Sword of the Spirit

Sword of the Spirit – The Lord is At Hand #1377

Posted on December 20, 2025 by ron021950

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“The Lord Is At Hand”

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice… The Lord is at hand; – Philippians 4:4-5

Are you ready for Christmas? In light of the real reason for this Holiday Season I find this to be an interesting question. How do you answer it? Most people, believers, and non-believers alike, immediately think about all the Holiday preparations that have to be made, Travel plans, Christmas cards, Meal preparation, Gift buying and wrapping and so on. We have truly lost our perspective, haven’t we?

The Lord is Always at Hand – We sing songs and teach our children about the ever-watchful eye of Santa Clause and the Elf on the Shelf instructing them to be nice and not naughty in order to earn material things. Should we not bring to the forefront the Truth of God’s loving presence and of His saving grace rather than indoctrinating them in works righteousness?

Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 23:23-24

As it is written: None is righteous, no, not one; We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment; For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Romans 3:10; Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9

The Lord is at Hand: Jesus’ Birth – The wise men studied prophecy seeking the coming of the Messiah and looking up saw the star that heralded the birth of Christ and set out to see Him and worship Him.

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. – Numbers 24:17; Micah 5:2

We celebrate Christ’s birth at this time of year. Can we reset our paradigm and emphasize the Truth of the Word of God concerning this celebratory season?

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ – Titus 2:11-13

The Lord is at Hand: Jesus is Coming for His Church – Are you ready for Jesus’ return for His church?

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

The Lord is at Hand: Jesus Gave Us Signs – The signs Jesus gave us as recorded in Matthew 24 were indications of His second coming: Upheaval of society, immorality, natural disasters (wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilences), and false religious doctrine. Just as the Magi studied prophecy and the events of their day in order to be ready when He came, we too, when we see these signs, need to be aware that His return for His church is imminent since that event precedes His second coming. Are you ready?

Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near; Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. – Luke 21:28; Revelation 3:20

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand;” Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming… Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. – Matthew 4:17; 24:42-44

The Lord is at Hand: Be Ready! –Watch the times and the signs. Look up – Not to be fearful, but to be faithful.

Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes… – Matthew 24:45-51

Yes, celebrate Christmas with joy and merriment as we remember our Savior’s birth. But remember His birth with the understanding that He came to die for our sins so that we can be reconciled to the Father and have eternal life through Him. Also remember His birth with an anticipatory eye toward His imminent return to take His church with Him to be with Him for eternity.

Will He find you ready when He comes?

You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. – James 5:8

Merry Christmas!

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Sword of the Spirit – Measured Discipline #1376

Posted on December 14, 2025 by ron021950

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“Measured Discipline”

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; – John 12:26

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples – John 8:31

For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD…I will discipline you in just measure… – Jeremiah 30:11

A follower of Jesus is a disciple. We are truly His disciples if we abide in Him, and yes, the Lord disciplines His disciples in just measure.

The words “disciple” and “discipline” come from the same Latin root meaning “student” or “pupil.” Discipline is about instruction, training, and correction through reproof. The words translated as “just measure” mean that His discipline is meted out in proportionate justice to teach, and correct erroneous behavior. The Lord’s discipline is designed to cause us to learn from Him.

Discipline is not Condemnation. Condemnation deals with being declared guilty and therefore punished. Jesus already bore the punishment for our sins.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus – Romans 8:1

The Word of God Disciples and Disciplines us. Have you ever experienced conviction and repentance through the hearing and reading of the Word of God? The Word of God is living and active – It teaches us and corrects us when we wander or go astray from His path of righteousness.

Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law – Psalm 94:12

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

A Disciple Exercises Self-Discipline. We should exercise self-discipline in our day-to-day living – in our thoughts and actions. We do so out of love and obedience to the Word. In order to exercise self-discipline, we must remain in the Word – the reading, studying, meditating, and praying the Word.

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. – John 14:23

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:27

The Lord Loves us Enough to Discipline us. When we wander from following Jesus and live in disobedience to His Word, Jesus loves us enough to discipline us in just measure. He is committed to not losing any of His disciples.

