Battle of Prayer
‘ Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to both you and your ancestors. He did it to help you realize that food isn’t everything and that real life comes by obeying every command of God.’
— Deuteronomy 8:3 (TLB)
‘ Prayer does not change the purpose of God. But prayer does change the action of God.’
— Chuck Smith
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Christianity like almost every other activity has become very much Westernized and developed a somewhat distorted perception of war that is not consistent with the teachings of the Bible.
Our very anti-war culture believes that peace can be obtained without the use of force or the exercise of authority.
But back in reality, life teaches us that bullies don’t quit their bullying antics for your lunch money simply by you giving them all your money before school begins.
It requires an intervention of authority and justice to rein in the antics of the bullies and neutralize their negative influence.
Jesus describes the devil as a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Amazingly, many twenty-first-century believers think Jesus was using hyperbole here to describe Satan and his agenda.
But Jesus is not capable of exaggeration or lies, as He is the personification of truth. He is describing for us perfectly the character of Satan, who is described by the apostle Peter as an adversary (one who actively opposes) in 1 Peter 5:8.
Left unchecked, satan will break into your world to steal, plunder, kill, and destroy all the things God has brought into and blessed your life with. He must be resisted. He must be pushed out!
The greatest battle you will face in this life is staying connected with God in spirit and truth.
Jesus had to leave the crying of the crowd, the demands of the multitude, and the solace of His companions in order to keep His connection with God the Father strong.
Your flesh does not like prayer because it is not used to prayer. You have fed your flesh and its desires from the time you were a nursing infant, so a spiritual appetite must be something that is intentionally developed.
Remember, man, does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Prayer is accessing the limitless wisdom of God.
Prayer is activating the power of God however prayer is a discipline of the flesh. It is not a fruit of the spirit… you have to cultivate the habit deliberately and intentionally.
It is an invasion of the impossible, and prayer is the way your spirit recharges, confidence and courage replenish, and vitality is restored to your soul. Stay in the fight and battle to establish the victory God has for you through prayer.
LET US PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the grace that you have given me.
Today, I ask for inner strength to stay focused on you and your word. To focus on your fatherhood, not my need.
I ask for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation knowledge. May my heart be filled with the love of God.
I pray against and annul the influence and power of every spirit of deception, seduction, and greed in and around my life.
I speak life, diligence, self-discipline, self-control, and grace to every area of my life domain in Jesus’ Name.
May the everlasting arm of God continue to be my anchor indeed.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray Amen.