SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1105

“Battle Ground”

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12

We began our lives in this world at war with God.

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds – Colossians 1:21

Having accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, forgiven, saved and born again by His Holy Spirit we continue in the flesh with new battles to fight on new front lines. Your enemy, Satan may not be able to steal your salvation, but he can work to make you weak and ineffective in the battle to further the Kingdom of God.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

In wartime, propaganda is used to undermine the resolve of opposing forces. Tokyo Rose’s radio broadcasts worked to plant doubt, fear, and insecurity in the hearts and minds of American soldiers. Satan does the same today planting doubtful and sinful thoughts on our minds. ‘You are not forgiven.’ ‘Is there really a God?’ ‘You can’t go to heaven – live for today, go ahead and sin, you know you want to.’

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ – 2 Corinthians 10:5

If he can’t entice you to sin he works to steal your peace by enticing you to fear. ‘This pandemic will never end.’ ‘You better get weapons to defend against looters.’ ‘You will lose your job and become homeless.’ ‘Your spouse will die from COVID19 and you will be left alone to fend for yourself – you can’t make it on your own.’

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears; for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – Psalm 34:4; 2 Timothy 1:7

As in any battle, we must have a good defensive and offensive strategy. One defensive maneuver is to establish a perimeter – a no fly zone if you will around your mind. Tune out the media hype and hyperbole and hone in on the Truth of the Word of God.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect; Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. – Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:13

Take the offense with prayer and you will have ‘peace that surpasses understanding’ in the midst of the chaos, civil unrest and turmoil in our country today.

…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. – Psalm 121:7