Naturally, victories won by sheer force are rarely celebrated. What matters more is strategy and its effectiveness.

Yet isn’t it by force that we often try to win or overcome in life?

Knowing that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us,” (Romans 8:37) we often look at stuff in this world like we’re entitled to beat it out. We try to overcome by sheer force of will. We ignore problems to forge ahead, or push to be great so that we can do great things for God. But it’s never by these forces that we’re actually winning.

Acting impervious or refusing doubt, grief, and pain during difficult circumstances might make us feel like we’re actually winning at the holiness game and at life, but here’s the thing:

We’re often playing the wrong game because the stuff that matters is won by Christ.

Casting Crowns’ “All You’ve Ever Wanted” says:

“I was chasing healing when I’d been made well
I was fighting battles when You conquered hell
Living free but from a prison cell”

Familiar? We so easily forget that Christ already won the war. He goes before us in battles, too, and His will is perfect. Rather than being freed by our own efforts at making life “what it should be” or “overcoming,” our best option is to act like David or Gideon before battles: to pray and obey. If He says it isn’t worth fighting, let it go.

We do not need to be playing by the rules of this world, but by the rules of its maker.
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Though the saying goes “there are no rules in love or war,” there actually are. There are rules of logic, morality, sociological principles, patterns that must be followed, and natural consequences of actions.

For those that know this is His world, there are also rules natural to the Kingdom of God. Rules that defy much of what society suggests.

Look at Christ. He conquered death. He is King forevermore. Yet His strategies for battle were:

•  Humility
•  Obedience
•  Enduring suffering and temptation
•  Loving kindness
•  Peace

Of course, there were more. His example turned on everyone’s head the idea of conquering and overcoming.

Remember His triumphal entry?

His people long-awaited their savior, riding in on a white horse with an army and all glory and splendor. As it turned out, all glory and splendor, and all needed for conquering death, was a donkey. A young donkey, borrowed from someone else and the perfect God on top proclaiming peace among men instead of terror.

That’s winning in God’s Kingdom.

To fight the good fight of faith we must act in faith. We must be guided by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

Be ready for battle. Be armed with the weapons of God. Be trained in righteousness.

Be constant prayer, asking the greatest commander to offer His strategy of peace to rule in your heart (Colossians 3:15).

(A version of this post was previously published here.)

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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.

God also says He is our stronghold.

“THE LORD IS GOOD, A STRONGHOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE,

AND HE KNOWS THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM.” –NAHUM 1:7

A stronghold is a type of refuge, and it’s designed for times of war. When we retreat to our stronghold, we go to this one true God:

He Is Battle-Ready

In David’s war days, He and His enemies had strongholds. These fortresses were the places they would all run to when the battle became thick. There, weapons and rations were stashed. Strongholds are battle-ready. When enemies attack, regardless of how ruthlessly, a stronghold is a safe place to go and persist through the battle.

Our stronghold, our God, is just as battle-ready. And He is the victory.

Strongholds are battle-ready. When enemies attack, regardless of how ruthlessly, a stronghold is a safe place to go and persist through the battle. @BethanyMcIlrath
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He Has the Provisions for a Seige

Holding out in a fortress during battle does not work out so well if the stronghold is empty. We need provisions as we wait out the siege. Sustenance, nourishment, company…hope.

The Lord provides all that we need- even when we’re persevering through a ruthless attack. Even when we’re waiting out hardship.

He Is Our Defense

More than just a place, a stronghold is a strategy: a defense. Strong and made with solid material like rock, fortresses are designed to keep trouble out. The strongholds we read about in the Bible, especially those that guarded David, were no exception.

Our stronghold is big enough and strong enough to be a living shield. Though at times oppressed and attacked, those who take refuge in the stronghold of God will be delivered.

God is our Strong-hold: the strong One holding us in times of trouble and battle.
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“HE IS MY LOVING GOD AND MY FORTRESS, MY STRONGHOLD AND MY DELIVERER, MY SHIELD, IN WHOM I TAKE REFUGE, WHO SUBDUES PEOPLES UNDER ME.” –PSALM 144:2

{This post was originally published here}

---

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LINKUP party is open! Join us at #RechargeWednesday as @BethanyMcIlrath reminds us of the refuge, sustenance and strength we can find in God - our Stronghold in battle.
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The post What You’ll Find in a Stronghold {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

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.
Click To Tweet

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.

