SPIRITUAL WARFARE PRAYERS by L. Tyler Copyright © 12/30/1997 P.O.Box 734, El Centro, CA 92244 P.O.Box San Diego, CA 92162-0763 oldservant@delphi.com lovenchosen@hotmail.com This document is to be distributed freely to any who desire it. Go to "file" and choose "select all". Go to font and select size 10 and it will make this etext file much more readable. ` TABLE OF CONTENTS >1. INTRODUCTION P. 1 >2. SPIRITUAL WARFARE P. 2 >3. EVERY DAY PRAYERS P. 14 Start praying here. >11. FOOTNOTES/SCRIPTURES P. 37 INTRODUCTION Brethren, we are called to be those who stand in the gap, interceding to God for our families and our loved ones. Prayer is a "first of all" priority activity assigned to us by our God>a.. We want the best in the Lord for our loved ones and ourselves. In order to obtain it, we must ask>b. and both the asker and that asked for must be right with God.>c. We can make sure that we, the askers, are right with God by examining ourselves in the Light of the Word and submitting to His Word as we understand it.>d. What better way to make sure that what you are asking is right than to pray scripture, to pray the Bible's prayers for you and your loved ones. The subject of Spiritual warfare is examined first, since some are not aware of what is involved in fighting for our loved ones in the Lord. That discussion is followed by scripture-prayers for our unsaved loved ones. Lastly daily prayers for ourselves and our loved ones are offered. I can't think of better prayers than prayers inspired by God. These scripture prayers are adapted so that they are current church- age prayers appropriate for the real life situations facing us and our loved ones. Pray on! SPIRITUAL WARFARE >I. WHO IS OUR ENEMY? >>A. SATAN AND HIS DEMONS. MKJV EPHESIANS 2: 1 ¶ And He has made you alive, who were once dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience; . . . MKJV EPHESIANS 6: 11 Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. >>B. SIN THAT DWELLS IN ME, EVIL AND THE LAW OF SIN IN ME. MKJV ROMANS 7:17 But now it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. . . . 20 But if I do what I do not desire, it is no more I working it out, but sin dwelling in me. 21 I find then a law: when I will to do the right, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man; 23 but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin being in my members. >>C. MY OWN HEART AND UNDERSTANDING. MKJV Matthew 15: 18 But the things which come out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies; 20 these are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man. mkjv Prov. 5: 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. Prov. 16:25 ¶ There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death. 2 Corinthians 10: 5 pulling down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ; >>D. SOCIETY, THE WORLD AND ITS CULTURES AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS. MKJV 1John2: 15 Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, 16 because all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever. Joh 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 1Jo 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. >>E. MY NATURAL BODY NOT IN SUBMISSION TO CHRIST, MY FLESH AND ITS NATURAL AND UNREGENERATED DESIRES. Lu 11:34 The light of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is sound, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is evil, your body also is full of darkness. Ro 6:6 knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be destroyed, that from now on we should not serve sin. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. Ro 8:10 And if Christ is in you, indeed the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die. But if you through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. 1Co 9:27 But I buffet my body, and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be rejected. Php 3:21 who shall change our body of humiliation so that it may be fashioned like His glorious body, according to the working of His power, even to subdue all things to Himself. Col 2:11 in whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, Jas 3:2 For in many things we all offend. If anyone does not offend in word, the same is a full-grown man, able also to bridle the whole body. 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. So the tongue is set among our members, spotting all the body and inflaming the course of nature, and being inflamed by hell. Joh 1:13 who were born, not of bloods, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but were born of God. Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Ga 5:16 I say, then, Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. 19 Now the works of the flesh are clearly revealed, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lustfulness Eph 2:3 among whom we also had our way of life in times past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the thoughts, and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. >II. WHAT ARE OUR WEAPONS? >>A. MKJV 2 Corinthians 10:3 For though walking about in flesh, we do not war according to flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, 5 pulling down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ; 6 and having readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. >>B. MKJV Ephesians 6: 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Therefore take to yourselves THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Therefore stand, having YOUR LOINS GIRDED ABOUT WITH TRUTH, and having on THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS 15 and your FEET SHOD WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE. 16 Above all, take the SHIELD OF FAITH, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the Word of God, 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching to this very thing