[Widget_Twitter id=”1″]
The Art of War:
Prepping for Any Life Battle – A Series on Spiritual Warfare
Over the summer my husband and I have been doing a sermon/conversation series called “The Art of War: Prepping for Any Life Battle.” Rather than preaching we have asked different people to take on Biblical topics around this title and share. We’ve changed our Sunday morning format so instead of the pastor preaching or sharing, it is a team of two people. This helps to spark conversation and gets people thinking. Now two perspectives are shared on the same topic and helps individuals have their own conversations.
When Covid hit earlier this year shutting down our churches, businesses, and our country, it became evident that many believers, some of which have been attending churches their whole life, were not prepared with the basic tools to combat what they were facing and feeling.
I get it. I mean, this is my first pandemic and I am sure for most of you, it is yours too. But no matter what we face, we should have a solid foundation and trust that God is in control and with His help we shall overcome any adversity thrown in our direction.
Understanding spiritual warfare, what is, how we combat it, and what the Bible has to say about it is for every believer. Welcome to my new blog series: Prepping for Any Life Battle – A Series on Spiritual Warfare
What is Spiritual Warfare?
I am so glad you asked. But first let me ask you a few questions:
Have you ever felt like there’s an invisible target on your back?
Have you ever wondered if there must be a neon arrow hovering above your head pointing at you saying “here they are”? (He’s over here, she’s over here)?
Have you ever felt like you are experiencing is more than just the average, natural everyday life’s problems?
Have you had thoughts that what you are going through is getting ridiculous, is not normal, is unusual, and just plain weird?
If you answered “yes” to even just one of the above questions, you have probably experienced spiritual warfare, even if you weren’t aware of it. Let me assure you, I do NOT think there is a demon hiding behind every rock waiting to pounce, nor should you.
What is Spiritual Warfare and what does the Bible have to say about it? Share on X
Maybe your thoughts went down this line of questioning when you read the question: What is Spiritual Warfare?
- Is there really an enemy?
- If so, then who is my enemy?
- Should I be scared?
- And finally, what does Scripture have to say about all of it?
Let me assure you, that 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.
Finally, here are some Scriptures that talk about our enemy and what he seeks to do in our lives and in the world today.
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.
Distraction by the stuff of this life in the natural visible world is a common and effective technique of the enemy to hold our focus away from the real battle. Remember, Jesus already won the war and is victorious, however his enemy the devil does not want us as followers and disciples of Christ to fully understand what that means or the effect it has in our lives.
2 Corinthians 4:18 – So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Colossians 2:15 – And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
As we begin to step out and move forwarding in the Kingdom things God has called us to, we should expect opposition from the enemy.
My previous Pastor once said, “if you don’t have opposition in your life, then you may be going the wrong direction.” I didn’t very much care for his way of thinking, and yet, I knew exactly he meant. When we are walking in obedience to Christ and what He has called us to, we are claiming and taking territory for the kingdom of God.
Another one of my pastors use to say, “the enemy, the devil doesn’t care if you and I are believers in Christ Jesus. He (satan) only cares if we are an effective one. Wow, there is some serious truth and soul searching we could do with that statement.
Why the Art of War ?
Maybe you’ve heard of the book, The Art of War by Sun Tzu? If not, in it, he covers all aspects of warfare and seeks to advise commanders on how to prepare, mobilize, attack, defend, and treat the vanquished. Sun Tzu thought that generals should be adept at the “military calculus” of taking into account anything and everything that could affect the outcome of a battle.
But we don’t have to read Sun Tzu’s book to understand his thinking on the art of warfare, or rather, spiritual warfare. Instead we need to read our Bibles and be filled with the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus was. Jesus’ first act as he “officially” began public ministry was to be baptized in water by John the Baptist and He also was baptized with the Holy Spirit (the dove descending upon Him) from heaven.
3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness
4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matthew 3:16 – 4:11 NIV).
WHAT SHOULD WE DO THEN ?
Be aware that no matter who you are, at some point in your life as a Christ follower, you will experience spiritual warfare. The Bible tells us Job was a righteous man and satan came before the Lord insisting that Job was only righteous, blameless, and shunned evil because the Lord blessed him (Job 1). But God knew otherwise. Satan was allowed access to Job, with one restriction, he couldn’t kill Job himself. Job stayed true to God in the midst of horrible tragedies with his family, his livelihood, and even his own illness and affliction.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4)
Check out these 3 things you need to deal with Spiritual Warfare Share on X
This scripture in James doesn’t say if you meet trials it says when you meet them.. In order to be prepared when they come, we take our cue from Jesus and what He experienced when He was driven into the desert to fast and pray.
1. We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit
The spirit descends on Jesus; equipping Him for what He will face in the desert during His 40-days of fasting. It is important to note that God is already pleased with Jesus before we see Him do anything or anything happens.
2. The #1 key to living, is living by the spirit
We need to be led by the Spirit. By this I mean, be willing to follow His leading, even if it leads you into the wilderness. Cooperate with the Spirit of God and allow Him to accomplish what He needs to in your life. Make sure you are filled with the Word of God so that when the tempter comes, you can quote Scripture and truth.
3. Resist the Enemy
Resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). When the tempter comes to lie, steal, kill and destroy, respond with the Word of God. Don’t rely upon yourself but fully rely upon God. Understand God is for you and standing with you (Rom. 8:31). He is your protection, your shield and your very present help in time of need. (Psalm 46).
Spiritual Warfare 101: Resist the enemy and he will flee! Share on X
What are your thoughts around spiritual warfare?
Have you experienced warfare in your life?
Tweet ThisWelcome 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:
[Widget_Twitter id=”1″]
Check out the newest #Podcast from @Dare2Hear Episode 80: Guest David Sliker: The Nations Rage Share on X
Episode #80
David Sliker ~ The Nations Rage
David Sliker’s book is a powerful and timely message for what we are living today. This message was written and has been carried in David’s heart long before we entered 2020. This book attests to the powerful truth that God gives His people answers and helps them discern the times and season so they can face anything free from fear.
While the spiritual atmosphere grows more toxic and society becomes more anti-God, Christians are engaging less and less with their faith in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. David and I cover a lot of topics including: The issue of the church being guided more by ideologies and emotions vs. theology and devotion; The cost of revival; and how it is irresponsible to prophecy revival without preparing the next generation for it.
You can connect with him here: https://www.davidsliker.com/
Get a copy of his book on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/36s0ecW
Listen at your favorite podcast provider, click here for options. OR watch it On Youtube by clicking here.
Check out the newest #Podcast from @Dare2Hear Episode 80: The Nations Rage with Guest: David Sliker Share on X
Episode #080: The Nations Rage on “Dare 2 Hear The Podcast” is now live!
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
Follow Debbie Kitterman
Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Instagram :: Pinterest :: FB Ministry Page :: LinkedIn :: Google+:: YouTube
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.
This topic can be so hard to understand but so important!
Lauren,
I so agree with you. Many are unaware of what Scripture says, or even unsure if it is a real thing. However, the season we find ourselves in lately clearly shows that it is very real indeed. Blessings!
There is definitely a sense of the warfare against us, not just as individuals, but in the Pacific Northwest and the rest of the west coast in particular. There is a heaviness that is palpable and the enemy thinks he is winning. Thank God for the army of believers that is praying and for the armies of heaven that are fighting on our behalf.
So very interesting. At times, I think this pandemic as been sent our way to remind us what is really important in our lives. The people around us and our communities. Not buying stuff and be consumers or making money as when we die the impact we made on our kids and other people and not the crap we had.
Just my humble thoughts.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.