In the name of Jesus

December 30, 2020 9:44 am

6 Cont... 1) WHAT JESUS DOES NOT WANT US TO DO AFTER DEFEAT (FAILURE) He does not want us to rend our clothes, put on sackcloth, and fast for days. He doesnâ€™t want us to take 6 months out of servi... View More6 Cont... 1) WHAT JESUS DOES NOT WANT US TO DO AFTER DEFEAT (FAILURE) He does not want us to rend our clothes, put on sackcloth, and fast for days. He doesnâ€™t want us to take 6 months out of service to contemplate, ruminate and do penance for our sin. 2) WHAT JESUS WANTS US TO DO AFTER DEFEAT A. REPENT AND RETURN TO HIM Jesus said to Peter, â€œWhen you have returned to Me . . .â€ When we sin, Jesus wants us to get up off the Battlefield, brush ourselves off, and RETURN TO HIM. Indeed, returning to Him undoubtedly includes sincere repentance, for how else would we return to a Holy God? Thereâ€™s more! B. STRENGTHEN YOUR BRETHREN Jesus continues, â€œstrengthen your brethren.â€ Share your defeat in Battle with your brothers/sisters so they may be strengthened and encouraged. Each of us go through similar Battles, so it makes perfect sense that sharing our experiences with our brethren would help strengthen and encourage them . . . and US. What a concept! Yes, Jesus said that!! Side note: Itâ€™s sad that church leadership goes directly against Godâ€™s Word by demanding Christians who have sinned (and we all do) and are repentant be taken out of service for a humanly prescribed time. Some even make a public display out of it. I can only surmise the reason is control (which is totally against the character of God). God doesnâ€™t control us â€“ doesnâ€™t force us to do anything. He wants obedience and submission out of LOVE and He allows us to choose. Godâ€™s Word confirms that when we ask God for forgiveness, He takes away our sin (immediately) as far as east is from the west and He remembers it NO MORE (Psalm 103:12, Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 8:12). Weâ€™re not forgiven by God in a prescribed time or until we have satisfied human edicts. We are to get up and PRESS ON! Those who stand in the way of that for inordinate amounts of time and demanding that we jump through hoops for their satisfaction are not in alignment with Godâ€™s Word. CONCLUSION This, my beloved Warriors, is the beginning of Spiritual Warfare. We are â€œDEEP in itâ€ . . . Battle every day 24 hours a day. We are Warriors in Godâ€™s Army!! We must know our Enemy, his tactics, and his schemes. We must know Godâ€™s Word. It is our Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, the Shield of Faith . . . our weapons of spiritual warfare that aid us in overcoming the Enemy. We need to understand the importance of being covered with the full Armor of God and fighting our Battles using every advantage God has given. Churches donâ€™t teach much about Spiritual Warfare. Fighting Battles is what we DO (or should do) EVERY DAY. When we think itâ€™s about other people, FORGET ABOUT IT because thatâ€™s what Satan wants us to think. Itâ€™s all orchestrated by the Enemy. Satan engages us in Battle when we are unaware we are under attack. Remember . . . You cannot be victorious in Battle if you arenâ€™t aware youâ€™re under attack!! That is why it is UBER-important to know about the Battle, the Battlefield, the Enemy, Our Leader in Battle (the Living Word of God), the Spiritual arsenal of weapons at our disposal, and how to handle defeat. EVERY BELIEVER NEEDS TO BE BATTLE READY!