with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. >III. HOW DO WE FIGHT AGAINST THESE SPIRITUAL FORCES? >>A. We are said to "wrestle" against them and that it is He who works in us to will to and actually wrestle against them, so we know that using and relying on the Truth & His Word will "free" you, even from the snares of the enemy 2 Timothy 2: 25,26 Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. "having YOUR LOINS GIRDED ABOUT WITH TRUTH". . . . . Have you ever worn a pair of pants/slacks that were too big, and your belt/suspenders broke? You don't dare let your attention stray long from the goal off keeping them up and on. Mooning and underwear exhibitions usually do not endear one to one's boss, employer or the saints at church. Whether the word "loins" is understood as the waist, the hips, if you are wearing a robe or a skirt and you are preparing to ride a bike, fight for your life, or engage in activity that would be impeded by loose and hanging garments, then you definitely want t0 make secure/fast your loins [garments/hips] in preparation for the activity. Since we are a spiritual people, spiritually clothed with the "fine linen" of Christ's righteousness [Rev. 19:8; 1Cor.1:30,31], and spiritually seated in the spiritual realm with Christ (Eph.1), His Truth is the appropriate means by which to secure such garments when we prepare for spiritual activity (prayer, spiritual warfare). If by "loins" one refers to one's reproductive organs, then the moral securing and clothing of the Word -------- 1 Thess.4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification [being set apart from sin for God, purchased by God for His will] , for you to abstain from fornication [genital/breast intimate contact outside of, or without, Godly marriage], 4 each one of you to know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor 5 (not in the passion of lust [passionate desire for that which is forbidden by God] , even as the nations who do not know God), -------------applies in its entirety. We know that a husband's mistreatment of his wife results in the hindering of his prayers. It is clearly evident that one's moral life, especially the morals governing one's sex life, needs to be covered and secured with the Truth about marital faithfulness (and the sins of sex outside of a Godly marriage, including fornication, adultery, lewdness, lasciviousness and licentiousness), and the honor of keeping one's marital covenants, in order for one's prayers to, and relationship with, God to be effective---filled with the Spirit and walking in the Spirit of Truth. THE TRUTH? FINE, BUT WHAT IS THE TRUTH? Joh 1:17 For the law came through Moses, [but] grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Joh 3:21 But he who practices truth comes to the Light so that his deeds may be made known, that they have been worked in God. Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. Joh 14:17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him nor know Him. But you know Him, for He dwells with you and shall be in you Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through Your truth. Your Word is truth. 2Co 6:7 in [the] word of truth, in [the] power of God, through the weapons of righteousness on the right [hand] and on the left, Eph 4:15 But that you, speaking the truth in love, may in all things grow up to Him who is the Head, [even] Christ; Eph 5:9 (for the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of [the] Spirit and belief of [the] truth, . . . . 3Jo 1:4 I have no greater joy than these things, to hear that my children walk in the truth SO THAT'S TRUTH! WONDERFUL! BUT WHAT IS NOT TRUTH? Heb 6:18* so that by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible [for] God to lie [Strong's 5574 pseudomai 1) to lie, to speak deliberate falsehoods 2) to deceive one by a lie, to lie to] we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before [us], ********************ATTENTION! TAKE HEED! LET HIM WHO HAS EARS HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHRUCHES!*************** Do you realize what you just read? Shake loose from your American culture! Listen as a spiritual citizen of God's Holy City! Beloved brethren, it is "impossible for God to speak a deliberate falsehood!" A DELIBERATE FALSEHOOD means a decision to purposefully speak/write THAT WHICH IS NOT TRUE. FICTIONS, WHITE LIES, and PRETENDING ARE the products of a decision to purposefully speak/write THAT WHICH IS NOT TRUE. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO SPEAK THAT WHICH IS NOT TRUE, FICTIONs, WHITE LIES AND/OR PRETENDINGS. If it is impossible for God to speak that which is not true (fictions, white lies, and/or pretendings), then who speaks them? We know that Satan is the father of lies, so we know that he speaks ficitons, white lies and pretendings, but our own mind, heart and flesh can also speak such. Ro 1:25 For they changed the truth of God into a lie [Strong's 5579 pseudos 1) a lie 2) conscious and intentional falsehood 3) in a broad sense, whatever is not what it seems to be] , . . . ****The truth of God is what it seems to be, and is NOT a conscious and intentional falsehood [fiction, white lie, pretending]. If we are people of Truth, of God, what on earth are we, God's spiritual people doing enjoying or supporting conscious and intentional falsehoods [fictions, white lies, pretendings] in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones??????? Ro 9:1 I tell [the] truth in Christ, I do not lie [Strong's 5574 pseudomai 1) to lie, to speak deliberate falsehoods 2) to deceive one by a lie, to lie to], . . . . ***If the apostle Paul made it his practice and walk to no speak deliberate falsehoods (fictions, white lies), by what authority would we make it our practice to a speak delberate falsehoods? 