![]() In this blog I want to focus on the weaponry Jesus used in his first victory over Satan in the wilderness. It’s important because what he used, how, and it’s significance to us is vital in our walk in this world today. How Jesus dealt with the devil is our example to follow. Let’s take a look at the account given in Matthew of this battle: The Temptation of Jesus Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Mat 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Mat 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Mat 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Important Points 1. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness-indicating this was a divine appointment, one that would be carefully attended to by angels standing by. The outcome was of vital importance-it was the first phase of the fulfillment of Gen 3:17- “I will put enmity between the woman’s seed and thy seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” 2. After 40 days of fasting-the devil comes to tempt him. This is always the way of demonic temptation, coming with the most enticing lusts and lures when the victim is at their weakest. 3. Verse 4:3-"If" suggests a doubt, and, perhaps, a taunt. It is a cunning appeal to Christ to work a miracle to satisfy his hunger and to display his power. It would seem an innocent thing for Christ to make bread when he was hungry, for himself, as he afterwards did for the five thousand. 4. Verse 4:4- Here we see Christ bringing the first blow to Satan, even while he is at his weakest physically-and gaining the first victory. Using the sword of the Spirit-the word of God in retort of Satan’s enticement: “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Here Jesus was using Deut. 8:3 to wield this blow. This shows the vital importance of knowing the word of God, and how to correctly appropriate it at the proper time. Satan knows the word of God and knows if we do also-we have to study to show ourselves approved unto God, and an effective adversary against the devil. 5. Verse 4:5,6- Here Jesus is taken to a high pinnacle; Whether this refers to the highest summit of the temple, which bristled with golden spikes [Josephus, Antiquities, 5.5, 6]; or whether it refers to another peak, on Herod’s royal portico, overhanging the ravine of Kedron, at the valley of Hinnom - an immense tower built on the very edge of this precipice, from the top of which dizzy height Josephus says one could not look to the bottom [Antiquities, 15.11, 5] - is not certain; but the latter is probably meant. Again the doubt is implied and the taunt uttered. Jesus had expressed his trust in the word of God. The devil now asks him to go from the extreme of distrust to that of rashly tempting God. It was, perhaps, the demand so often repeated and always refused, "to show a sign from heaven," to make a display of his power to secure popular applause. 6. Verse 4:7-Again the Savior replies in the words of Scripture, this time quoting from Deu 6:16. There is no argument, but a simple reply that shows what is asked is forbidden. Here we see a great example of how we will gain the victory when the devil uses people to tempt, taunt, and entice-give an honest reply, no drama, no long winded disputes. Be reminded: To expose myself to any danger naturally destructive, with the vain presumption that God will protect and defend me from the ruinous consequences of my imprudent conduct, is to tempt God. 7. Verse 4:8,9-From some lofty center he spreads before Jesus a panorama of the kingdoms of this world with all their glory. We are not to suppose that all the kingdoms were literally visible, but they are portrayed in such a way as to be present to the mental eyes. All disguise is laid aside. Satan claims to be the Prince of the world and the disposer of human kingdoms. Jesus came to be a King, but the pathway to the crown is weary, painful, beset with thorns and blood. Satan proposes an easier way. He will rally the Jewish nation around him, set him on the throne of David, make him the Messiah King of the world, if he will only consent to give up his idea of a spiritual kingdom, "not of this world," and worship the god of this world by conforming his kingdom to the worldly ideas of Israel. The temptation is to turn away from the path of self-denial, the cross and the tomb, and to establish an outward, worldly domain. Is this not what provokes and drives the leaders we’ve seen down through history, and see in media today? 8. Verse 10- Jesus uses the written word again to bring this final blow and defeat the schemes of Satan ultimately. “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. “ This passage forbids every kind of religious adoration to any other object than Jehovah, whether it be idols, false gods, popes, Virgin Mary, saints, or angels. The three temptations had been met, three times the tempter had been baffled, three times the victory had been won. The first assault had been made through the door of appetite, "the lust of the flesh;" the second through vain glory, "the lust of the eyes;" the third through ambition, "the pride of life." All had appealed to Jesus to turn away from the pathway of self-denial and suffering marked out for him. All had been met by the shield of faith, and the tempter beaten back by the word of the Spirit. In the course of this trial, it appears that our blessed Lord was tempted, 1. To Distrust. Command these stones to become bread. 