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lisa burton

December 30, 2020 9:44 am

Spiritual Warfare The difference between deliverance and spiritual warfare is that deliverance is dealing with demonic bondages, and getting a person set free, whereas spiritual warfare is resisting... View MoreSpiritual Warfare The difference between deliverance and spiritual warfare is that deliverance is dealing with demonic bondages, and getting a person set free, whereas spiritual warfare is resisting, overcoming and defeating the enemy's lies (in the form of deception, temptations and accusations) that he sends our way. Deliverance involves the breaking up of legal grounds, the tearing down of strongholds (offensive spiritual warfare), and the casting out of demons. Spiritual warfare on the other hand, is dealing with three key things the enemy sends at us: temptations, deception and accusations. This teaching will give you an idea of how spiritual warfare works. Spiritual warfare comes in two ways: offensive and defensive. Offensive warfare is tearing down the strongholds the enemy has formed in your mind through deception and accusations, and defensive warfare is guarding yourself against the tactics or schemes of the devil. The enemy's three primary weapons There are three things that we can expect from the devil. The Bible tells us that we struggle not against flesh and blood, but against demonic forces. 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." The three primary things we struggle against include: #1 Deception: To deceive somebody means to make another person believe a lie or something that is not true. When the enemy sends deception your way, it is an attempt to deceive you into believing something that is not true, so you will fall into error. Strongholds are built through deception. A stronghold is formed when deception takes hold in a person's mind. A stronghold is an incorrect thinking pattern that stems from believing something that is not true. From the very beginning, Satan deceived Eve into believing that God's Word was not true. In Genesis 3:4, the devil told her that she will not surely die as God said she would in Genesis 2:17. #2 Temptation: Temptation often follows deception. First the enemy tells us, "You won't surely die!", then he makes the fruit on the forbidden tree look good to us. Since Eve accepted Satan's deception (his lie), now the tree that she was not supposed to touch looked good to her. She was tempted (enticed) to sin, because she allowed herself to first be deceived. Temptation is when we are enticed or encouraged to sin in one way or another. In Matthew 4, Jesus was led out in the desert to be tempted by the devil. The devil tried to convince Jesus that it would be harmless to jump off a building. Often people will be so drawn to sex with their boyfriend/girlfriend when the enemy tries to convince them that it is all harmless and fun, when it's not harmless at all, but an open door to the devil. Jesus saw through Satan's deception, and resisted the temptation by speaking God's Word. King David said in Psalms 119:11, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." When the enemy tempts you, he's showing you the worm... but behind that worm is a hook. The Word of God helps you see the hook behind the worm. #3 Accusations: The devil is known as the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:1. He is known to take a believer who has done an embarrassing or gross sin in their past, and continue to rub it in their faces and beat them down with guilt and condemnation over their past. Dealing with deception We have two weapons to deal with deceptions: the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14) and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) which is the Word of God. Both are truth, which is found in God's Word, so why are they given two different names (a sword and a belt)? Because one is meant to be defensive (the belt), while the other is meant to be offensive (the sword). This means that the Word of God is both an offensive and a defensive weapon. A belt is something you wear to guard against an attack, while a sword is used to slaughter the enemy. You use the belt of truth (God's Word) to guard against the enemy's deception (lies) he sends your way, while you use the sword of the Spirit (also God's Word) to tear down existing strongholds (deception that took hold) in your mind. In Romans 12:2, we are told to "be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." How do we renew our minds? By getting in God's Word! In Ephesians 5:26, this process is referred to as washing of water by the Word: "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." Dealing with temptation In James 4:7, we are told to resist the devil and he will flee from us. But it's not that simple; in the same verse, we are also told to draw near to God. Dealing with temptation is a two fold process of resisting the devil and drawing near to God. The closer you get to God and the more you become aware of His love, the less power temptation will have over you. James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (The context of those verse is clearly speaking of temptation). In the teaching Forgiven Sinner or Saint?, it shows you how the power of sin (temptation) can be broken in our lives. Dealing with accusations The fiery darts of the enemy in Ephesians 6:16 are accusations sent our way. For example, when the devil tries to accuse us of our past sins, we are to have faith in the work of the cross and know that they are forgiven and not to look back. Faith is what we use to put out the fiery darts of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16). We are not to meditate about our pasts, because they have passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17), and our sins have been forgotten (Hebrews 10:17). Ephesians 6:14, "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth (knowing your sins have been forgiven through your faith in the work on the cross), and having on the breastplate of righteousness (not our righteousness obviously, but the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus);" Our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but because of the work of the cross, we can receive the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus (Romans 3:22, Galatians 3:6). Therefore when the enemy tries to remind you of your past, tell him it's been washed away (2 Corinthians 5:17), your sins have been forgotten (Hebrews 10:17) and you have the righteousness of God (Romans 3:22)! There are other teachings on this site that will specifically help you wage war against the enemy's accusations. They include Condemnation versus Conviction, The Power of Your Thoughts and Dealing with Guilt. The tearing down of strongholds A stronghold is deception that's taken hold in a person's mind. It's an incorrect thinking pattern based on a believed lie. People can get incorrect perceptions of God by listening to Satan as he tells them how God doesn't love them, etc. People can feel like dirty old sinners when they believe Satan's accusations as he continually reminds them of their past (which has been washed away!). Strongholds are based on lies from the devil. They can come in the form of deception or accusations. Accusations always lead to guilt and the feeling of unworthiness, which weighs you down and tears you apart spiritually. Since strongholds are built upon lies that we have been fed, the way we tear down strongholds is by feeding on the truth (in God's Word), which is the opposite of what the enemy has been feeding us. If the enemy has been feeding us a lie, we need to stop eating the lie and start feeding ourselves the truth. The weapon we use to tear down strongholds is found in Ephesians 6:17, "...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." A sword is an offensive weapon and is meant to tear down and kill the enemy's troops. Strongholds are the devil's assets in war, and he uses them against us. Take up the sword of the Spirit (God's Word) today, and start slaughtering the enemy's assets that he's been using against you!

