Category: Spiritual Warfare

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Don’t Run!

This morning, while taking out the trash, I was seemingly attacked by my neighbor’s dog. I said seemingly because the dog came charging towards me, stopped less than 2 feet away from me, all while barking ferociously. My heart leapt within my chest, but, somehow, I had the good sense not to run.

The neighbor and his son ran towards us, calling the dog by its name. This seemed to infuriate the dog even further. The more they called his name, the more he barked, edging closer and closer to me, circling me. I screamed! I was so afraid but kept hearing, “Don’t run!”.

Eventually, the neighbors grabbed the dog by his leash, apologized profusely, and returned to their home. The mother of the family shouted over to me, “Sorry Mrs. Wharton! His bark is worse than his bite. In fact, he wouldn’t have even bitten you.”

Later that morning, the son and daughter came to me, apologizing yet again. They commended me for my bravery in not running. They shared that the dog had gotten away a few times before and did the same thing. Unfortunately, most of the others who were “attacked” started running out of fear and this made the dog chase them and try to bite them. They said, “If you don’t run, he does nothing, only bark. When you run, that’s when he will bite!”

After they left, I thought about this seeming “attack”. I thought of the fear I felt but also of having the presence of mind not to run. Then I thought of attacks that we face daily: sickness, disappointment, financial difficulties, loss of relationships, and the list can go on.

I thought of the many times that our Adversary charges from out of no where, suddenly and unexpectedly.

I thought of how he circles us, coming close enough to incite fear in us, but never really touching us; posing “as a roaring lion”.

I thought of how the Holy Spirit’s Presence penetrates that canopy of fear that envelops us, continuously reminding us, “Don’t Run!”

I thought, if we would just heed the voice of the Spirit and not give over control to our feelings, we would remain safe and victorious, even in the presence of a seeming “attack”.

I thought of the many times that I have relinquished my position of victory by NOT denying my flesh (emotions/feelings) its desire to be in control of my actions and reactions.

I thought of my neighbors’ words, “If you don’t run, he does nothing, only bark. When you run, that’s when he will bite!” Then I thought, my running gives the devil permission to chase me down and truly attack me. If I don’t run, he is not given what he needs to pounce on me.

I thought, “Alex, no matter how afraid you are, you have to obey the voice of the Lord, Don’t Run!

Is there a situation that has suddenly and unexpectedly charged into your life? Has it brought you to a place of fear, and even terror? Are you tempted to run away instead of standing your ground?

James 4:7 states, ” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” You should not be the one that is running away from the situation as if you are in danger. The devil should!

Hear the voice of the Holy Spirit today, “Don’t Run! Help is on the way” Submit to His instruction and encouragement, knowing that He will never leave you nor forsake you but IS with you even in this seeming”attack”.

Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to pay attention to the Presence of Your Holy Spirit, more than I do the presence of the emotions that I am experiencing right now. May Your Holy Spirit make me brave and embolden me to stand my ground, in spite of the fear, until this “attack” flees. Help me not to run! In Jesus’ name – AMEN“

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Strategy for Warfare: DETERMINATION

I was awakened by a memory of my mother’s return to Antigua in 2020, after she had spent about 2 months with us here in South Carolina. I remembered the spectacle we created at Charleston International Airport while she was checking in her luggage for the flight home.

There she was on the floor of the American Airlines terminal with bags opened, stuffing things in her checked and carry-on luggage. I recall standing there, totally embarrassed, observing her determination. I thought to myself, at that time, “Those things aren’t going to fit. Why doesn’t she give up? She is going to have to leave some of those things behind.” I not only thought this but said so to her. Thad, who is usually more positive than I, came along and told her the same thing. But she kept on working because she was DETERMINED!

She packed and unpacked. She assessed the weight she was carrying in light of the airline’s weight allowance. Then she made a determination of the FEW items that she could afford to leave behind, with the expectation that I would bring them for her, when I visited a few months later. Then she found a way for the others, that she could not afford to leave behind, to fit in her luggage. She rearranged some. She removed some from their packaging. She stuffed some here and there, all so she would lose NONE. Her sandwich was going to be crushed and battered but that did not stop her.

As I revisited this memory, I found myself inwardly smiling at the images. I also found myself encouraged. Here was one of her character traits that would serve as a strength for her and for us, as we endeavor to fulfill our assignment on earth – DETERMINATION.