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. – Revelation 3:19

And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day. – John 6:39

A Disciple Must Not Despise Discipline. A true disciple is a follower of Jesus who desires to be like Him, to be holy as He is holy. A true disciple can rejoice in the trials of the Lord’s discipline because they know that the Lord is disciplining them in love and in just measure.

How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. I am at the brink of utter ruin… – Proverbs 5:12-14

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. – Proverbs 12:1

Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore, despise not the discipline of the Almighty. – Job 5:17

As a disciple of Jesus and a born again child of God, may you grow in the admonition and discipline of the Lord as you whole-heartedly follow and learn from Him to be conformed to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

Do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises everyone whom he receives. – Hebrews 12:5-6

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Sword of the Spirit – Department of War Part 4 of 4

Posted on December 7, 2025 by ron021950

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Recommended Reading: The Cross In The Shadow Of The Crescent – Erwin W. Lutzer https://amzn.to/3MLJ4y8

“Department of War – Part 4 of 4”

(Demolish Societal Strongholds)

For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Having dealt with our personal strongholds, we are better equipped by the Holy Spirit to focus our attention to the world around us and demolish the strongholds that the enemy has established: Throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God.

Imaginations/Arguments – logismos – This is ‘bottom-line reasoning’ that reflect someone’s values, thoughts, and speculations about God. These are the ‘filters’ through which people view God and their relationship with Him. These filters can be strongholds that distort the Truth about the Father and create a barrier hindering our close relationship with Him. Our Spiritual weaponry to destroy these strongholds is the Truth of the Word of God wielded in prayer.

Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Jeremiah 23:29; Hebrews 4:12

Some examples of ‘bottom-line reasoning’ that we are indoctrinated to believe are: Marriage is whatever we define it to be; Homosexuality is normal; Sexual identity is what I define it to be; Abortion is a choice, not murder; Divorce for any reason; Morality changes with the times; God cannot forgive you.

High Thing/Lofty Opinions – hupsoma – Worldly Wisdom – These are barriers created by our self-inflated, prideful view of our worldly knowledge and wisdom. These strongholds of lies perpetuated concerning God become barriers to getting to know Him through Jesus, the Living Word of God.

For the wisdom of this world is folly with God… – 1 Corinthians 3:19

Such lies are: God is dead; There is no God; Jesus is not God; We evolved by chance; There are many ways to heaven.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:1,14

Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

High Thing/Lofty Opinions – hupsoma – Societal Laws – These are barriers created by a system of laws influenced by Satan in order to raise up generations without our national identity that will readily accept a false god and doctrine because they were prevented from the foundational knowledge of the one, true God upon which our nation was founded.

Such societal strongholds and barriers are: Bible reading was banned in public schools in 1963; Prayer in the Name of Jesus in public schools or government meetings has been banned out of fear of violating the establishment clause or causing offense; The public display of Scripture has been banned if viewed as ‘religious endorsement’ or offensive to others.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:4

Christian Businesses have been sued for refusing to provide services that violated their biblical moral principles based upon the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Public schools cannot require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or salute the American Flag starting in 1943; The phrase ‘One Nation Under God’ is being challenged to be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Word of God is banned when it offends and is considered to be non-inclusive by one group or another. Indeed, the Truth of the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, is absolute and not inclusive when it comes to embracing sin and false doctrine.

Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. – Matthew 10:34

The Boiled Frog Syndrome – This is a metaphor for how people fail to react to a significant threat because it develops gradually, making them complacent. We are reaping what we have sown. We have raised up generations that are embracing the ideology of Communism, Socialism, and Islam because they have come to trust and depend upon government instead of God.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. – Colossians 2:8

Islamic Strongholds – The seat of Christianity was displaced by Islam through military conquests in the 7th century. Over time, socio-economic and political factors gradually imposed Arab culture to solidify the shift in Europe and it is now taking root in our country as well.

The Quran may indeed promote peace and tolerance. However, when taken in totality with the Hadith (the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings) and Sharia (The laws and path to live by) we get a different picture. Sharia Law is flat out incompatible with American Law.