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lisa burton

December 29, 2020 10:32 pm

Lesson 6 cont. WHERE IS THE BATTLEFIELD? OUR MIND! Our Battle is Spiritual. We fight against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly (evil... View MoreLesson 6 cont. WHERE IS THE BATTLEFIELD? OUR MIND! Our Battle is Spiritual. We fight against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly (evil spirits). We canâ€™t measure spiritual with physical, as we canâ€™t make a cake with a tape measure â€“ we need measuring cups and spoons. Our Spiritual Tape Measure is Godâ€™s Word -- Godâ€™s Word ONLY. Be careful you do not make up your mind on ANY Spiritual matter by how you feel or just because it â€œsounds goodâ€ to you. Satan and his minions are very cunning and theyâ€™ve been at this for thousands of years. We must put on the mind of Christ and use the power of the Holy Spirit which is BY FAR greater than the Enemy. Our Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16) protects our heart. Proverbs 4:23 â€œKeep thy HEART with ALL diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.â€ Sometimes our hearts can mess with our minds, right? Our Shield of Faith is very important! When our Faith is strong, our minds cannot be moved from Truth. The ONLY way to build our faith is Romans 10:17. PRACTICE TRUTH I John 1:4-6 keeps it real. If we are in fellowship with God but choose to walk in darkness, we are a LIAR and are â€œnot practicingâ€ (John 8:44) the Truth. OUCH! If youâ€™ve ever played a musical instrument or participated in sports, you know practice makes perfect. If you donâ€™t practice, your skills will not improve and you wonâ€™t be of any value to the rest of the team. Practice is an EVERY DAY thing . . . not once or twice a year, month or week. I studied piano for 10 years. Practice was 6 out of 7 days every week. Practice makes you a strong and effective Warrior who is able to withstand the Enemyâ€™s attacks. Put into practice all the things you learn about Spiritual Warfare to become an Uber Warrior for Christ! When in the heat of Battle, itâ€™s easy to be deceived into reverting back to â€œformer waysâ€ if we are not strong, suited up, vigilant and obedient. A CALL TO BATTLE (this is just one of many): We must ACTIVELY fight to live a VICTORIOUS life filled with Godâ€™s Blessings! God gives us all FREE WILL, so we CAN choose to be PASSIVE instead, but being passive (lukewarm) is a sin. Willful and habitual sin is what gives the Enemy LEGAL RIGHT, which includes but is not limited to: ALL kinds of addiction (alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, food, gambling, sex, smoking, shopping, prescription drugs, work, etc.), ALL ACTS BORN OUT OF COMPULSION, anxiety, depression, control and abuse (physical, sexual, verbal/emotional, mental/psychological, cultural/identity), despair, suicidal thoughts, inability to concentrate, sickness/disease, mental disorders, sleep disorders, financial trouble, relationship issues (spouse, family, friends), infidelity, fornication, perfectionism, spiritual defeat, God's blessings being blocked, etc. For me itâ€™s a â€œno brainer.â€ Our pastors are not teaching this, so I hope you are TAKING NOTES and will share your newly learned TRUTH with family/friends. HOW TO RESPOND TO DEFEAT Every Battle has a victor and a loser. Even though we donâ€™t like the thought of it, it is certain we will lose some Battles. I know Iâ€™ve lost plenty. In moments of defeat, I struggled with guilt, shame, feeling I wasnâ€™t good enough for God, wondering how He could still love me, etc. There have even been times I thought about giving up. Wish I had known the TRUTH of the Scripture below. How Jesus taught us to respond to defeat is in direct opposition to what mainstream Christianity teaches. Jesus does not want us to give up, to stop serving, to spend weeks, months or years contemplating our error. What did Jesus say about defeat? Luke 22:31-32 â€œAnd the Lord said, â€œSimon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and WHEN YOU HAVE RETURNED TO ME, STRENGTHEN YOUR BRETHREN.â€ POINT 1. Satan wants to sift each of us like wheat. So many Christians think that after youâ€™re saved it is a â€œcake walk.â€ How many of you have heard that phrase? Iâ€™ve learned over the years that is a lie of the Enemy. The Enemy wants you to believe that once youâ€™ve prayed the Sinnerâ€™s Prayer and have received Jesus; thereâ€™s nothing else to worry about. The Enemy ONLY wants to â€œsteal, kill and destroyâ€ anything and everything associated with you and God. The Enemyâ€™s â€œgame planâ€ is to push you down, stress you out, distract you from reading, studying, and hiding Godâ€™s Word in your heart, keep you from putting God first in your life, discourage you, grind you like wheat! He wants to render you ineffective in Godâ€™s Army and, ultimately, he wants you to give up. He incessantly engages you in Battles, when the majority of us donâ€™t even recognize weâ€™re on the Battlefield! If you arenâ€™t aware youâ€™re under attack, you will be defeated! Recognize it. Assess it. Take Authority. FIGHT! Revelation 12:10 â€œAnd I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, â€œNow is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.â€ You think that Satan doesnâ€™t give us the time of day now that weâ€™re saved. . . really? In fact, he stands before God DAY AND NIGHT accusing US. The more we learn about the Battle we are in, the more we understand how relentless the attacks of the Enemy really are. POINT 2. The Holy Spirit is praying for you (a given) that your faith should not fail. We are not left standing alone while we are being attacked. God knows what we did 40 years ago and what we will do 10 years from now. He knows it ALL -- omniscient. Jesus knew Peter would fail Him but that HE WOULD RETURN, yet Jesus GAVE PETER ASSURANCE that He had already prayed that Peterâ€™s faith would not fail him. In other words: FAILURE IN BATTLE â‰ LOSING FAITH. POINT 3. There will be times you WILL fail (another given). Peter was stunned that Jesus would think he would ever fail Him. After all, Peter was totally sold out. He assured Jesus that he was in it for the long haul. If Jesus ended up in prison or was put to death, he vowed to follow Him wherever and however. We feel that way too. Jesus knew Peter was going to fail just as we will fail. Jesus knows when we will fail and the circumstances surrounding our failure. Jesus never gives up on us! He loves and prays for us regardless. POINT 4. Jesusâ€™ doesnâ€™t want us to quit if we FAIL. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 â€œWe are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyedâ€” 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.â€ Romans 8:18 â€œFor I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.â€ Philippians 3:14 â€œI press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.â€ Jesus knew what Peter was about to go through. He knew Peter loved him and had a heart to follow Him. Jesus also knew that Peter, in his humanness, would deny him 3 times. Knowing full well that Peter would fail, Jesus gave Peter something valuableâ€”a â€œHOW TO DEAL WITH DEFEATâ€ speech. That speech is for ALL of us. If youâ€™re like me, youâ€™ve read this passage and heard it preached several times over the years. This TRUTH just recently jumped out at me. If you get nothing else â€“ get this:

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lisa burton

December 29, 2020 10:29 pm

Lesson 6 I have provided Scripture references below. Please look up the Scriptures and put them to memoryâ€”read them EVERY day. 2 Timothy 2:15 â€œSTUDY to show ourselves approved unto God, a workm... View MoreLesson 6 I have provided Scripture references below. Please look up the Scriptures and put them to memoryâ€”read them EVERY day. 2 Timothy 2:15 â€œSTUDY to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.â€ To win our Spiritual Battles, weâ€™ve got to TRAIN and training is work!! We can either be VICTORIOUS or taken prisoner by the Enemy. Humans have a mind, a body, and a spirit. Every action our bodies perform is determined in, by and through our minds. THE MIND AND THE FATHER OF LIES Satan is the Father of lies. He is far too cunning to interject something that is 100% lie as Truth. He has to sweeten the pot with some truth, so he brings us part of Godâ€™s Word mixed with 2-50% lie. If itâ€™s not 100% truth, Warriors, itâ€™s a lie! We must always be on guard against these kinds of attacks. There must be 100% alignment with Godâ€™s Word to be Truth. Itâ€™s not rocket science. We cannot afford to allow 2% error to be mixed with 98% truth. THE MIND AND THE DECEIVER Deceit takes place in the mind. If we believe the sky is blue, in order to change that belief, our minds/thoughts must be convinced otherwise. Satan was able to deceive Eve (2 Corinthians 11:3) even though she had physically walked and talked with God! She experienced His love, His majesty, His presence first hand. She clearly had a physical advantage that we donâ€™t have. The Enemyâ€™s wiles are even weightier with us because we have not experienced all the things Eve did. It is a lot easier to convince me that Sally wore a blue dress last night (when she actually wore a red dress), if I didnâ€™t see Sally. Make sense? Be on high alert Warriors every day!! Understand Satan desires to sift you like wheat just as he did Peter. He comes ONLY to steal, kill and destroy. We must use our MIND and the knowledge of Godâ€™s Word to determine when we are being deceived. THE MIND AND IMPOSTERS AND FALSE TEACHERS Matthew 24:24 warns us that false prophets will come showing great signs and wonders for the purpose of deceiving the very elect. Be careful Warriors! 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 warns us that false apostles and deceitful workers of iniquity pose as angels of light. Not all brother and sisters who claim to work on Godâ€™s side actually do. God has warned us. Knowledge is power. Start living in that power! Does what weâ€™re being taught LINE UP WITH GODâ€™S WORD? We cannot discern truth from lies without knowledge of Godâ€™s Word. The truth is, the Enemy has MORE knowledge of Godâ€™s Word than we do. Knowledge alone is not enough â€“ we must OBEY Godâ€™s Word. I Timothy 4:1-3 warns us that some will leave the faith because they listen to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Be careful which YouTube or TV Evangelist you listen to and align with. Many claim to align with Godâ€™s Word, while they actually DO NOT. We should not continue to listen (fill our minds) to any erroneous teaching of Godâ€™s Word. Take sermon notes -- write down scripture references and THEN CHECK THEM ALL against Godâ€™s Word. We must use our MINDS to discern imposters from the â€œreal dealâ€ and to recognize Truth from error, through knowledge of Godâ€™s Word and the Holy Spiritâ€™s guidance. OUR MIND AND SPIRITUAL WEAPONS Jesus said that the Truth will SET US FREE (John 8:31-32). As Warriors in Godâ€™s Army, we must allow Godâ€™s Truth to INHABIT our being, every moment of the day. Do you spend regular time in Godâ€™s Word? Has the Enemy been able to convince you that obedience is an â€œoptionâ€ because of Godâ€™s grace? Do not be deceived! Obedience IS NOT AN OPTION to God. Our eternal home is SECURED through Jesus as Believers; what happens here on earthâ€”whether we experience an abundant life or a defeated lifeâ€” depends on OUR OBEDIENCE! 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us that our Spiritual Weapons are MIGHTY in pulling down strongholds (strongholds are wrong beliefs which not based on truth) and commanded to cast down arguments and EVERY thing that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. We are commanded to bring each and every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. God would not tell us to actively Battle these things unless He knows the Enemy will come against us in these ways! Suit up with the full Armor of God every morning first thing every morning to obtain the advantage over the Enemy â€“ not the other way around. When confronted with a new Christian concept, immediately search Godâ€™s Word for the TRUTH, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you to determine if a new concept is supported by and aligns with the Bible. If not, REBUKE IT and STAND on the Truth of Godâ€™s Word! If it does not align with Godâ€™s Word, separate yourself from such idea/concept/person/church. God commands us not to be â€œfriendsâ€ with the world (James 4:4-7; 1 John 2:15-17). Godâ€™s Word is where we LIVE. Obedience to Godâ€™s Word IS LIFE and proof that we love Him.

