Bible Reading Plan (Sunday 1-13-19)

Day 7 – Engage with the enemy

     Of all the arenas God has called us to be engaged in, the one that is perhaps the most intimidating is spiritual warfare. Following Jesus closely will automatically set us in a place of opposition. The enemies of God become enemies of us as well.
     Spiritual combat doesn’t have to be seen as a frightening encounter with dark, unseen forces. And even though it certainly contains mysteries that we don’t fully understand, we don’t have to be threatened by what we don’t know.
     The Bible’s call for us to engage with a spiritual enemy is actually quite simple: do the good we know to do. We prepare for opposition from the enemy by becoming more firm in our faith. We develop wisdom and discernment in seeing distractions and temptations for what they really are. We become more devoted to true priorities, understanding what is of utmost importance – and what isn’t.
     The best way to engage the enemy is simply engage with God and let Him fight for you. The very act of clinging to God is a defeat to the enemy, who longs to create distance between us and God. The best defense against the enemy is to go on offense and pursue God and His righteousness.

1 Peter 5:8-9
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

1 Timothy 6:9-12
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

James 4:6-8
6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

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