WEEK 8 DAY 7: A SUMMATION

 WEEK 8  DAY 7    SPIRITUAL WARFARE   SUMMARY & REVIEW

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  Ephesians 6: 11 

Psychologists tell us that if you do something for six weeks in a row it can easily become a habit. Today we are concluding Week 8 and I hope that the development of a devotional time has become a “habit” for you. The Christian life is more than just a habit. It is a struggle. A daily, constant battle that we all face. The Bible has provided truth as to how we can best confront and defeat our enemies in that battle.

Therefore, it is important for us to remember:

• We have an enemy and we are involved in a great spiritual battle.

• He wants to destroy us and kill us.

• God has given us the spiritual resources we need to win that battle.

• We MUST utilize those resources.

• We must know WHAT they are.

• We must know WHERE they are.

• We should be daily prepared to fight and win that battle.

Looking to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I hope it is well with your soul.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=E8HffdyLd0c&list=RDAMVMRCTl4tUYIAg 

All comments and questions to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com

WEEK 8 DAY 6: THE KEY

 WEEK 8  DAY 6  THE KEY TO VICTORY

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:11

First and foremost, all spiritual battles take place in the arena of your mind. Satan is constantly waging a battle for the control of your mind. He makes promises he cannot possibly keep. He flashes tempting thoughts and empty promises. He is the father of all lies and he comes to you and says things like this:

“Go ahead and do it. No one will ever know.”

“Hey, that looks good. Why don’t you try it?”

“You need a lift and this will help you …”

When those thoughts enter your mind, instantly ask yourself: 

• Does this agree with God’s Word? 

• Is it true? Will this bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ? 

• Will it really help me to be a better Christian? 

• If not, run from it and leave it alone!

“I”d Rather Have Jesus” https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=u62uYEssk7o&list=RDAMVMeGq0J9IGmxQ 

All questions & comments to: jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 8 DAY 5: DOING MORE

 WEEK 8  DAY 5 WHAT WE CAN DO  (PART II)

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:11

The Christian is constantly facing a battle on three different fronts. We face:

1. The world - with all its pleasures, philosophies, political correctness and allurements.

2. The flesh - and its wide variety of temptations that are screaming for instant fulfillment.

3. The devil - who comes to steal, kill and destroy.

All three are formidable and powerful forces. We need all the help and resources we can muster. The Lord has made those resources available to us but we MUST use them daily. The only alternative is to live in constant despair and defeat. This is why little things such as Bible reading, prayer, consistent and faithful church attendance, and having good Christian friends to talk to from time to time is critical.

How often do you read the Bible?               

How frequently do you pray?

How often do you attend church?

Answer those questions and you will be able to tell if you are living in victory or not!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=eGq0J9IGmxQ&list=RDAMVMeGq0J9IGmxQ 

“Victory in Jesus”

All comments & questions to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 8 DAY 4: OUR ROLE

 WEEK 8 DAY 4   WHAT WE CAN DO PART I

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”   Ephesians 6:11

God has not left us on our own to face this battle. He has assembled and provided for us many and necessary available resources. It is important for us to know what these resources are because they are critical to overcoming Satan. We must use the spiritual weapons in our daily battle against the world, the flesh and the devil.

Six such weapons are mentioned in Ephesians 6:14-17:

The belt of truth --- always stand on the truth of God and His Christ.

The breastplate of righteousness -- to guard our hearts.

The shoes of the gospel of peace -- always leaving a trail of peace.

The shield of faith -- keep it high to protect the heart.

The helmet of salvation -- to protect our minds and attitudes.

The sword of the Spirit -- this is the precious Word of God.

We are to put on “the whole armor of God.” We must dress ourselves for battle each and every day. God expects us to do that!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=2KaHr_5U9Cg&list=RDAMVM2KaHr_5U9Cg 

“10,00 Reasons”  (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman

All comments & questions to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 8 DAY 3: WHAT JESUS DID!

 DAY 3: WHAT JESUS DID!

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”   Ephesians 6:11

In Matthew 4:1-11 we find the encounter of Satan against Jesus. As you study the passage you discover that Jesus used the infallible and powerful Word of God to defeat Satan! Consequently, all throughout His public ministry Jesus was confronted by the evil work of Satan:

To a man blind from birth, He gave sight.

To a lame man beside the road, Jesus enabled him to walk.

To an outcast woman, He forgave her sin.

To a despised leper, He completely cleansed.

To many people, dead in their sins, He gave life.

Jesus always overcame the temptations of Satan through the power of the Word of God. That is why it is so important for us to know it and know it well!

Look at these verses as you have time:

I John 3:8 - Jesus destroyed the works of the devil

Colossians 2:15 - Jesus made a public spectacle and triumphed over them

I John 4:4 - The Christ who lives in us is greater than the devil

Try this one for worship: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=2_TBCYcQGMw&list=RDAMVM2_TBCYcQGMw 

All questions & comments to  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 8 DAY 2: BATTLING SATAN

 DAY 2  SATAN: WHAT HE DOES

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”   Ephesians 6:11

In John 10:10 Jesus says that Satan has come to do three things:

To steal

To kill

To destroy

Satan’s names are many and they all reveal his character:

Satan  Matthew 4:10

Devil  Revelation 12:9

Serpent  II Corinthians 11:3

Prince of this world  John 12:31

Prince of the power of the air   Ephesians 2:2

God of this world  II Corinthians 4:4

Angel of light  II Corinthians 11:14

Father of lies  John 8:44

Adversary  I Peter 5:8

Dragon  Revelation 12:9

Roaring lion  I Peter 5:8

Evil one  Matthew 6:13

Satan is stronger than you.

He is more intelligent than you.

He is real subtle and works 24/7, 365!

Jesus is the only One who has defeated hIm! John 16:33

Immanuel Church in Nashville, TN:

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=TIoH6TPa5JA&list=RDAMVMTIoH6TPa5JA 

All question & comments to: jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 8 DAY 1: SPIRITUAL WARFARE

 DAY 1: SPIRITUAL WARFARE

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”    Ephesians 6:11

When you become a Christian, you enter a war zone! You enter a war whereby the victory has already been won but we still have to fight the battle. As a Christian, you have access to the greatest spiritual resources anyone could ever desire. One metaphor that the Bible uses to describe a Christian is that of a soldier. (II Timothy 2:1-3) A well trained and disciplined soldier who knows his enemy’s tactics, delusions, strategies and deceptions, will always win every confrontation.

The reverse is also true. An untrained, unaware, unprepared soldier will usually be defeated, kicked, bruised, broken and maybe even killed in battle. Because the battle is spiritual does not mean it isn’t real. It is real and we must be prepared for facing and defeating the enemy!

Are you trained in spiritual warfare?

Have you been prepared for spiritual battle?

Satan is real! See Ezekiel 28:11-19 = Satan is a fallen angel.

Read Isaiah 14:12-14 = Satan wants to be God! Look at the 5 "I wills"

Ezekiel 28:11-15 --- an anointed cherub or angelic being!

Listen to this song:   https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=GXI0B4iMLuU&list=RDAMVMGXI0B4iMLuUhttps://music.youtube.com/watch?v=GXI0B4iMLuU&list=RDAMVMGXI0B4iMLuU 

Direct all comments and questions to:   jblackwood1946@gmail.com