What is determination? According to the Oxford Dictionary, determination is defined as firmness of purpose or resoluteness. Resoluteness speaks of a firm decision to do or not do something. Determination also speaks of steadfastness – being firm and unwavering; persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Finally, determination involves persistence – firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

This idea or concept of determination, then, is founded on first a decision. Once that decision is made (I am taking ALL these things home in 2 checked bags and 2 carry-on bags), then doing everything in one’s power, despite the difficulties, challenges, and obstacles to attain that goal. Assess the current weight/load; decide on what FEW can be left behind; rearrange; remove; press/stuff!

As I meditated on this idea of determination, I came to the conclusion that I have lost many battles because of a lack of determination. I have been displaying a lack of determination in regards to God’s promises to me, His prophetic words over my life. When faced with roadblocks, I detour and lose my confidence, eventually resulting in a lost or stuck place. I lack determination to stay the course until I achieve success.

Unlike Mummy, I do not make the necessary calculations of what I can leave behind or sacrifice so that I can attain the goal. I give up and live my life lacking the very things God has given me for my success. I allow myself to be DETERRED. (Deter – discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.) I begin to question the promises of God in light of my “containers”. I lack faith that whatever I lose will be brought (returned or restored) to me at a later date. I become discouraged, lacking determination in the face of uncertainty and fear.

My meditation on these thoughts brought me to a place of prayer. I confessed – O Holy Spirit, I see my wrong. I see where I have allowed my emotions to restrain me from acting on what you have said. I have allowed them to make me less enthusiastic about what You have said and restrain me from proceeding forward. Please forgive me and grant me the grace to be determined.

Sisters, here is yet another strategy for warfare: the strategy of DETERMINATION. Scripture presents us with an example of a WATCHER referred to as The Shunammite, who employed this strategy and won. We find her testimony in 2 Kings 4: 8-37. She was determined that she would lose NONE of what God had given to her. Nothing she saw, heard, or felt was going to instill doubt or fear as a means of deterring her from her goal. Whatever appeared to be lost at that moment, she believed would be restored to her at a later time. She not only displayed this quality in chapter 4 concerning the reviving of her son but, years later, her determination kept her as she held on to the word of the Lord from the man of God. When it seemed like all that she had was lost (for 7 years), her determination resulted in FULL restoration – 2 Kings 8:1-6.

GO FORTH WITH DETERMINATION TODAY & WIN YOUR BATTLES!

Quotes For Determination - Retro Future
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STRATEGY FOR WARFARE: Watching

As the new year unfolds, I have been thinking much on the strategies for warfare provided in the Holy scriptures. I have also been thinking about the fact that as an ezer, I need to be intentional about being a W.O.M.E.N.

W.O.M.E.N. is an acronym that stands for Watcher of Ministry Empowered with kNowledge. It speaks of and to one of the characteristics of God as revealed in Jeremiah 1:12: that of a watcher. God said to Jeremiah, “You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.”

As we were made in God’s image and likeness, we have this characteristic available in our DNA. We too have the ability to be alert and active, watching over the things that pertain to us. This characteristic of a watcher is not only an ability but also a strategy for warfare. A strategy is a plan of action to achieve a particular goal, usually over long period of time.

Throughout scripture, we are given examples after examples of ezers who activated this ability and employed this strategy consistently until victory was realized. They did not allow the duration of time to cause them to become slack in their watching. They had a goal and they stuck to their plan.

We read of WATCHERS like Anna, Jochebed, Jael, Achsah, Sheerah, and the list can go on. From the testimonies of these women’s lives, we learn how to be W.O.M.E.N. We learn how to be intentional in our roles as Watchers of Ministry Empowered with kNowledge. We learn how to be successful in warfare.

Therefore, I invite you, over the next few months, to dig deep with me into the lives of these sisters who have gone before us. This month, I invite you to become skillful in the use of the strategy that requires your activity and alertness in watching over the things, the words, that the Lord God has invested in your life. In this new year, I encourage you to not relegate yourself to passivity and to wishful thinking. Rather ARISE as the ezer that you have been designed to be and watch over your word until it is accomplished.

RISE above every stumbling block that would stand in your way.

POSITION yourself on your post and WATCH. (Habakkuk 2:1; 2 Samuel 18:24; 2Kings 9:17)

  • WATCH from a place of knowledge.
  • WATCH from a place of authority.
  • WATCH from a place of strength; for they that know their God will be strong and will do exploits (Daniel 11:32).

