The truth is I don’t think much of spiritual warfare in everyday life. I know we have a real enemy. I know that enemy wants to thwart our efforts and discourage us, but we’re quick to blame challenges and discouragement on life and on the fact that sin is real and life won’t be easy or perfect until the day we are in heaven with Jesus.
Yesterday, I listened to Leslie and Emma talk about spiritual warfare. Emma had a horrible, horrible nightmare. And Leslie’s been having them often. They understood this was spiritual warfare and have been praying against it. They are continuing to pray.
It makes sense that the enemy would be fighting for this ground, in the Czech Republic—one of the most atheistic countries in the world. While the country is beautiful and the people are friendly, there is a dullness in so many eyes. There aren’t the smiles and laughter I see on the faces of so many of my Arkansas friends back home who follow Jesus.
Because of the gloomy attitudes and down-turned gazes, light is easy to recognize. When I look at my daughter, she simply glows. And others witness it, too.
Yesterday I was talking to a new friend, Hanza, and he told me (through a translator) that Leslie has a light in her eyes he hasn’t seen before. I told him it was the joy of the Lord, and he nodded. The light is Jesus inside her, reflecting through her gaze.
Light is easy to see in a dark place—but that also makes it a target for the spiritual forces of darkness that do not want to give up an inch of ground. Won’t you pray for the followers of Christ here in the Czech Republic, both the Czech Christians and the others who come here to serve?
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. Colossians 1:13 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that You are the Light of the World. The only light we have flows from You being in us. Fill us, Lord. May your light and love be seen by everyone we meet. You are Lord, and I pray you strengthen our spirits to fight against the rulers and authorities of the unseen world. May you send your heavenly angels to do the battle around us, preparing peaceful ground for us to walk on.
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Isaiah 60:2 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)
Lord, may you be glorified in our words and our actions today. Although darkness covers the earth and the people of this earth, rise among us. May your glory appear over us. And may those who are living in darkness take steps to the light. May they confess those words, “Jesus, you are the light of the world.” And through their confession may the light of life fill them.In [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:4 (NIV)
“While I [Jesus] am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5 (NIV)
I [Jesus] have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:46 (NIV)
And for those who may not yet have a relationship with Jesus, here is a prayer to pray. (You do not have to use these words exactly, but this is a guide for you.)
Dear God in Heaven, as Your Holy Word, the Bible, says, I believe that Your Son, Jesus, is the only way to eternal life and the light of the world. Lord, I do not want to stay in darkness, but I desire to walk in Your light. Come into my heart. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins. I need Your forgiveness. I release my control to You. Fill me with Your light, Jesus.
I believe Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross and died for my sins. You said in the Bible in Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved. I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. At this moment I accept Jesus as my personal Savior.
I thank You that according to your Holy Bible I am saved, that at this moment You are writing my name in Your eternal book, and that I can look forward to eternity with You. Even more than that, I know that on this earth You now live inside me, and Your Holy Spirit will fill me and guide me. I accept that. I am thank for that. My heart rejoices over that fact!
I know your unlimited grace has saved me from my sins. May my salvation never give me license to sin, but may Your Spirit inside me always lead me to repentance. Fill me with Your Light and transform my life so I might bring glory to You. Protect me from the enemy of the world who wants to discourage me or bring me harm.
Thank You, Jesus, for your sacrifice and for the gift of eternal life. Amen.
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