The heat is gradually being turned up under the melting pot of our country. Like a boiled frog, are we foolishly basking and relaxing in the ‘hot tub’ of the immorality, affluence, and materialism of our society, oblivious to what is happening around us until it is too late?

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

Where is the church Body of Christ? Why are we not sounding the alarm as appointed watchmen?

Why is the voice of Truth not ‘heard’ from the pulpits to the polling booths of America?

Is the church cowering in fear of ‘offending the enemy’ by proclaiming the whole Truth of God?

Is the church body so fearful that it does not reach out to Muslims with the Gospel?

Is the church body so fearful of Sharia that it would turn away Muslim converts to Christianity?

I have made you a watchman…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Ezekiel 3:17; Joshua 1:9

Why has the church Body of Christ become lackadaisical and cavalier in our attitude toward the Word of God and prayer?

Why are we not as devoted to the reading and study of the Bible as Muslims are to the Quran?

Why are we Christians content to being spoon fed ‘feel good’ sound bites of the Word of God without having the discernment to recognize false doctrine?

And he gave… the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints… for building up the body of Christ… to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. – Ephesians 4:11-14

Has the church Body of Christ become so embedded and infiltrated by the secular world that our Christian faith is unrecognizable, diluted, compromised, and ineffective to demolish strongholds? Are we Christians in name and symbolism only? For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. – 1 Corinthians 4:20

Jesus speaks to us today as He did to the Seven Churches. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. – Revelation 3:2

Jesus calls us today to put on His full armor and engage the enemy to demolish strongholds through prayer and the power and testimony of the Truth of His Word.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8

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Sword of the Spirit – Department of War – Part 3 #1375c

Posted on November 30, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1375c

“Department of War – Part 3 of 4” (Environmental Influence)

We are citizens of Heaven and are engaged in prayerful spiritual warfare here on earth to demolish strongholds.

Pray without ceasing; The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:16

We must deal with our personal strongholds before we can effectively engage the enemy on other fronts and on behalf of others in prayer.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…- Romans 12:2

Personal strongholds are first established through our thought life.

We have a choice: entertain that thought or take it captive unto Christ. bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

We have a choice: feed our minds the trash and sin of this world by what we choose to see and hear or feed our minds on the Word of God.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

Personal Strongholds stem not only from our thoughts but also from our environment e.g. our family and chosen circle of relationships.

Family Environment: We must never underestimate the influential power of parental behavior on their children. Dysfunctional families can and do breed dysfunction in the families of their children through established strongholds from their childhood.

We cannot choose our family circle of relationships, but we can choose how we are shaped by them going forward.

We do not have to remain a ‘victim’ of dysfunctional family relationships. The ‘generational curse’ can be broken by the power of Jesus Christ. The strongholds of dysfunction are demolished when we are born-again into the family of God.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are. – 1 John 3:1

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Social Environment: We must also never underestimate the influential power of peer pressure by our chosen circle of friends and relationships. My mother would warn my brother and me regarding our choice of friends with the proverb, ‘If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas’. This secular proverb conveys a Truth stemming from the Word of God.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. – Proverbs 13:20

Our choice of social environment from childhood into adulthood can allow the enemy to establish strongholds that will torment us until we demolish them through the power of the Holy Spirit.

These strongholds are like sand spurs that silently and insidiously embed themselves in your clothing when you walk through fields in Florida having deviated from the established path. You do not know they are there until they jab you. If you have ever experienced these, you know how painfully difficult they are to remove.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. – Colossians 4:5

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh; Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children – Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:1

May you be fully committed, equipped, and prepared for spiritual warfare, having been born-again by the Spirit and cleansed from the enemy’s strongholds that hindered your personal life walk with Jesus.

Posted in Authority, Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Faith, Holiness, Marriage, Morality, Prayer, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Temptation, Workplace | Tagged bad company, bible, christianity, dysfunctional families, faith, generational curses, Jesus, prayer, salvation, Strongholds | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Department of War – Part 2

Posted on November 23, 2025 by ron021950

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“Department of War – Part 2”

I recall the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962 where the Soviet Union was establishing a nuclear strike force, a stronghold if you will, 90 miles off the coast of Florida. This is considered to be the closest the world has come to a full-scale nuclear war. Through a show of military force and tense negotiations, after 13 days the stronghold was dismantled.

