Many churches do not spend enough time on this subject or anytime at all for that matter. It seems to far out there and they avoid it. But here on this earth we are in a battle against good and evil and there are spiritual forces in high places trying to take us down, so to speak. When we are in a spiritual battle we have to recognize the enemy Satan comes to deceive, to trick and to lie. He can twist the truth. He likes nothing better than to 'disable' a believer and by this I mean to make you believe you are no good or unworthy. You have to resist him and take authority in the name of Jesus.
In our families there will be many spiritual battles. Let's say you have raised your child for the Lord and he has walked with him and been faithful to Bible study and Christian growth but then somehow as he grows up he gets in with a group that sort of changes what the Bible says, call it a cult if you would, or maybe a group that draws him away from the things he was taught as a child and knows are right and true. A powerful deceiving force gets him to believe a lie and forsake what he knows was the truth of God since a child. The enemy is powerful. He loves to deceive Christian children and he loves to make their parents feel like it is their fault.
John 10:10 tells us that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The enemy especially likes to attack Christians who are doing something for his kingdom or growing in Christ. He puts lies in your head and you start believing him. You have to resist the enemy and he will leave. James 4:7 says "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought
into captivity to the obedience of Christ." We have to realize we are truly in a battle here on earth. Ephesians 6:12 says "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." It is only when you acknowledge your enemy is Satan that you can start defeating him and having victory. Do not cave in and become weak and weepy and let Satan win over you. You have a mighty weapon, the word of God. Speak to the devil in Jesus name and tell him he has no authority over you or your family and tell him to leave. It may take some warfare but hang on. Do not give up.
There will be trials in life and this is where the rubber meets the road so to speak. It is how we get through those trials. We know the devil will try to keep us down in a pit and make us feel this trial will never end. James 1:2-5 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
1 Timothy 4:1 in reference to latter times "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." It is hard to fathom how a child of God who knew the truth could start following the lies of Satan but Satan is a big lying deceiver and a powerful delusional force and we can defeat him with the word of God and prayer. So there is hope for that lost family member or friend. Do not despair. Get in to the word and do battle with the enemy.
You must keep praying. Praying is half the battle. There will be times when you feel like it is not working and nothing is happening. Keep going. Do not give up or give in. Luke 18:1 says "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."
Remember to keep your 'armor of God' on daily. Ephesians 6:11-3 says "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. 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."
Just remember Satan is defeated and Jesus is Lord!!
PRAYER: Lord there may be some out there struggling with an immense burden you never intended for them to bear. You know Lord the enemy is a liar but he can make us feel unworthy if we do not defeat him with the word of God and praise. The enemy detests it when we praise God. Help us to keep praising you and trusting through good or bad. In Jesus Name. Amen.
I have included a rather old song but it still has a good message. When you get a chance sit and listen to its' message. Be blessed today to be a blessing.
http://youtu.be/Hw4e397mBjM
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