Picture in your mind a battlefield. The enemy is formidable and armed with their weapons of battle. What are those weapons? Lies, deception, temptation, fear, chaos, and all things evil. As you look around at your fellow soldiers in this war, you catch a glimpse of an enemy soldier lurking behind the ranks. That enemy is whispering lies to the troops. The enemy seems to know their weapons well and how to use them skillfully. You’re certain that the battle will soon be fully raging in all-out war. There have been many small skirmishes, but nothing that has tried the troops like what is about to come.

You know that your side of this war also has weapons, and you look around at your fellow warriors, and your heart sinks. Look at them! Where’s their armor? They’re dressed in shorts, Hawaiian shirts, and sandals. What happened to the battle gear that the Instruction Book described? You think hard, trying to remember what the Book said. Something about putting on armor, but nobody in your troop seems to have put on any armor.

Peeking out from under a bunk, you notice that somebody had hidden the Instruction Book. It was opened to a section about the battle gear. As you pick it up to begin reading, a voice whispers from behind you, “You can read that later. The battle hasn’t started, and some of your fellow soldiers are watching TV and playing cards in the other room. That will be much more fun than reading this ancient book.” The whispering voice made sense. Why upset the troops with stories of battle and tales of an enemy when there are much more interesting activities to do?

You know that you are armed for battle, but as you look down at your feet, your heart sinks. You only see sandals, but you recall the Book instructed, “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). Spiritual sandals just aren’t spiritual battle gear.

Is that just an imaginary story? Something that makes for interesting reading but just not applicable to you or your fellow soldiers? Sadly, most Christians are clad in vacation clothing rather than the full armor of God.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).

There is a war raging all around us, but many Christians aren’t fit for battle. They’ve chosen to listen to a watered-down Gospel that tickles ears and doesn’t prepare anybody for war. I have to be honest and say that I’ve attended churches where the preacher has no grasp of Scripture. There is a growing trend found in many pulpits to ignore the battle, make the congregation feel comfortable and cozy, and send them to battle in flip-flops. Pastors should know Scripture and be able to discern the times in which we live. Sadly, in this day and age of softening God’s word so that congregations and offerings grow, God’s word has gone missing. That’s another piece of the armor that seems to be misplaced.

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). 

Christ hung on a cross, shedding every drop of His blood in order to offer salvation to all of humanity. That salvation has to be accepted by each individual. Protect your head and brain from enemy attack. Wear your salvation like a helmet to protect you from the lies of the “feel good” Gospel. Your salvation was purchased at a great expense but is offered to you freely. Admit that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself. Your sin has condemned you to eternity in Hell, but you have a choice. Choose to repent of your sin and accept the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for salvation.

Too many Christians stop there, “I’ve gone to the altar and mumbled a prayer, so I’m set for eternity.” Well, if your trip to the altar and your repentance were sincere, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. Now you need to show evidence of your changed attitude and turn from your sin. Pick up the “…sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17b). Don’t wait for a preacher to arm you, but allow God to fit you for battle. Pick up your Bible, study it, and apply it to your life.

In studying Scripture for yourself, you’ll learn that there is a real spiritual battle raging. It began in the Garden of Eden and has never eased up. The unseen realm is very real and overflows into the physical realm.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Our enemy is not flesh and blood… it’s not people. It may look as if our enemy is human, but we all have spiritual ears. We can choose to listen to Satan’s voice and act out his evil toward fellow humans, or we can choose to listen to God and show His love to others.

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).

We are to love our fellow Christians. Well, we need to love people in general, but our brothers and sisters in Christ are family. Don’t waiver from God’s truth.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

If you are sitting in a congregation where the preacher compromises God’s truth, you need to use Scripture to rebuke the teaching. Does your congregation accept sexual perversion? Get out of there. If you continue to listen to liberal teachings, you allow your spiritual armor to be tarnished. If you continue to listen to false teaching, you will be shod in flip-flops rather than having your feet shod with the Gospel truth. Stand firm on God’s truth, and don’t waiver.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14). 

You need to know God’s truth by knowing His word. Put on His armor, and don’t take it off.

