Let’s talk about how the enemy operates. Have you ever noticed; you feel you are making headway on a goal or challenge and WHAM! Little setbacks show up, problems come out of nowhere, conflict with others increases, and you are derailed repeatedly by the tyranny of the urgent surrounding you?
If you are like me, you block time to do something, and you get on a roll and again WHAM! Constant interruptions, to the point, you don’t know what your train of thought was or where you were on that important task?
Dark forces AKA Stan’s army are always on the march looking to thwart anything that might have a positive impact in God’s kingdom, so they create disruption, distraction and even havoc to stop you.
Let’s look at God’s Heavenly army on the battlefield of our lives now and see how they are at work vs the evil one’s army. There is an invisible realm of Heaven operating all around us! Did you know that? Open your Bible and read about it in Ephesians 6:12. Paul writes: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, but against the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms.”
Satan and his army cannot stand against God, so they prey on His people. Ever since Satan lured Eve in the Garden, he found our weakness and exploits it in any manner where he finds an opening. Our best defense is God’s offense. What are those items? The Bible, God’s Promises, Our Armor, and Prayer!
Chris Hodges said: “Spiritual Warfare is not an option – it’s an essential part of growing in your faith and living victoriously!”
Do not put this aside or become complacent! Know your enemy:
- Satan is real.
- Satan’s goal is to destroy you – all aspects of you and your life to suit his needs. John 10:10 & 1 Peter 5: 8-9
- Satan is limited. Satan and his army must submit to God and His authority. 1 John 4:4
- Satan was thrown down out of Heaven by God. Isaiah 14:12
- Satan disguises himself as the “angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14
- Satan deceived Eve. Genesis 3: 1-24
- Satan put doubt into Sara’s mind. Genesis 16 – 18
- Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness. Matthew 4: 1-11
And there are many or examples of the cunningness of Satan going around looking for someone to devour.
What can you do to protect yourself? Let’s get you some help and equip you for your own daily battle!
I “Whole Armor of God.”
Turn to Ephesians 6: 10 – 17 and read about the “Whole Armor of God.”
“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Each piece of this armor is specially designed to protect you from the evil one each and every day. Fill in the blanks below as you read Ephesians:
Sword of the Spirit: _______________________________________________
Breastplate of Righteousness to: ____________________________________
Helmet of Salvation to: ______________________________________________
Belt of Truth to: ______________________________________________________
Feet fitted to: _______________________________________________________
Shield of Faith to: ____________________________________________________
II Pray Daily
Create a prayer based on a favorite passage from your Bible study reading.
Pray it daily.
III Pray a Daily Prayer of Protection
Ask God to “put a hedge of protection around every part of your life, family, church, nation, city, state and so on.”
Job 1:10 “Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.”
IV Everyday Thank God for His Blessing
We are to be in a constant conversation with God. This means thanking Him from the moment we wake up and before we lay our heads down to sleep.
V Sing Praises of Thanksgiving
You may not have a great singing voice, but God loves to hear you sing praises to Him. Listen to Praise music and sing along in the car, while doing chores, having fun in every situation.
You my friend are empowered and protected by Christ’s authority! Phil. 2: 9-11.
A closing thought here for this month: “Your ability to fight the evil one, is only as strong as your relationship with God.” Are you in a strong relationship with God or this world.
A recent survey showed the average person spends 40 hours a week scrolling “Social Media” – that’s a full work week! Does this describe you? It’s time to rethink who and what you place as the #1 thing/#1 person in your life.
If you need and or want help. I am here to help you regain your life and get your priorities in alignment with God vs this world.
Send me an email and just ask. I am here to serve.
janice@janicebastanicoaching.com
8914 Collina Ct.
Granite Bay, CA 95746
908-229-3797
www.janicebastanicoaching.com
www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/janicebastani
