Supernatural: Spiritual Warfare
Since we were able to dream and imagination a world outside of ourselves, we have entertained the Supernatural.
...Just to name a few. But what are we really dealing with here? Is this knowledge or entertainment or a little of both? How much of what we see in movies is real and how much of it is ripped right out of the oldest story known to man? Well the truth is - both. Horror movies, mystery novels and even rock music all glorify the battle at hand: spiritual warfare. Indeed there is a battle for lost souls. Some are aware of this and do what they need to do to protect themselves. Others seek wisdom to learn of these spiritual pitfalls and make a diligent effort to avoid them. And then there are those who worship this way of life and make it a religion. Then there is the small percentage of the world that just doesn't care one way or the other and thinks all the preceding groups are just nuts. Well, no matter what you believe, the facts are the facts. We live in a "fallen" world away from universal peace and good will and our media allows us to expose every corner of our spirit - light and dark.
You are never pretty enough, skinny enough, strong enough, smart enough, tall enough, short enough you will never be "perfect" why? Because there is an unseen force that is embedded into the modern mind that without buying their product or paying for their service, you will not achieve perfection.
And then there is the obvious...
Guns...
...Cars
Money...
and Sex...
Without it even being said, we all know that there are more worldly desires out there in competition for our soul. Now, I left out addictions such as alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, and the abuses or extremes we press upon ourselves. Mainly because well it's self explanatory. Those things we impose upon ourselves only we can blame ourselves for. Those things that are pressed upon us by the world and its ways are things of an unseen force.
The Big Principle: How you "THINK" will determine - How you "LIVE".
The Battlefield of Spiritual Warfare is "OUR MIND".
2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Peter 5:8-9
It is the thought process that drives, directs, shapes, molds, and creates your reality. It starts with you. Keep a "sober" mind and a "sober" path will be created before you.
The unseen force of evil is a living breathing being with the intent to kill, steal, and destroy. And the enemy of man seeks you out like a lion on the prowl in the wild. The enemy is an opportunist.
So let's just say I subscribe to this point of view...how would I know if I am being "Spiritually Attacked"?
1. Failures lead to DESPAIR. When your will is weak, your guard is down and it is easier to be tempted to do something hurtful and harmful to yourself and others. (Zechariah 3:1-4)
2. Uncertainty leads to DOUBT. When you start to question yourself and second guess your best judgment, you know right, but do wrong, whatever your definition of right and wrong is, you go against the grain and break your own rules and/or the rules and principles you naturally uphold. Becoming indecisive gives "evil" and "opportunity" to sink in. (Genesis 3:1-5)
3. Ambitions become DISTRACTIONS. Guard your mind, body, and spirit. They are the core of you. When they are weak, you can become ill and illness can lead to death. Gain, sew and reap wisdom. (Genesis 3:6)
4. Anger becomes DIVISION. We have all at one point or another said or done something in anger that we regret. This is exactly what the "enemy" looks for to break you down and destroy your relationships and devour your life - breadcrumb by breadcrumb. Anger is hasty, but evil is ever-so-patient. And will wait for you to fall and then kick you when you are down. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
5. Desires become DECEPTION. It is perfectly natural to desire material things: food, clothing, shelter and other necessities of life. Too much of anything will destroy you from the inside out. (Matthew 4:1-11)
6. Anxiety becomes DREAD. Take time to pace yourself in life and in spiritual matters. Getting ahead of yourself will only force you to fall over your own feet and hit the ground. Getting ahead of your teacher will only force you to miss something of grave importance that you needed to learn. You may regret jumping ahead when you realize that you missed the whole point, the whole message, the bigger picture. (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Sometimes, it's just US! We carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Sometimes, it's just our own baggage pulling us down and holding us back. That's when you have to do what some people will not:
GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY
James 1:14
Yes, believe it or not, we tempt ourselves and cause ourselves to fail. It's not bad enough we have the world trying to take us down and the unseen forces of evil trying to eat us out, but now we have to protect our eyes, ears, and hands from seeing, listening, and idling in unhealthy destructive actions and behaviors. (Phew! Sounds like a lot of work!
Well, the activity of Warfare is RESISTING and DRAWING NEAR.
Root yourself in love and devotion with a passion for self and others; knowing that there is a Higher Power that loved you first and showed you how to pass love on.
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| Draw Nigh |
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| Seek and Sew the Truth |
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| Ask and Receive
James 4:7-8 ; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ; Psalm 8:2
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In conclusion, I leave you with this:
Protect yourself and the ones you love by bringing them up in love, life, and wholesome fulfillment. When you think you know it all, ask yourself what is it I do not know and more knowledge will come to you.
- DeMaster Thomas
...sleep now...
Ephesians 6:10-17
