Engage the Enemy!!!

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Today's Passage: Mark 16:12-20
Memory Verse> 1 John 4:4

Having come from another culture where the oppression of the enemy is more strongly seen in the spirit of poverty, rampant corruption and political as well as financial systems being broken, I have come to this conclusion. The greatest deception used by the enemy in a culture such as the United States is the pretense of a sense of well-being on the surface, while so many diabolical acts are taking place under our noses. Any amount of time in front of the television (a reflection of the true picture of our society) will quickly bring the reality of the enemy's influence in this nation.

Take a quick survey of your opinion on engaging in spiritual warfare: are you a believer who feels as if Christians who sound the alarm about a "big, bad devil" are over exaggerating? Maybe you are of the position that as long as you do your best to live right and never bother anyone, you don't think churches should spend so much time focusing on warfare. Unfortunately, my friend(s), if this is you, you've successfully become a part of the spiritual statistics. You are one of those who make up the "sleeping giant" that has been lulled into inactivity by the inability of many believers to discern satan's hand at work in our homes, schools and other parts of the society.

As much as we may try to ignore it, the increasing ungodliness running rampant in our nation should be warning sign enough that satan's kingdom is at work. But if you didn't think so, maybe the increasing number of crimes committed by children under the age of ten should raise a tiny red flag. If not, consider that the mention of the name of Jesus, which was not a problem even ten years ago, is becoming more and more unacceptable. In the meantime, Eastern religious influences are being embraced in great numbers by mainstream society. What other spirit would so strategically reject the Word of God as absolute truth, while replacing it with many others? The answer is the reason every believer needs to engage in spiritual warfare: the antiChrist spirit.

The enemy has managed to defeat the people of God by getting them to be ignorant of his schemes through the simple act of not taking the Word seriously. The less we read the Word, the less we know. The less we know, the less we can detect his presence and fight him with spiritual weapons. Through lack of knowledge and revelation of how he operates, we leave doorways open through which he is free to roam and destroy our homes, our values, and erase the impact of our God from our hearts. But oh, if we would just arise and refuse to be lumped in with those content to carry out the status quo! The very meaning of warfare suggests a refusal to allow a strange nation with its values and system to take over ours. And yes, every single soul makes a difference in the battle. Why do you think the enemy fights so hard to keep us clueless? With every ounce of you, fight! Fight for what Jesus purchased on the cross. The good news? The last chapter has already been written, and WE WIN.

Prayer: Father, I engage the enemy now by declaring Your lordship over my life. I join with my brothers and sisters to decree that no weapon formed against us will stand, and every tongue that rises up will be condemned. Arise now and let ALL Your enemies be scattered in Jesus Name! Amen...