Click Here for PDF: The Devil Is After Something Bigger than YOU 05.27.15

Passage: Mark 5:1-20

Key Verse: “And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.”

The man foamed at the mouth. His eyes were evil, lost, afraid… all at the same time. The demons had taken over a long time ago. From within his battered body, his trapped spirit had long lost the strength to cry out for help. He cut himself day and night, and not even chains could bind him anymore.

A scene from a horror movie. That’s what we find as we flip the pages of our Bibles to the fifth chapter of the gospel of Mark. The man possessed by Legion. Not one demon, but an entire legion of them, tormented this man’s soul day and night.

I became curious and decided to do a little research on Roman Legions. The two Latin words that form “Roman Legion” are Legio Romana –which literally means “the chosen from Rome.” In reference to the early Roman Kingdom (as opposed to the Roman Empire), Legion meant the entire Roman army. The size of the legions varied subsequently, and at the time of Jesus they were typically composed of around five thousand soldiers. Legions formed the Roman army’s elite heavy infantry, recruited exclusively from Roman citizens.

As the French say: “La crème dela crème.”

The elite. The strongest. The best trained, educated and knowledgeable in war tactics.

That’s Legion.

And that’s the type of demons that possessed that poor man when Jesus chose to take a detour to the country of the Gadarenes and pay this place a visit.

Legion knew that Messiah had landed on their shore. Their territory. And they rushed the man’s body to Jesus, prostrated at His feet, and worshipped Him.

“When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.’” V. 6

It’s a puzzling scene, isn’t it?

Why would this man have to be possessed by so many demons, all at the same time? Why did the demons bargain with Jesus, asking Him to cast them into 2,000 pigs, apparently begging Him to allow them to stay around?

Was this just another demon-casting miracle?

I thought so.

Until last week, when I heard a message about this particular passage. It opened my eyes to the reason behind the devil’s plan to torment and kill this man:

The devil was not after him personally. No, sire. He deployed his strongest demons, an army of his best equipped spirits to torment him, not because of whom he was. Legion’s deployment was not focused on one individual. It was focused on that man’s territory of influence. On his family… his city… his calling. It was focused on bringing him down, so that he could not influence others for God.

How do we know that?

Because later in the passage, we have a glimpse of this man’s heart and the consequences of his testimony:

“And when He (Jesus) got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled” Vs. 18-20 (emphasis mine).

The Bible does not tell us of the scope of the impact that this man’s life had for the kingdom of God. For all we know, he may have gained his entire city for Christ. He might have started the first church there. We may even meet hundreds of people in Heaven who have been redeemed because of this man’s testimony. We don’t know. But we know this much – this man’s potential for God’s kingdom was so big, so awesome, that the devil had to organize a small army of his strongest demons to prevent him from flourishing.

Wow.

Is it just me, or does this make you look at spiritual battle in a completely different light?

We know that the devil cannot know our future. But listen – he can certainly see things that you cannot. He may have witnessed angels guarding you as a baby or child, protecting you in a very special, selective way. He may see God opening doors for you that are very unique, miraculous even. And although he may not know exactly God’s plans for your life, he knows that He’s got something brewing that may just prevent the devil from carrying out his plans in your territory.

That’s when he deploys demons, legions even, to oppress and defeat you.

Open.Your.Spiritual. Eyes.

You know that child, who seems to be going away from God; departing from everything you have taught him or her? You have a strong sense that the devil is luring him… that your baby is under strong spiritual attack?

You are right. But the battle is not for your child.

It’s for his or her territory… his or her sphere of influence for Jesus.

You know that trial that lingers… and the oppression that does not let out? You feel like the devil is storming against your soul, trying to destroy you from every angle?

You are right. But the battle is not for you.

It’s for your territory… your sphere of influence for Jesus… for the mighty things He plans to do through you.

The devil hates you because of your influence in the territory God has given you: Your family, school, workplace. He fights you so you’ll give up your territory… Let it slip and fall into the devil’s hands.

It’s true, my friend. The war is not against you. It’s much bigger than that. And the devil would leave you alone, if what he saw in you were not a threat to his plans.

So, in the Name of Jesus – change your focus and ask God to reveal to you the scope of your territory. That’s the true object of the battle you’re facing.

The good news is – the Savior is on the shore, right where you are, walking on your direction to set you free.

And even Legion cannot resist His Name.

The post The Devil Is After Something Much Bigger than YOU appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.