Far above there was once a war declared! Yet, there’s still a warfare to wage. And how was or is that related to Christmas?

Happy Birthday to Immanuel our Commander in Chief!

Yay!  Let’s each give Him a gift He'll love -- ourselves!  Let's come as we are today. 

Let's all celebrate, and fight on. Yep, on our knees! (Okay, so this is a different but sound take on Christmas.)

The Bible tells us believers to, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim. 6:12

Let’s pray and praise and worship the Lord our commander. Let's talk about that war declared in the heavens. It was before Adam and Eve. A great resistance to direct Authority there.  You remember...

“And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." Gen. 3:15 

Puffed up, rebellious Lucifer and a third of the angels really lost out. They got booted out of heaven. We’re still seeing a heated cultural battle here that’s been getting worse.  

Now we spiritually reborn believers live in the target zone.. in the war zone but the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. 

“For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ..”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“I’m not afraid of the devil. The devil can handle me—he’s got judo I never heard of.  But he can’t handle the One to whom I’m joined; he can’t handle the One to whom I’m united; he can’t handle the One whose nature dwells in my nature.” ~ A.W. Tozer

So what verses go along with these words?  Kind of a unique Christmas passage does.  The Bible says...

“Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.” Rev 12:1-6 nkjv

What do we see? The incarnation (of Jesus), the exaltation and the coronation. 

* Who is the Murderer (verses 1–6). The Child here is Jesus Christ, and the radiant woman here is NOT Mary nor is it the Church. The radiant woman in this passage actually represents Israel who brought the Savior into the world (See ”..on her head a garland of twelve stars” representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Genesis 37). Sure, think about it. Christ is the one who gave us the Church, and not visa-versa. The dragon here is Satan who tried to keep Jesus from being born and attempted to kill Him after He was born. Remember that happening? Satan still wants to rule this world and receive worship, and he will not submit to the King of kings (verse 5; Ps. 2:9).

Historians tells us that King Herod (or Herod the Great, as he liked to be called) was a cruel, power-hungry ruler who destroyed anyone he feared was trying to topple him from his throne. He even killed several members of his own family because he thought they were plotting against him. When a group of wise men (or scholars) came to Jerusalem shortly after Jesus was born they asked one question: Where could they find the newly-born king of the Jews? They added, “We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2, NKJV). When word of this reached King Herod, he sent for them and urged them to find the child, so he could worship him, too. But Herod was lying. His real goal was to destroy the child, fearing (illogically) that in time Jesus would take over his throne. God warned the wise men of Herod’s plot in a dream, and after Herod realized they had evaded him, he ordered the death of every child in Bethlehem below the age of two. Herod wasn’t the last to try to destroy Christ and His people; even in our own day evil men and women rise up against God’s work. But God’s Word is true: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” Matthew 16:18 kjv

* Who is the Deceiver (7–9). Warren Wiersbe here says this is a picture of the fall of Satan (Isa. 14:12–17). Sure, he was able to deceive one-third of the angels into following him (v. 4), and now he deceives the world into worshiping him. 

* Who is the Accuser (verses 10–12). Satan has access to God’s throne where he accuses God’s people (Job 1–2; Zech. 3). The Lamb overcomes him because of His victory on that Cross at Calvary (Rom. 8:31–34; 1 John 2:1–2) and because of the power of the Word (Eph. 6:17). The cross put and end to the war. Yes, the devil is a defeated foe, but is ticked off and dangerous still. The devil is not in the lake yet, nor is he in hell today making sinners shovel coal. Nope, but he’s a lot like a wounded animal about to be no more. 

”The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” - Rev 20:10

* Who is the Persecutor (verses 13–17). The war may be over in heaven, but it is just getting more intense here on earth. Satan knows his time is very limited. And he is really angry -- he seeks to destroy the Jews and make war with anyone who trusts in the Lord Jesus. But God is able to shelter His people in spite of Satan’s cruel attacks, but be sure you wear the full armor (Eph. 6:10–18) and trust your heavenly Father because. Trust Him because of blood of the cross of Christ. And keep on obeyin’, prayin’, fightin', praisin’, and worshipin’ Him!