Let us pray: Our Father and Our God, we call on you this day for activation. Please activate us as Watchers. Mobilize and energize us to be alert and active in that which you have assigned us to do and be. Grant us the spirit of wisdom and revelation. May the eyes of our understanding be flooded with light that we might be empowered with knowledge for our various assignments (ministries). Thank you Father for activating and empowering us, in Jesus’ name. AMEN!

DIG DEEPER:
Devotional: Legislation Influencers

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Prayer: TEMPTATIONS

One of the methods that God allows to teach us warfare is TEMPTATIONS. Temptations may come in the form of bodily conditions, desires, mental states, and outward circumstances. My response to temptations is not to “enter it”; not to yield to its pull on me to sin; not to be diverted from my divine errand; not to lapse from the faith or holiness; nor to rebel against God. Instead, I am expected to use watchfulness and prayer so that I can endure the temptation and find a way to escape that I might be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). My goal is to be like Jesus; return from the temptation in the power of the spirit (Luke 4:14).

My Father, in heaven, holy is your name. Let your kingdom come. May you will be done in me, in my day, right here on Earth as it is done in heaven.

Father, I look to you for my daily bread: that which you have prepared and provided to sustain me today; that which will give me energy – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Thank you for what I have already received from the Bread of Heaven today. May that which I have eaten strengthen me to not flee or recede from the temptations or wiles of the enemy. But may it empower me to stand unharmed and prepared to face those wiles of the devil.

May I be strengthened in the inner man to be watchful so that I would not yield to the pull to sin; not be diverted from my divine errand; not lapse from the faith or holiness; nor rebel against you Lord. Father, Holy Spirit sensitize my spirit to find ways of escape so that I may be able to bear / endure these temptations.

Holy Spirit, teach me how to pray so that I do not enter these temptations. Thank you for this tool of growth and development. May my hands be taught to war and my fingers to fight.

Father, remember my loved ones, my spiritual brothers and sisters all over this world. May they too receive their daily bread so that they may be empowered to endure their temptations. Dear Lord, consider the weakness of our flesh and teach us how to work with the Holy Spirit so that your right hand and your arm and the light of your countenance can save us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Father , I thank you for commanding victories and deliverances for us today. I thank you that, through you, we shall push down our enemies; and through your name we shall tread them under who rise up against us. I thank you that we can trust and lean upon you. Please continue to instruct us and teach us in the way we should go, guiding and counseling us with your eye. I love you Father. AMEN!!

Matthew 6:13; Matthew 26:41; James 1:12; Galatians 4:14; Judges 3: 1-4; Psalms 44:4; Psalms 32:8

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Positioned for Revelation

I awoke out of sleep hearing these words:

If I speak less, then I will hear more.
If I hear more, then I will see more.
If I see or perceive more, then I will understand more.
If I understand more, then I will be converted and healed.

This came as a result of me meditating on this passage of Scripture before I went to sleep.

For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their hearts, and should be converted and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears for they hear – Matthew 13:15-16.

I had encountered these verses along with others in Matthew 13 during my time with the Lord yesterday and the Holy Spirit was impressing on me the need to be correctly positioned so that He can reveal truth to me; truth that will bring change and healing. If I am going to discover and unveil more of who God says I am, who He designed me to be, my ears must be positioned to hear and my eyes to see.

As I lay in bed, the Holy Spirit brought these other verses of Scripture to mind so that I could understand what He was teaching.

And He said to them, To you has been entrusted the mystery of the kingdom of God [that is, the secret counsels of God which are hidden from the ungodly]; but for those outside [of our circle] everything becomes a parable, …. [Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.] For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known. If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend. And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear. For whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a yearning for truth], even what he has will be taken away from him.” – Mark 4: 11, 22-25 (AMPC)

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving – James 1:19 (AMP)

My dear sisters, my prayer for us is that, on this journey of self-discovery, we will always maintain the position that produces revelation; – a careful and thoughtful listener – and that our revelation will propel us to more effectively fulfill our various assignments in our Father’s kingdom. Go forth this day giving thought and study to what you have heard in your private time with the Lord and may your eyes perceive, your ears hear, and transformation follow.

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Profitable Losses

Have you, like me, had experiences where you prayed to the Lord about a situation, felt like you clearly heard and understood His directive, yet when you followed through on it you experienced loss instead of profit? In this account of the battle between the children of Israel and the children of Benjamin, we are introduced to a concept that I call Profitable Loss.