1Co 13:6 Unselfish and compassionate cherishing does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth, . . . Eph 4:25 Therefore putting away lying [Strong's 5579 pseudos 1) a lie 2) conscious and intentional falsehood 3) in a broad sense, whatever is not what it seems to be] , . . . , let each man speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. ***We are here instructed to put out of our lives conscious and intentional falsehoods, whatever is consciously and intentionally not what it seems to be, a lie. Eph 5:9 (for the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth), . . . . . . . 2Ti 4:4 And they will turn away [their] ears from the truth and will be turned to myths. 1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie [Strong's 5574 pseudomai 1) to lie, to speak deliberate falsehoods 2) to deceive one by a lie, to lie to] and do not practice the truth. 1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive [Strong's4105 planao 1)cause to stray, lead astray, lead aside from the right way 1a) go astray, wander, roam about 2) metaph. 2a) lead away from the truth, lead into error, deceive 2b) are led into error 2c) are led aside from the path of virtue, to go astray, sin 2d) sever or fall away from the truth 2d1) of heretics 2e) are led away into error and sin] ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ***If we so deceive ourselves, cause ourselves to stray from His Truth, then He, the Truth, is not in us, and find ourselves among the religious lost, or at least snared by the enemies of our souls. 1Jo 2:4 He who says, I have known Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar [Strong's 5583 pseustes 1) a liar 2) one who breaks faith 3) a false and faithless man , and the truth is not in him. ***If we so deceive ourselves, cause ourselves to stray from His Truth, then He, the Truth, is not in us, and find ourselves among the religious lost, or at least snared by the enemies of our souls. 1Jo 2:21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and know that no lie [Strong's 5579 pseudos 1) a lie 2) conscious and intentional falsehood 3) in a broad sense, whatever is not what it seems to be] is of the truth. ***I didn't say it, He did. No conscious and intentional falsehood (fiction, white lie, pretending) is from Him, the Truth. That leaves our minds, our hearts, our flesh and the enemies of our souls. All conscious and intentional falsehoods (fictions, white lies, pretendings) are from the darkness, even if it has a Disney label, or the family cable endorsement. 1Jo 2:27 But the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true and no lie [Strong's 5579 pseudos 1) a lie 2) conscious and intentional falsehood 3) in a broad sense, whatever is not what it seems to be] , and as He has taught you, abide in Him. Joh 8:44 You are of the Devil as father, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from [the] beginning, and did not abide in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it. Ac 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart [for] you to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land? Ro 9:1 I tell [the] truth in Christ, I do not lie, my conscience also bearing me witness in [the] Holy Spirit, . . . 2Co 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I do not lie. Col 3:9 Do not lie [Strong's 5574 pseudomai 1) to lie, to speak deliberate falsehoods 2) to deceive one by a lie, to lie to] to one another, having put off the old man with his deeds Re 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile [Strong's 1388 dolos {dol'-os} 1) craft, deceit, guile College level dictionaries: deceit=misrepresentation of the truth, a device that deceives, falseness; deceive=mislead by falsehood] , for they were without blemish before the throne of God. ***Those found before the throne of God are those do not misrepresent the truth (white lies), do not speak falseness (fictions). Do you fit that description? Rev.21:8 But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars [Strong's 5571 pseudes {psyoo-dace'} 1) lying, deceitful, false] , will have their part in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. ***I didn't say it, He did. All those who are partaking in lying and deceitfulness (white lies), and falsehoods (fictions, pretendings) will have their part in the burning lake and the second death. Examine your life and your habits. Re 21:27 And there shall in no way enter into it anything that defiles, or any making an abomination or a lie [Strong's 5579 pseudos 1) a lie 2) conscious and intentional falsehood 3) in a broad sense, whatever is not what it seems to be] ; but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. ***I didn't say it, He did. Those who are making conscious and intentional falsehoods (fictions, white lies, pretendings) will not enter into God's Holy City. Re 22:15 But outside [are] the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and makes a lie. [Strong's 5579 pseudos 1) a lie 2) conscious and intentional falsehood 3) in a broad sense, whatever is not what it seems to be] ***Those who are love/like/enjoy conscious and intentional falsehoods (fictions, white lies, pretendings), and those who are making/producing/manufacturing conscious and intentional falsehood (fictions, white lies, pretendings) will be outside of the New Jerusalem, with sorcerers, fornicators, murderers and idolators. That is not the place that you want yourself or your loved ones to be. THE APPLICATION? "Their Redeemer would not waste the children [that He brought into our care]. If only they had the sovereign quality of truth, somehow the way would open. So we tried to bring them up to be truthful and faithful, ready for any sort of hard work, not slackers. And though, when we could not answer the frequent, 'And what are you going to do with them?' with a clear-cut plan, and must have appeared unpractical and foolish, we were not cast down. 