How can you know a false teacher? First, you need to know God’s truth. If your pastor doesn’t rebuke sin, there’s a problem. If your pastor doesn’t teach that Jesus Christ was God incarnate, there’s a problem. If your pastor doesn’t understand how important Israel is to God, there’s a problem. False teaching comes from Satan. Just as he confounded Eve in the Garden by twisting God’s words, that evil being is still twisting Scripture. You need to know God’s truth and stand firm on your faith.

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16). 

When you come to faith, and especially if you allow your faith to guide your life, you become a target for the enemy. God won’t let you be a casualty of the spiritual war, but you need to stand with Him, not against Him. When Jesus was in the wilderness fasting and praying, Satan, in all his pride and arrogance, tried to twist God’s words to the One who wrote those words. Jesus was in the beginning with God, and He created all things.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1: 1-3). 

John goes on to say that the Word was made flesh. The Word was Jesus… God in the flesh. This is truth. You can either believe it, or you can believe Satan’s lies. Personally, I believe God. As Satan tried to manipulate Jesus into sinning, he pulled Scripture out of context and twisted the meaning. Jesus cannot be fooled, and Satan lost that battle. Satan is always a loser.

Your faith will be challenged, but don’t compromise. Parents, you need to teach your children God’s truth and prepare them for the spiritual battle they will face. Fathers, be sure you are teaching your sons to be godly men. Lead by example. Mothers, teach your daughters to honor God and not to compromise their faith by living worldly lives. I am horrified at what is being taught in public schools, and any Christian parent who accepts the curriculum that’s being taught needs to examine their own faith. Anyone who claims to be a Christian yet can teach children Satan’s lies also needs to examine their faith to see if it is real. Never compromise God’s truth. Study to know what you believe and why you believe it.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). 

Scripture is truth from beginning to end, and it never changes. If you think Scripture should be “updated” to fit into modern society, then you need to check your spiritual armor. You’re allowing it to become tarnished. Satan’s fiery darts are messing with your mind.

Don’t forget to pray. Prayer is an important piece of God’s armor. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). 

Praying for all saints? These aren’t humans whom the pope has deemed special. If you are a person who has submitted to Christ and know that your righteousness is only through Him, you are a saint, holy and set apart for God. Live your life to honor Him, and never be ashamed to openly let your faith be known.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). 

Wear God’s armor proudly, and never be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.

The spiritual battle may be unseen by human eyes, but it is all around. It is spilling into the physical realm and manifesting in the acceptance of the moral decay and mental illness of confused people who think they are something they aren’t. People are not animals, girls are not boys, and boys are not girls. No matter how much you mutilate your body, males are males, and females are females. Stand firm on God’s word, put on the full armor of God, and be ready for battle.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

 

We can find so much to worry about. The horrible war against Israel, corrupt government officials in every nation, antisemitism, persecution against Christians, genetic tampering of food, sin being embraced while God’s truth is being rejected, and the list goes on and on. Worrying and fretting won’t help at all. When we give in to worry, we have turned our hearts away from God. Instead of praying and trusting Him to see us through every situation in life, we hold on tightly to our fears.

“Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). 

The word “careful” comes from the Greek “merimnao” and means to be anxious or troubled with cares. In this verse, Paul encourages us not to be anxious or fretful about anything. I know that’s easier said than done. Remember that Paul faced many situations where he could have let his fears rule his life. He had faced many beatings, he was stoned and left for dead, he faced shipwreck, and more. In spite of knowing that the next person he shared the Gospel with could have him jailed, Paul lived his life to serve Jesus. He had learned to pray about everything instead of being upset or worried about his troubles. Instead of allowing fear to stop him from what God called him to do, he prayed and found peace no matter what happened to him.

That’s easier said than done, but we can find that same peace through prayer.

Prayer needs to become a habit for every Christian. Think of things you do habitually, such as cracking your knuckles, twisting your hair, or lashing out at others with hurtful words; then, think of praying as a matter of habit. Can you imagine how much kinder your words would be if you always prayed before speaking? Or how praying could help you overcome the fear of sharing the Gospel?

The Apostle Paul wrote to believers in Thessalonica, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19). 

It’s not always easy to be thankful for situations, but this verse doesn’t say to be thankful “for” everything but to be thankful “in” everything. If you keep your mind on Heavenly matters, you will find that you aren’t plugging your ears to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and life will take on a new meaning.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33). 

