This post is a warmup for much bigger things to come. I just wanted to get some thoughts on paper. I wanted to share some observations with you and see if some of you see what I see.
So my question for our community of men who are believers is the following:
But first, before I drill into more detail around that statement. Let's be clear on what I mean by spiritual warfare. Let's hit the Bible for some clarity on spiritual warfare.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places
Ephesians 6:12
Ok, the Bible establishes that there are spiritual forces of evil. The enemy is not flesh and blood.
Let's get our source right and go back to the Bible again.
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Right, we are here on earth physically walking around, but the war is not physical. It's spiritual. We, as SWO, carry with us divine weapons. Meant to destroy the enemy that is not physically standing in front of you and me.
When I mean divine weapons, I literally mean opening up the Bible and reading from it every day. Applying the word of God and praying to God every day. Living a life of obedience to God.
Basically, I'm just doing a quick gear check. You got your well-worn Bible ready, brother? What about prayer? Have you packed prayer as part of your kit?
Let's get back to the other topic at hand because things are becoming interesting. There appears to be something happing all around us.
Everywhere you go. You hear the same from people.
These are crazy days. These are absolutely crazy days.
Nothing is normal.
The lies, corruption, selfishness, hatred, arguing, weariness, laziness, brutality, disobedience, abuse, arrogance, pride, treacherous, recklessness, and without self-control.
Incredibly vain, lovers of themselves, in awe of their earthly achievements, everything filmed, everything written down, everything remembered - seeking their own glory.
If what you see around you is causing you some sleepless nights, then you are not alone. Brother, do you feel the pressure behind your eyes? Do you think this weight pressing down upon you as you go about your day?
BROTHER! Is the fog of (spiritual) war-making you feel like you are cut off from the army of Christ? Do you feel isolated? Are you cut off behind enemy lines, and are you ready to surrender to a quiet life of doing the right thing but accomplishing nothing for God's kingdom?
Take a breath already. Calm down. Let's see what the Bible says about this time that we are in.
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Wow, I don't know about you. I don't feel better (feelings cannot be trusted anyways). But I am comforted as always by the Bible (God's infallible spirit breathed word) that things are going exactly as foretold.
Look, you can see it, can't you, brother? Let's get a quick snapshot of what is happening around us.
You can literally feel society convulsing like a patient with an uncurable tumor. The haunted eyes. Some eyes were glazed over by a thick glossy film of emptiness as if they were simply vessels under the spell of a dark being. Lines of worry crease the faces you encounter in public. The strained movement of their bodies as if they were made of stone. Faces contorting into a rage when something doesn't go their way.
Others fill their belly with the spoils of their selfish works, like locusts consuming everything in their path. Their selfish ambition and greed destroy lives.
Then there are those liars who steal from God. Who take the Bible and twist the words. Enough to sound wise to the man on the street. Smart enough to convince churches of their LIES.
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1
The Lord sees them too.
The Lord sees you and me too.
You who claim to be a man of God. A follower of Jesus Christ. A church-going Christian. Sure you tithe, try to do the right thing. Whether single or married, you are trying to live a "life" for God. You "try" to obey where you can.
Sigh.
But are you suffering because of him? Did doing right by him cause you hardship?
Or are you......comfortable. Hiding behind your family, obligations, and a mortgage payment?
Spiritual Warfare Operators are soldiers of Christ. Remember that, brother.
You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3
I hope you are ready for what is coming, brother. Because the rest you had while deployed in the rear has been plenty. Soon you will be called up to the front lines of this spiritual war.
I encourage you to dust off that Bible. To find a quiet time to spend time reading the Bible. Pray for yourself, your family, your kids (if you have those), and your community.
Because in this spiritual war, if you are not prepared. Lives will be destroyed.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Hosea 4:6
Next Steps - Sing "Onward, Christian Soldiers" Hymn
Stay well, brothers.
~ FA
Spiritual Warfare Operator Series
- The Culture War is a Distraction: Focus on the Real Spiritual War
- The Mission of the Spiritual Warfare Operator
- Spiritual Warfare Operator: Stop Hiding Behind Your Family and Mortgage
- Spiritual Warfare Operator: Armor of God – Belt of Truth
Stay Connected
- I talk about Preparedness, Christian Living, and Encouragement.
- You can find me on X and Instagram.
- Podcast: https://fatherabraham.podbean.com/.
- Blog: www.fatherabraham.co.
- Online store: https://shop.fatherabraham.co/
I Encourage You to Live Life With
