KNOWING THE ENEMY
Why is it important to 'know the enemy'? Do you think when this world's military engages in a conflict they are ignorant of their enemy? "Of course not," you say. "They need to know their enemy's purposes, strengths, and weaknesses, tactics, weaponry, and any advantages that are available."
Do you not think then, because of these same reasons, it is important for Prayer Warriors to also be aware of their enemy?
The devil IS real! And he opposes every spiritual life. But the Scriptures tell us "we are not ignorant of his devices." ~2 Corinthians 2:11. Though our focus is to be heavenward, we still need to have information about the devil's tactics and strategies to prepare ourselves confidently for our warfare against him and his cohorts. The more we know, the greater our advantage on the battlefield.
The Father, who knows all, knew that "intelligence of the enemy" is vital and provided much Scriptural data about this subject. The following are 8 FACTS that will help us to be prepared and ready at all times:
FACT 1: The devil, also known as satan (notice I do not capitalize his name, for that is a sign of respect), rarely comes out in the open, or appears as himself. Most frequently he works through people, and he gains control through their choices/habits, desires, and/or appetites.
FACT 2: The devil and his evil associates are created beings. (See Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28:14). They are not all-powerful. Only GOD is!
FACT 3: The devil and his cohorts are limited in knowledge. They do not know of a certainty what people will say or do, not even those seemingly under their power. They cannot read minds.
FACT 4: The devil is limited in presence. Because he is created, he cannot be in more than one place at a time. Only the HOLY SPIRIT has that capability. Since the devil does not have this ability, he is dependent on his demons...and they are in the same situation.
Because of this limitation, we may never, ever have satan, himself, personally involved with us. However, the adage "like father, like son" holds true for the devil and his demons.
FACT 5: Though the other four facts are true, we must never underestimate the devil's cleverness and his power to deceive. He, and his companions, will do anything to stop you from praying to and praising GOD. They will try to destroy you spiritually (through disunity, doubt, depression, worry, a critical spirit, stress, etc.) or physically (through accidents, diseases, appetite, or through danger, such as crime). The one and only purpose for all this is to hurt our heavenly Family.
FACT 6: Likewise, we must never overestimate the devil and his cohorts either. JESUS won the victory over him and all evil on the cross and at the resurrection. This victory is ours as Christians. evil's doom is sealed. The devil and his demons are the defeated foe, but only if we remain "in CHRIST." And they are well aware of this fact, which is the reason for their frantic and desperate acts.
FACT 7: Many people even Christians, saints, if they give it any thought have some misconceptions about satan and his cohorts. When asked they seem to think that the devil and his demons are red, green, or black ugly creatures with wicked-looking teeth, horns on their heads, forked tails, and part animal with split hooves. And according to some religious denominations, they go around carrying pitchforks so they can toss unrepentant sinners into hellfire. Viewed in such a light, would you not keep as far away from such a creature as you could?
How satan gloats when we think of him and his kind looking like that. Though the Bible describes him as a liar (John 8:44); an adversary (1 Peter 5:8); wicked (Matthew 13:19); slanderous (Job 1:9); cowardly (James 4:7)...it also says he can change his appearance into that of an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and vs-.14 also says, his demons can change themselves into ministers of righteousness. We must expel every erroneous image from our minds, or we could be taken in by their evil cleverness.
They use people, non-Christians, or professed Christians who are not fully committed. These people can be family members, friends, neighbors, or...people who are admired: movie, music, or sports celebrities, even a leader, yes, I said it even a leader... The enticements extended are intended for one purpose only: to keep Prayer Warriors from praising and praying to our GOD.
FACT 8: Our enemy cannot invent a problem, test, trial, situation, or circumstance, for which our Commander-in-Chief (God) allows him too, read(Job 1-Job 3).
STRATEGY
What is strategy? The dictionary defines it as the science of planning an operation before engaging the enemy. A more simplistic explanation is: it is a plan for winning the war.
The most important strategy for prayer warfare is TIME. We can pray for anyone, anywhere, for anything, but making the time to do it is of utmost importance.
The devil, and his cohorts, knows this. There is no question whatsoever that each day the forces of darkness are directing subtle influences to keep Christian soldiers, and particularly Prayer Warriors, from prayer and praise. A thousand disguised death traps have been planted all around us to keep us entranced, preoccupied, and blinded to the necessity of free, quiet TIME.
The truth is, our deep devotional prayer time, apart and alone with our heavenly Father, stands as our source of power and strength throughout the day. Our example is JESUS. If He felt the necessity of time with the Father, do we not need it more?
When to pray, depends on personal choice; but the morning hours are usually the best for prayer and praise. Then the body is rested and the mind clear. The radio, TV, computer, are off and usually, unless it's an emergency, the phone is silent.
We must learn to schedule a particular time and then ask the HOLY SPIRIT to help us keep our appointment. This is the only way we can do it. It is easy to think we can discipline ourselves to meet with our loving Father at the time scheduled, but we are inviting the spirits of darkness to interrupt...unless our prayer time has the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT to guard it.
Then the question becomes, how much time?
A poll taken awhile ago in the United States said the average Christian prays about one minute per day. If we believe that”prayer is the breath of the soul," then the average Christian is spiritually breathless! This truly amaze me, it made me seek God the more.
One Christian writer suggests beginning with fifteen minutes of personal prayer time each day. Then as you grow in CHRIST and develop that one-on-one relationship, your time spent with the Father will grow as well.
GETTING STARTED, IN WALKING IN VICTORY.
1) The first step is to get in the most comfortable position as possible and become quiet in your mind, so the voice of the Father, through the HOLY SPIRIT, can be heard.
2) Make it a habit to always use the Scriptures when praying. This will encourage you to develop unlimited confidence in our Commander; and it will push back the forces of darkness.
3) Pray a few seconds for the HOLY SPIRIT to give you wisdom and understanding as you apply the Word.
4) Choose a verse or text that fits what you are seeking or interceding for someone else for. Ask the Father if this is the one? Often another or two or more will come to mind--write them down and look them up. Meditate on them.
5) Talk to the Father about the texts, and who or what you are praying for. And then, listen. Remember, prayer is like talking with your best friend. We talk, then our friend talks. Don't monopolize the conversation! Let the Father respond.
The Bible says the Father is eager to answer, if our request is according to His will. And if it is, be prepared for His answer, nothing wavering.
6) Make sure to practice prayer protocol...
a) ASK THE FATHER. John 16:23.
b) IN JESUS NAME. John 16:24.
c) IN THE SPIRIT. Ephesians 6:18.
If you want supernatural heavenly power added to your prayers.
TIME is the most important strategy we have is FAITH, as we grow the HOLY SPIRIT will increase the more in our life.
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