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This is War!
On December 7th 1941 the Japanese launched a sneak attack on the United States of American's Naval base at Pearl Harbor. This attack was a shock to the nation; similar to this were the attacks on the World Trade center in New York on September 11th 2001. Both were well planned and executed with precision. Subsequently, we declared war on the perpetrators of these acts. That was the natural response, immediate and without hesitation. Everyone was on board; we all wanted payback.
I submit to you that we must have the same mindset when we fight our war against the flesh. We must attack! We cannot simply sit back and endure or look to others to fight this for us; we have to be actively fighting everyday, all the time. Our minds have to be made up that we are no longer of the flesh. We are spirit and guided by that spirit, we can wage war against the flesh! We need to have resolve and commitment to victory.
Romans 8:7 “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.”
Romans 8:13 “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
These bible verses are evidence to the fact that this is a war, a life or death situation. In order to fight a war, we have to have information about our enemy. Who is it? What feeds it, and where is our enemy located?
I think we all realize the enemy is within us. Self-evaluation to find out what we are doing to supply and feed this enemy is essential and necessary. To defeat this enemy, he must be starved out and cut off. It can be done, but like any war its won by the battles we fight. We may lose a few ... but the army that wins the most battles wins the war! Satan is very good at telling us that we are losing and have no chance. He is a liar; we have the grace and mercy of our Father that saves us. Remembering that is one thing, but convincing ourselves that it is truth can be difficult. We feel guilty and worthless when we sin.
Jeremiah 31:19 “After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.”
We should feel badly, but when we repent we should get up, dust off, and continue to fight. What about the times we don't give in and we win? That feels incredible! I know that you all know what I am talking about. We need to hold on to that feeling, and when faced with sinning, recall that victory! It's ammunition for us.
James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Do we look to God’s word when in battle? Or do you rely on self to resist? I will tell you, self-reliance won't work. Go to God's word; it will protect you. The sword of the spirit is our weapon. Use it to fight. Pray for help, and God will hear you.
Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”
Some of us will live longer than others. Some wars don't last as long as others, but Plato once said "Only the dead have seen the end of war." So however long we live here on earth, we must know that what he said is our truth so prepare for battle my friends, for This is War!
Terry Ryan