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lisa burton

December 27, 2020 5:28 am

â€œYes,â€ he told them, â€œI saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them.... View More

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lisa burton

December 26, 2020 10:09 pm

lesson 5 cont,,,3rd part IN BATTLE WITH THE ENEMY! If you get bent out of shape with the person who cut you off in traffic, or upset at Aunt Melba because she gave away that antique flower vase (... View Morelesson 5 cont,,,3rd part IN BATTLE WITH THE ENEMY! If you get bent out of shape with the person who cut you off in traffic, or upset at Aunt Melba because she gave away that antique flower vase (that was once your motherâ€™s and very dear to you) instead of asking you if you wanted it . . . when your best friend seems to ignore you for days, know you are in the heat of Battle. The Enemy will do anything . . . use anything and anyone . . . to DISTRACT you away from God and His purpose. Itâ€™s important to know the Enemyâ€™s tactics and thereby how to come against specific attacks. Here is a list of Scripture which defines Satanâ€™s characteristics: Genesis 3:1-5; Matthew 4:1-11, 7:15, 24:24; Mark 4:1-9; Luke 13:16, 22:3-6; John 8:44, 10:10; Ephesians 2:2, 6:11; Acts 10:38, 13:10; Romans 10:17; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11, 4:4, 11:3, 13-15, 12:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18, 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 4:1, 1 John 3:12; Revelation 2:10, 12:10. Characteristics of the Enemy (based on above scriptures): Comes in sheepâ€™s clothing; hinders the Word of God; can bind humans; can enter humans; is a murderer from the beginning; there is no truth in Him, he is the Father of Lies, comes ONLY to steal, kill and destroy, is the prince of the power of the air; he is at work in the children of disobedience, uses his wiles against us; he is the enemy of ALL righteousness; will not cease perverting the right ways of the Lord; Satan has the ability to gain advantage of us; he is the god of this world, he has blinded the eyes of the lost; he is deceitful; he transforms himself into an angel of light; Satan has and uses messengers to contend against us; he is our adversary, he walks about seeking whom he may devour; Satan hinders us; he tempts us; he has the power of signs and lying wonders; he commands seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; he sets up snares for us; he is able take us captive at his will; will cast some into prison; is called the great dragon, the old serpent and the Devil; he deceives the whole world, he was cast into the earth with his angels, he is the accuser of the brethren and he accuses us before God day and night. ASSIGNMENT: For the next month, at the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on the happenings of the day, keeping written record of what and how many times you came under spiritual attack each and every day. At first, you may not realize you were involved in a spiritual attack until you sit down to review your day. With each passing day you will become more cognizant to what the Enemy is doing. This exercise is extremely valuable. To secure any VICTORY, we must know when we're engaged in Battle and who the real Enemy is!!