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
   And wild and sweet
   The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
   Had rolled along
   The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
   A voice, a chime,
   A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
   And with the sound
   The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
   And made forlorn
   The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
   "For hate is strong,
   And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
   The Wrong shall fail,
   The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

“Happy Christmas, Kyoko. Happy Christmas, Julian

So this is Christmas

And what have you done

Another year over

And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas

I hope you have fun

The near and the dear one

The old and the young

A very Merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

And so this is Christmas (war is over)

For weak and for strong (if you want it)

For rich and the poor ones (war is over)

The road is so long (now)

And so happy Christmas (war is over)

For black and for white (if you want it)

For yellow and red ones (war is over)

Let's stop all the fight (now)

A very Merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear...

A very Merry Christmas

And a happy New Year

Let's hope it's a good one

Without any fear

War is over, if you want it

War is over now

Happy Christmas!”~ Beatle John Lennon 

..J.L. was a seeker, who some in his later days say he professed a faith in Christ. He even went to a church. Me, not sure. None of us like a stupid world war -- such a waste!

Happy Christmas!  Rejoice and fight on, believers, but not with each other or in the flesh.  Who needs that? Nobody! (Blog)

Photos by Carla Dyck, Mr. De Predicated and World's best Hotels 2014.

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Our victory ain’t in our own practical savvy or clever know-how, it’s in the living Christ who loves us! 

Do you feel down or discouraged? Have you been cheated out of.. or fully ripped off? Unseen forces of wickedness (that hate people and God's truth), as well as their thugs here (who could at any time repent and be forgiven, but have chosen to align with them here) often fight against God’s people. It gets old. Let's not be lethargic, passive, lukewarm, distracted, or apathetic!  

Remember Israel’s exodus out of Egypt (you know how that's a type of this corrupt world system here). Well, there was no mightier army on the face of the earth than Pharaoh’s army at that time. Imagine what it must have been like for the Israelites just to see that army pursuing them with chariots, weapons and horses. Yes, with shields, sharp swords and spears. 

If that were happening today, it would have been drones, stealth bombers, tanks and upgraded hummers coming at them... all at the same time. Man, the Israelites thought they were dead meat so to speak. 

So how did Moses respond? What did he tell them to do? He said, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:13–14 nlt). Just rest in Him, stay calm as He helps you to. We hear fear not so many times in God's Book cuz it's so important. God delivered His children. He does that over and over again all through the Bible. 

It's No Time For Lethargy Or Passivity. There's Indeed Some Stuff For Us To Do. It's Too Early To Quit Or Be Lazy, But The Battle Is the Lord’s! 

“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 (See context)

Go meditate upon Ephesians 6. God tells us about the believer’s spiritual armor to put on.. the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the Spirit, and so forth. But before the apostle Paul begins describing this spiritual armor, he writes, “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” Ephesians 6:10 nlt

Question. Have you been backed up into a tough corner, or into a really hard spot? As you pray without ceasing.. stand still and watch the Lord rescue you.

You know it’s impossible to live this Christian life or to fight on ..right in your own strength. Sometimes the giants of life can defeat us again and again because we face them in our own strength. Many don't wait on the Lord for His directives or timeing. Instead we lean on our own understanding. We rely upon our on devices to win. Perhaps you've never done that and we can learn from you? I hope we all learn better.   

Listen, the battle really belongs to the Lord, believer. That is why David said to Goliath, “Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands” 1 Samuel 17:47

Choose not to become weary in well doing, and know that praying is the smartest well doing here. Ephesians 6 tells about the various pieces of armor that believers are to wear. But before a single piece of armor is applied, Paul gives us these words: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

I recognize I am weak, but at the same time, I acknowledge that God is great and powerful. I need to know that I cannot win the spiritual battle in my own strength. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

We need to know about the incredible resources God has made available to us as Christians. Paul prayed that the believers at Ephesus would discover what God had done for them. He said, “Therefore I.. do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:15–18).

