DIFFERENT CHAPTER 5 UNDER ATTACK
DIFFERENT
CHAPTER 5
UNDER ATTACK
Romans 8 King James Version (KJV)
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Children of God,
I ask you to draw upon your memory and feelings as we reconnoiter the territory and strategy of the enemy. Reflect upon the feeling that comes over you when the enemy has you pinned down and you are under the rapid firing of fiery darts. It's the kind of feeling one gets when someone close to you, someone who has told you that they love you so much, suddenly turns on you and spews so much vicious vitriol upon you that you are beyond disheartened and so hurt, that you just feel sick inside. Then to dig into your wounds, they bring up something from the past that you've done, which they've never forgiven you for doing. They've continued to hold a grudge over you, concerning a time or events which you believed no longer burned so deep inside of them. But, their ill-feelings have been there all along, waiting for a chance to strike you, when once again, they feel you have wronged them.
While you're listening to them criticize and degrade you, you begin to think, "So, this is how they really feel about me deep down inside." You are tempted to strike back to defend yourself, but, you know that if you have truly changed, then, you must react in a way that proves that you are Different.
You know that you're at another level now. You have no intention of striking back, but, that doesn't stop the pain inside of you from hurting or growing, although, their words may not be true, or may no longer be true. You just want to stop hearing them and for the situation to end. But, although, you know there is no way to win or disprove what they have already proven and accepted within their mind, it doesn't stop, because, that is part of the strategy of darkness, to torture and try to provoke you to open a door inside of you for it to slip in.
Your mind is tortured and the rejection you feel makes you feel unloved and disrespected. It may become hard for you to suppress that old man who wants to be angry, but, you have moved on beyond managing your feelings to resting in Christ Jesus. Then, it becomes easier to understand why they are filled with such hate and anger at someone they have claimed to love unconditionally...They know not what they do. They have resorted to their comfort zone so that they can feel better about themselves, not through God, but through hurting you. Their comfort zone is still in the ways of the world.
You want to tell somebody about the pain you're feeling and how somebody has hurt you. However, that is just what the adversary wants you to do. He wants things to escalate. He wants to succeed in filling you with such pain and outrage that you'll pass it on to someone else and drive a deeper wedge between you and those whom you love. You realize that the adversary wants you to categorize people and become selective in giving love and taking love away. He'll use any situation and anybody to isolate you and use you to isolate others.
When you are in pain, it's hard to see past that which is causing the pain. In the case of another person hurting us, it is hard to see past the flesh. Yet, when you realize that the pain you're feeling was meant to fill you with confusion, you can start to see a path back into the Light and remember who you are. God's Holy Spirit has taught you that everything happens for a reason. You search and search for a reason why this might be happening, but, your mind is still not clear and your heart still aches. You breathe in air to calm and clear your mind, while God's Holy Spirit revives you.
Ephesians 6:10-18 King James Version (KJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 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.
13 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.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
In evaluating our faith, there are questions we need to ask ourselves about how we handle our relationships when we are under attack. How can you make things better? Is it the right time to try and do so or should we wait until emotions settle down? We may forget that we're acting in the physical world and forgetting about the spiritual world, which is not bound by time. We may forget that God's Holy Spirit dwells within us and contains no fear or malice. We may forget that our most useful tools are the Fruits of God's Holy Spirit and the Armour of God.
Were you wearing God's Armour during the altercation? If so, why did you forget that you had it on? Did you try to use the Armour or were you worried about defending your flesh, or, your pride? Did you remain FRUITFUL? Perhaps, you didn't strike back, but, what was in your heart? What did you feel for the other person who was lashing out at you? Was there unconditional love? BUT, WAIT! Were you wounded (emotionally hurt) by their words and are you STILL bleeding out (emotionally hurt)? If you still remain hurt and bleeding (in pain), how long has it been since you were wounded by that person? If your wounds aren't healed, can you become bait or a tool for darkness? Why weren't you HEALED when you claimed ABUNDANT AND EVERLASTING LIFE?!
While you were under attack, were you binding and loosing in the Spiritual World? Did you remember that there are angels about you to aid you? If we are to be EMPOWERED by God, then, in times of spiritual attacks, we must acknowledge His presence and that which He has given to us to be empowered!