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lisa burton

December 26, 2020 10:09 pm

lesson 5 cont... 2nd part Jesus, the living Word of God, has given us all we need to win every Battle we face. We must know what is in the Word so we can STAND against the Enemy and secure the VICT... View Morelesson 5 cont... 2nd part Jesus, the living Word of God, has given us all we need to win every Battle we face. We must know what is in the Word so we can STAND against the Enemy and secure the VICTORY. Recall that it was with the Word of God that Jesus DEFEATED Satan in the wilderness!! The Word of God renders Satan DefenseLESS and power-LESS!! Jesus is our High Tower (high above the Enemyâ€”high enough to see in advance the Enemy approaching); our Deliverer and our Shield. Joshua 23:10 â€œOne of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD YOUR GOD IS HE WHO FIGHTS FOR YOU, just as He promised you.â€ We are promised that WE ARE ABLE to subdue the Enemy and be victorious! Because our Battle is spiritual and not physical, we need a Spiritual Leader. Jesus promises to fight for and with us when the odds are stacked in the Enemyâ€™s favor. However (and this is something we all need to get ahold of â€“ the TRUTH of it), Jesus WILL NOT do for us what HE COMMANDS US TO DO. Why? Because if we are not doing what we are commanded to do, WE ARE IN SIN! Joshua 23:10 is often misunderstood and misinterpreted. It is, however, a very important Scripture to quote out loud and stand on in the thick of Battle when we have â€œdone allâ€ to stand and are growing weary of the fight. In the physical, we get stressed, tired, and when we cannot take another step, having done all to stand, it is Jesus, our Captain, who fights for and carries us. AMEN. 2 Kings 6:17 â€œAnd Elisha prayed, and said, â€˜Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes that he may see.â€™ And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.â€ Elishaâ€™s servant had just reported to Elisha that an army had surrounded the city with horses and chariots, asking Elisha what they should do. Elisha asked God to open his servantâ€™s eyes. You see, Elisha trusted God enough to know that God was protecting them, even though it could not be seen by human eyes. He knew the Battle was not only physical but also spiritual. Godâ€™s protection proceeds from and is seen only in the Spiritual realm. When Elisha's servantâ€™s eyes were opened, he saw that the mountain was FULL of horses and chariots of FIRE all around Elisha! An entire Army of Angels! Can you imagine?!! God responds to prayer by opening people's eyes both spiritually and physically. It is through the opening of our eyes and faith that our fears are silenced. The clearer the sovereignty and power of God, and the more knowledge we have of Godâ€™s Word, the more our faith increases; and the more strength and courage we have to face our Battles and emerge VICTORIOUS! OUR CAPTAIN'S PURPOSE I John 3:8 â€œâ€¦the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.â€ If youâ€™ve ever been asked this question: â€œWhy did Jesus come to earth?â€ Heâ€™s not the â€œReason for the Season,â€ as much of the world thinks of Christ. Indeed, He came to SAVE us from eternal separation from God . . . to be the perfect sacrifice once for all sin . . . to set all captives of Satan free, etc. In sum, Jesus came to DESTROY THE WORK OF THE ENEMY. We know the Enemyâ€™s main purpose is to STEAL, KILL, and DESTROY. When Lucifer (Satan) fell from Heaven, became Godâ€™s Enemy and, by association, our Enemy. Jesusâ€™s ONE purpose is to DESTROY THE WORK (all of it) OF THE ENEMY. AMEN!!! Jesusâ€™ Purpose = Destroy the Work of the Enemy The Enemyâ€™s Purpose = Kill/Steal/Destroy US Our Captain, our Leader in Battle, JESUS, does not get distracted, never slumbers, does not make promises He canâ€™t keep, and cannot be defeated or taken prisoner, because He has secured the VICTORY! THE ENEMY I Peter 5:8 â€œBe sober (marked by seriousness, gravity, solemnity, etc., as of demeanor, speech, etc.), be vigilant (keenly watchful to detect danger; wary); because YOUR ADVERSARY (a person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe) the Devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.â€ John 10:10 â€œThe thief comes ONLY to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.â€ You have an adversary whose entire purpose is to destroy you. Satanâ€™s ONLY purpose is to: â€œSTEAL â€“ KILL â€“ DESTROYâ€ John 8:44 â€œYe are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. HE WAS A MURDERER from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because THERE IS NO TRUTH IN HIM. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for HE IS A LIAR, AND THE FATHER OF IT.â€ When Satan shows up, it isnâ€™t for a friendly chat or to â€œkick it.â€ He wants to take away every good thing God has given you. (James 1:17) He will use whatever he knows about you and whatever tactic/deception to distract you/ pull you away from God and from His purpose. The Enemy wants to deplete all of your energy so that youâ€™re too worn out to study your Bible, go to Church or to meet that friend who really needs Jesus. He wants to destroy everything you hold dear (and this does include family members). This is Godâ€™s Word and it is TRUTH. Godâ€™s Word tells us we are in Battle. We are under attack 24/7! God has been at war with Satan a long, long time. When we are reconciled to God through His Son Jesus, we are automatically enlisted in Godâ€™s Army. Remember that song you used to sign in Sunday School (a long time ago people), â€œWho is On the Lordâ€™s Side?â€ Those lost in their sin are on Satanâ€™s side and, believe it or not, we â€œdefectâ€ to the Enemyâ€™s side whenever we choose NOT TO OBEY GODâ€™S WORD. Our purpose on Earth is to win the lost over to Godâ€™s side. Ephesians 6:12 â€œFor we wrestle (battle, fight) 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.â€ You see, our fight is NOT against people (flesh and blood). It is very important we know this because the Enemy wants (and often succeeds) to convince us that our enemies those people who lie to us, who cheat on us, who disregard us, who set us up for failure, etc. When you think you are at odds with your friend, boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse, child, co-worker, here is your answer. In the spiritual realm, you are DEEP IN THE BATTLE ZONE and all of the Enemyâ€™s minions are working â€œthroughâ€ people to get at YOU. Direct your anger toward Satan instead of people! He waits patiently until you are the most vulnerable . . . to catch you off guard when you are totally oblivious to the evil work originated and coordinated by him and his demons. This might not resonate with you, because we are so used to living in the physical world. EVERY time someone offends us, or hurts us, or says/does something that upsets or angers us, we need to give the credit WHERE THE CREDIT IS DUE = the Enemy. People buy into Satanâ€™s evil thoughts and waysâ€”they carry out actions that cause us pain, damage friendship, break down marriages, cause trouble with our children and co-workers/supervisors at our jobs, etc., etc. Satan orchestrates EVERY BATTLE we are involved in . . . every fight . . . all discord . . . anger . . . malice . . . every temptation . . . etc. To be victorious, the first thing we must do is recognize (be aware) when these kinds of things happen. Instead of thinking as the world thinks (i.e. blaming another human being) recognize you ARE ENGAGED