You don’t fight for victory. You fight from it. Start living in that power.

Have you been under attack? Have you experienced fierce opposition lately? God is there for you. Near! I know these words (below) were originally addressed to the praying believers at Rome but perhaps they will minister to you as well. 

"I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." ~ Paul, Romans 16:19-20

See the whole context, but God is still more far than able to come to your aid, believer. He can intervene and still do miracles. God never changes...evvvvver! Jesus is totally the same and mighty (not weaker, deaf, feeble or lacking or older -- he lives outside of time), yesterday, today and forever and He promised to meet all your needs. All as in all. None are stronger or wiser and He’s there for you. Would you pray something like...

God, we look away to You now. All-Mighty Warrior of Heaven, Lion of Judah, Captain of the strongest Armies in the whole universe,

At this time, please open our eyes to the invisible realm around us. Tear away the veil so to speak.. of deception that the enemy has hung over our minds, eyes and our hearts.

Show us that for every aspect of Your truth, Satan has a twisted counterfeit. He and all those fallen angels with him are defeated foes, they are no match for you, God. 

Give us wisdom, insight and discernment to detect what’s going on..

Mr. Lu-Cifer’s twisting of the truth, his ugly accusations, cruel slander and full on lies that are in stark contrast with Your Bible truth,
His suggestions in contrast to Your clear commands,
His temptations in contrast to Your kind promises,
His destruction in contrast to your gracious salvation,
His pleasures of sin that are so fleeting and end in death,
His plans that are for any human anywhere.. failing,
His evil purposes that are so lame and futile,
And his position that is completely fraudulent.

Thank You that You have not left us defenseless for The Battle.

...God, we choose to intentionally put on the whole Armor in Christ—to hide ourselves in You today. Yep, we put on Jesus and claim the mind of Christ. Therefore, we choose to…

…Wrap ourselves in the Truth of Your Word so that our thoughts remain pure, so that our decisions are effectual, and so our actions are in line with what the Holy Spirit would say and has biblically said.

…Guard our Hearts with the keen awareness that we are right with You (in right standing cuz of Calvary’s Cross) and to the best of our ability, right with others.

…Stand firm on Your Good News that invites anyone and everyone into a personal, permanent, life-saving, life-changing relationship with You through the Cross, and that without Jesus there is no way to come to You.

…Trust You During Times of Peace and times of fierce Attack or War; in times of health and times of sickness; in times of wealth and times of poverty; in times of prosperity and times of adversity; in times of life and in time of death.

…Claim the Blessed Assurance that We are 100% Yours and You are 100% ours. We choose to believe.. we will not doubt our salvation or our eternal security because You guarantee both through the shed blood of Your Son and the indwelling Seal of Your Powerful Spirit.

…Take up Your Word as we read it, study it, love it, apply it, obey it, and tactfully share it with others.

…We Humbly and Prayerfully ask You To Keep us Alert for Your Kingdom to come, and Your will (not our’s) to be done here, on earth as it is in heaven.

We take up the shield of faith and will face our foe with nothing to protect our backs because we are not turning around in retreat. We will not cowardly run away. We will not bow, bend, or back down! We will simply stand our ground with You as our Leader, and having done all, we will keep standing firm.

Refill, Help, and Saturate us in Your Spirit of Truth, Lord…

Flood our hearts with Your love, yes..
Fill our whole being, each one of us today, with the one and only Holy Spirit,
Dead-bolt our eyes if you will.. Spirit, firmly fix our eyes on our Savior, Lord, and King of all kings.

Cover us with Your blood.
Give us courage to call Satan out when we hear his mocking, taunting, threatening, derisive, insinuating accusations.
He is a liar. He is a toothless old lion.
But You are the mighty Lord.

So considerate of You to rescue us in need -- THANKS. Give us strength today from Your muscular grace to persevere until we see You in the Rapture, in death, or at Your return to earth. With this encroaching darkness, fill us and refill us again.. with Your holy Light that directs people to the one living Hope that is found in You. 

