April 21
Josh 22:21-23:16 | PS 89:14-37 | Prov 13:17-19 | Luke 20:27-47
In Ephesians 6:12, we read, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Knowing this, consider that individual, either one that you know personally, or perhaps a public figure, which you don't like, or believe is responsible for the current state of public or your personal affairs. Do we believe in the spiritual world or not? Though there is human responsibility, in that whenever a person toys with sin and lives in it, they set themselves up to be influenced by if not indwelt by our spiritual enemies, make no doubt about it, Satan and the demonic horde hate us humans, and will do everything they can to push us in a godless direction. They are all too happy to see us fighting each other politically, or over particular issues. God, and what is written in His book, are the standards of what is right. Anything which goes against this standard is fueled by the evil one. When I speak to many about issues of good and evil from God's perspective, it is as though a veil goes over their eyes. It's not that they are being purposely evasive, it is more like they are blocked from entertaining thoughts which come from God's word. If we are to engage in this battle, and it is indeed a battle, we must remember who our enemy is. Please don't be guilty of quoting a Scripture, but living life as though it is not really true.
We read in Joshua 23:6-8, "Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, and lest you go among these nations, these who remain among you. You shall not make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them; you shall not serve them nor bow down to them, but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day." Up to this point the Israelites had been facing a visible enemy in warfare. Strategies can be drawn up, as physical strongholds are being brought down. But now the invisible war begins. The war for their very souls. It is invisible, insidious, subtle and devious. It works under the surface to corrupt the mind and even the souls of those who get sloppy and allow themselves to relax and take their eyes off of the One True God. In fact if we are not aware, our enemy might not even look the part, as Jesus said in Luke 20:45-47, "Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”
This battle is vicious and ongoing. There are no real ceasefires from the enemy. Please don't smile with a look of nostalgia at what you have done in the past for yourself, your family, or loved ones. There is a battle going on for the very souls of those around you, and the enemy has gained very strong footholds. Even those people who stand opposed to you in the public square are still at play, in that, no matter how evil they might seem, until they breathe their last, their souls can be won for Jesus Christ. For us to remain effective in this battle, we must maintain that this is indeed a spiritual battle, not a battle against flesh and blood.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: