Good Morning!

My bible plan had me cover something very dear to me that I only recently discovered. I have written about it, and it’s worth covering again. This is an all-new post, just covering the same material. Isn’t the gospel kind of like that? Same material, just covering it again. And, you know what? It’s always fresh. So often the same verses will give us something new each time we read them. Other times, it’s like expectantly meeting an old friend in a store – a cherished moment!

Before I share it, let me give you some background, to put it in context, so to say. In my margins, I had written “Prayer! Strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4.” Let’s first go see what that verse is all about.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

On this page of my bible, I referenced back to the one I am going to get to plus two others. Here are these:

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

So, that’s the context. Spiritual Warfare. Do you have any of that going on right now? I certainly do. Even a little isn’t anything to be comfortable with. Isn’t Satan looking for a door that’s slightly ajar? Or one that’s closed but unlocked. He won’t stay in the entry way long, will he? Soon, he’ll be sitting in my favorite chair, shoes off and feet up high, barking orders for me to wait on him. Phooey with that! Maybe it’s not even your own doing. Maybe someone else has invited him in and you are suffering the pain of someone else’s sin. If that’s the case, you can do something about it, spiritually speaking.

We don’t need to put up with this monster. We have tools. No, not tools. Weapons. God’s weapons. Big-time stuff. We resist the devil and embrace God. When we do that, the devil will flee (James 4:7-8). It is written, so that is what will happen. Now, embracing God may require us to clean house through repentance, right? That may not seem so easy, but it really is. Looking back, we always wish we had done it earlier, right? Another prayer-blocker? Not getting along with your wife. That is guaranteed to hinder your prayer (1 Peter 3:7).

Here the passage I read last night. Read it as if you were shouting it to yourself – to your mind, body, and spirit – and inviting the Lord in!

Psalm 24:7-10
Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!

I envision a castle-type gate and can hear trumpets and officials shouting this to the people to welcome the King and his army in. There will be no danger when the King is here! What are the gates and what are the ancient doors? My mind. Sin. Other people’s sin. Any thoughts that keep the Lord, my God, out. Yes, ancient doors. Old ways of thinking. Strongholds. Bad roots. “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17b)

Can you picture this? I’m telling you, there is something powerful in this bible stuff!

Father, come right in! My Lord, my God, strong and mighty! My King. My Savior. My Deliverer! Satan, I resist you and you shall flee, just as it is written. My Father, I welcome you. Flood this temple with your Spirit. I desire no trace of Satan in your Kingdom. Only you. Amen.

Copyright © 2018 Scott Powers