Ephesians 6:12-13 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” NASB

Colossians 2:15 – “When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”  NASB

We must never lose sight of the reality that a War is going on in the heavenlies.  It is disturbing that some Christians never truly become aware of that reality.  Others suspect a War is going on but cannot decide with the side, they are on.  What I mean is they seek to get by without committing to God and seek to enjoy the best of both worlds.  Others have discovered that a War is going on, know whose side they are on, but are not confident of the outcome.  They live in fear, often dejected, discouraged, and defeated.  Finally, some know a War is going on, are certain of the outcome, because they know – “Christ has already won the victory!”

I feel compelled to remind everyone that no sooner did the Holy Spirit come upon Jesus that He led our LORD into the wilderness for a personal encounter with the devil.  Jesus did all He did as an example for us.  The devil never came out better than second-best in his encounters with Jesus and should not with us. 

The Casual or Carnal Christian (if there is such a creature) has been so invested in the world that he/she has no eyes for another world only this one.  But, when the quickening of the Holy Spirit comes, the spiritual eyes begin to open, and we see the battle lines drawn in the heavenly places and recognizes the desire of the devil.  God wants His people to awaken from their slumber and awaken to the reality of this War.  I am convinced that until we realize the realness of the devil and the power, he possesses we will not grasp the importance or urgency for us in this struggle.  We open ourselves to deception and defeat.

In Ephesians 1:18-21 we see a powerful truth. 

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”

I want us to begin looking at the War but do not want to venture too far and have to leave the matter dangling too much.  Therefore, I will pause here and pick this up in the next devotional as we begin looking at the First W of Spiritual Warfare – The War.

 God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Jesus!