Judges 21:25 states that “in those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Yet we read of an account in Judges 20 where the children of Israel “arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God” (vs.18). It seemed right in their eyes to know the mind of God concerning the decision that they had made to wage war against the children of Benjamin.

The children of Israel asked God, “Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the Lord said, Judah shall go up first” (vs.18). So they obeyed God and went up against the children of Benjamin with 400,000 men. In their obedience, they suffered loss: the death of 22,000 men. The children of Benjamin had defeated them.

We are told in the next verse that “the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day” (vs.22). But first they went up before the Lord and again asked counsel of Him, “Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the Lord said, Go up against him” (vs.23). They obeyed God a second time and suffered loss a second time: the death of 18,000 men. The children of Benjamin defeated them again.

“Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the Lord, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.  And the children of Israel enquired of the Lord, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days….” They asked God, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease?”

NOTE: This would now be the third time that they would be launching an attack. They had already lost the battle twice before and lost a total of 40,000 men; this loss occurred after trusting/believing God’s word and encouraging themselves because of it. I can imagine their thoughts: maybe Phinehas the priest had missed God. Maybe he hadn’t heard correctly. Maybe we should “cease” going forward with this warfare. They sat there at the house of God, fasting and waiting. Then the Lord answered, “Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand” (vs. 26-28).

A third time they obeyed God and “the Lord smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day 25, 100 (of their 26,700) men” (vs.35). This time around 30 men of the children of Israel lost their lives but, the men of Israel won the battle.

Friends, when we choose to obey and trust God, prepare to experience some loss. Loss is not evidence of ultimate defeat for one who is obeying (1) “Go up”, (2) “Go up again”, and (3) “Go up again.” Encourage yourself with the counsel of God. This time, the 3rd time, after you have wept, sat and waited on God, fasted, given offerings, and inquired of the Lord, you will experience the victory that outweighs your loss. NOTE: Israel lost 40,030/400,000 men….about a fraction over 10% of their army. But Benjamin lost 25,000/26,700 …. about a little over 90% of their army. Israel experienced a profitable loss.

Dear Holy Spirit, please help me to be prepared for the loss that is necessary for me to experience victory i.e. the defeat of the enemy in this battle. Prepare me for the test, the trial, the probation that comes through the loss of the 40 (18 + 22). Prepare me for the 3-day wait in the belly of the whale/earth. Help me to hang in there, encouraged, until my 3rd day when I will rise again.

Holy Spirit, teach me how to weep and help me in my infirmities: for I do not know what I should pray for as I ought to pray (Romans 8:26). Dear Holy Spirit, teach me how to just sit there and wait in Your Presence. Help me to fast the fast that you have chosen (Isaiah 58). Show me what offerings I need to give and, help me not to stop inquiring of You), even if I have to do it through Phinehas – the set man of God for Your house.

As I go this day, Holy Spirit, please keep speaking and revealing more of Your word to me and more of You to me so that I will not do according to what is right in my eyes. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!!

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Infected?

As we prayed this morning, I felt directed to pay attention to the state of the spiritual environment. I have learned that indulging in repeated acts (habits) draw or attract the spirits associated with that act. Additionally, things that appear in the physical realm are usually (1) a manifestation of what is occurring in the spiritual realm OR (2) an illusion that the adversary is propagating to deceive many.

In either case, what I see, hear, smell, feel – what I sense in the physical – is connected to an entity in the spiritual realm. So, although my household has been protected so far from the COVID-19 infection, it does not negate that the infection and all things resulting from its effect on the earth are manifesting and have manifested.

I need to look at this virus and its effects so as to trace the spirits that have been unleashed and are actively working in our world at this time:
– UNEMPLOYMENT = lack, poverty, hopelessness/despair, suicide, loss, homelessness;
– SHUT-DOWN = quarantine, shelter-in-place, isolation, separation, loneliness, fear, anxiety, abandonment;
– SICKNESS & DEATHS = sorrow, loss, grief, lostness, doubt, mistrust
– RACIAL PROTESTS = anger, violence, hatred, malice, murder, injustice

As I stop and look, really look, I see how I have taken the state of the spiritual environment for granted. My lack of attention to it has exposed my family and me to spiritual infection.

Masks are being required more and more as a defense against this virus. Countries are pushing for their people to wear masks as their personal protective equipment (PPE). But what spiritual PPE have we put on as a spiritual defense against those spirits that have accompanied the pandemic?