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lisa burton

December 26, 2020 10:07 pm

lesson 5 Participation in battle,our captian and the enemy PARTICIPATION IN BATTLE Do you think of yourself as a Warrior? Do you think itâ€™s important to have a Battle mentality? How do we par... View Morelesson 5 Participation in battle,our captian and the enemy PARTICIPATION IN BATTLE Do you think of yourself as a Warrior? Do you think itâ€™s important to have a Battle mentality? How do we participate in Battle? Letâ€™s explore what Godâ€™s Word says. SCRIPTURE RE BATTLE: Psalm 18:39; Psalm 144:1; Romans 8:37, 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:10-18; Timothy 6:12; Jeremiah 51:1920, 1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:7 IS THE BATTLE REAL? Sure sounds like Battle-talk to me! The answer from Godâ€™s Word is obvious that we ARE involved in Battle and the Battle IS REAL. The Battles don't just happen on Sundays either. You are deep in the â€œBattle Zoneâ€ every day 24 hours a day. WHEN WAS ENLISTMENT DAY? The day you became a Christian you were automatically enlisted in Godâ€™s Army. That very day was your first day on the Battlefield and the Battle is ongoing so long as we are here on earth. THE TWO ARMIES There are 2 armies: Godâ€™s Army and Satanâ€™s (the Enemy) Army. You, Fellow Warrior, are a Warrior in Godâ€™s Army. Know this, if you arenâ€™t â€œengaged (ACTIVE)â€ on Godâ€™s behalf, you are engaged on behalf of the Enemy. There is no neutral ground in this WAR. Itâ€™s like the saying goes, â€œNot choosing is still a choice!â€ Most Christians donâ€™t realize that by not being wholly committed to Christ (i.e. daily studying, praying, worshipping, taking inventory of each and every choice made throughout every day, and being obedient to Godâ€™s Word); they render themselves defenseless in the heat of Battle and, thereby, the Enemy wins one Battle after another after another BY DEFAULT. That is not how our Heavenly Father wants our lives to be. There are those believers who say that â€œJesus has already won the battle.â€ While it is true that Jesus won â€œaâ€ Battle, that battle He won on the cross was over the eternal consequences of SIN. He paid our sin debt. For now, that is it. The implication that we donâ€™t have to worry about fighting Satan couldnâ€™t be more WRONG! It is, indeed, what the Enemy wants us to believe. He wants to render us ineffective for Christ here on earth â€“ through SIN. That is why obedience is so very, very, very important. Brothers and Sisters, fighting Spiritual Battles every day is serious. The Battle we are in is not a virtual game. It doesnâ€™t matter if your pastor has given a sermon about Spiritual Warfare or not. It doesnâ€™t matter if youâ€™ve never heard of Spiritual Warfare before. THE TRUTH IS that the Spiritual War you are involved in carries the SAME consequences AS IF you were physically on the Battlefield, say, in Iraq/North Korea! In all seriousness, if you were on a physical Battlefield, would you lay down your rifle/sword and sit down in the middle of the battlefield? Would you leave your fellow Warriors lying on the Battlefield bleeding to death and do nothing to save them? The war we fight is not physical â€“ itâ€™s Spiritual and WE CAN BE VICTORIOUS! The Enemy is after ALL of us. John 10:10 tells us that, â€œThe thief cometh not, but for (i.e. ONLY) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.â€ That is the Enemyâ€™s purpose. A purpose which can be divided into two parts: #1 to make sure unbelievers do not come to Christ; and #2 to render every believer ineffective for Christ. There is no middle ground with Satan. If you think he is your friend, you are sorely mistaken. If you think that just because you â€œwalked an aisleâ€ or â€œknelt at the church altarâ€ and accepted Jesus as your Savior that Satan is going to leave you alone, you are greatly DECEIVED. The Enemy is known by several names â€“ here are three of them: #1 The Father of Lies; #2 The Great Deceiver and #3 The Accuser of the Brethren. And for those of you that think Satan wonâ€™t bother you because you now belong to Jesus . . . another ERROR. If you recall, Satan went after Jesus in the desert. You are the Enemyâ€™s TARGET every day, 24 hours a day. If you are a believer in Jesus and have received Godâ€™s Gift of Salvation, you are on Godâ€™s Side in this Battle. Know this; the Enemy lies in wait for us, desiring to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). He waits (he has been at this â€œwait gameâ€ for thousands of years and he is an EXPERT at it) for the perfect opportunity to implement a â€œsneak attack!â€ He is not â€œall knowingâ€ like God, but he and his demons have been watching you and me since we were born. He knows all of our weaknesses. He wants to wound us, render us ineffective and, ultimately, if WE ALLOW IT, to destroy US (i.e. steal, kill and destroy). There is no room for passive (inactive) Warriors or complacency on the Battlefield. A complacent person is one who is very pleased with him/her self or feels itâ€™s unnecessary to do anything about any situation, even though the SITUATION MAY BE UNCERTAIN OR DANGEROUS TO HIM/HER. So, if you think believing in Jesus, repenting of your sins, and reciting the Sinnerâ€™s Prayer is the end of it, you couldnâ€™t be more wrong. Itâ€™s the beginning. This is why it is so important you understand and learn to be aware of the Battles you fight every day and learn how to be victorious. That is the GOOD NEWS, â€œIFâ€ WE KNOW AND OBEY GODâ€™S WORD, LEARN TO USE THE SPIRITUAL WEAPONS HE HAS GIVEN US AND UNDERSTAND AND USE THE AUTHORITY GIVEN EACH OF US BY JESUS, WE CAN BE VICTORIOUS AGAINST ALL BATTLES WITH THE ENEMY!!!! If youâ€™re thinking: â€œHey, there is no Battle, and even if there is, I donâ€™t see it. Iâ€™ll just pretend it doesnâ€™t exist and ignore it.â€ God tells us we are at WAR and that we ARE in a Battle. That is the Truth! Itâ€™s impossible for God to lie. What could possibly happen if you refuse to answer the Battle Call? The answer is you will (whether consciously or not) give the Enemy the advantage and you will most assuredly lose the Battle (one after another after another), be wounded, taken prisoner; maybe even suffer death and, the Enemy wonâ€™t leave your family out of the equation. Yes, it is that serious. Every Battle is either won or lost . . . each Battle has a loser and a victor. Spiritual Battles are no different. You either win or you lose. Complacency does not render the Battle moot . . . it just assists/gives place to the Enemy. Every Christian participates in Battle either actively or passively, and Battles start the day you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. In order to be VICTORIOUS, you must PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY â€“ a/k/a FIGHT! Now you know we are Warriors in Battle, that we participate either actively or passively and the consequences of each. AND . . . the Battle is REAL! OUR CAPTAIN IN BATTLE 2 Chronicles 13:12a â€œAnd, behold, GOD HIMSELF IS WITH US FOR OUR CAPTAINâ€ Joshua 5:13-14a â€œAnd it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, â€œAre You for us or for our adversaries?â€ 14 So He said, â€œNo, but AS COMMANDER OF THE ARMY OF THE LORD (Jesus) I have now come.â€ 2 Corinthians 2:14 â€œBut thanks be to God, who in CHRIST ALWAYS LEADS US in triumph and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere.â€ Jesus is our Captain in Battle. He leads us. It is up to us to follow in OBEDIENCE. Jesus defeated the Enemy on the cross and by His resurrection 3 days later, by redeeming us from our debt of SIN. How encouraging it is to know that our Leader/Captain in Battle, has already won the WAR against sin and death!! Our daily victories, however, are not secured by association with Jesus per se. Many of us would like to believe that they are. Warriors, we are engaged in Battle every day and will be until we pass on from this life to heaven or when Jesus returns (whichever comes first). It is OUR RESPONSIBILITY (not Godâ€™s) to either secure the VICTORY or suffer defeat. To secure victory, we must follow these steps: 1. Understand the Battle we are engaged in is Spiritual (Ephesians 6:12); 2. Recognize/discern when you are under attack/engaged by the Enemy (John 10:1; 3. KNOW and USE the weapons of Spiritual Warfare, which includes knowledge and obedience to the Word of God. (2 Corinthians 10:4-6, Ephesians 6:11) Weapons of Spiritual Warfare Series (5 Installments) will be posted next week (September 9 -13). 3. Arm yourself every day with the full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18); 4. Know the Enemy and all his Battle tactics (Genesis 3:1-5; Matthew 4:1-11, 7:15, 24:24; Mark 4:1-9; Luke 13:16, 22:3-6; John 8:44, 10:10; Ephesians 2:2, 6:11; Acts 10:38, 13:10; Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11, 4:4, 11:3, 13-15, 12:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18, 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 4:1, 1 John 3:12; Revelation 2:10, 12:1 5. Have faith in God (Mark 11:22; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6; Ephesians 6:16; 2 Corinthians 5:7); 6. Take authority over the Enemy and all his minions by and through our Captain in Battle, Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:1, Matthew 28:18; Mark 6:7; Luke 9:1; Luke 10:19); and 7. ACTIVELY fight your Spiritual Battles â€“ it is IMPOSSIBLE to be victorious, if you are a passive warrior! Psalm 144:1 "Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who TRAINS MY HANDS FOR WAR, AND MY FINGERS FOR BATTLE â€“ my loving kindness and my fortress, MY HIGH TOWER AND MY DELIVERER, MY SHIELD and the One in whom I take refuge, who subdues my people under me."

