One more acquaintance is diagnosed with frightening COVID-19…

Riots and racial issues flood our country…

Hurricane waters devastate cities in South Brazil – the images reminding me of the time my own hometown was destroyed by floodwaters twice during my youth.

In each of these circumstances, it’s not difficult to lose hope and allow our hearts to believe that the worse is yet to come.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

I know – That is a weird insert in the middle of this blog post. “What on earth does spiritual battle have to do with these devastating issues?” you may ask.

Oh, but it does.

I’m absolutely NOT saying that every evil happening out there is CAUSED by the devil. That is certainly not a biblical concept. But this I know: trials certainly present fertile ground for spiritual attacks.

Not every trial is orchestrated by the enemy. But our valleys certainly present fertile ground for spiritual attacks. #MondayMotivation #SpritualAttacks
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This idea has been playing repeatedly in my mind, as I pray for the people I know, who are deeply hurting today.

It may be because I have gone through cancer and other draining health problems; through unemployment and the financial uncertainties that it brings; through natural disasters and their devastating consequences. I know firsthand how the enemy takes advantage of our weakness and pain to bring us down.

As I stand today, on the other side of these trials, however, I see it – “clear as a bell.”

The enemy was near each time I felt too weak to stand.

Think about it: It’s the perfect opportunity for his attacks! He watches when we are weak, and pins us down when we fall. It’s in our weakness that he looks for a breach. It’s when we are hurting that he sends his fiery darts to pierce our hearts. It’s during sleepless nights that he whispers: “It’s all over. God is done with you.”

I don’t know what you may be going through today, but if you are a born-again Christian who is going through a valley, I would be surprised if you are not under spiritual attacks. That’s simply because trials present the perfect opportunity for the devil to try to annihilate every trace of hope from your life, render you ineffective for the kingdom and, ultimately, defeat you.

Trials present the perfect opportunity for the devil to try to annihilate every trace of hope from your life, render you ineffective for the kingdom and, ultimately, defeat you. #MondayMotivation #MondayDevotional #Spiritualattacks…
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But Praise God! He gave us the strategy to remain standing, and on the fight. This may not be something new to you, as this has been the subject of numerous sermons and books, but I felt compelled to share my personal experience regarding the Armor of God.

Years ago, when my husband and I visited Rome, we brought home a small statue of a Roman soldier. We bought it from a street vendor, near the Coliseum. This statue remains in our bathroom, and we look at it often. It reminds us of a war “secret” that God gave His children through the apostle Paul.

Ever since we bought this statue, I often use it as a visual during my prayer time, while quoting Ephesians 6:10-17.

Below are the biblical principles behind my War Preparation Prayer:

1) Be strong in the Lord:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Ephesians 6:10

The first step is to realize that, when in battle, we are naturally weak – physically, spiritually and emotionally. Paul reminds us that we are to draw our strength from the One whose strength never fails.

You do that by repeating words of life. You do that by staying in the Word. You do that by surrounding yourself with those who love Jesus and will pray for you.

2) Deliberately choose to get dressed for battle.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

The verb “put on” here in the original Greek is an action verb. It doesn’t just happen. You deliberately get dressed for battle.

Call me weird, but when I am facing a battle, I literally imagine myself putting every item of the Armor of God. I do the hand motions and everything! I’m sure it’s quite a sight, but I don’t care.

3) As you put on each item, remember what they mean:

I declare, out loud, and so every spiritual being hears loud and clear, that I am choosing to put on each item of the Armor. I say something like this:

“Lord, I thank you for the Armor you have given me by faith. I claim it for me, personally, as the protection and weapon I need to stand with you today.

I put on the Helmet of Salvation, that I may never forget that I am yours, and that you promised that nothing can separate me from your love (Romans 8:35.) Because I am saved, I can stand on the truth that you are in this trial with me.

I put on the Belt of Truth, that no lie from the enemy or from men may enter my life. Every time the enemy whispers a lie, remind me of one more precious Truth from your Word.

I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness and the Shield of Faith, remembering that it’s because of Jesus’ righteousness that I have been accepted by you… Remembering that because I believed, His righteousness covered all my imperfections and sins… Trusting that the shield of faith will stop the darts of the enemy from entering my heart to steal my peace. And declaring, by faith, that You are my victory, regardless of the outcome of my trial.

I put on the sandals of the gospel of peace, that even in the fiercest battles, the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) will lavish my soul… Also, help me to be an ambassador of peace, wherever I go. Help me to sow seeds of peace, not strife.

And finally, my weapon – my precious Weapon – I pick up the Sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Bring to my memory the verses in Scripture that I can use to defeat the enemy and his schemes. Just like Jesus did in the desert (Matthew 4:1-8,) give me the boldness to speak life into my wilderness. May Your Word pierce the darkness of my circumstances and resurrect the hope of glory in me.”

Lord, may Your Word pierce the darkness of my circumstances and resurrect the hope of glory in me. #MondayMotivation #MondayDevotional #Spiritualattacks #spiritualbattle
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There is no question about it – putting on the Armor of God does not end a battle. But it certainly equips you for it. Because what I have learned through the many trials I’ve faced is that the war is inevitable, but defeat is not.

What I have learned through the many trials I’ve faced is that the war is inevitable, but defeat is not. #MondayMotivation #MondayDevotional #Spiritualattacks #spiritualbattle
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Victory for the Christian does not depend on our circumstances. Victory rests on the fact that God is on our side: “If God is for us, who is against us?” Romans 8:31

4) “…and having done everything, stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13b

Yes, soldier. You may be too weak to fight. If so, just put on your Armor and Stand. Not just stand. Stand Firm.

Stand firm on His Truth.

Stand firm by Faith.

Stand firm on His promises.

Simply… keep Standing… until the battle is won.

Victory for the Christian does not depend on our circumstances. Victory rests on the fact that God is on our side: 'If God is for us, who is against us?' Romans 8:31 #MondayMotivation #MondayDevotional #Spiritualattacks #spiritualbattle
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Have you ever “put on the armor” during your spiritual battles? Please share your experience and insights in the comment section below.

The post Spiritual Attacks Escalate with Trials (Here’s what YOU can do) appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than Him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” Acts 4: 19-20 (NLT)

Pastor Terry Sartain of Charlotte, North Carolina has ministered to police officers and their families for the past seven years.  During this time, he has always closed his prayers “in the Name of Jesus”. He can’t do that anymore. The police department said that he can still pray, just not in the Name of Jesus. A Christian chaplain asked to pray is now prohibited to use the Name of the One whom he prays to.

These are just two examples in a growing list of news articles describing situations where people cannot mention or pray in Jesus’ Name. Christian students across the nation are constantly harassed for expressing their faith in the Name of Jesus. And as we watch our society warmly welcome followers of Buddha, Al-ah, Joseph Smith or whatever other false prophet this world has ever produced, I am troubled with the fact that other beliefs are free to express their choices, acclaimed and accepted by all facets of society, but Judeo-Christian values are ostracized and expressions of faith in Christ are even prohibited.

From Capitol Hill to school administrators, it seems as if most are open, accepting and understanding regarding various religions and cults. But, oh, the Name of Jesus!

That Name shuts the doors of society’s tolerance.

Although this not-so-veiled persecution is rampant nowadays, we should not be surprised. As we study the scenario around the fourth chapter of the book of Acts, we realize that the apostles themselves were asked not to use or preach in Jesus’ Name.

The early church suffered intense persecution because of the Name. Many early church leaders and followers were killed because of the Name, including most of the Apostles. Throughout history and even today, many Christians lost their lives because of the Name.

Really… What is it about this Name?

Here’s a good question:

If Jesus was just another prophet, why does the simple mention of His Name stirs up of our supposedly “tolerant” society? Behind the intolerance of Christianity, there is much more than what meets the eye.
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Beyond the Name

Jesus’ name means “Rescuer, Deliverer, Savior.” It was not a name given to Christ the child by Mary or Joseph. Rather, an angel told them what His Name should be – a Name chosen by the Father and filled with the meaning of His mission on earth (Luke 1:31, Matthew 1:21.)

The mere meaning of Jesus’ Name is filled with power. For those of us who have accepted God’s gift of salvation through Christ, His Name is the sweetest, for it opened Heaven’s door and filled the huge gap separating us from our Maker. But for those who deny God’s gift of salvation, it seems as if the meaning of Jesus’ Name would be pointless. And still, at the mention of His Name, they cringe.

Why is it so?

His Name Represents the Presence and the Righteousness of God

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (NIT)

In this first chapter of John, the apostle refers to Jesus as the Word (Greek – Logos). He was present with God in the genesis of the world (Genesis 1:26.) The same verse in John 1 shows that Jesus and God are the same. Therefore, any time we evoke or speak His Name, we are evoking the presence of God Himself.

