“Don’t Hold Back… In Spiritual Warfare!” Sunday January, 26

Dear RiverTown Family,

Today in my weekly email and blog, I’m simply sharing the scriptures and notes God has given me for Sunday.  I think they speak for themselves.  I know that many of you go through times when you experience intense spiritual attack in your walk with God.  The most important thing you can do is recognize that the problem you are experiencing is really spiritual warfare from Satan.  This change in perspective makes all the difference in the way you respond to the people and problems you face. Then you will learn the simple prayer, “Lord, is it warfare? Teach me to stand!”

I love you my precious church family and I am looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday.  

All for Jesus,

Pastor David Rathel

DON’T HOLD BACK… IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE!

Sunday, January 26th  

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:10-12

WHAT DOES THE DEVIL DO?

• HE BLINDS THE MINDS OF UNBELIEVERS.   The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…  2 Corinthians 4:4

• HE STEALS GOD’S WORD FROM YOU.   When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.  Matthew 13:19

• HE SETS TRAPS TO ENSNARE YOU.  …and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.   2 Timothy 2:26

• HE FIGHTS TO STOP YOU.   For we wanted to come to you-certainly I, Paul, did, again and again-but Satan stopped us.  1 Thessalonians 2:18

• HE PLANS TO DESTROY YOU.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8

WHAT CAN I DO? 

PRAY GOD’S WORD AND WILL UNDER SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY WITH A HUMBLE HEART!  

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.  Ephesians 6:13, 18

1 Peter 5:1-11 (NASB)

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders;

and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion,seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

REMEMBER… YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR BATTLES.

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.  2 Kings 6:15-17

REMEMBER… WE DO NOT FIGHT FOR VICTORY. WE FIGHT FROM VICTORY.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4