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lisa burton

December 26, 2020 10:00 pm

THE REALITY OF THE SPIRIT REALM AND SATANâ€™S EMISSARIES lesson 4 First, letâ€™s talk about Satanâ€™s limitations â€“ which also apply to all of his emissaries: 1) Satan Canâ€™t Be Everywhere at... View MoreTHE REALITY OF THE SPIRIT REALM AND SATANâ€™S EMISSARIES lesson 4 First, letâ€™s talk about Satanâ€™s limitations â€“ which also apply to all of his emissaries: 1) Satan Canâ€™t Be Everywhere at Once, Is Not All-Powerful, and Doesnâ€™t Know Everything. He is a â€œlimitedâ€ being created by God. (Job 1:7, Jeremiah 23:24) 2) Satan Canâ€™t MAKE YOU Sin (James 1:13-15, Acts 26:18) 3) Satan Cannot Continue to Bother You â€œIFâ€ You Resist (James 4:7) 4) Satan Canâ€™t Control You (Romans 6:1-7) Once you accept Jesus/Yeshua into your heart, Satan cannot control you anymore. He can and will pester you before you resist him in a given situation (refer back to #3). He will continue to introduce lies that may sound true, but he can never CONTROL you. The only power Satan and his emissaries have over you is WHAT YOU GIVE HIM. If youâ€™ve had trouble with sin, and your prayer is for God to deliver you from the sin, you are asking amiss. When Jesus entered in, He locked the door behind Him. It is YOU who chooses to say yes to Satan's whispers, lies, and temptations in order for them to have any power in your life. Yes, there are times in every believerâ€™s life that we choose to believe Satanâ€™s lies â€“ at least in a particular moment. Even after we've stepped in the wrong direction, we can retreat, repent, and head back to the One whose love is unconditional and everlasting. Romans 6:6, 18 â€œknowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. . . . 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.â€ 5) Satan Canâ€™t Read Your Thoughts (1 Kings 8:39) 6) Satan Canâ€™t Do ANYTHING Without Godâ€™s Permission (Matthew 4:1; Job 1:10, 12; Job 2:2-6) a) Physically Harm b) Kill c) Touch you at all d) Mention your name without permission 7) Satan Canâ€™t Steal Your Faith (Ephesians 6:13-17) 8) Satan Canâ€™t Commandeer Your Future (Isaiah 46:9-1 9) Satan Canâ€™t Steal Your Ability to WIN (1 Corinthians 10:12-13) 1 Satan Canâ€™t Know What You Dream (Daniel 2:27-28) Since, Satan cannot be everywhere at the same time like God can, he uses an army of emissaries/minions [demons, evil spirits (foul spirits, lying spirits, deceiving spirits and unclean spirits), fallen angels, etc.] who carry out his Battle plans/commands. The Bible speaks of demons AS A MATTER OF FACT, not as if they are characters from â€œThe X-files.â€ The spirit realm is REAL and the evil that exists there is REAL. WHAT SATANâ€™S EMISSARIES CAN DO: 1) Demons do not have a physical body (they are spirit only) (Luke 11:24-26) 2) They are able to travel at will. (Luke 11:24-26) 3) They communicate with each other. (Luke 11:24-26) 4) They are intelligent, which means they can calculate and evaluate situations and circumstances and able to make/carry out plans/decisions. (Luke 11:24-26) 5) They have separate identities but are able to combine forces. (Matt. 12:45; Luke 11:24-26) 6) Demons have a hierarchy (thrones, dominions, principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual hosts) (Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 6:12) 7) Demons are territorial/regional (Daniel 10:12-13; Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:12-16; Mark 5:1-20; Rev. 2:9-1 8) They torment/harm in varying degrees (Luke 11:24-26) 9) Demons fear Jesus (Luke 8:31) 1 They expressed their preference to Jesus (Matt 8:31) 11) They seek a place of rest/abode (preference is humans â€“ 2nd choice is animals) (Matthew 8:31-32) 12) They have super-human strength (Mark 5:4) 13) They have power (Acts 8:11) 14) They can speak through a person 15) They can cause physical sickness and disease (Mark 9:17-27; Matthew 17:14-18; Luke 9:37-42; Matthew 9:32-33; Luke 11:14; Luke 13:11) 16) They can cause depression and other mental disorders, including suicide 17) They can manifest physically through a person (throwing the person down, causing convulsions and foaming at the mouth) (Mark 5) 18) They can cause people to do things they would not ordinarily do (i.e. adultery, murder, perversion, etc.) 19) They deceive by â€œappearingâ€ as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15) 2 They promote false doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1) 21) They perform signs to deceive (Revelation 16:14) SATANâ€™S EMMISSARIESâ€™ AGENDA 1) They are Satanâ€™s angels (Revelation 12:9) and he is their prince (Matthew 12:24) 2) They have the same agenda as their â€œprinceâ€ which is ONLY to steal, kill and destroy us (John 10:1 3) They search for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) 4) They are deceiving (1 Kings 22:23) 5) They are evil (Ephesians 6:12) We are commanded not to GIVE the devil a foothold/place (Ephesians 4:17). I hope you are sitting down, because this is mind-blowing! Since Jesusâ€™ death and resurrection, Satan no longer has any POWER over any blood-bought Christian. Jesus paid the price for our release from slavery to sin/the Enemy. This means: The only power Satan and his emissaries have over you is WHAT YOU GIVE HIM. So, if you are a Christian and give into that â€œsame old sinâ€ (or many) on a regular basis and are defeated in your Christian life/walk â€“ the only person to blame is YOU . . . not God and not the Enemy â€“ and you have given the Enemy and his emissaries LEGAL RIGHT to demonize you . And as you know, once the Enemy and his minions have LEGAL RIGHT, they remain until you serve them legal eviction papers. They cannot be served eviction order without you first confessing, repenting, and renouncing whatever sin opened the door in the first place.

