WAR ZONE

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Ephesians 6:12 (V)

We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places.

It is true.

Each and every day, each and every waking moment there is a battle going on around us, FOR US.

In my ministry, working with those who struggle daily with inner demons like depression and anxiety, or pressures, those “princes” of darkness if you will, like addiction, compulsion and the like, I am witness to this war. There are days where I feel like those journalists who would hunker outside the bunkers and battlefields of war to account the “going’s on”. I mean I hang out and chat almost daily with those who have been wearied and wounded by these supernatural struggles that surround and often penetrate their path. Some days it is hard enough to just watch let alone to try and intercede.

And far too often I will see people roll their eyes at the thought of “spiritual warfare”; discounting it to “hocus pocus” or “churchy talk”. But when you watch what I watch on a daily basis and experience the conversations and the challenges that I do, there is no question that this battle most certainly exists. This is especially true for my friends who are truly at war their challenges and addictions.

But they are not the only ones in this battle!

Whether you “choose” to believe it or not, the reality is that we all are in the battle each and every day. This world, our flesh and most certainly the enemy are doing their best to achieve some damaging objectives; objectives to pull us further from the FATHER, to blur our vision of what is good and right, to expose us and without question try to ruin us.

John 10:10

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.

That is why it is critical that EACH DAY, without exception, we prepare ourselves for this “tri-fold” battle against the world, ourselves and the enemy. Without proper preparation, without taking this war seriously, we run the risk of being upended by sin and selfishness.

Therefore this morning and every morning, I want to encourage you to do something.

Armor up and PRAY up!

Ephesians 6:14-18

So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up. But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval. Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God.

Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly...

Equip yourself with those key elements of truth, faith, peace, GOD's righteousness and promise. Pray protection around yourself and your walk. Take it seriously. You are up against a lot today. Don't pretend otherwise!

Ephesians 6:13 (MSG)

Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.

There is that old saying “It’s a jungle out there”.

And while I would concur, I believe this world is even more dangerous than that.

It is a war zone.

Are you ready for it today?

Armor up! Pray up!

I hope you are ready now!

I love you all!

Freedom Church

Pastor GDelaney