'Thou knowest, Lord; Thou hast not shown us yet, but Thou knowest,' we used to say to Him, and found it comforting. 'Only teach us how to train them in honesty and thoroughness, in detachment from the spirit of the world and in a pure indifference to all its tinsel allurements. Give us some to help us who will understand about the gold and silver and precious stones. Let us not be disappointed of our hope.' And He answered with a word of strong consolation; for He Himself knew what he would do." [Gold Cord, p. 93, Amy Carmichael, Christian Literature Crusade.] "Looking back, I think of our apparent ingratitude to the friends who were so good as to try to help us [by sending us teacher applicants], as quite the most painful part of the matter: we seemed to be so deplorably fastidious that we could only wonder they went on being friends with us, as indeed they did. But it was as though something in the place acted as touchstone and declared what was, as apart from what seemed to be in these whom we would so gladly have used, because we needed them so much. In each case truth was the rock upon which they foundered. If our children were to grow up truthful they must be taught by those who had a regard for truth; and not just a casual regard, [rather] a DELICATE regard. On this point we were admant." [Gold Cord, p.66] "That light, like the head-lights of a car, threw a steady beam far down the road, and showed what lay ahead with an unescapable distinctness. Hardness lay ahead. The child in the family, whether Hindu or Christian, has natural shelters provided. No love of ours [for the children in our care] could make up for these. So we were forced to be more than ordinarily careful about the foundations of character. And we wanted those foundations to be laid in truth. One day, about that time, a guest who afterwards became a beloved fellow- worker, gathered the children together and told them a fairy story, and then we discovered (I had hardly realised it before [that time]) that I had instinctively left those tales, and had begun with the far more magical true fairy stories that were strewn about everywhere [in our walk with Jesus] just waiting to be told. "And we saw no reason to change. It was good, when the amazed child asked, "Mé thãn ã?" (Is it true indeed?), to be able to answer "Mé thãn!" (True indeed), and those true fairy tales were so wonderful and so beautiful that I do not think our little lovables lost anything of the silvery glamour that should make the first years of childhood like moonlit water to look back upon, or the golden sparkle either, that is sunlight on that same water." [Gold Cord, p. 67] Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the overcoming Word of the testimony of your Saints! APPLICATION: If we, as the people of God (the Truth), are commanded to speak only the Truth, and are commanded to think on that which is Truth (Ph.4:8), what on earth are we, God's spritual people who are seated with Him in the Spiritual realm, doing SPEAKING FALSEHOODS, WHITE LIES, PRETENDINGS READING FALSEH0ODS, WHITE LIES, PRETENDINGS WATCHING FALSEHOODS, WHITE LIES, PRETENDINGS????? BUT that is exactly what we are doing, reading and watching on TV etc.with all its fictions, falsehoods, and pretendings. Do you find yourself delighting in, enjoying, sharing with others----falsehoods, white lies, pretending and fictions??? Romans 1: 28 And even as they did not think fit to have God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do the things not right, 29 . . . . . deceit, evil habits, . . .30 . . . inventors of evil things [falsehoods, fictions, white lies, pretendings], . . . 32 who, knowing the righteous order of God, that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only do them, but have pleasure in those practicing [them]. When we have pleasure (enjoy) in the TV shows, movies, videos, songs that are falsehoods, fictions, white lies and/or pretendings, we are having pleasure in those who practice falsehoods, fictions, white lies and pretendings and find ourselves in the enemy camp, supporting the enemies of our souls and our loved ones. No wonder we have little or no power with God in the spiritual warfare we are trying to win! >>B. Our breastplate of righteousness is the righteousness of Christ that He credits to our account 1 Cor. 1: 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption; . .. It consists of the righteousness which He works in us as we yield to Him and let him work in us Phil. 2:13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. . .. Furthermore, it consists of the obedience to His Word that He works in us by His Spirit Galatians 5:22-33 and 1 John 2:3,4,5. Our hearts, our emotions, must be brought under His control, and once under His control they must be protected by the righteousness of Christ and His Word. Ps 27:14 Hope in the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall make your heart strong; yea, hope in the LORD. Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. Pr 4:4 He also taught me, and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words, keep my commandments and live. 21 Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. 23 Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Pr 23:19 My son, hear and be wise, and guide your heart in the way. Ro 10:9 Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe IN YOUR HEART that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.Jesus wants a full and rich emotional relationship with your heart >>C. Fear is both a mind and a heart experience, needing both the helmet of salvation as well as the breastplate of righteousness. You can't fight well when you are afraid, so His peace delivers us from crippling and inhibiting fear Mt 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. But rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. He who fears has not been perfected in love. >>D. Our faith in God and His Word, our shield, quenches and deflects the attacks of the enemy Re 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; . . . Hebrews 11: 1 ¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. . . . 