In our previous devotional we established that, as citizens of heaven and soldiers of Christ, we continue to wage a spiritual war against the strongholds the enemy establishes in our hearts and through the establishment of societal norms from which he launches attacks to steal, kill, and destroy our faith, peace, and relationships.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy… – John 10:10

Personal Strongholds – Devoted for Total Destruction – Personal strongholds allow for an enemy encampment to be embedded in our heart and act as saboteurs to undermine our testimony and witness for Christ. These strongholds must be utterly destroyed, and the territory reclaimed and cleansed through repentance and the transformation of our mind.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…- Romans 12:2

We cannot be effective ‘soldiers for Christ’ when we are compromised by the enemy’s strongholds. Allow Jesus to set you free from the enemy’s embedded encampments.

So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8:36

Allow nothing for the enemy to return to and reoccupy that stronghold. Do not leave one stone upon another.

When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also, will it be with this evil generation. – Matthew 12:43-45

That means you have to make changes – You have to intentionally and purposefully avoid places that you used to frequent where temptation to sin was present. You must avoid feeding your mind with sinful music, movies, games, and even relationships that are toxic to your soul.

Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals; Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. Flee from sexual immorality. – 1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 6:18

You have to want to destroy these strongholds. You have to love Jesus more than the sin that the stronghold represents.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. – John 14:15

You have to want to wage war against the enemy of your soul and the souls of others. Are you willing to be ‘boots on the ground’ for Christ?

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62

Spiritual Warfare – Obedient Thought Life bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

The front line of this war is in our mind. We must take every thought captive, pull down the stronghold, and leave nothing from which it can be reoccupied or rebuilt. The helmet of our full armor of God protects our mind and the sword is the Truth of the Word that destroys falsehood.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God – Ephesians 6:17

We battle against ungodly philosophies that place obstacles to people knowing the Truth of God: evolution, secular humanism, existentialism, cults, occult, and false religions.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:4

Semper Fi – Always Faithful – As it is with the Marine Corps motto, so it should be with us as soldiers for Christ.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might; Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.; – Proverbs 3:3; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Faith, Holiness, Morality, Obedience, Peace, Perseverance, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Temptation | Tagged bible, christianity, Department of War, faith, full armor of God, Jesus, salvation, Semper Fi, sexual immorality, Strongholds | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Department of War – Part 1

Posted on November 16, 2025 by ron021950

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“Department of War – Part 1”

A recent executive order authorized “Department of War” as a secondary title for our military. The reason was to convey a ‘warrior ethos’ and a stronger message of readiness and resolve to win wars.

I recall the peacetime period following the Vietnam War when many new recruits were simply not taking readiness drills and preparation seriously. I sense this lackadaisical attitude is also prevalent in the Christian Church body today as well. Are we actively engaged in spiritual warfare or are we complacent and lulled into a false security in our worldliness?

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. – Proverbs 6:10-11

Citizens of Heaven – For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh…

We are in the world but not of it. We are soldiers of Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:3) Are we actively waging war against the spiritual forces of darkness in this world, or have we become assimilated by them, no longer separate and distinct?

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. – John 17:16,18

We are the temple of the living God… Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord… – 2 Corinthians 6:16-17

Spiritual Warfare – Mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds…

A stronghold is a spiritual fortress that we have allowed the enemy to build in our soul through sin and compromise from which he launches attacks and temptations to sin. These strongholds must be demolished. The original word in the Greek text conveys the meaning of total extinction, destruction, and cleansing.

The strongholds are spiritual and must be destroyed by the Holy Spirit of God with spiritual weaponry. We cannot win this war in our own gut strength and will.

Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Then he said to me, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts – Psalm 35:1; Zechariah 4:6

We must train continually for spiritual battle through daily prayer and the reading and study of the Word of God. We must stop ‘play acting Christianity’ and take our commission as Christ’s soldiers seriously. We are at the front lines of a war zone and must be equipped with the full armor of God every day without fail.

