On Second Thought There is a strange imbalance that can creep into the Christian life. Some believers hardly ever think about spiritual opposition at all. Others seem to think about little else. The study for today calls both approaches dangerous. Mark Bubeck warns that Satan and the kingdom of darkness present a genuine challenge toContinue reading “Do Not Ignore the Enemy—Do Not Fear Him Either”
Tag Archives: spiritual warfare
WHEN DARKNESS KNOWS WHO JUST WALKED IN
In the Life of Christ There is a striking moment early in Mark’s Gospel that I think we can read too quickly. Jesus enters the synagogue at Capernaum, teaches with an authority unlike that of the scribes, and suddenly a man with an unclean spirit cries out. Mark 1:24 records the spirit saying, “What doContinue reading “WHEN DARKNESS KNOWS WHO JUST WALKED IN”
The Battle Is Won in Daily Choices
DID YOU KNOW “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” — Proverbs 1:10 Did You Know that temptation becomes sin only when desire is welcomed and embraced? James 1:12–16 gives us one of Scripture’s clearest descriptions of how temptation works. James does not say that being tempted makes us guilty. He says thatContinue reading “The Battle Is Won in Daily Choices”
The Battle May Be Closer Than You Think
On Second Thought “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” — Proverbs 1:10 There is something compelling about the language of spiritual battle. Scripture itself uses it. Paul speaks of armor, warfare, endurance, and standing firm. We are told to resist the devil, remain alert, contend for the faith, and refuse the enticementContinue reading “The Battle May Be Closer Than You Think”
When God Raises the Warning Signal
DID YOU KNOW “Raise a banner on a bare hilltop, shout to them; beckon to them to enter the gates of the nobles.” — Isaiah 13:2 Did you know that God’s warning of judgment is also an expression of His mercy? Isaiah 13 opens with the sound of battle. God commands that a signal beContinue reading “When God Raises the Warning Signal”
WHEN THE ENEMY RESENTS YOUR FREEDOM
As the Day Ends “Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?’” —Acts 5:3 As this day comes to a close, it is worth remembering that spiritual resistance does not always mean we are moving in the wrong direction. Sometimes oppositionContinue reading “WHEN THE ENEMY RESENTS YOUR FREEDOM”
When the Accuser Points Backward
On Second Thought “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 8:1 The breastplate was not ornamental equipment for a Roman soldier. It covered the chest and guarded the organs that sustained life. A soldier could survive a bruise to the arm or a cut to the leg, butContinue reading “When the Accuser Points Backward”
DRESSED FOR A BATTLE WE CANNOT SEE
On Second Thought “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” —Ephesians 6:11 A soldier would never knowingly walk into combat without protection, communication, provisions, or a weapon. We would call such a decision reckless. Yet many believers begin each day without consideringContinue reading “DRESSED FOR A BATTLE WE CANNOT SEE”
THE ENEMY IS REAL—BUT HE IS NOT IN CHARGE
On Second Thought “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” —Colossians 2:15 War is never clean. Even when history books reduce conflict to dates, movements, and outcomes, those who have stood near battle know that war is personal. It interrupts ordinary life, separates people fromContinue reading “THE ENEMY IS REAL—BUT HE IS NOT IN CHARGE”
Victory Before Sleep
As the Day Ends “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 As this day closes, James reminds us that spiritual resistance begins with surrender. We do not overcome darkness through anger, willpower, or dramatic declarations. We first place ourselves under God’s authority, trusting His wisdomContinue reading “Victory Before Sleep”