Moreover, His Name is full of the righteousness of God and as such, it exposes the wickedness of the world around us.

“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:4-5

Jesus’ Name shines so brightly, that it drives away and exposes the work of darkness around us. The spiritual power of His Name makes the unrighteous uncomfortable, uneasy. Moreover, at His Name, demons flee (Matthew 8:16.) At His Name, the sick are healed and the lost find forgiveness and redemption.

His Name is indeed above any other Name that ever was or ever will be.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.” Hebrews 1:3a (NASB)

It’s WAR!

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:11-13 (NASB)

Behind every person or regime that has ever persecuted the church… Behind everyone who welcomes cults and rejects Christ… Behind the surface of each one of these conflicts, there lays a much larger plan than any of us can grasp.

From Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and until today, the devil has used evil men to attempt to destroy the work of God. A demon-possessed Herod wanted to lay hands on baby Jesus and end God’s redemptive plan before it started. And in our background passage, the Jewish leaders, undoubtedly influenced by Satan, sought to extinguish the fire of the early church.

Our fight is not merely against those who rise against Christ and His church, but nevertheless we must realize that we are at war and never forget that we are soldiers in this war.

It is not by chance that Ephesians 6:12 is preceded by the verses describing the armor of God. We are at war and the Lord reminds us in these verses that we must put on the armor, stand up for what we believe and fight. Boldly fight. Just like Peter and John did. Not leaning on swords or spears, but on the protection that Almighty God gives His children, as we stand up for what we believe.

Are you a Mighty Soldier… or a Wimpy one?

Can you imagine where we would be had Peter and John succumbed to the Pharisees’ prohibition of mentioning the Name of Jesus?

Jesus died, resurrected, sent the Holy Spirit to fill the church with power from Heaven, then there comes a handful of Pharisees prohibiting the use of Jesus’ Name.

Imagine if Peter had said: “No problem. Let’s just be politically correct and not mention His Name.” He would have been a wimpy soldier instead of a mighty one. The fire that had come down from heaven at Pentecost would have been contained.

You and I may not ever have heard of our Savior.

But Peter and John Stood Tall

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18 (NASB)

Peter and John stand as powerful examples of how each one of us should respond to criticism against our Lord. Their position was bold and courageous. I am sure Peter remembered Jesus’ words, as He promised him that the gates of hell would not overpower His church.

And so, Peter and John took a stand:

“Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4.19-20

Just like you and me, Peter and John had experienced the power of God. They would not be silenced. They knew that God would be their protection against the powers of darkness. Therefore, filled with the Holy Spirit, they pledged to honor God regardless of what men might do. They knew that their God was above any ruler: “It is He who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.” Isaiah 40:23 (NASB).

So… here is a question we should ask ourselves today:

As the world closes in on us Christians, despising what we stand for and exalting their idols and lustful choices… where will we stand?

Will we become a mighty soldier of the Lord, putting on the full armor and standing boldly for His kingdom, even if we stand alone?

Or will we shrink into a weak, fruitless, double-minded and contaminated soldier?

Will you stand with me, my friend?

A little sparkle of light ends the complete darkness of a room. I pray you and I choose every day to shine as beacons of light wherever we go, and no matter the cost.

Count me in! I will not be silenced. I will proclaim the Name of Jesus, no matter the cost.
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The post JESUS – The War Against the Name appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Ephesians 6: 19-20 (NASB)

The underground prison was dug out of solid rock. The prisoner, his guards and provisions were lowered through an opening the size of a manhole, which was the only means of entrance and exit. These holes were often under a market place, therefore rain and debris from the market and from animals easily dropped into these prisons, also known as “house of darkness”.  The prisoner was chained to a wall, limiting his movements day and night. The Roman historian Sallust described one of these prisons: “(it) sunk about twelve feet underground. Walls secure it on every side, and over it is a vaulted roof connected with stone arches; but its appearance is disgusting and horrible, by reason of filth, darkness and stench.”

Paul was a prisoner in one of these dungeons when he wrote the letter to the Ephesian church, as well as his Joy Letter, the book of Philippians. It amazes me to read these epistles and imagine a man filled with joy, contentment and spiritual strength in the midst of such darkness and despair. And yet, Paul’s song of victory in these books resounds throughout the centuries: Rejoice! Receive peace! Find strength! (Philippians 4).

