Daily Devotional

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11-12 Our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents]. It is against the rulers, the powers, and the world forces of this [present] darkness. We fight against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

I write about things that hit my spirit, intrigue, and inspire me. I learn a lot when I write as I dig through scripture, commentaries, and listen to sermons and the like. I love the growth, development, humility, and clarity it brings. Once we realize OUR way is the highway that leads us to death, we understand that we aren’t all that and a bag of chips. Then we see God move in our hearts, minds, and lives. So, come and let’s lay our pride and opinions down at the feet of Jesus, together. Let’s hang out in his word. Let’s stay at his feet together, as we encourage one another in good works, and enjoy the good stuff of God.

Have you ever wondered what oppressive spiritual warfare looks like? The photo should serve to shake us up a good bit. We wonder why we, as believers, struggle so much at times. Why it can “feel” like we are under attack. Yes, our flesh puts up a fight, but there is a demonic force that is also at work and using our flesh against us. If we aren’t fully surrendered to Christ, the enemy’s power of influence over us increases greatly. Satan and his demonic cohorts are working against us 24/7 as they design strategies to tempt and sway us. No matter how devout or good we might “think” we are, we are powerless against these demonic forces…BUT GOD! We need to be abiding in Christ because apart from him we can do NOTHING…John 15:5. We must surrender our flesh daily to him, taking every thought captive so that it obeys the Lord…2 Corinthians 10:5. As Paul says in Romans 7:16 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want. I end up doing the very thing I hate. I yield to my human nature, my worldliness—my sinful capacity. Everyone in the bible had their struggles and we can learn a lot from them. We, you and I, are born in to sin – we are born as children of Hell. There is no way around that harsh reality. We have chosen this reality by our willful, stubborn pride. The enemy preys on that sinful nature…he works to temp us to lean into whatever our weaknesses may be.

Often in relationships, we are too close to see or understand the negative behavior from those near us. We forget that they are susceptible to the enemy as well. The truth of that can feel so cold. It can be hard to accept. Yet, that enemy is looking for weaknesses he can exploit. If a person is unwilling to surrender to Christ, their attitudes will show it. We will see the evidence in their behavior and the way they treat people. We’ve all dealt with people who are hurt and angry. Their mind-sets, past mistakes, and trauma keep them on a destructive path. They watch their lives and relationships go down in flames. Yet, they remain determined to be angry. They feel offended and keep blaming others. People can be so drunk on their pride and bitterness. Sometimes, we are so consumed by it that we can’t see straight to save our lives. We maintain our position, no matter the damage it is doing. We hold such hatred for anyone that crosses us even in the slightest way. We then immediately cut and tear them down out of sheer emotional defensiveness. There is no room for balance or reason. They are focused on the negative. Because of that bitterness, they dig a grave for those around them. A person, with that attitude, can burn their own house down. Then, when those around them finally have to step back. They stop trying to fix the relationship or even leave. At that point, they become angry. They play the victim, claiming those they pushed away weren’t there for them. That is what deception looks like. We can be blinded and controlled by it, sort of like the photo. An unseen force is always at work to stir up trouble. That force looks for willing participants who won’t fully surrender to God’s authority in their lives.

Our attitudes and mindsets can and will keep us from having rational conversations that are productive. The enemy used a sly cunning strategy on Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden. It made them “feel” that God was keeping something from them. The enemy toys with our thinking, our desires, feeds us half-truths, and appeals to our flesh. That is the image visible here, in the picture, of the power of influence the enemy can have. Its grip on us, if we don’t recognize the tactics and strategies, entices and tempts our prideful flesh. This happens if we are not staying in a continual state of submission and surrender to God. We can’t resist the enemy on our own. No amount of human will can fight him. He doesn’t have to flee unless we are fully surrendered to God. We must acknowledge the Lord’s supreme authority over the enemy. James 4:7-10 tells us this: So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people]. Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom. Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]. See, you and I, on our own, do not have the power, strength, ability, or even the true desire to resist the skill, wit, and slyness of the enemy. We MUST willingly surrender to the one who does have that power, his name is JESUS!!! We are easy targets if we don’t filter everything we think, say, do, listen to, and view through the Holy Spirit and the word of God. We must also filter what we listen to and view through the Holy Spirit.

We desperately need to ask ourselves, regularly – is what I am thinking, saying, listening to, and viewing being led by God or by the enemy????? What force am I entertaining by the choices I make. Who am I entertaining and giving power to by my attitude and behavior? If we would lay it all down over God’s word…does it line up with him? Yes, this requires discipline, but aren’t we called, “disciples of Christ?” Shouldn’t we be intentional about our daily walk? Christ was intentional in the steps he took to redeem us. If we are not surrendered, which requires discipline, we will not be able to resist the nagging grip of the enemy. You and I do not have that power on our own. We must be fully and unconditionally surrendered to the ONLY one who has that authority, and his name is Jesus!

Additional Devotional Reading:

Ephesians 6?11-17 Putting on the whole armor of God

Also read the: Clothed For Battle Devotional – https://heartrockhills.com/clothed-for-battle-put-on-the-full-armor-devotional/

Blessings to YOU,

Cassandra Lee

There’s JOY in the journey – nourishing body & soul…

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