In a world swirling and swarming with demons, and confusion, and chaos due to fake news instead of the Good News, teach us to use the Sword of the Spirit effectively while wrapping it in unceasing biblical prayer. Yes, in believing prayer to You. 

In a world of weird ploys, deception, coup attempts for power.. both unsuccessful and successful here. God, please cleanse our lips and give us holy boldness to declare, to clearly proclaim, to wisely speak Your truth so that people will come to faith in Jesus. Please use, direct and keep us as we share Your Gospel without any compromise. Make us warriors a lot like You are. 

We pray this in the name of the Rider on the white horse, whose name is Faithful and True, who one day will return to fix it all. Yes, followed by the all the armies of Heaven. We pray in the name of the One who fairly judges with justice and makes war, with eyes of blazing fire. We pray in the name of the Loyal, Victorious Warrior who one day will vanquish Satan, and remove all sin, evil, wickedness, rebellion, Arrogance, hatred, injustice, and lies away from this planet.

Yes, we pray and know You hear us when we call out to You. In the name of JESUS make haste to act. 

Our Land is in peril now as enemies do all they can to lock up down and shut us up. God, go to battle now against all those stubborn and unrepentant fools who repeatedly battle against your kids. Don’t let them get away with their serious crimes. Oust all those haters who keep seeking with lies to oust and hurt ..or even kill your children. They’ve killed so many and You saw. Grant us victory, Jesus..

For the glory of Your Name. Yes, we give You all the thanks and glory in advance. Amen!

 Photos by Whoislimos and Jacob Bentzinger. Thanks.

Do your part and let God do his. Ours? Turn, trust, pray and believe! The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. Covid-times -- times of prayer for us.

Ain't gunna take matters into my own hands, when I ain't supposed to do that. Am trusting God with this. Have you felt like that before? I have felt tempted to do that at times, but listen. God's grace is so helpful and strong. Let him deal with what is his to deal with. I've been musing on what God says regarding this. 

"But Moses told the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the Lord’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'” Exodus 14:13-14 (see whole context) 

"The Lord your God, who goes before you, will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt." Deuteronomy 1:30 

"..and you have seen everything that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake, because it was the Lord your God who fought for you." Joshua 23:3

"And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel." 2 Chronicles 20:29

"For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said: 'By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence..'" Isaiah 30:15 

"Do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God Himself will fight for you." Deuteronomy 3:22

"Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us!" Nehemiah 4:20 

Jesus is his name. "The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name." Exodus 15:3

"And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians." Exodus 14:25

"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference!" ~ Max Lucado

Covid-times are to be prayer times for us.

When you feel frustrated inside cuz you can’t yet solve that problem you face.... pray. Got a weird boss, or angry parent, or some enemies out to battle against you today? Let the Lord fight for you.  

Pray. God can handle it. He doesn’t have any need, doesn’t need me, can always overcome and he ain’t caught off guard by any of this. He will win..pray. He’s not surprised at all, never said OOOPS or Oh No! He’s not fallen off his throne of Authority. He not been defeated. Won’t ever be.  

Your Father knows what you have need of today before you even call out to him or specifically request. Ask boldly. He knew ‘bout this day, need, all that you're facing. Yep, a long time ago he knew. Doesn’t need me commanding or instructing him on how to do it.. in prayer. Turn to, trust. You just wait, you’ll see.

Hasn’t stopped caring. He loves you and me too much to be dissuaded from his good plan for us. And we really don’t want God to switch his plan -- we want his perfect will to be done. That’s supreme, that’s really paramount. 

What is prayer?

Why pray?

What is the prayer of salvation?

What is the Sinner’s Prayer?

How can we recognize the voice of God when we pray?

Best way to care about others? Pray for them and then go do what God says.. or don't do what he says not to do (Read and do more of this). 

Only speak what he says to say (it'll agree with the Bible). 