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.. See what faith did in the lives of the heroes in Hebrews 11. >>E. The helmet of salvation: You have to make sure your salvation. You do this by examining and judging yourself 1 Corinth. 11:27-34. You examine, prove and test yourself to see if your really are in the faith 2 Corinthians 13:5. Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith walking in a manner pleasing and acceptable to your Father and King. If you aren't, judge and discipline yourself in the way of the godly sorrow of 2 Corinth. 7. This helmet of salvation protects your mind 2Ti 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear, BUT OF POWER AND OF LOVE AND OF A SOUND MIND. Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But SET YOUR MIND TO BE RIGHT-MINDED, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith. >>F. We have two offensive weapons. The first is the Word. "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. . . .And the tempter came and said to Him . . . . . But He answered and said, 'It is written . . . . Then the devil left Him . . . ." Matt. 4:1-11 It is our overcoming sword. Re 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; . . .. It pierces the adversary spiritually Heb. 4: 12* For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. We should exercise with this tool Heb. 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, even those who because of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. We should be diligent in our sWORD fighting skills DBY 2 Tim. 2:15 Strive diligently to present thyself approved to God, a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth. >>G. Our second offensive weapon is prayer, not just "prayer", but watchful, persevering, supplicating and interceding prayer Eph.6, praise and thanksgiving Phil. 4:6,7,8. It is the fervent effectual prayer of the righteous one who avails much James 5:16. A "righteous one" is (1) one who asks according to the Word & will of God 1John 5:14, 15; (2) one who is following His instructions and doing those things that are pleasing in His sight 1John3:22; and (3) one who wholly believes and relies on the Name of Jesus Christ and compassionately cherishes those who believe in Jesus1Joh3:23. Not just prayer, but fasting and prayer is the winning combination. On what basis can this be maintained, when a key verse for fasting in spiritual warfare is said not to be found in some ancient manuscripts? Matthew 17:19 Then the disciples came to Jesus apart, and said, Why could we not cast him out? 20 And Jesus said to them, Because of your unbelief. For truly I say to you, If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, Move from here to there. And it shall move. And nothing shall be impossible to you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Personally I believe that verse 21 is found in the best manuscripts, but even if you choose to discount verse 21, you cannot discount the Biblical record of prayer with fasting, the act of humbling oneself before God, being a major weapon in our spiritual warfare arsenal Ezra 8:31; Esther 4:15,16,17; Daniel 10;Isaiah 58; Matthew 6:17,18; 9:14-17; 13:58; Mark 2:20; 9:29 Acts 9:9; 13:2,3; 14:23; 27:21-23. Fasting can range from nothing to drink or eat for three days (Esther 4:15- 17), to the working person's fast of no "tasty", "choice" or sweet foods, no "pleasant bread", no meat and no alcoholic beverages for three weeks (Daniel 10:1-5). Fasting by itself without prayer is just a crash diet and is meaningless spiritually. Jesus and the Bible make it plain that fasting is only effective when coupled with intense, fervent and persevering prayer. That could mean, as in the case of the working person's (Daniel's ) fast, that even though you continue working full time, the time that you would normally have spent on recreation or entertainment or fixing your regular food would instead be spent in prayer. The fact that most Christians don't experience the miraculous, answered prayers and a dramatic awareness of the reality of God's presence in their lives, is precisely because they have never entered into a prayer and fasting relationship with God. Personally it was a major turning point in my life when I went on Queen Esther's three day fast of no food, no drink and no distractions (no phone, radio, TV, work, chores etc.) with fervent prayer. >IV. IS THERE A PRECEDENT FOR THIS WARFARE? >>A. Remember the miraculous release of the apostles from prison as the saints prayed Acts 5:17-21, the miraculous spiritual release of the Ethiopian eunuch Acts 8:26-36 who prayed for help, the miraculous answer to Cornelious' prayer Acts 10 & 11, the miraculous release of Peter from prison as the saints prayed Acts 12:5-15, Paul and Silas' miraculous release from prison as they prayed and praised God Acts 16:25. >>B. Remember that God used the prayer and praise of His people to bring down the walls of Jericho, to enable Gideon's small band to win the battle, that gave the battle to Jehosophat without the loss of life 2 Chron.20:20-22. The miraculous deliverance of Mordecai and Esther, and the mighty revelation of Daniel 10 were both the result of God's response to prayer and fasting. There are many many more. >>C. Then there is my personal experience that confirms prayer and fasting with fervent prayer as mighty weapons for spiritual warfare. In the late 60's or early 70's I was on the phone comforting a Christian sister who was frightened and oppressed by the spiritual attacks of her former lover and practicing sorcerer. It was a hot summer night in Pasadena/Altadena so I had my doors open as I was