Remember, we do not war with flesh! If you are going to bind your tongue, then, give it to GOD and let HIM use it. WE must realize OUR comfort zone is no longer in the world, but, instead, following in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, and being led by His Mind. When we are led by the Mind of Christ, we do as we see our Father in Heaven do. We know that we are not alone, but, connected to the Vine, a member of the Body of Christ, and like He who leads us, we are One with Jehovah God.
Being DIFFERENT doesn't come by a name, it comes by ACTIONS! --HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS ACTIONS in the name of our Lord and Saviour, YESHUAH, Jesus the Christ! We must learn to live in the mode of holiness, because shifting our gears and working up to holiness takes too long and loses momentum, which can leave us in a powerless state. We can't take back the damage that has already been done. While we're shifting, the adversary has already gained ground. While we're trying to figure out who and what we are, it only takes a second to be distracted, taking our eyes off of Jesus, becoming caught up in our emotions, and carried away into bondage, forsaking The Truth, The Way, and The Life.
When you are under attack, what is your strategy? Do you have a strategy or do you expect things to just fall into place? Do you expect God to live your life for you instead of with you? When you arrive at being Different, you know who and what you are. So NOW, it is time to FUNCTION in the capacity that God has given you, and within that capacity, you are empowered by God to do His Will and live by His Way.
Being under attack does not coincide with or precede being under siege; neither is it synonymous with under siege and bondage. There is no need for you to surrender, buckle, cave in, give up, or be held hostage by darkness. You must change the way you look at conflict in the world and in your relationships! It is not about you or the other person being in control. It's about God being in control! Your behavior and reactions while under attack should reflect this knowledge, accept this knowledge, and empower you through this knowledge.
My Brothers and Sisters, we are living in a period of heightened darkness and many of the examples of leadership that have been set before us give permission and instructions on how to help darkness expand and take control. We must keep our lamps burning bright! Even more, we must know how to face darkness; not only cutting it off, but, destroying the roots before they grow back and spread. We cannot achieve this without dying within ourselves daily and conquering our fears and pride to live in the abundance and Fruit of God's Holy Spirit. Our mind must follow a heart which truly loves God and loves unconditionally, clinging to holiness, righteousness, and our faith.
We must walk by faith in the Light of He who shed His blood that we may become Different. Our speech and our actions, must define He who is our faith and by doing so define our Difference from the world. Therefore, my Brethren, if you are to thwart the attacks of darkness, know the power of faith that is within thee and the weakness of the words and actions which come against thee, so that you will not be distracted, swayed, or succumb to their poison.
Romans 8:31 King James Version (KJV)
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Be encouraged! Be Blessed!
your servant and soldier, united with the One
mishael
Hebrews 11 King James Version (KJV)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
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SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror
Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the following questions.
DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.
QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to:
https://fsasw.blogspot.com
https://fssw-followers.weebly.com
Ask yourself these questions and answer them as pertaining to you alone.
- Remember an altercation, conflict, or argument that you had where hurtful words were exchanged between you or just spoken to you. Were you wearing God's Armour during the altercation? If so, why did you forget that you had it on?
- Did you try to use the Armour or were you worried about defending your flesh, or, your pride?
- Did you remain FRUITFUL?
- Perhaps, you didn't strike back, but, what was in your heart?
- What did you feel for the other person who was lashing out at you? Was there unconditional love?
- Were you wounded (emotionally hurt) by their words and are you STILL bleeding out (emotionally hurt)?
- If you still remain hurt and bleeding (in pain), how long has it been since you were wounded by that person?
- If your wounds aren't healed, can you become bait or a tool for darkness?
- Why weren't you HEALED when you claimed ABUNDANT AND EVERLASTING LIFE?
- While you were under attack, were you binding and loosing in the Spiritual World?
- Did you remember that there are angels about you to aid you?
- When you are under attack, what is your strategy?
- Do you have a strategy or do you expect things to just fall into place?
- Do you expect God to live your life for you instead of with you?
- Do you understand that without faith, it is impossible to please God?
- Meditate on Hebrews 11 (above) and ask Jesus to increase your faith.
- How does believing upon Jesus perfect you?
- How does surrendering your will increase your faith?
- How long does it take you to surrender your will and die to your flesh?
- Do you want Jesus to increase your faith?
- Do you surrender to allow Jesus to increase your faith?
- Do you love your pride and yourself more than you love God and His Son?
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REFERENCED SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 11 King James Version (KJV)
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Ephesians 6 King James Version (KJV)
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 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.
13 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.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
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Romans 8 King James Version (KJV)
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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