God, I love you. Thanks for honoring our choices, but I want You most. I want fruit that remains, and your Kingdom ..not mine.. to come. Do battle for us today. Please solve this thing, please change this, please change me too. Do what you’ve been wanting to do in my life. Thanks for providing and guiding. Honestly Lord, have your way in my life, yes, work out your perfect will for me.  

"Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him." Psalm 50:3   

"A Song or Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God." Psalm 83:1   

"For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not." Isaiah 30:15 

Tell the Lord today, God I'm willing to be changed by you. Don't be molded into a worldly image, but let the Lord mold you and influence those of this world towards him. Trust him today. The Lord your God which goeth before you, he will fight for you as you pray, give thanks and praise... and he's really good at that. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind in the truth of His word. Turn and fully trust in Jesus today! He is trustworthy.   

How's your nation and your leaders doing? Are there violent and crooked people trying to take over? Pray -- let God fight for your nation and people. Do you know the Lord, or do you need to return to him today? Come back. Right now.  

“Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!” Psalm 24:7–8

We need integrity and godly character, Lord. Help us. Now we all need Christ and his body the church for accountability. You need a group of growing born again believes and place that is not shame-based. We need the word -- all the counsels of God. AA ain't shame based. Religious churches can be very shame-based, but God isn't religious at all and healthy local churches led by spiritual men are not. 

“Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” Proverbs 28:6

Does the Bible instruct us to do some spiritual warfare and live spiritually aware? Jesus, we need a move of God here in the USA. 

Miracles happen when you move, Lord. We are here for you, come and do what you do. We want you first. Turn us back to you. Set our hearts on fire for you, Lord. Come and do what you do in our Land. Pour out your Spirit again. God, send your revival to your church (and through me). Yes, authentic, and a biblical spiritual awakening too. 

1. What does the Bible say about fighting?

What situations or issues are truly worth fighting for, or praying about according to the Bible?

2. What is the meaning of “you have not because you ask not” in James 4:2?

Do you ask boldly for God to meet all of your needs. What is James 4:2 all about?

3. Why fight on the way to or at church? What is the cause of church splits? How can healing occur after a church split?

How can healing occur after a church split? Why is there so much division in the Body of Christ?

4. Did Jesus come to bring peace on earth?

What does it mean that Jesus did not come to bring peace but a sword?

5. Is religion the cause of most wars?

Is it true that most of the wars in world history were caused by religious beliefs?

6. What does the Bible say about strife?

How can a Christian avoid strife? Is there any situation in which strife is appropriate?

7. What does it mean God is our refuge and strength and an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)?

What does it mean when the Bible speaks of God protecting his people from attacks? 

8. What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare?

How can I achieve victory in spiritual warfare against Satan and his demons?

9. Spiritual Warfare — you can pray, praise, and worship with joy in Jesus. The Lord gives us victory in the battle! 

God will hear your cry and lift you up from the slimy pit -- he's got your back when under attack. You can be filled with, walk in, and be guided by the Holy Spirit. He always wins. 

10. What can I do when I am under spiritual attack?

Are these just the tough circumstances of life? How can I know when I am being attacked spiritually?

11. Do we need to be aware of the spiritual battle that is taking place around us?

How can I gain victory in the spiritual battle against creepy Satan and his gang?

12. What is spiritual mapping?

Is it biblical and right? What does spiritual mapping have to do with spiritual warfare? Is spiritual mapping sound?

13. What is warfare prayer?

What is the relationship between prayer and spiritual warfare? It's time to get on your knees and fight like a man. Like Jesus did, the God-man. 

14. What is spiritual bondage?

What does the Bible say about being in spiritual bondage? How can I break free from spiritual bondage?

15. What is spiritual dryness, and how can I overcome it?

I am feeling spiritually dry. What might be the cause?

16. Spiritual strongholds - what is the biblical view?

How can I break the strongholds that are hurting my spiritual life?

17. How can I overcome spiritual apathy?

Why am I so apathetic about my spirituality?