talking on the phone with her. I was encouraging and exhorting her but I was unsure of the reality of these spiritual attacks. Suddenly my hot little cottage became as cold as inside a refrigerator, as did hers @7 miles away. Simultaneously we both sensed great evil in the chilling cold and we were quite tempted to feel frightened as our skin began to crawl the hair on my body began to rise. Immediately I recognized this as a spiritual attack so I began to praise, thank and worship God out loud, asking Him to deliver us from this evil and rebuke it in the Name of Jesus. Within a few minutes the chill was gone from both our houses and the presence of evil was no longer felt, for days afterward. My high school girl friend's mother was a sorceress, invoking her demon to make things float across the room, doors to slam, working the OUIJI board without touching the pointer, and other sideshow tricks. My brother is a practicing New Age sorcerer who invokes the demons (he calls them spirit guides) and lets them speak through him or use his finger tips to roll up steel and silver bars. One day my birth family was gathered for lunch and my sister, Cindy, asked by brother, Randy, to do a Tarot card reading for her. Then she saw my reaction of disgust, apologized and said she would forget about it if it bothered me. I told her it was her decision and her life but I warned her of God's condemnation of this kind of divination. I began to pray fervently, looking over the lake and praying all the spiritual warfare prayers I knew and asking God to turn this incident upside down and around to His glory. Saying nothing but praying fervently, I watched my brother carefully and slowly begin to put the Tarot card down. Soon he began to shake his head in bewilderment. Then he said that he had never before seen anything like this happen. When he finished he declared to his amazement that every card he put down was laying in such a way that it reversed the meaning of each card (e.g. the death card became the life card) and the message he had "from the cards" for my sister was that she was doing wrong, that if she didn't start doing what was right, then judgment and tribulation would befall her. I praised God for allowing the Tarot cards to rebuke her and call her to repentance. I told her doing what was right included yielding to and obeying Jesus Christ. So the Lord answered my prayer and redeemed the whole experience, much to my sorcerer bother's amazement. FIGHT THE ENEMIES OF YOUR SOUL THIS WAY, AND FEAR NOT AND BE OF GOOD COURAGE FOR THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S. >3. EVERYDAY PRAYERS. EVERYDAY PRAISE HIM for the who He is to you, what He has done for you and why you love HIM. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is , and is to come! You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created! EVERYDAY WORSHIP HIM, lifting your hands in adoration, song and praise. I PRAISE YOU GOD, for it is You who loosens the bonds of wickedness, undoes the bands of the yoke, lets the oppressed go free, breaks every yoke, provides bread for the hungry, provides shelter for the homeless poor, covers the naked, satisfies the desire of the afflicted , bonds and unites us with our families, and reveals Yourself to us as Faithful Shepherd, Holy Father, Righteous King, Unselfish and Compassionate Cherishing, Truth, Light, Life and the Way in Jesus Christ. You alone are the God who works all things according to the counsel of Your own will, and who causes all things to work together for good to those who Love You, to those You have called according to Your purpose. Thank You for Loving us so much and suffering so much for us that we may know you and be known of You as Your children, servants, ambassadors and heirs. I THANK YOU for my life today, for your new life living in me, for my health, my daily bread, my loved ones and their loved ones, my work, my dwelling, my career, my ministries, my problems, my dilemnas, my challenges and my trials through which I know you will shepherd me, not allowing me to be tried above that which I am able to endure and making an end of it when I can no longer endure it. (Eph.1:11; 1Cor.10:13) EVERYDAY PRAYERS FOR OURSELVES AND OUR BACKSLIDDEN &/OR UNSAVED LOVED ONES Merciful Father, please hear and answer these my prayers for myself, and for my backslidden and/or unsaved loved ones. Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your loving-kindness. According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. Wash us completely from our iniquity, and cleanse us from our sin. Purge us with hyssop, and we shall be clean. Wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow. Hide Your face from our sins, and blot out all our iniquities. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not away from the joy of Your presence, and take not the blessings of Your Holy Spirit from us. Please give us a broken spirit; a heart broken and contrite , grieving with the Spirit, over the sin in our lives and in our world, O God.>6. Father I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, cast out into outer darkness or into some bottomless pit, confound, bind into ineffectiveness, and strike with confusion and chaos the evil ones, the evil powers, principlities, rulers of darkness, spiritual hosts of wickedness and antiChrists involved in the lives of all that I bring before You; nullifying, voiding, destroying, frustrating their evil way, turning upside down for good their evil devices and ways, rendering them harmless, delivering us from their evil, harm, wickedness, fear, anxiety, depression, confusion and discord. Merciful God, I claim your promise that as many as You love, You rebuke and chasten>1. May You, LORD, rebuke the evil and the evil ones in our lives! >2. Please reprove the unfruitful works of unrighteousness in our lives.