Don’t worry and fret about what to eat and what to wear, and don’t seek after the things of this life, but seek God’s desire for you and serve Him daily. Advertisements make sure we think we need a new car or more stylish clothing, but God provides what we need, not necessarily what we want. Pray about it, and you’ll find peace in knowing that God will always provide. God’s peace will fill your life. Don’t forget to thank Him.

Much of our anxiety comes from telling God what He needs to do for us and fretting if we don’t get it immediately. Instead of being anxious about what we want, we need to just talk to Him about our wants and wait for His answer. It isn’t always easy to submit to God, but when we acknowledge that God wants the best for us and that He knows the future, we will find peace in waiting for His perfect answer.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). 

Those words from Peter came from experience. When he was young, he was very rash, but he mellowed with age. We all must learn to prayerfully talk to God about our wants and desires while humbly submitting to God’s best desire for us. That will calm our anxiety and keep us from fretting so much.

I remember when I was young, I felt as if life was passing me by. I wasn’t married, but I wanted to be. I had a job that I really didn’t like, but it did pay well. I told God every night what I needed to be happy, but every day I was disappointed and sad. Finally, in God’s perfect timing, all of my dreams came true. God knew that there was a wonderful man He had chosen for me. I could have saved a lot of tears and anguish if I had simply waited for God to bring things together.

There’s a lot to be troubled about in these last days in which we live. The entire world is upside down. Men think they’re women, which is impossible. Women think they’re men, which is also impossible. Children are convinced they’re animals and demand to be treated as such. Parents have turned the minds of the children over to public schools, which teach that it’s OK for a boy to be a girl, a girl to be a boy, and a child to be an animal.

It seems as if the entire world has turned against Israel; although they were attacked in a totally horrific way, they are deemed the problem. Not only is war growing stronger in the Middle East, but within nations, there’s conflict and strife.

Jesus told of the birth pains that would happen leading up to the Tribulation. We certainly are getting close to the time when the birth pains will give way to the full-blown time of Jacob’s trouble. We are to pray for Jerusalem.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces” (Psalm 122:6-7). 

I do, and I know others also pray. Many people are glued to the secular news sources, and Christians are full of anxiety. Too many forget to study Scripture and pray. What does Scripture say about Israel? They are God’s chosen people, and they won’t be uprooted from their land again. Instead of fretting, we all need to pray for the Jewish people everywhere. The ignorant and satanic prejudice against the Jewish people is growing, and we need to pray for this evil to stop.

Too often, our prayers are self-centered, looking to God as a magician to give us our every desire. What about other people? I’m sure you know plenty of people who don’t know Jesus. Our prayers can help to soften the hearts of non-believers. God wants everyone to come to salvation and is patient in waiting for as many as possible to come to repentance before it’s too late.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). 

Have you ever tried praying daily for someone you know who is spiritually far from God? Prayer can make a difference. Also, pray for boldness on your part to open your mouth boldly to speak to them about salvation. It’s especially hard if that person is an enemy of yours. You really don’t want your worst enemy to spend eternity in Hell. Jesus is very clear about praying for people who don’t treat us nicely.

“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Luke 6:27-28). 

It can be done. In praying for enemies, you just might find a friend. Instead of worrying about what your enemy has done to you, pray.

Sometimes, we don’t really know what words to pray. When a very emotional or stressful situation happens in life, our brain can sometimes just shut down, and words don’t form. We just can’t think of what words to pray. Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit, and He is always there to help.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). 

Emotional situations happen to all of us. Maybe you have unexpectedly been laid off from your job, or a loved one has died. These are situations when the Holy Spirit will make intercession for us. Lean on Him and listen to His voice in these times of trouble. God wants us to find His peace and has given us the Holy Spirit to help us in all situations. Remember to lean on Him in times of stress. He dwells in every Christian.

Pray about everything, and don’t forget to give thanks. God has done so much for us, and mostly, we take Him for granted. Even when we don’t like the answer, God is to be praised and thanked. We need to trust Him to care for us.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

God loves us and wants the best for us. We need to listen for His answers when we pray.

Pray about everything. Be sure to thank Him and praise Him.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).