SOUND OFF
But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says. Whoever will listen let him listen, and whoever will refuse let him refuse (Ezekiel 3:27).
What is the Lord saying to the world? The Lord speaks to you just as He speaks to us. What is He saying to you? The world is awaiting your voice. We encourage you to share your revelations (prophetic words, poetry, writings, thoughts etc) for possible inclusion in a coming edition of Tongues of Fire. Don't discount yourself. We want to hear from you. Do not be limited to the article format. Let God use you as a mouthpiece to proclaim the truth of His Word.
If your submission is chosen, you will be contacted via e-mail. Send your submissions to tonguesoffire1@yahoo.com.
We are excited to feature " The Nature of the Battle" authored by Linda Clifton of High Point, North Carolina.
The Nature of the Battle …
Whose Report Will You Believe?
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
We are in a war, brothers and sisters, a war that many of us do not understand. Make no mistake about it, it is a violent wrestling match - a tug of war between truth and the lie. Darkness and light collide. Death and life contend. Which side will come out on top in victory? Our peace, even our very lives are at stake.
I think it is important to explore what the Bible has to say about this important topic. By so doing, I believe we are arming ourselves with the knowledge necessary for victory (Hosea 4:6).
In the World
Prior to conversion, Satan was the undisputed, unchallenged ruler of our souls. We pretty much did whatever he suggested to our minds. We were concerned only with the desires of our flesh and the things of this world. That’s all we knew. To fit in with the world’s idea of what was good and successful, we learned to think a certain way—self-centeredly.
It was about my desires, my aspirations, my needs, my appearance, my possessions. Even our most unselfish acts were still selfish, because the motives were selfish—a good name, a good reputation, impressing people (Isaiah 64:6). Our hearts were evil and knew only fleshly thoughts, ideas, concepts, methods and habits. These mindsets were the strongholds that kept us bound and oppressed. We had no power to break free.
"For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." 1 John 2:16
Now that We Are in Christ
When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, He took up residence on the inside of us (John 15:5). He speaks spiritual truths to our hearts as He endeavors to bring about exciting and visible changes in our lives (1 Corinthians 2:12). He speaks words of forgiveness (Romans 8:1), acceptance (Ephesians 1:6), peace (John 14:27), joy (John 15:11) and purpose (2 Timothy 1:9). He assures us that we are new creatures now and old things have passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The Lord tells us also that we need no longer be slaves to old sinful habits, that God’s grace is sufficient for overcoming all that previously held us back and in bondage (2 Corinthians 12:9). He wants us to get the message that whereas we once were held captive by Satan and tempted according to Satan’s whims and fancies, Christ has set us free (John 8:32).
But guess what? Satan is talking too. His influence is through our flesh, by way of our five senses. From the flesh come powerful arguments that are always in direct opposition to the truth from the Spirit.
"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another." Galatians 5:17
Satan wants you to give up and give in to your fleshly desires so that the image you hold of yourself continues to be an image of weakness and defeat, not an image of strength, courage and victory in Christ (John 10:10).
As Christians, however, we have the legal right to evict Satan, to revoke his license to operate and exert control over our souls. The problem is that Satan is not giving up easily and is not leaving quietly. He wants to fool us into thinking he will always be in control of our souls. We, therefore, must always be on alert and ready to defend against the persistent and clever attacks of the enemy.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8
The Battle is in the Mind
As you can see, this battle is raging in your mind (heart). It’s not a battle with some person, some place, or some institution, though at times, it may appear to be so. The battleground is your own mind. A decision is required. Whose word will you accept as true? Whose report will you believe - that of the Spirit or that of the flesh?
Keep Your Heart
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
How are we to win with such a constant onslaught against our minds? How are we to keep our hearts? The Bible gives us an interesting word in Proverbs 23:7: for as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Apparently, what we think of ourselves ultimately determines how our lives play out. That explains why the Bible tells us we must renew our minds. As Christians, we need to renew our minds to see ourselves in the way God sees us. We need to accept and agree with the Lord’s viewpoint concerning us and our relationships to everything around us. If we become what we think we are becoming, we need to nurture the correct image of ourselves, in accordance with the word of God.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
It is our responsibility then to protect our minds from the attacks of the devil. We behold and accept the image of Christ in our minds, rather than the image of the world. We examine our old thought patterns, compare them with what Jesus has to say, and replace our thoughts with His thoughts.
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
The Weapons of Our Warfare
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Our Father has not left us defenseless, but has revealed specific tools and weapons for fighting this battle effectively. There are two important steps each of us can begin to take right now.
First, we can begin spending time in the word of God (Psalm 119:11). When we flood our minds with the light of God’s word, the darkness of the world’s way of thinking and doing things is displaced.
"Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light." Romans 13:12
What else can we begin to do right now? We can begin protecting our minds from words, images and circumstances that reinforce our old thought patterns. As we take an honest look around us, what are we seeing? What are we hearing? Are there particular things or situations right now that we need to consider eliminating from our environment?
Many thanks to Linda Clifton of High Point, NC who authored this timely article.