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God – Ephesians 6:14-17

Personal Strongholds – Have you ever noticed how quickly weeds will take over a garden or a lawn? If we are not diligent in maintaining the ‘good soil’ of our heart the enemy sows weeds and establishes strongholds. These strongholds allow the enemy to take dominion over us.

These strongholds are established when we become lazy and complacent in our relationship with Jesus and in our duty to actively wage war against the spiritual dark forces of this world. These strongholds are strengthened and fortified when we compromise on Christian moral values and feed our spirit with the ‘junk food’ of worldliness making us spiritually weak and vulnerable.

We cannot wage war and go into battle weakened by our own strongholds where the enemy has infiltrated and embedded himself in our ranks. We must first demolish and cleanse our hearts from these strongholds before we can move forward in battle equipped with the full armor of God against the other strongholds in this world.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. – Psalm 51:1-2; 119:133

May you repent and be set free and cleansed of personal strongholds by the Holy Spirit.

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out; So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – Acts 3:19; John 8:36

Posted in Authority, Business as Mission, Forgiveness, Holiness, Morality, Perseverance, Prayer, Priorities, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Temptation | Tagged bible, christianity, Department of War, faith, full armor of God, god, Jesus, morality, repentance, Spiritual Warfare, Strongholds, Temptation | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Forgiveness # 1374

Posted on November 9, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1374

“Forgiveness”

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14-15

Have you ever struggled with unforgiveness and the desire for vengeance?

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32

Do you value your choice to harbor bitterness, vengeance, and unforgiveness over a close relationship with Jesus Christ? Is bitterness more valuable to you than your own personal forgiveness from God? There is no room for our vengeance in forgiveness.

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:15; Romans 12:19

Unforgiveness, i.e. your inability to truly forgive, is a major stumbling block in your Christian walk and a serious hindrance to your effectual prayer. Your prayers of intercession at the altar of the Lord for your spouse, children, church, business, and coworkers are hindered when you harbor unforgiveness in your heart. Is unforgiveness more important to you than effective prayer?

So, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:23-24

Is There a Limit to Forgiving?

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. – Matthew 18:21-22

The number ‘seven’ signifies totality and completeness. We are to forgive completely. There is no limit to forgiveness according to the Word of God.

How is Complete Forgiveness Possible?

It is only possible through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus in our hearts that we are able to forgive.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. – Colossians 3:12-14

Forgiveness has taken root in your heart when you can earnestly pray for the soul of the person who hurt you. When you can intercede for their good rather than their harm.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… – Matthew 5:44

Does God Forget Our Sins? God is omniscient – He does not forget as we understand forgetting. The original Hebrew word translated as ‘remember’ is ‘zakar’ which in this context means that God will not mention our sins nor actively call them to mind after we have been forgiven through Jesus Christ. In other words, God sees us as being justified, clothed in the righteousness of His Son, Jesus.

I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more; For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God; There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Jeremiah 31:34; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 8:1

Does God Expect Us to Forgive and Forget?

We have a choice in our human relationships to forgive an offense and putting it behind us and moving on with our life. Forgetting is impossible, but we can choose to use the remembrance as a stepping block to a brighter future rather than a ball and chain of bitterness that adversely affects our spiritual and physical health and the health of our relationships.

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

Forgive and forget involves not holding a sin against a person any longer, but it is vastly different from trust. We must be willing to forgive completely (innocent) while remaining cautious (wise).

Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. – Matthew 10:16

‘I forgive him because of it’s what Christ did and it’s what Charlie would do; The answer to hate is not hate, the answer we know from the Gospel is love and always love, love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us…’ – Erika Kirk, Sep 21, 2025

May you forgive completely as you have been forgiven through Jesus. May you leave the offense behind, at the foot of the cross and be set free from the bondage of bitterness and vengeance moving on with your life in the power, peace, and strength of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Posted in Business as Mission, Character, Direction, Forgiveness, Marriage, Obedience, Prayer, Relationship, Salvation, Trials | Tagged bible, bitterness, christianity, forgive and forget, forgiveness, god, Jesus, salvation, unforgiveness, vengeance | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Sacrificial Love #1373

Posted on November 2, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1373

“Sacrificial Love”

It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – Matthew 20:26-27; John 15:13

It is in our nature to desire to be great and to be first. No one likes to be picked last when picking teams. Everyone desires to be named the MVP. In God’s Kingdom, however, being great and first means to turn our natural inclinations upside down.