I was studying the last chapter of Ephesians, meditating upon the power of one of the most practical teachings regarding spiritual battle ever written, when I came across this last few verses where Paul (finally) asks the Ephesians to pray for him. I had read this passage numerous times before. However, this time my attention was drawn to the words in these last verses: “And pray on my behalf, that I may be bold in proclaiming the gospel, which is the reason I am in prison. And that while proclaiming it, I may be courageous, as I should.” (vs. 19-20 Paraphrased).

I held my breath at the realization of Paul’s request. I had recently read about Roman prisons and for the first time became aware of their horrific conditions. Visiting prisoners was also very dangerous, as these visitors were easily associated with those awaiting trial for crimes against Cesar. Therefore, Paul did not have many chances to send his messages to the churches, much less his personal prayer requests. Hence I was taken aback with the awareness that this amazing man of faith had one single request for his brothers and sisters in Ephesus.

His prayer request was not for freedom from prison… or provision for his needs. He did not request prayer for less pain… or more visiting hours. He did not tell them how hungry he was or that the shackles were making blisters on his legs and arms. He had one request. And it baffled me.

Pray that I may remain bold in my living for Christ and proclaiming His truth.

Does his request astound you as much as it does me? Here is this man’s chance to ask his fellow believers to pray for a miracle of deliverance, and yet, he denied himself of that privilege. Instead, he asks for more boldness and strength to keep doing God’s work… while in prison.

I don’t know about you, but I believe that if I were in Paul’s shoes, I would be dialing my friends’ 911 prayer line day in and day out.

Don’t judge me. Under those conditions, you probably would too.

Think of a trial you currently face. It could be financial, physical or emotional. Think of it as your current prison. You may reach for these letters in the New Testament to find the strength, peace and joy that your current circumstances withhold from you. You may ask your friends to pray and you may even cry out daily to God for deliverance and strength. But have you ever considered praying that you would remain BOLD in your testimony… STRONG in your convictions … WHILE in chains?

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Paul’s prayer request may just be the most important revelation for those of us who wish to see God’s kingdom increase on earth.
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Why? Think about it: We all know that in this world we will have troubles – the Lord Himself told us that. We also have His promise that we will overcome the world as He has (John 16:33). Then could it be that just like Paul’s prison, our trials, our prisons, are the means God is using to further His reach to the people around us? Could it be that it is through these trials that we are able to truthfully experience Yahweh, the God of the Covenant, in a way that we wouldn’t experience otherwise?

And if so, would that not be worth it all?

“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.” (Philippians 1:12-14)

Paul realized that his circumstances were not as important as what he did with them! He turned his trials into testimonies and continued to reach the people around him and the world for Christ.
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What is your prison today?

Paul’s secret to find contentment, even in shackles, was the peace and knowledge that he belonged to God, regardless of his circumstances. It was the assurance that all the troubles he experienced did not compare to the glory that was being revealed in him and through him as he responded to life’s trials (1 Corinthians 4:17-18). It was the confidence that this was his temporary home and that he had much to learn and accomplish as he journeyed towards Heaven.

So do we, my friend. So do we.

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I am Recharging with @PatHolbrook! It's #RechargeWednesday LINKUP PARTY. Paul's Prayer in prison still baffles me. Check this out and share your blog post with us!
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A friend’s husband fights for his life in a battle against an inoperable, malignant tumor…

Another dear friend’s heart tires from a long drought of the soul…

A neighbor loses her husband to a devastating type of cancer…

Riots, hate and division flood our country…

Hurricane waters devastate a thriving city… the images reminding me of the time my hometown in South Brazil was destroyed by flood waters twice during my youth.

In each of these circumstances, it’s not difficult to lose hope and allow our hearts to believe that the worse is yet to come.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

I know – That is a weird insert in the middle of this blog post. “What on earth does spiritual battle have to do with these devastating issues?” you may ask.

Oh, but it does.

I’m absolutely not saying that every evil happening out there is CAUSED by the devil. That is certainly not a biblical concept.

But this I know: Our trials have everything to do with OPPORTUNITY for the Enemy.

This idea has been playing repeatedly in my mind, as I pray for the people I know, who are deeply hurting today.

I don’t know if it’s because I have gone through cancer and other draining health problems; through unemployment and the financial uncertainties that it brings; through natural disaster and their devastating consequences. But I know firsthand how the enemy takes advantage of our weakness and pain to bring us down. “Been there” – and remember the battle that raged in my heart and mind, each time that bad news reached my ears.