But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says. Whoever will listen let him listen, and whoever will refuse let him refuse (Ezekiel 3:27).
What is the Lord saying to the world? The Lord speaks to you just as He speaks to us. What is He saying to you? The world is awaiting your voice. We encourage you to share your revelations (prophetic words, poetry, writings, thoughts etc) for possible inclusion in a coming edition of Tongues of Fire. Don't discount yourself. We want to hear from you. Do not be limited to the article format. Let God use you as a mouthpiece to proclaim the truth of His Word.
If your submission is chosen, you will be contacted via e-mail. Send your submissions to tonguesoffire1@yahoo.com.
We are excited to feature " The Nature of the Battle" authored by Linda Clifton of High Point, North Carolina.
The Nature of the Battle …
Whose Report Will You Believe?
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12
We are in a war, brothers and sisters, a war that many of us do not understand. Make no mistake about it, it is a violent wrestling match - a tug of war between truth and the lie. Darkness and light collide. Death and life contend. Which side will come out on top in victory? Our peace, even our very lives are at stake.
I think it is important to explore what the Bible has to say about this important topic. By so doing, I believe we are arming ourselves with the knowledge necessary for victory (Hosea 4:6).
In the World
Prior to conversion, Satan was the undisputed, unchallenged ruler of our souls. We pretty much did whatever he suggested to our minds. We were concerned only with the desires of our flesh and the things of this world. That’s all we knew. To fit in with the world’s idea of what was good and successful, we learned to think a certain way—self-centeredly.
It was about my desires, my aspirations, my needs, my appearance, my possessions. Even our most unselfish acts were still selfish, because the motives were selfish—a good name, a good reputation, impressing people (Isaiah 64:6). Our hearts were evil and knew only fleshly thoughts, ideas, concepts, methods and habits. These mindsets were the strongholds that kept us bound and oppressed. We had no power to break free.
"For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." 1 John 2:16
Now that We Are in Christ
When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, He took up residence on the inside of us (John 15:5). He speaks spiritual truths to our hearts as He endeavors to bring about exciting and visible changes in our lives (1 Corinthians 2:12). He speaks words of forgiveness (Romans 8:1), acceptance (Ephesians 1:6), peace (John 14:27), joy (John 15:11) and purpose (2 Timothy 1:9). He assures us that we are new creatures now and old things have passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The Lord tells us also that we need no longer be slaves to old sinful habits, that God’s grace is sufficient for overcoming all that previously held us back and in bondage (2 Corinthians 12:9). He wants us to get the message that whereas we once were held captive by Satan and tempted according to Satan’s whims and fancies, Christ has set us free (John 8:32).
But guess what? Satan is talking too. His influence is through our flesh, by way of our five senses. From the flesh come powerful arguments that are always in direct opposition to the truth from the Spirit.
"For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another." Galatians 5:17
Satan wants you to give up and give in to your fleshly desires so that the image you hold of yourself continues to be an image of weakness and defeat, not an image of strength, courage and victory in Christ (John 10:10).
As Christians, however, we have the legal right to evict Satan, to revoke his license to operate and exert control over our souls. The problem is that Satan is not giving up easily and is not leaving quietly. He wants to fool us into thinking he will always be in control of our souls. We, therefore, must always be on alert and ready to defend against the persistent and clever attacks of the enemy.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8
The Battle is in the Mind
As you can see, this battle is raging in your mind (heart). It’s not a battle with some person, some place, or some institution, though at times, it may appear to be so. The battleground is your own mind. A decision is required. Whose word will you accept as true? Whose report will you believe - that of the Spirit or that of the flesh?
Keep Your Heart
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
How are we to win with such a constant onslaught against our minds? How are we to keep our hearts? The Bible gives us an interesting word in Proverbs 23:7: for as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Apparently, what we think of ourselves ultimately determines how our lives play out. That explains why the Bible tells us we must renew our minds. As Christians, we need to renew our minds to see ourselves in the way God sees us. We need to accept and agree with the Lord’s viewpoint concerning us and our relationships to everything around us. If we become what we think we are becoming, we need to nurture the correct image of ourselves, in accordance with the word of God.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
It is our responsibility then to protect our minds from the attacks of the devil. We behold and accept the image of Christ in our minds, rather than the image of the world. We examine our old thought patterns, compare them with what Jesus has to say, and replace our thoughts with His thoughts.
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
The Weapons of Our Warfare
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Our Father has not left us defenseless, but has revealed specific tools and weapons for fighting this battle effectively. There are two important steps each of us can begin to take right now.
First, we can begin spending time in the word of God (Psalm 119:11). When we flood our minds with the light of God’s word, the darkness of the world’s way of thinking and doing things is displaced.
"Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light." Romans 13:12
What else can we begin to do right now? We can begin protecting our minds from words, images and circumstances that reinforce our old thought patterns. As we take an honest look around us, what are we seeing? What are we hearing? Are there particular things or situations right now that we need to consider eliminating from our environment?
Many thanks to Linda Clifton of High Point, NC who authored this timely article.