In my studies and subsequent teachings on “Overcoming Emotions”, I realized that our senses as well as our emotions were given to us as organs of perception that will help us navigate and survive in this world. Moreover, we saw that this perception is not just limited to the physical realm but is also connected to the spiritual realm. With the onslaught of issues arising from the effects of this pandemic, our emotions are functioning as God designed them, attempting to convey to us changes in our spiritual environment. They are doing so in an effort to help us navigate and survive this pandemic; to protect and preserve not just our physical lives but our spiritual lives as well.

With this in mind, I ask myself, “Could it be that what I have been feeling these past weeks was me actually sensing activities or pulses in the spiritual realm? Could it be that the symptoms of feeling mentally, emotionally and spiritually faint or tired/fatigued/exhausted are an indication that I have been spiritually exposed?”

If so, I need to QUARANTINE. I need to stay home and monitor my spiritual health. I need to spiritually distance myself from every evil spirit that is seeking to infect me with Lack, Loneliness, Despair, Anxiety, Fear, Anger, Doubt, and every other spirit that is actively working through this pandemic. I need to go to my place of refuge – God – and find shelter under His wings (Psalms 46:1; Psalms 91:1). I need to take the time that I need to be spiritually recovered and be back to full strength again.

Holy Spirit, You are ever-working, ever-active. You know just how to get our attention and how to lead and guide us into our truth, that is, the truth we need for today. You are my parakletos indeed – the One who walks alongside me as my Help. May I connect with you once more in the place of prayer and find strength for the battle. May Your all-sufficient grace be realized in me as I fight for my survival and that of my family. May I walk with the sight of the Spirit, knowing that my steps are ordered by You. – AMEN!

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Prayer of Warfare for My Family

By the power and authority invested in me, through the blood and name of Jesus, I contend for my family today!

  • Every attack against this family is arrested!
  • I revoke every assignment against us and interrupt every demonic activity in and around our lives; I prohibit their influence; they shall NOT succeed!
  • I violently object to every Satanic claim over our lives, over our progress and prosperity and over our souls!
  • I demolish every Satanic roadblock against this family!
  • I revoke every curse pronounced against this family!
  • I pronounce divine reversal of every demonic conspiracy against the leadership of this family!
  • Every counsel against us will come to nought!
  • I unblock every stopped up well in this family!
  • I declare that this family is blessed with the blessings of the Lord!
  • Doors of opportunity and favor are opened to us now!
  • This family is seeing AND will see the manifestation of the plans and purposes of God, as prophesied over our lives!
  • We will be the head and not the tail; above only and not beneath!
  • We will be known for holiness and righteousness and will be a godly example to nations!
  • This family will walk in the power and leading of the Holy Spirit!
  • Prayer, anointed prayer, effective prayer will be the nature and trademark of this family!
  • This family will bear fruit and experience expansion and growth!
  • Our roots will grow downward and our shoots upward!
  • We will remain planted in God and on fire for God until He returns or calls us home!

“The Breaker, the Messiah, who opens the way, is going up before us [liberating us].
We are breaking out, passing through the gate and going out;
with our King going on before us, and
The Lord at our head.” – Micah 2:13

THANK YOU, O BREAKER & STRONG DELIVERER FOR THE VICTORY….In Jesus’ name, AMEN

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Left Wide Open

Not a man remained in Ai or Bethel who did not go after Israel. They left the city open and went in pursuit of Israel. – Joshua 8:17 (NIV)

More and more lately, as the Lord speaks to me, He keeps on reminding me about the FIGHT. He cautions me not to forget who I am and whose I am. He admonishes me to be on guard. Today, I was reminded of this once again when I re-read this journal entry from 2 years ago. I pray it is a blessing to you, as you stay positioned in the The Fight.

On Friday morning, I read Joshua 8 as my devotional and, one verse in particular stood out to me – verse 17. It pointed out that all the men of Ai left the city open and pursued after Israel. As I read the full account , two thoughts penetrated my mind: LEFT WIDE OPEN and DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN!

