Now that we know there is a spiritual battle being waged over our vessels, and that both internal and external forces come into play, what next? How do we protect ourselves from unseen agents of the enemy whose influence we may not even be conscious of? I’m glad you asked!
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 says “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (NKJV). I love that translation, but for plainer speaking, we can also review this principle in the NLT: “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” (NLT).
Praise God! Even though we reside in the human realm and may be at the mercy of happenings in the spiritual realm, God has provided us with mighty weapons of warfare; thus we are empowered to wage war on any realm and manifest the victory we have in Christ.
One such weapon is THANKSGIVING. While giving thanks might seem benign at first glance, let us see what God’s word has to say about it.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 50:23 “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
WOOW!! Thanksgiving is God’s will for us (walking in His will ensures that we enjoy His favor); it calms our anxieties and brings peace (anyone in need of peace? Want to bring those wandering thoughts that cause fear and stress captive to the obedience of Christ?); it is a sacrifice that truly honors God, and will trigger a revelation of His salvation (who wants to be in this place? I do!). Hmmm…does Thanksgiving still seem so benign?
Thanksgiving requires a posture of mind, heart and soul that is humbled before God and acknowledges Him as our all in all, which in turn invites His presence to dwell in us. No enemy can withstand that. May we cultivate an attitude of gratitude today and always. Now, go forth and be thankful!!
Happy Thanksgiving 😊
R
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