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I want to apologize to those who stopped by last week to link up and couldn’t find last weeks post. It was here, but it couldn’t been seen. My website person was doing some work and accidentally hit a button making it invisible on the blog post page. YIKES :0 But all is fixed.
Welcome to week #2 of my new series: The Art of War: Prepping for Any Life Battle – A Series on Spiritual Warfare
Last week, I kicked off my new blog series “The Art of War: Prepping for any Life Battle.” If you missed it, you can click here or the image below to get caught up.
Last week I wrote:
“yes, we have a real enemy, his name is satan. People are not our enemy, even though sometimes it feels like it. And, no, we do not have to be afraid of him, but we must be aware of him.”
This week we are going to talk about who our enemy really is.
WEEK #1
Know Your Enemy
The Nature of Our Enemy[1]
One of the foremost rules of warfare is: know your enemy. The more you know about your enemy-how he thinks, what motivates him-the better you are able to devise a means of counteracting his moves and defeating him. To overcome the enemy of our eternal spirit, the devil, the first thing we must know about him is his nature.
The devil is often depicted humorously as a little imp with a pitchfork sitting on a person’s shoulder and whispering naughty things into a person’s ear. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The devil is always seeking our destruction. He is forever on the prowl, never satisfied with his most recent kill. It is his nature to destroy, to kill, to maim, to devastate. Jesus said that the devil comes at us with the purposes of stealing anything of material value from us, killing our relationships, and destroying our physical and emotional health and ultimately, our lives (John 10:10).
The devil is a fierce opponent, a deadly enemy. There is nothing funny or humorous about his tactics or his intent, and there certainly is nothing to laugh about if you are his intended victim. We do ourselves a serious disservice if we discount his existence, take him lightly, or believe that we are capable of defeating him in our own strength.
John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
1 Peter 5:8-9 – Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
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The Word of God is clear, we have an enemy that seeks to steal, kill and destroy us. He is a roaring lion seeking to devour. Who does he devour? The unaware, the unprepared, the ill equipped, and the lion deniers.
Who is exactly is satan:[2]
At one time, Lucifer, “daystar” or “son of the morning,” was a very special archangel created by God to be the angel of worship. Just as the cherubim covered the mercy seat, Lucifer was the covering angel created to dwell eternally in the throne room in the presence of God.
You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones (Ezekiel 28:14).
Lucifer’s problem was that he wanted to be an equal with God and we all know that God does not share glory. He was stripped of his beauty, wisdom, and position, and cast from heaven. We know him today with the name of satan.
How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit (Isaiah 14:12-15).
Because of his jealousy, Satan set out to destroy mankind’s personal relationship with God. If he couldn’t have a relationship with God, then he would make sure no one did.
Satan’s idea of relationship is a dictatorship leading to slavery and bondage. His attack is direct – divide a household so it cannot stand. This is why we see such an assault against healthy relationships in our world today.
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand” (Matthew 12:25 NIV).
Just as satan sowed seeds of doubt in the mind and heart of Eve in the Garden, He does the same to us today. He doesn’t have any new tricks.
- His attack on us are in the arena of our mind, thoughts, and our actions. He gets us to question who we are.
- He gets us to doubt we can even do what God is asking us to do.
- He tries to convince us we are weak, unable, broken down.
- He persuades us that God doesn’t even care.
- He pushes to get us to give up.
- He leads us to believe the road is too long, the path is too hard and the work is too heavy.
Even though he tries to do all of these things and more, we must stand our ground. Don’t take his bait, instead be aware of his deception and his lies. Do not be afraid of satan or his minions, but rather understand what the Word of God says and what weapons of warfare God has given and equipped us with.
Know, that no matter what we face, God is for us and we are already victorious in Christ Jesus.
[1][1] https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon-illustrations/100313/enemy-by-steve-kinnard
[2] This section is an excerpt from my book: The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for others
Welcome and Thank you for joining me for #TuneInThursday it is an honor to have you here!
I would absolutely be honored if you would display this badge, or link back here in some way. Thank you!
Now let’s get this party started, feel free to link 1-3 posts:
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Check out the newest #Podcast from @Dare2Hear Episode 81: Dreams ... Messages from God ? Share on X
Episode #81
Dreams … Messages from God?
During this Covid Season, I have had many people reach out and ask if God does speak in dreams and if so, how do we know what it means? On today’s episode we tackle several topics such as:
- How do I discern if a dream is from God?
- What is symbolism and how does it play a role in dream interpretation?
- and the doozy:
- Will God show me in a dream that someone is going to die?
I had already planned on talking about dreams, because my newly revised dream symbol reference guide and journal is due to release at the end of the month and I will be hosting a dream workshop via zoom on November 14. Details on registration for the dream workshop will be forthcoming, please watch my website and social media for more details.
Dream Workshop: November 14, 2020
Details Coming Soon
You can listen to our previous podcast episode Dreams 101 click here: Episode #18
You can find Debbie’s Releasing God’s Heart: Through Hearing His Voice training here: www.d2htraining.com
“The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Bible Study: Living a Lifestyle of Encouragement” here https://amzn.to/2YJg91S
Check out the newest #Podcast from @Dare2Hear Episode 81: Dreams ... Messages from God ? Share on X
Would you please consider subscribing to my podcast on the platform of your choice, sharing it on your social media with friends and if you like what you hear, would you leave a review so others can know what you think.