As I stand today, on the other side of these trials, however, I see it – clear as a bell:

The enemy was near each time I felt too weak to stand.

Think about it: It’s the perfect opportunity for his attacks! He watches when we are weak, and pins us down when we fall.

It’s in our weakness that he looks for a breach. It’s when we are hurting that he sends his fiery darts to pierce our hearts. It’s during sleepless nights that he whispers: “It’s all over. God is done with you.”

I don’t know what you may be going through today, but if you are a born-again Christian who is going through a valley, I would be surprised if you are not under spiritual attacks. That’s simply because trials present the perfect opportunity for the devil to try to annihilate every trace of hope from your life, render you ineffective for the kingdom and, ultimately, defeat you.

But Praise God! He gave us the strategy to remain standing and on the fight. This may not be something new to you, as this has been the subject of numerous sermons and books, but I felt compelled to share my personal experience regarding the Armor of God.

Years ago, when my husband and I visited Rome, we brought home a small statue of a Roman soldier. We bought it from a street vendor, near the Coliseum. This statue remains in our bathroom, and we look at it often. It reminds us of a war “secret” that God gave His children through the apostle Paul.

Ever since we bought this statue, I often use it as a visual during my prayer time, while quoting Ephesians 6:10-17. Below are the biblical principles behind my War Preparation Prayer:

1) Be strong in the Lord:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Ephesians 6:10

The first step is to realize that, when in battle, we are naturally weak – physically, spiritually and emotionally. Paul reminds us that we are to draw our strength from the One whose strength never fails.

You do that by repeating words of life. You do that by staying in the Word. You do that by surrounding yourself with those who love Jesus and will pray for you.

2) Deliberately choose to get dressed for battle.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

The verb “put on” here in the original Greek is an action verb. It doesn’t just happen. You deliberately get dressed for battle.

Call me weird, but when I am facing a battle, I literally imagine myself putting every item of the Armor of God. I do the hand motions and everything! I’m sure it’s quite a sight, but I don’t care.

3) As you put on each item, remember what they mean:

I declare, out loud, and so every spiritual being hears loud and clear, that I am choosing to put on each item of the Armor. I say something like this:

“Lord, I thank you for the Armor you have given me by faith. I claim it for me, personally, as the protection and weapon I need to stand with you today.

I put on the Helmet of Salvation, that I may never forget that I am yours, and that you promised that nothing can separate me from your love (Romans 8:35.) Because I am saved, I can stand on the truth that you are in this trial with me.

I put on the Belt of Truth, that no lie from the enemy or from men may enter my life. Every time the enemy whispers a lie, remind me of one more precious Truth from your Word.

I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness and the Shield of Faith, remembering that it’s because of Jesus’ righteousness that I have been accepted by you… Remembering that because I believed, His righteousness covered all my imperfections and sins… Trusting that the shield of faith will stop the darts of the enemy from entering my heart to steal my peace. And declaring, by faith, that You are my victory, regardless of the outcome of my trial.

I put on the sandals of the gospel of peace, that even in the fiercest battles, the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) will lavish my soul… Also, help me to be an ambassador of peace, wherever I go. Help me to sow seeds of peace, not strife.

And finally, my weapon – my precious Weapon – I pick up the Sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Bring to my memory the verses in Scripture that I can use to defeat the enemy and his schemes. Just like Jesus did in the desert (Matthew 4:1-8,) give me the boldness to speak life into my wilderness. May Your Word pierce the darkness of my circumstances and resurrect the hope of glory in me.”

Lord, may Your Word pierce my darkness & resurrect the hope of glory in me.
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There is no question about it – putting on the Armor of God does not end a battle. But it certainly equips you for it. Because what I have learned through the many trials I’ve faced is that the war is inevitable, but defeat is not.

Victory for the Christian does not depend on our circumstances. Victory rests on the fact that God is on our side: “If God is for us, who is against us?” Romans 8:31

4) “…and having done everything, stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13b

Yes, soldier. You may be too weak to fight. If so, just put on your Armor and Stand Firm.

Stand firm on His Truth.

Stand firm by Faith.

Stand firm on His promises.

Simply… keep Standing… until the battle is won.

Tired of the Fight? Simply get dressed... and STAND!
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The post When You Are Too Tired to Fight… Get Dressed & Stand appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.