18. What is spiritual awareness?

How can I be aware of the spiritual realm around me? Are there angels warring around me at times? Does the Bible instruct us to be spiritually aware? We need a move of God here. Miracles happen when you move, Lord. We are here for you, come and do what you do. Set our hearts on fire for you. Come and do what you do. Pour out your Spirit again. Lord, send your revival, authentic, and a biblical spiritual awakening. 

19. What is the full armor of God?

Why is it important to put on the full armor of God before I engage in spiritual warfare?

20. Got more questions about Prayer?

Why pray? How can I get God to answer my prayers? What is praying in the Spirit?

21. What is a prayer closet?

Closet ..what? What is the origin of the idea of a prayer closet? Is there any value in praying in a prayer closet?

22. What is the power of prayer?

From what source does prayer receive its power?

23. What does the Bible say about prayer for the sick?

Biblically speaking, what is the proper way to pray for those who are sick?

24. "Unsound Prayer" — what is that?

Here are some articles with content related to lame prayin'. Yeah, on "Unsound Prayer".

25. Does praying Scripture have greater effectiveness than other prayers?

Is there value in quoting Scripture as you pray?

26. Even in some so-called Christian churches today there's some off-base teaching in the area of spiritual warfare praying. Beware of false teachers. No reborn Christian really, you don't need to have any demons cast out of you! The Holy Spirit doesn't have some time-share agreement with devils in you to share your body. So what does the Bible say about sound spiritual warfare?

How can I enjoy victory in spiritual warfare against Satan and his demons who hate me?

27. How and why should we pray for our leaders?

Why is it important for us to pray for our leaders and how should we do that?

28. What is a prayer circle?

What is the origin of the idea of a prayer circle? Is there any value in praying in a prayer circle of people?  What is the relationship between praying in the name of Jesus and spiritual warfare?

29. What is a prayer closet. Who even builds those?

What is the origin of the idea of a prayer closet? Is there any value in praying in a prayer closet?

30. What is the power of prayer?

From what source does prayer receive its power?

31. What does the Bible say about prayer for the sick?

Biblically speaking, what is the proper way to pray for those who are sick?

32. Does praying Scripture have greater effectiveness than other prayers?

Is there value in quoting Scripture as you pray?

33. What does the Bible really say about spiritual warfare and the errors with that?

I want God to do warfare against Mr. Lu-Cifer (the devil, a.k.a. Satan) and his demons?

Want harmony in and out of the home? Set the right time and pray with her, husbands. Yes, earnestly with and for your wives. They have needs that you can meet, and some that you can’t meet.

Touching, tender, and top priority. It’s an intimate thang. It’s blessed of God! It's about worshipping the Lord together--you two were created for Him. 

Yep, it’s about waiting on Him. It's about helping one another too. It's about hearing both God and her voice, guys. It’s about sincere vertical candor, trust, expectation, and selfless concern for each other. We pray so He can hear us and respond with power. Christians, our main aim isn't so people around us hear us. The weird Pharisees of old primarily prayed on street corners so that others would hear them out in public and feel impressed. 

This is SO needed for couples daily -- cuz when we’re together praying or apart praying for each other (like when away working in order to pay those bills), we both need the Lord who provides, helps and guides.. to come through and answer us. What do we hear from Him. Yes, No, or Wait is what we hear (He answers every prayer). And His timing is perfect, He knows best, and He delights to bless and take part as Lord in our relationships. 

Seems like I often learn more about my wife (Liney’s) needs, 'bout her longings and her dreams when she is casually praying with me, and I am thrilled to join in for her sake. I pray that she will continue to live happy, and blessed with all needs met. God can do it--the big stuff isn't too big for Him. She has some spiritual battles that she faces at her office at times, that I don’t face or fully understand, but Jesus does. We all have some battles, believers.  

Plan a time to discuss the “First Steps You’ll Take” with your wife in this.