As I pondered on both thoughts, I heard that we must constantly be reminded that we are in a war. Although we often forget this fact, our adversary does not. As such, he is always strategizing against us. One such strategy is SETTING AN AMBUSH against our city; against our dwelling space. An ambush is a surprise attack on someone from a concealed position. Let’s read the account to see how this was executed:

Joshua 8: 4- 7 (NIV) –“Listen carefully. You are to set an ambush behind the city. Don’t go very far from it. All of you be on the alert. 5 I and all those with me will advance on the city, and when the men come out against us, as they did before, we will flee from them. 6 They will pursue us until we have lured them away from the city, for they will say, ‘They are running away from us as they did before.’ So when we flee from them, 7 you are to rise up from ambush and take the city. 13 So the soldiers took up their positions—with the main camp to the north of the city and the ambush to the west of it. That night Joshua went into the valley. 14 When the king of Ai saw this, he and all the men of the city hurried out early in the morning to meet Israel in battle at a certain place overlooking the Arabah. But he did not know that an ambush had been set against him behind the city.

STEPS OUR ADVERSARY TAKES IN AN AMBUSH AGAINST US:
1. He sends something that would lure (draw) us away from our “city”: our place of security, protection, or refuge. Something that seems like an attack but it’s just a distraction.
2. He gives us a false sense of security or victory.
3. He gets our attention fixed on the pursuit.
4. He causes us to be in a hurry to achieve, to rush out without first doing the proper reconnaissance, not realizing that an ambush has been set.

Scripture teaches us that we are to be on guard. 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) states, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” One of the things that ensures that we are not left open or vulnerable is prayer.

When life’s cares, joys, pains, schedules, etc. come in the way of my prayer life, I am as that city, left wide open.

When I stop being vigilant in prayer, stop being cautious in my daily interactions, and become relaxed spiritually, I am left wide open.

Prayerlessness makes me vulnerable to the enemy.

Prayerlessness weakens and eventually removes my cover/protection and exposes me to the deception of the enemy.

Prayerlessness is evidence that I have let down my guard.

Friends, if you and those who are a part of your space are going to remain protected, you need to guard against leaving your “city” wide open. Do not be ignorant of the devices of the adversary. Remember who you are. You have been called to and anointed to fight. You are `ezer – an agent of the kingdom heaven empowered as a military ally to fight on behalf of the citizens of this kingdom. Remember, even when it seems as if nothing is happening, the fight is still on. DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN and DON’T BE FOUND WIDE OPEN!

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Allergens

…to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14 KJV).

I have never been diagnosed with sinusitis nor a sinus infection but, I have had some serious allergy problems during certain seasons. A few years ago, I was out of school for a couple of days because of allergies. My allergic reaction was so bad that my usual dose of Zyrtec could not relieve the symptoms. I had to get a butt shot (OUCH!!) to be able to return to school.

During the spring and summer months, my immune system goes into major battle mode. For at least half of the year, my body wages war against allergens. An allergen is any substance that triggers the immune system, causing an allergic reaction. Some allergens include dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander. Although harmless, they are recognized by my immune system as harmful. Whenever they are present in my environment, my immune system overreacts producing antibodies to attack and destroy them, thus defending the body from this invasion.

The battle is evident by the symptoms manifesting in my body: sneezing, watery eyes, itching eyes, ears, roof of mouth, throat and nose, congestion, runny nose, and sometimes wheezing. The severity of the symptoms are determined by the type and amount of allergens encountered and by how my immune system decides to react to them. So now, I can tell when there is an allergen in my environment. I may not be able to identify its source or what exactly it is, but I know it is present. How do I know? The symptoms.

However, although these allergens are harmless, there are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that do pose a real threat to the body. The immune system is given to us to defend the body, by keeping these invaders out or by destroying infections caused by those invaders that successfully gain entrance.

As in the natural so it is in the spiritual. There are things in our spiritual environment that triggers our spiritual immune system to go into battle-mode. I want my spiritual system to be so sensitive that I can detect when the adversary or his agents are in my environment. I want to be acquainted with the symptoms that will inform my understanding that a battle is raging in my spiritual atmosphere. I want to be aware of when there is a need to launch an attack, neutralize the potency of every would-be invader, and stop their advancement, causing them to retreat. This sensitivity will guarantee maintenance of my spiritual health and wellbeing.

One of the ways that I can gain such sensitivity is by growing from being a babe in Christ that can only handle milk into the woman that God had designed and equipped me to be; that perfected woman – one who is of full age – skilful in the word of righteousness. This acquired skill develops by reason of use, that is by having my senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5: 13-14 KJV).

Heavenly Father, please help me to grow up. Help me in this discovery of who I am to find myself in Your word and be transformed. May I become able to handle the strong meat of Your word. Help me to practice living by Your word daily so that by reason of use, I can have my senses exercised to detect the invaders in my atmosphere and be successful as a warrior in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!