Jesus taught that to be considered ‘great’ (megas) we need to voluntarily serve and minister (diakonos-servant) to others.

He took it one step further and said that to be ‘first’ (protos – best; foremost) we must be a slave (doulos – bondservant).

Jesus also taught that the greatest love is sacrificial – to be willing to be poured out for others.

Jesus did not merely ‘teach’ as the Pharisees did. He put His teachings into practice, setting an example for us to follow. Jesus is our Servant-Slave-Savior.

Jesus was a servant Matthew 20:28a – (He) came not to be served but to serve. (diakonos)

Jesus was a slave Philippians 2:7 – but emptied himself, by taking the form of a slave. (doulos)

Jesus poured out His life Matthew 20:28b – (He) came to give his life as a ransom for many.

How do we follow Jesus’ example in our day-to-day life?

Sacrificial Love of Praise – It is easy to praise and worship when everything is coming up roses. When times are difficult and you feel angry, resentful, and questioning God’s love, are you willing in faith to die to self and offer a sacrifice of praise? Are you willing to continue to sacrificially serve Him and pour out your praise to ‘prime the pump’ in faith that God will yet see you through these difficult times?

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name – Hebrews 13:15

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. – Romans 12:1

Sacrificial Love in Life – There is a freedom in the born-again Christian’s life having been forgiven, cleansed, and possessing a clear conscience. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, our freedom must be tempered by our love for others whose faith and relationship with Jesus is fragile or non-existent.

In following Jesus are we willing to be a servant-slave to others as Jesus was and to die to our self-interests, being willing to be sacrificially poured out in His Name.

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up; But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. – 1 Corinthians 10:23; 1 Corinthians 8:9

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. – Philippians 2:17

Sacrificial Love in Marriage – Nowhere is the example of Christ’s sacrifice as a servant-slave as explicit as it is in instructing husbands to love their wives. Husbands are you willing to die to your self-interests and be a servant-slave to your wife as Jesus is to His church? Are you willing to pour yourself out to prime the pump of your marriage relationship to receive an abundance of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your marriage relationship?

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her – Ephesians 5:25

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; – Galatians 5:22-23

Servant – Slave – Sacrifice – A secular wisdom story is told about a thirsty traveler who comes upon an abandoned farm with a well pump. There is a jug of water next to the pump with a note: ‘Do not drink this water. Pour it all into the pump to prime it, and you will have an abundance of water.’ The traveler has to decide whether to die to self – his flesh craving for water – and in faith, pour it all into the pump to prime it in hope of receiving an abundant supply in return.

The traveler has to also decide whether to self-serve or serve others who will come after him by after having his needs met, refill the container, leaving others a full jug of water and instructions as to how to obtain an abundance and thereby ministering to the needs of others.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it; Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. – Matthew 16:24-25; 28:19-20

May you whole heartedly and steadfastly follow Jesus’ example of sacrificially being a servant and slave in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Begin first with your relationship with Jesus, then to your family and spouse, and then to the world.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Faith, Forgiveness, Holiness, Hope, Love, Marriage, Obedience, Prayer, Purpose, Relationship, Salvation, Service, Trials, Trust, Worship | Tagged bible, christianity, faith, forgiveness, god, Holy Spirit, Jesus, love, marriage, Praise, Sacrifice, salvation, Servant, worship | Leave a comment

Sword of the Spirit – Marking Time #1372

Posted on October 27, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1372

“Marking Time”

And He says to them, “Come follow after Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19 (BLB)

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. – 2 Peter 3:18

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; – Matthew 28:19

Troops march forward in formation until the command is given to ‘Mark Time, march!’ and the troops continue to step but remain in place. Forward motion has ceased.

The Word of God calls us to Come, Follow, Grow, and Go. We answered the altar call, recited the sinner’s prayer of repentance and accepted Jesus’ atonement for our sins. But for many of us, we are satisfied to rest in the assurance of salvation and fail to follow, grow and go. We are ‘Marking Time’ and remain ‘as people of the flesh’.

