Spiritual Warfare

Sorry.....no pics right now- our camera well let's just say with several little hands sometimes things happen and um....yeah it's time to go shopping to get another. Ooooppsss.

So yesterday & Saturday & throughout the nights......we have been facing something. Something not normal everyday. Or at least not what most people think of as everyday. We have been facing Spiritual Warfare. What is that- you ask????

Well I do not pretend to be a great theologian. I have never gone to seminary......but I do know that there are times and situations in our lives that are not of God. Not that God is not present - guarding, and protecting, but there are times when we are attacked. Well we have been attacked. Without going into too much detail- it was from people we thought were on our side. That always makes it harder when the attack comes from friends- people that are supposed to have your back. People that say one thing and do another.

It has to do specifically with the camp. For those of you who don't know Jason and I are camp directors of a Christian Camp. It is great! WE live and work at the camp. We host retreats all year long on most weekends. We train summer staff and get to sort of play temporary mommy and daddy to these wonderful young people who are seeking God with all their hearts. We get to lead worship all summer, and lead staff bible studies, and lead campers to a walk with Christ or a closer walk with HIM! I mean- how does it get any better than that?

There are some issues when you are fighting for those that are lost. Wanting to show Christ to as many as possible! Wanting the whole world to see HIM in a much closer and deeper way! That is- it is a FIGHT! It doesn't come easy. WE have been in the camping ministry for over 10 years full time and were both summer staff for many years before that. We have experienced many times, battles over what God was going to be using later for HIS GLORY!

So the key is really that when things happen- don't just think it is no big deal- the opposite is true. It is a BIG DEAL, because it can either go terribly wrong on your part or it can be turned around- by GOD ONLY! HOW? Well, if you let these things bug you and take over your time, your every thought, your time with God, your attitude- then you are letting the enemy win.

When you surrender every thought that is taking your mind off of what it needs- Christ, prayer time, Scripture time, focusing on your husband/wife, children, you are giving those things literally to your FATHER & letting HIM deal with your enemy. When you try to do it on your own YOU WILL FAIL! You will sink into depression, you will start having bad attitudes, you will forget your closeness with Christ, you will make up excuses as to why you can't make time for what is most important....and therefore fall flat.

It is a real battle for our minds. Therefore scripture gives us some clear guidance as to the truth & the TRUTH is we should never be afraid of Spritual Warfare- why?

1 John 4:4 "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."

Ephesians 6:12-13 "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. Therefore put on the full armore of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stnad your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Philipians 4:4-9 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or recieved or heard from me, or seen in me- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

When satan tries to attack you- make you think you are weak (we are all weak, but not with the power of GOD!), make you think that God has forgotten about you, tries to whisper all kinds of ridiculous things in your ear......PRAY, fast, read HIS WORD, get on your knees, go before HIS THRONE, and know that OUR GOD IS BIGGER THAN ANYTHING - ANY LIES whispered in your ears.

If we are God's then our lives have been bought with a price- God's OWN BLOOD shed for our sins. Our short falls have been cancelled. Our sins erased time and time again- and forgotten. When someone tries to tell you otherwise- RUN TO HIM!!! Rest in HIS ARMS and KNOW that HE ALONE can GIVE YOU REST! When the darts start flying- know your ARMOR!!!

Praying for all to KNOW HIM!