relationships, pornography, health issues, lusts, greed, power, or emotional hurts?  Are there problems that seem like giants seeking to devour you?   Know that we have the full power of the Holy Spirit, God’s written word, prayer, and the fellowship of other believers to overcome whatever we are facing.  Listen to what Paul said about the spiritual battles that rage on in many believers’ minds and hearts.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)

Have a great week!  Please pray for our ministry on Saturday, Feb. 20.  We will be providing an Iron Sharpens Iron Conference at Neighborhood Church in the East Bay Area from 8AM-5PM.. Pray for the attendance and that men will respond to the challenges brought forth from God’s word.  It is not too late to sign up.

Blessings Jim