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lisa burton

December 26, 2020 9:57 pm

lesson 3 Cont,,, 7) YOUâ€™VE â€œGIVEN UPâ€ Hebrews 10:39 â€œNow the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who ... View Morelesson 3 Cont,,, 7) YOUâ€™VE â€œGIVEN UPâ€ Hebrews 10:39 â€œNow the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.â€ REMEDY: Confess and repent of your sin to God. 8) SPIRITUAL PRIDE 1 Peter 5:5 â€œLikewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, and giveth grace to the humble.â€ Luke 14:11 â€œFor whosoever exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.â€ If you approach God in prayer with an attitude full of pride, God will â€œresistâ€ you. REMEDY: Humble yourself before God, confess and repent. 9) ASKING OUTSIDE OF GODâ€™S WILL 1 John 5:14-15 â€œAnd this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.â€ Whatever we ask must be in accordance to Godâ€™s Will. REMEDY: Know Godâ€™s Word (read/study) well enough to know what you are asking for is within the bounds of His Word. 1 DISHONORING YOUR WIFE 1 Peter 3:7 (Husbands, you who have ears let him hear): Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; THAT YOUR PRAYERS BE NOT HINDERED. This is for husbands only. Scripture is clear that a husband MUST honor his wife, remembering she is the weaker vessel. If he doesnâ€™t, his prayers will be hindered. There are many ways a husband can dishonor his wife. In these end times, most men are not raised to honor his wife, let alone what this consists of. Scripture tells us that a husband must love his wife as his own body. You wouldnâ€™t hurt your own body, right. How many times have you hurt your wife or done something that made her question your love for her? The Enemy has been working overtime through all media, twisting Godâ€™s standards for a â€œhusband-wifeâ€ relationship to get to where it is today. Husbands take heed. REMEDY: Accept the truth of Godâ€™s Word and His standards for marriage â€“ in ALL ways. Set aside your pride and selfish (carnal) ways. Seek Godâ€™s face, wisdom and guidance, and choose to follow His instruction and parameters for marriage. 11) BEING HYPOCRITICAL/ATTENTION SEEKING Matthew 6:5-6 â€œAnd when thou pray, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.6 But thou, when thou pray, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which sees in secret shall reward thee openly.â€ Prayer is meant to be between God and you. Because of this scripture, I struggle with whether people should be called upon to pray during service. I believe the intent here is that pride has no place in your communication with God. REMEDY: Pray to God in private. 12) VAIN REPETITIONS Matthew 6:7 â€œBut when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.â€ God does not find pleasure in us saying over and over again, anything to Him. It is not about how many times we ask God. Other religions (Catholics, Buddists, etc.) use repetitions in prayer. It is clear from this scripture that God does not like it. We should have faith enough in Him to understand He hears us the first time and doesnâ€™t need to hear us say it five more times to get His attention. REMEDY: Pray concisely, knowing God is listening. 13) LACK OF AGREEMENT Matthew 18:19-20 â€œAgain I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.â€ God tells us that when there are two or three gathered in His name He is right there with them. AMEN! To pray together is very powerful when those praying are in agreement. Scripture reads, â€œIFâ€ you agree . . . it shall be done. The opposite of that statement is also true: â€œIFâ€ you donâ€™t agree, it shall not be done. God tells us that when there are two or three gathered in His name He is right there with them. AMEN! To pray together is very powerful when those praying are in agreement. Scripture reads, â€œIFâ€ you agree . . . it shall be done. The opposite of that statement is also true: â€œIFâ€ you donâ€™t agree, it shall not be done. REMEDY: Choose prayer partner(s) who will stand in agreement with you. 14) LACK OF PERSISTENCE Luke 18:1 â€œAnd he spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;â€ Philippians 4:6 â€œBe careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.â€ Pray about everything; do not lose heart or give up. REMEDY: Never lose confidence in God â€“ always pray. 15) BROKEN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD John 15:7-8 â€œIf ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.â€ God demands that in order to receive from Him, we must abide in Him and His Word (i.e. KNOW HIM). Yet another reason to read, know and obey Godâ€™s Word. If you donâ€™t, it breaks down the line of communication with Him. REMEDY: Read, study, obey--LIVE Godâ€™s Word, allow it to LIVE in you. 16) YOU DIDNâ€™T FAST Mark 9:29 â€œAnd he said unto them, â€˜This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.â€™â€ Sometimes fasting is required to obtain an answer from God. REMEDY: Spiritual discernment and a disciplined life. ******************** ANY willful and habitual sin gives the Enemy LEGAL RIGHT. Most of the above are considered SIN with the exception of #1, 3, 9, 13, 14, 16. If you are committing any sin on a â€œregularâ€ basis (known or unknown) Satan is aware legal right has been given and HE WILL TAKE IT! This is a very important part of Spiritual Warfare! The best offense is a good defense . . . ALWAYS! Heed all Scripture listed to make sure lines of communication with God are not broken down and so legal right is not given to the Enemy. 2 Corinthians 2:8-11 â€œWherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye BE OBEDIENT IN ALL [HOW MUCH IS ALL??] THINGS. 10 To whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 LEST SATAN SHOULD GET AN ADVANTAGE OF US: for we are not ignorant of his devices.â€

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