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.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen—Even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:3-9 (NKJV)

I’ve been studying the book of Psalms lately and came across several psalms which inspired well known scores that choirs and congregations have sung for many years, and even some more contemporary songs that we hear on the radio these days.

Because music is such a big part of my spiritual life, the psalms have been a great source of inspiration, admonition and encouragement in my journey as a Christian.

As I look through the pages of my worn bible, the book of Psalms is filled with markings that show the many trials and victories that I’ve faced through the years, and the blessed assurance and guidance received. T&P (Tested and Proven) is written many times in the margins, together with dates and even details of certain situations. That’s one of the reasons my favorite nickname for the Bible is “The Living Word.” It indeed lives and breathes and pours God’s breath upon the lives of His children.

When I came across Psalm 8 a couple of weeks ago, I could not help but remember the many times these words have comforted me when I first came to know Jesus, and feelings of unworthiness and inadequacy permeated my heart, constantly.

This Psalm has been translated into beautiful music masterpieces such as “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name” and parts of some more contemporary songs such as “How Excellent,” both of which are some of my church choir’s favorites.

Maybe you are facing a time when feelings of unworthiness and defeat permeate your heart.

It may be a sin that keeps you bound to defeat. Maybe you messed up. Once again.

Or it may be that your current circumstances are weighing you down so much, that you can barely lift your head. You cry out to God, and still, there are no answers to your troubles.

The Moon and the Stars suspended in space seem to be exactly where your Help remains. Far… far away.

You may feel unworthy and alone. But the Psalmist asks and answers our question, telling us exactly why we are loved and valued beyond measure by our God:

What am I, that this Unfathomable God would be mindful of me?

David looks at the stars in the sky or the vastness of the sea… the beauty and colors of nature in small details such as the smallest bird, or the hands of a new born child… and realizes that the same perfect, omnipotent God who spoke these things into existence loves him… a love worth His very life!

This realization overwhelmed David. It overwhelms me.

“Why would You be mindful of me, Lord? After all I’ve done in my past… after the mistakes I still make in the present… and even knowing the times I’ll disappoint You in the future… Why on earth are you mindful of sinful, inadequate, broken me?”

In order to understand the answer, we must visit Genesis 1:26-27:

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (NASB – Emphasis Mine)

Did you get that?

When God looks at you and me, He does not see us. He sees the Son-head of the Trinity – the Perfect God-Man Jesus Christ, who was tempted and suffered with the weight of all the same stuff that you and I face and much, much more, conquered it all… and died, blameless, in our place.

The wrath of God that I deserved fell upon Him. He was and is my Shield. Because of that, when the Father looks at His imperfect, messy children, He sees His blood-bought church. He sees Perfect Jesus.
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That does not by any way mean that He overlooks our sin. Any sin separates us from the Father – but once we truly repent and turn away from it, our connection is re-established. That is a promise:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

He does that because He created us in His image (or nature). It’s the nature that guarantees that blessed communion. He said it four times in Genesis 1:26-27 – so, it must be true.

Therefore, my friend, the next time you feel like God is light-years away from you, ask yourself this question:

Do you think that the One true God, Who thinks you more important than every star in the universe… Who made you to rule over every creature that lives on the face of the earth… the same God Who tells the angels to sing and rejoice when one dark, lost soul is redeemed… do you believe that the same God Who promises not only to forgive, but to restore you back into His fold…

Do you really believe He is far away?

I think not.

Don’t confuse the proper humility of understanding and respecting God’s greatness with self-depreciation.
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You are worth a lot. As a matter of fact, you are worth dying for. And because of His mind-boggling love for you, He promises that nothing… And He means NOTHING! Will EVER separate you from His love.

O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your Name in all the earth!

The post This Is for When You Feel Unworthy and that God Is Not Near appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.