WARFARE

A big topic but a real topic.  If we are walking in our calling then we will have spiritual warfare around us as there is a purpose we are about that the enemy would stop.

It strikes me that there are two types of warfare, the first being warfare as a result of us doing the right thing and taking ground and the second type being as a result of our own actions.

If we aren’t in warfare or you are sitting in a place where there is no warfare around you then I would question if you are about the Fathers business.  Why do I say that? It is because if you aren’t a threat then the enemy is happy to leave you just where you are as you are not having Kingdom impact. Now this position is a different position from being at peace in the midst of warfare.  You can be in a battle and be in peace and in fact this peace is where we should be if we are walking as a transformed individual in the Lord.

The first type of warfare we are in comes because you are impacting and you are shining the light in the Kingdom. You are taking territory or you are holding ground for the kingdom. Or it could be warfare in this area because your potential is growing, there have been words of prophecy over you and the enemy would stop you dead in your tracks before these new levels of you are reached. You are conscious that you about the Fathers business and the enemy is aware of this to.  We are given a lot of scripture about this.

1 Thessalonians 2:18

Therefore we wanted to come to you–even I, Paul, time and again–but Satan hindered us.

We know Paul was about the Fathers business and Paul recognised he was in a war and the enemy would do all that he could to stop Paul.

1 Peter 5:8-9

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Peter recognised he was in a spiritual war.

Paul and Peter probably two of the most recognised children of God post the resurrection and Jesus’s work on earth, knew that this was a spiritual battle and that it is around us all the time.  They recognised that in their walk the war was on.  In fact I believe if we could all see in the Spirit we would be amazed how close and real the warfare around us is.

So, we shouldn’t be surprised that we are in a war.  We should acknowledge it and use all that we have been given to battle it.  If you aren’t in a war then I wonder just how much you are doing in the kingdom for what you are called to do here on earth? Is it just comfortable for you?

The second type of warfare we can find ourselves in is as a result of our own actions.  It could result from our own stupidity, our sin or just the way we are living. The enemy will gladly keep you tied up in this type of warfare as long as you like because it means you are less effective in your kingdom walk and purpose.

I can think about a number of times in my life where I have done some stupid things.  When I do stupid things then the rules of this world apply and I will be subject to the consequences. I believe this has cost me time in my walk.  God can use these circumstances and redeem this time but I need to recognise what I have done and correct myself and change my actions (true repentance).

If I am in sin, then this is fertile ground for the enemy just to grind me down and enable the spiritual war to be against me.  Our Lord plays by the rules and if we sin then the enemy has free reign to bring the battle against us.  This is until we have true repentance.  But how often do we just step into sin and allow the warfare to continue and distract us and cause us pain. This warfare is a direct consequence of our own action.

Again we have biblical examples of this type of warfare resulting from our action.

James 5:12

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and [your] “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

James knew the power of our actions and he outlines it above.  Your words and actions carry power.  Use then wisely and don’t open yourself up to unnecessary additional warfare.

Judgement is warfare where we let sin have room in our lives.  Judgement occurs in the heavenly courtroom and is a result of something we have done.  Check out my previous messages around being a client or a son and also on repentance.  This judgement is going on all the time as the enemy is looking to bring down stuff on you as a result of your actions as he wants to reduce your impact.

James 4:11

Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

Again our words carry power.  Don’t say things that will allow warfare in your life.  Think about the words and the judgements coming out of your mouth.  Everything is heard and has an impact in the spitiual.

James 1:14-15

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

It doesn’t get much plainer than this.  Control your ungodly desires.  Don’t allow room for the enemy to use this against you.  Understand the enemy hates you and he will use every opportunity you give him.

God loves us so much that he gives us the ultimate gift of free will.  But free will also means he lets the full consequences come from our free will choices.  True love from him allows both sides of the free will actions.  But He has also given the opportunity for repentance to correct what we have done when we recognise it is wrong.

Ephesians 4:16

from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

The weapon of the body together in love and purpose.  We have each other and when we are in warfare we can share with each other for prayer, accountability and support.  A body knit together is really hard for the enemy to have an impact against.

So, let’s be practical and do the basic things

1. Recognise it is a spiritual battle all of the time.
2. Everything we do has a Spiritual impact whether positive or negative.  So lets aim to keep the ledger as much on the positive side as possible.
3. Stop sin!
4. Stop Offence!
5. True repentance!

Knowing that we are a spiritual battle let’s recognise it be about the Fathers business.  Let’s seek Him with all we have and look for the peace no matter what the circumstances are that we find ourselves in.  He knows exactly where you are and what you are facing and He wants you through that position, so give Him the child who walks in Him correctly, so He can allow you to win and get out.  There is a peace that you then reach that is undeniably in Him.

As I finish this I have the following words pouring into me from the Father

“I wish that all my children had a deeper knowledge of this area as they are ignorant of what is happening around them all the time.  This ignorance is not what I want as I wish to see full power and anointing in my children and not weakness.  Seek Me and I will show you what you need to do in your life to be in the correct position.  I will place you in a position of power and authority and I will see my desires fulfilled in you as you complete your purpose. This is a new season for being in the right place as I will release much upon you now and your presence in Me will be undeniable.  Seek Me my children, Seek.”