Impact: God uses individuals and couples to make a positive impact in this world... if and when we are praying in faith. God calls us to be a good witness at home and in the world. No room for unbelief. A frequent routine of prayer together dramatically enhances marital relations by improving marital trust..along with spiritual and physical intimacy. Be active in a healthy Bible teaching Christian church with an on-fire (saved spiritual, instead of carnal, religious or worldly) pastor. And pray a short or longer prayer before you go, so you won’t have a fight along the way. Mr. Lu-Cifer (the devil) likes to divide couples and rob them of JOY etc. 

Typical Obstacles For Some: 

• INTIMIDATION: Many men want to always come off strong with no needs. They can feel awkward about initiating prayer with their wives because some perceive her to be more spiritually mature (and some wives are). But you don’t need to be a spiritual giant to lead in this area, husbands. You just need to initiate and point to the ultimate Solution for your marriage which is Christ. The couple that prays together can stay together and give witness of His love. Saved husbands are called to be the spiritual leaders in a marriage, and saved wives are to be the spiritual challenge in the relationship--equally valued and loved.  
• BACKGROUND: Some grew up in homes where honest prayer was silent or non-existent. God is not religious so none of us need to work beads or say religious form prayers--God through His Son Jesus Christ is our only focus when we pray. Praying out loud in front of others can feel uncomfortable to some. Men, start by holding her hand. Holding hands while praising and praying silently together..and then perhaps squeeze hands when you are done, or when it’s their turn. Do graduate on to “one sentence prayers” from the silent praying--it’s good to come into agreement with each other when praying. Still feel awkward, just take baby steps. 
• SCHEDULES: Jobs, kids, travel and other life realities will get in the way. Piggyback your prayer habit onto existing routines (e.g., bedtime, driving, etc.) at least twice per week rather than setting lofty but unattainable goals. 

No need to act all hyper-spiritual, churchy weird or even spooky. Keep it plain and simple -- just start like you talk in a casual friendship. Sure, you already know how to start a conversation with your friends--so it's important to keep it that simple. Perhaps discuss the following with your wife before launching a simple prayer routine together. 

1. How will we pray? (Choose a place to start. I like to write down some basic needs -- her’s first and some things to thank the Lord for.) 
❑ Silent prayer while holding hands 
❑ One sentence prayers about shared concerns 
❑ He prays while she silently agrees 
❑ She prays while he silently agrees 
❑ Take turns praying out loud 

2. What will we pray for/about? (Mention 2-3 in each category.) 
❑ Giving Thanks 
❑ Our Needs/Concerns 
❑ Our Kids/Grandkids 
❑ Our Dreams/Goals 
❑ Family/Friends/Acquaintances 

HUSBAND, THERE’S A TIME TO GENTLY EMBRACE HER AND PRAY OVER HER PLANS AND NEEDS. 

Doesn’t have to be long or complicated at all--sometimes when she’s hurting inside.. it can be longer of course. Not loudly praying for her. It can be whispered prayers to God for her--He loves you both most, so SO MUCH and wants to see her blessed more than you do. But nothing is more intimate for a couple than that. Praying for each other's needs. 

Be United, Harmonious, Joyful, and in Prayer--Be Of The Same Mind In The Lord. 

Turn all your concerns, fears and worries into prayers. 

The Bible says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
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.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.” Phil. 4:4-8

3. Guidelines for overcoming prayer obstacles: 
❑ Humility with faith: Act confident even if you don’t feel like it. Agree that you are just two of God’s cherished children seeking help rather than some spiritual giants hoping to inspire or impress one another. 
❑ Silence with hearing Him: Recall the Scriptures you’ve together read. When either of you doesn’t know what to say, agree to mention a topic of need and then pray silently. 
❑  Reminders: You want to stay together in love (so many don’t). You want mature spiritually--fully grow up into all that God wants you each to be. You want to be what the other needs you to be according to God’s wisdom and word. Either can “nudge” the other back on track whenever your prayer routine wanes. You can pray over the phone when away taking turns. No guilt or remorse.

Would you pray something like: Please forgive me, Jesus. I turn, trust and invite You In -- use us together for Your glory. Amen. Facebook.com/ShareJesus