“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Spiritual warfare. William Gurnall says that all Christians are in the battle whether they realize it or not, and that the war is so serious that it makes the cruelest battle between human armies seem like child’s play.* But what is spiritual … Continue reading The battle you’re in whether you know it or not
spiritual warfare
Our fears are afraid of God
Fear is all around us, and sometimes within us. That’s why Psalm 27:1 needs to be invisibly tattooed on our heads and hearts: “The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” It’s a rhetorical question. The answer is ‘No one!’ Recently I was listening to a song by Ross King … Continue reading Our fears are afraid of God
Muting the demonic tongue
Max Lucado took a group of 500 people to Israel. One day they held a Bible Study on the steps of the Temple Mount, a location where Jesus himself gathered with his disciples. For Lucado’s lesson he chose John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that … Continue reading Muting the demonic tongue
Not lacking the arm of God
Yesterday we talked about being adopted by God and the new special status that gives you. You can be at peace and be confident. You are chosen. You are loved. You are royalty. Today let’s flush out another benefit of being adopted by God. Writing in the 17th century, William Gurnall said: “He who has … Continue reading Not lacking the arm of God
Stand firm on your knees
There are times when you need to stand firm in your faith. No doubt about it. You can get pushed (or body checked) off-centre by a variety of forces or false teachings—unless you are standing firm. One of my favourite verses from 1 Corinthians 15 is verse 58. Paul had just taught them about the … Continue reading Stand firm on your knees
Battlegrounds without bombshells
Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the Lordship of Jesus and the difference it makes in our lives. When Jesus appeared to Thomas after his resurrection, he invited him to touch one of his wounds so that Thomas could confirm what he was seeing. In response he cried out: “My Lord and … Continue reading Battlegrounds without bombshells
Aiming ammo at allies?
Neil Anderson fought in the Second World War. His unit was facing what was known as the Siegfried line, a set of defence fortifications facing German’s border with France. Looking out over the landscape it seemed harmless. But a keen eye determined that what looked like a normal barn was actually a well-camouflaged bunker housing … Continue reading Aiming ammo at allies?
Live securely (in the midst of battle)
In yesterday’s devotional I encouraged you to acknowledge that the battle of spiritual warfare is real. God is on the warpath against evil, sin, and darkness—and many of his foot soldiers are often taking a nap. Neil Anderson and Timothy Warner observe: “The difference between military warfare and spiritual warfare is that we are always … Continue reading Live securely (in the midst of battle)
The battle is real
“In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come … Continue reading The battle is real
The hedge of protection
As a pastor, I’ve had many people pray for a “hedge of protection” around me. I’ve also prayed it for other people. Maybe you have too. But what is it? And where does the idea come from? As far as I can tell it comes from the biblical book of Job. Job was a faithful … Continue reading The hedge of protection