>3. Please cause Your faithful Word, according to Your doctrine, both to exhort and to convict the gainsayers I bring before You.>4. Please, through Love, entreat them that they may know You.>5. EVERYDAY PRAYERS FOR OURSELVES, ALL OF OUR LOVED ONES AND THEIR LOVED ONES. My Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done in the bodies, souls, spirits, thoughts, words, deeds, work, rest and play of all that I bring before You, and their loved ones: My loved ones, their loved ones, our loved ones, my parents/relatives, all those I bring before You in my prayers, all those in authority over me, and all those in my sphere of influence. Your will be done on earth and in our lives as it is done in Heaven, for You alone are the God who forever is Unselfish and Compassionate Cherishing, Truth, Light and the Way---so to You be the power, the glory, the honor and the praise for ever. I thank You for and accept Your salvation in Jesus Christ. Please be merciful to me a sinner, having unclean lips, ungodliness, uncleanness, trespasses, transgressions, iniquity, lewdness, licentiousness, uncleanness, error, sins of omission and commission in my body, soul, spirit, thoughts, words, deeds, work, rest and play. I trust only Jesus and His finished work to save me from the power, presence and penalty of my sins. Cause my whole heart to be at rest, trusting You. Keep me from leaning and relying on my own understanding/ thinking/reasoning/intelligence.#1. Daily deliver me from the effects and affects of the sin that dwells in me, from the law of sin that works in my body.#2. Deliver me from what seems right to me, and deliver me to what IS right to You.#3. Please pull down imaginations and every high thing in my life that exalts itself against the knowledge of You, God, and bring into captivity every thought, into the obedience of Christ.#3 Deliver me from loving/liking/delighting in the social systems and societies that belong to this world, that are not centered in You and based on Your Word.#4. Thank You that my old man is crucified with You. Please destroy the sins of my body of my flesh, its lusts and the influence of sin in my mortal body.#5. Through Your Spirit work in me to mortify the deeds of my body and keep me from living according to my flesh/body.#6. Buffet my body, and make it Your captive that You may work and be glorified in it.#7. Please purify my lips with Your holy fire and guard my lips by your Spirit, working in me so that I do not offend in word. Set Your guard over my mouth, O Lord. Keep watch over the door of my lips to deliver me from sin. #8. I beseech You that You work in me Your deliverance from the will of my flesh, the will of man, the works of my flesh, the evil desires of my flesh and my own thoughts,#9. Neither let my heart be drawn to what is evil (especially harlots), nor let it take part in wicked deeds with any who are evildoers(especially harlots see Ps.141:4). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ NOW GO TO THE DAY YOU ARE GOING TO PRAY. THE LAST DAY PRAYED was =DAY #6 >4. SUNDAY PRAYER (Day#1) >5. MONDAY PRAYERS (Day#2 ) P. 16 >6. TUESDAY PRAYERS (Day#3) P. 19 >7. WEDNESDAY PRAYERS (Day#4 ) P. 22 >8. THURSDAY PRAYERS (Day#5) P. 25 >9. FRIDAY PRAYERS (Day#6) P. 28 >10. SATURDAY PRAYERS (Day#7 ) P. 3 1 FOOTNOTES AND SCRIPTURE REFERENCES. Most of the scriptures quoted or paraphrased in the prayers are from the Darby Version or the MODERN KING JAMES VERSION, 1993, by Jay P. Green Sr., in Online Bible 2.5.1; the OnLine Bible computer program of "Online Bible f ", Ken Hammil 1-908-741-4298; E-Mail: khamel@aol.com. *1. Eph 1:17 *2. Eph 4:4 *3. Eph 1:18 *4. Eph 3:17 *5. 1Pe 4:10 *6. Col 2:3 Phil. 2:12,13; Heb. 13:20,21 *7. Ro 15:14 Eph 3:19 *8. 3Jo 1:2 1 Chron. 4: 10 *9. Eph 3:9 Col 1:26 *10. Luke 6 &Ephes. 6 *11. Php 1:9 *12. Php 1:10 *13. Php 3:10 *14. Ro 12:1 Ro 14:18 2Co 5:9 Col 2:2 *15. Eph 4:2 Col 1:10 Col 1:11 *16. Col 4:12 2Ti 3:17 *17. 1Ti 2:2 *18. Lu 22:32 2Ti 4:17 *19. John 10: 27 -30 Nu 6:25 *20. Lu 21:36 #3 2 Corinthians 10: 5 #4. 1John 2 #5. Rom. 6:6-12; Col 2:11 #6. Rom. 8:110-13 #7. 1 Cor. 9:27 #8. Jas. 3:2 Isaiah 1; Psalm 141:3 #9. John 1:12; Gala 5:16 19; Eph 2:3 >a. 1 Tim 2; Phil. 4:3-8 FOR YOUR INFORMATION These files are designed for (1) those who want to learn how to unselfishly and compassionately cherish their women; (2) those who have experienced divorce, to any degree, and are looking for Godly and Biblical Judeo-Christian solutions and guidance on how to see God redeem the experience; (3) those who are in, or considering, polygynous relationships; (4) those who came to the Lord as concubines and want to understand godly and Christian concubinage; (5) those Black and minority believers who want reassurance that indeed their color, their race, their nationality and/or their appearance -- has no significant impact or affect on their relationship with the incarnated, crucified, risen and soon to return Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah of Israel; (6) those who wish a deeper understanding of God's will for and in their sexuality and any problems they might be having with their sexuality; and for (7) those who want more insight in joining Jesus and His angels in their warfare against the evil spiritual beings who are causing problems for mankind, including our loved ones. The following files are available as described below. Please request any that seem interesting or of use to you. All constructive and informative comments are welcome. >>>>>>>>>>>>>TITLES & DESCRIPTIONS OF THE FILES AVAILABLE >>1. HUSBAND RULE OVER THE WIFE? WHICH CAVE DID YOU CRAWL OUT OF? Available by URL in Etext Archives at http://www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as"husbandwiferelations.txt" OR by email >>3.INTERRACIAL,INTERETHNIC MARRIAGES AND RELATIONSHIPS IN JESUS Race and ethnicity have no place signicantly influencing human interpersonal relationships."interracial=ethnic.marriage" Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "interracial=ethnic marriage", or by email. >>4. JESUS, IS HE GOD, JEHOVAH, THE SON OF GOD, THE SON OF MAN, THE ONLY WAY TO GOD? Jesus and the Trinity.Available only by emial >>5. OATHS, FORMAL SWEARINGS, SOLEMN PROMISES, COVENANTS AND JESUSMat. 