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

For though by this time, you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. – Hebrews 5:12-14

Come – We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The free gift of salvation is for all who would come to Him in repentance and faith.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 6:35,14:6

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

Follow – Our salvation is the first step of a journey. We must not ‘mark time’ and cease to follow Jesus. To follow Him is to surrender our will to His will, plan, and purpose for our life. We follow Him to be discipled by Him and to learn from Him. We follow to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus.

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. – Mark 8:34

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Grow – When we come to Jesus and follow Him, the Holy Spirit empowers us to grow in faith. This is the sanctification process whereby we are spiritually equipped to live in this world as citizens of heaven. Growth comes through consistent communion and fellowship with God through prayer. We are to seek first His kingdom over everything else in this world.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2

We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ – Ephesians 4:15

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness… For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… – 2 Peter 1:3-11

Go – We grow to go. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. His abiding presence in us equips us for service in the Kingdom of God. His sanctification process prunes the unfruitful branches of our flesh so that we can grow in Him and produce good fruit in abundance.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” – Romans 10:14-15

Forward March! – The call of the Lord is to come to Him and receive eternal life. His call continues to Follow, to Grow, and to Go. He died for us. We are called to live for Him.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called – Ephesians 4:1

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

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Sword of the Spirit – Living Word #1371

Posted on October 19, 2025 by ron021950

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT 1371

“Living Word”

If you have ever planted a seed, what initially appears to be inert and lifeless, like the printed words in a book, once planted in good soil, nurtured, and watered, becomes alive and actively grows and bears fruit. The Word of God is like a seed as Jesus taught in the parable of the sower.

Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. – Matthew 13:8

We err when we neglect the Word of God. We err when we discount one Testament in favor of the other or ignore portions of Scripture, picking out only the verses that we want to hear. The entire Canon of Scripture, all 66 books provide the whole counsel of God to us.

For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. – Acts 20:27

The Holy Bible is the revealed Word of God to us. It is the inerrant sacred text recorded in the original manuscripts under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Faith is Not Blind – Critics of the Christianity call it ‘blind faith’. Nothing is further from the truth. God gives each of us a measure of faith, a seed if you will, that will grow once nurtured with the water of the Word of God.

Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – 1 Peter 1:23;

Ephesians 2:8-9

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Hebrews 11:1; Romans 10:17

The Word of God is Alive – Our life in this world is temporary. Through faith in Jesus, we can be born again by the Spirit and have the assurance of eternal life with Him. The Word of God is alive and gives us life.

Because I live, you also will live. It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. – John 14:19, 6:63

It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. – Matthew 4:4

The Word of God is Active – Read the Word from a posture of prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the Word. Ask Him to activate the Word, teaching you how to apply it in your life circumstances. The Word of God is a catalyst that activates our faith and gives us power for living in this fallen world. Read and meditate on the Word in expectation to hear from God.

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11

The Word of God is Discerning – God knows usbetter than we know ourselves. Nothing is hidden from Him. We may compartmentalize sin, hurts, bitterness and anger, stuffing them down while wearing an ‘all things are good’ mask when facing the world. We can lie to ourselves and to others, but God knows the truth, and He still loves us. He wants to heal and free us from all that burdens us.

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust; But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 103:14; Romans 5:8

When we read the Word of God expect the sharp, double-edged sword of His Word to convict us of sin that we have rationalized and to expose the truth concerning the lies we have told ourselves.

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. – Acts 2:37,38

Expect the Sword of the Word to lance festering sores and past hurts so that they may be healed and to break the chains that have hindered us from having the abundant life of the abiding presence of Jesus in us.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. – John 10:10; Romans 8:2

May the Water of the Word of God save, cleanse, heal, and sanctify you to fulfill His perfect plan and purpose for your life in this world and for eternity with Him in Heaven.

Posted in Business as Mission, Direction, Faith, Forgiveness, Holiness, Hope, Love, Morality, Obedience, Prayer, Purpose, Salvation, Words | Tagged bible, christianity, Eternal Life, faith, forgiveness, god, Jesus, salvation | Leave a comment