Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 10. (Take a minute to read it now.)
For though Kami walks in the flesh, she doesn’t Wage War, according to the flesh; for the weapons of Kami’s warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, AND bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and being ready to avenge all disobedience. (vs. 3-6)
Here it is in another translation:
For although Kami lives in the natural realm, Kami doesn't wage a military campaign employing human weapons, using manipulation to achieve her aims. Instead, her spiritual weapons are energized with divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses behind which people hide. (3-4 TPT)
Have you ever practiced putting your name in scripture? I like put my name in scripture because it feels so much more personalized to me. TALK ABOUT A RIGHT ON TIME WORD.
All I can say is "Lord, teach me how to better use spiritual weapons, energized by divine power to effectively dismantle the defenses which ___(person or thing, fill in the blank)___ hide behind.
Maybe it's a loved one, a friend, a family member, a coworker, someone in leadership or even someone we may not like or may even feel is an enemy.
It makes me think I need to make a list to keep on hand to pray over myself or other's when I am in the midst of a battle or something as small as an argument. Something as simple as a misunderstanding or disagreement requires the same kind of mindset. No matter how big or little it may seem, rest assured it's usually some sort of warfare. Im not sure about you but I certainly needed this reminder. It's so easy to get caught up in these sorts of things and even easier to get offended, but when we remember with whom/what the battle is really with, we can fight accordingly.
This is such a popular text and so easy to quickly read over, but today the ORDER of these verses stood out because the order matters to help us know how quickly things can spiral out of control.
1st we are taught we aren’t fighting with people but the spirit (or spirits) which is currently controlling that person. That is a great thing to remember during quarrels.
What weapons do we use to fight with? What is a fleshly weapon? Is it my go to?
I know Im quick to raise my voice or get defensive. I can also if really pushed may get physical.
We are instructed that our weapons should be spiritual. We aren't fighting a physical battle, we are fighting a spiritual one.
What kinds of weapons are we directed to use? Can you think of some...
Immediately I think of prayer. Also I say the name of Jesus out loud. If I can catch it quickly enough, I try to remember to say "It's not them." OR even "That's not me," especially when I have a thought cross my mind that isn't good.
The chapter goes on to say
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” (5-6 NIV)
2nd we must pay attention to "every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The point here is following a battle the Lord must want us to know heightened emotions will breed thoughts that need to be taken captive. It gives me discernment of what is likely to follow when I get in any kind of earthly battle. AND not only must I bring EVERY thought into captivity under Jesus.
Lastly, I must be ready to avenge all disobedience that is likely to follow after bad thoughts. How slippery the slope is from a thought to full on action that is sin.
Moral of the story: I get the impression if we don’t monitor our thoughts things can get even messier when problems arise if we aren't careful.
Thank you Lord for this clear path of what can happen in the middle of a battle if I am not aware of the potential pitfall for myself and others. Even the best of friends, closest of family members can fall prey to the ploys of the enemy. I am not immune to these tactics and neither are you. We must be aware.
I am so thankful for this reminder today as I am currently experiencing a battle AS WE SPEAK. I am putting on the armor of God and praying it over those that are in the battle with me. The enemy is trying but I will actively lay claim and take back what the enemy is trying to steal through scripture, playng worship music, prayer, the words I speak and how I come into agreement with the Word of God. I also like to listen to podcasts or sermons to get my head in the right space.
Here is one of my favorites, "Wrestle Until You Win" by Dr. Dharius Daniels
What is a method of warfare for battling in the spiritual realm I haven't already mentioned or possibly a verse you like to pray at these times?
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