5:33-37 (swear not all) and James 4:13-17 with James 5:12 (do not swear). Available by email, or ftp as an appendix of a larger file; or by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "keepingOne'sWord.txt" >>6. THE POWER FOR GOOD OF FEMININE BEAUTY AND MALE HANDSOMENESS. We are stewards of these socially significant gifts. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/ polyamory as "feml.power.poly", or by email. See below >>7. RACISIM, ETHNOCENTRISM, NATIONALISM VS JESUS Jesus vs racism, prejudice, bias, discrimination, favoritism, bigotry . Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "racism.nationalism" >>8. UNDERAGE BURNING--THE FINANCIALLY DEPENDENT WHO ARE NOT SUCCESSFULLY CONTROLLING THEMSELVES SEXUALLY What do I do if I am underage, too young to marry and a financially dependent youth and I keep on blowing it sexually, letting Jesus and myself down by not consistently controlling myself sexually? Available only by email >>9. UNEQUAL YOKE??? Do i look like a farmer?? So why shouldn't I marry this unbelieving/unsaved person, or this person who claims to be saved but has a sin problem???? Available by email or by ftp as an appendix of a large file} >>10. Why the Christian Woman Has Only One Husband. If men practice polygyny, why shouldn't women practice polyandry? Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "polyandry", or by email. See below >>11. WHEN DO I HAVE TO MARRY, IN JESUS, AND WITH WHOM? Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics /polyamory as "WhenToMarry", or by email. See below >>12. Angels,Demons, Spirits and You Today. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics /polyamory as "YouAndAngels" or by email >>13. BIBLICAL MORALITY, PORN, SEX ETC. 118k Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "BiblicalPolyMorality", or by email. See below >>14. THE BLACK FAMILY CRISIS, AND THE PLIGHT OF THE BLACK FEMALE. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "PlightOfBlkFem_Fam" (newer), or as "BlackFamPoly" (older), or by email. See below >>15. THE TITHE AND THE CHRISTIAN. Should we, and why? An indepth Bible study. Available by email only >>16. A Manual of Marital Intimacy for My Daughters. Want to help me ? Available by email only >>17. WHY DO THE GODLY/GOOD SUFFER? Does it pay to be "good"? Why do the "good" suffer so much, so often? Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in/pub/ politics/polyamory as "LetterToFriend" or by email. >>18. DIVORCE/ABANDONMENT, HOW CAN A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST SURVIVE IT? You love Jesus, but you find yourself divorced or abandonned and you want to be married happily in the Lord, what can you do? Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "HowSurviveDivorce" (newer); or "poly.and.divorce" (older), or by email. See below >>19. KEEPING ONE'S WORD. Vows, promises, covenants, oaths etc. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "KeepingOne'sWord". >>20. MATCHMAKER RESOURCES FOR THOSE SEEKING MARRIAGE. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory >>21. CHERISH YOUR WOMEN, PART 1 Gleanings from Genesis on how to compassionately cherish your women with a self-evaluation check off list. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "cherish.women", or by email. See below >>22. SHOULD PRISONERS BE DENIED WHOLESOME GODLY MARITAL SEX? Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "prisoner.abuse" , or by email. See below >>24. Quotes on Polygyny by St. Augustine and Biblical Scholars Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory , or by email as "ChristianPoly". See below >>25.DIVORCE,REMARRIAGE, CONCUBINES, POLYGYNY, JESUS AND GENUINE BELIEVERS TODAY This is a 500k ASCII text only without linebreaks file that is also available in 12 parts if your computer or email service cannot receive large files. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "DivorceRemarriageConcubines", or by email. See below >>28. WHAT ARE THE CHRISTIAN LEADERS' OBJECTIONS TO POLYGYNY? Please see some of the main pro's and the con's in this file Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "objections2poly" or by email >>29. NO WEDDING VOWS! A file offering scriptural reasons for using covenants rather than vows in one's wedding. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "noweddingvows" or by email >>30. IS POLYGYNY A CHRISTIAN OPTION? A discussion of polygyny in the New Testament and in the Protestant reformation. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "christianpolytoday", or by email >>31. WHAT ARE THE "KEYS" TO LIVING TOGETHER IN LOVING UNITY? Gleanings from Amy Carmichael and the Bible on what it takes for a family or fellowship to realize this miracle. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "keys2lovingunity", or by email >>32. MY LOVE IS A GARDEN OF DELIGHTS! aka SongOfSolomonPt1.txt, a 301k commentary on the Song of Solomon, interracial marriage (his black-as-a-raven wife), and Christian polygyny and concubines. Available by URL in Etext Archives at http:// www.etext.info; or ftp by gopher.etext.info in /pub/politics/polyamory as "SongOfSolomonPt1.txt", or by email If you want any of these files, Etext Archives : URL: http://www.etext.info Location : Relgious/polyamory or ftp: "gopher.etext.info" Name: "ftp" Password: your email address Location: Relgious/polyamory If you have any problems with the URL or the ftp, contact ftp@etext.info or Rita@etext.info. or L. Tyler, P.O.Box 620763, San Diego, CA 92162-0763 or L. Tyler, P.O.Box 734, El Centro, CA 92244