For those who like to watch and not just listen, I will also be posting new episodes on my YouTube Channel. You can find it by clicking here.
New episodes will be released every Wednesday. Next week Episode #005: The Prophetic Isn’t Weird
Can I ask a HUGE Favor?
Would you Please Listen & LEAVE A REVIEW ON iTunes…
It know it may seem like a lot to ask, because it takes time. However, if you can leave an honest review after listening, it would really be a HUGE blessing. Each review helps the podcast rank higher and get more eyes. If you’re interested, here’s how you do it:
- Go to the iTunes podcast page for my show – CLICK HERE
- Click on the blue button that says “View in iTunes.” (If you are prompted to launch iTunes, you’ll need to do so)
- Listen to Episode 1 How to Hear the Voice of God
- Click on the “Subscribe” button
- Click on “Ratings & Reviews” tab (if on your computer) or “Reviews” (on your phone)
- Under the title “Customer Reviews” click “Write a Review”
- Leave a simple and honest review then click “Submit” and you’re done!
Thanks again for helping spread the news about the podcast!
With Much love and Appreciation,
Debbie
Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at: www.debbiekitterman.com
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YouVersion 7-Day Devotional
I am blessed and honored to have a 7-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible App. YAY!!! It is a great way to kick start the 7- days before my on-line Bible Study starts next week. I would be so blessed if you would check it out and share it with your friends. You can find it here: Be The Gift Someone Needs Today!
Have you had the opportunity to read my new book “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for others.” ? This book is about learning to hear the voice of God in our own life so we can respond to those God bumps and little nudges He gives us on a daily basis. God is calling us to be agents of encouragement and to be the gift the worlds needs today.
We live in a time, where those around us are in desperate need of a real encounter with Jesus and in need of encouragement. We are called to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13), and to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). My book will teach you how to step out and do just that.
To order your copy today: You can find it at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, OR your favorite online retailer, Plus, newly added, you can now get a signed copy from me. Click Here to order yours today!
We all have the opportunity to #BeTheGift of encouragement others need today.
A practical guide to what it looks like and how to live a lifestyle of prophetic encouragement.
Are you Ready to #BeTheGift Someone Needs today?
Words have power.
To encourage. To comfort. To strengthen. To heal.
Especially when they come from God.
The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Bible Study: Living a Lifestyle of Encouragement shows us how to follow Jesus by loving on and building up His church … one person, and one God-centered word, at a time. Diving deeply into Scripture, Pastor Debbie Kitterman beautifully unpacks the Biblical precedent of prophetic encouragement and teaches you how to hear from God. By doing so, you’ll bravely step into your calling to #BeTheGift others need.
In this stunning six-week study, you will:
- Examine the model of encouragement Jesus established for us.
Define the simple (and Biblical) concept of prophetic encouragement.
Learn to identify and test the voice of God in your life.
Explore activation exercises which strengthen your hearing muscles.
And gain confidence in your calling to build others up
Are you ready for six weeks that will change your life, deepen your relationship with God, and create ripples of encouragement that spread through those around you?
You can visit my store here on the website to order a signed copy.
To Purchase Amazon, click here.
Do you wonder if God still speaks today? Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally? Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?
Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to move you forward hearing from God?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need. I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others. He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you. The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice.
God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?
d2htrainging.com membership site is open, I invite you to check it out today, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, as you learn to hear Him speak to your heart.
Looking for other Great Inspirational Parties. Click Here to see where I Link-Up weekly.
Thanks for hosting another fantastic link-up, and for the reminder that we are already victorious in Christ. Wishing you a fantastic week!
You are welcome, Jed! Thanks for linking up this week and you are also welcome for the reminder that we are already victorious n Christ!
This is a good word, Debbie. I do not want to be unaware and unprepared!
Thank you Jerralea! I don’t want to be caught unaware or unprepared either.
We don’t like to think about him, but we sure do need to be aware. Thanks for this.
Lauren, you are so right. I don’t even like to capitalize his name. I don’t want to give him any importance, but we must be aware that he exists.
Thank you, Debbie, we are not ignorant of his devices, but sometimes I forget just how subtle his attacks can be. What a great reminder to be ready, use the armor God has given us and remember He has already won the victory!
You are most welcome Donna! I agree, I too can sometimes forget some of his tactics and the subtle attacks. Just being aware helps me to be prepared.
Reading your post, it’s not like I didn’t know the enemy’s tactics, but in reading your list I recognize that satan has been targeting me relentlessly of late in many of these exact ways. It’s somehow a comfort to know who I’m fighting because I also know Who fights for me!
Elizabeth, I am so sorry that you have been targeted lately by the enemy’s tactics. Now that you are aware and know how to pray and stand in faith, I believe the relentless attacks will cease, or at least you will be prepared to combat them Knowing you do not fight alone!