2. To Presumption. Cast thyself down. 3. To worldly Ambition. All these will I give. 4. To Idolatry. Fall down and worship me, or do me homage. There is probably not a temptation of Satan, but is reducible to one or other of these four articles. From the whole we may learn: First. No man, howsoever holy, is exempted from temptation: for God manifested to the flesh was tempted by the devil. Secondly. That the best way to foil the adversary, is by the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Eph 6:17. Thirdly. That to be tempted even to the greatest abominations (while a person resists) is not sin: for Christ was tempted to worship the Devil. Fourthly. That there is no temptation which is from its own nature, or favoring circumstances, irresistible. God has promised to bruise even Satan under our feet. As I wish to speak what I think most necessary on every subject, when I first meet it, and once for all, I would observe - First, That the fear of being tempted may become a most dangerous snare. Secondly, That when God permits a temptation or trial to come he will give grace to bear or overcome it. Thirdly, That our spiritual interests shall be always advanced, in proportion to our trials and faithful resistance. Fourthly, That a more than ordinary measure of Divine consolation shall be the consequence of every victory. 8. Verse 11-The battle was won, the devil leaves with his tail between his legs. In the account in Luke it says he left “for a season”, this is how it is for us also-we can expect an ongoing battle in this world, with intermissions of calm. Never be fooled into thinking the battle is over for good down here, scripture is clear on this-it’s ongoing until we leave this world. When he fought off the tempter, after the victory was won, angels came to minister to him. This ministry was to supply him with food, but they also would afford spiritual sympathy, and encouragement. Amid this time of refreshment, could we not envision a Voice from heaven be heard again, by any who could read the Father’s mind, “Said I not well, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased?” Conclusion-Throughout this encounter we see the only weapon Jesus used was the word of God. In my years of following the Lord, I’ve seen the proof of the power of the word of God when used appropriately as Jesus teaches us in this account.
But, for those who have tried it, and say “It didn’t work for me”, ask yourself these questions: 1. Faith-do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you saved? This is where it starts. 2. Are you using these battle strategies for selfish, childish motives, the word of God is wielded successfully by those with pure motives, and right hearts-it never works with evil intentions. 3. Do you know how to rightly divide and use the word of God appropriately in the given situation? If not, again you will not find the word of God a magic wand. It is a powerful weapon only for those who know it’s effectiveness used in the proper manner. To know how to use the weapons of our warfare, to pull down strongholds, walk in authority, and the covering of the blood of Christ-we must study, pray, and ask God to teach us His word and use it with knowledge and understanding. Lorna Couillard Below is a video of the account of Ron Wyatt's discovery of the Ark of the Covenant while excavating in Israel. In this account he makes a statement that should be listened to carefully. When he came upon the ark, there stood before him angels who were standing guard over it. In their discussion with Ron, they made the statement that one of the signs of being near the time of the Mark of the Beast being instituted would be when laws started to be put in place that went against God's laws-the Ten Commandments. We are seeing this happening at a rapid pace. Roe v. Wade- abortion, and now in N.Y., abortion up to the day of delivery, and after, assisted suicide; both breaking the commandment "thou shalt not kill". Homosexual marriage is now legal, a perversion of God's laws. Mar 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. Mar 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; Mar 10:8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. For several generations, many of God's people have been giving warnings, and events have confirmed them. I don't know how much longer things will go on the way they are until judgment comes; but it doesn't look far off. If God allows another 100 years to go on, I'll be very surprised, but won't miss it a bit, and will be glad to be on the other side of Jordan, out of sight and mind of all of it. But, I also won't be surprised if this is the generation to see the Lord Jesus' return-it could be today. This blog is just one more confirmation of the times we are in, and a warning to get right with the Lord. When I saw this video, I could see the connection between this and the new abortion laws-how horrible they are, and directly against the laws of God. It should be a heads up to us all. Ron's account of this event is also fascinating, and informative. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. There is no monetary or personal recognition intended in sharing this video. Complete credit goes to Ron Wyatt-and his family for this excellent presentation, and the work done to achieve it. According to wikipedia, reiki is a healing therapy developed by Buddhist monks that is a hands on alternative method where the "healer" transfers universal power to the patient through their palms.
So from that description, reiki therapy is not Biblical. Reiki claims to be a spiritual path leading to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual attunement, harmony, good health and happiness. As a holistic therapy with Buddhist roots, it clearly has serious spiritual implications but does not and cannot supply answers for the basic spiritual sicknesses of mankind such as sin, guilt, fear and the need for forgiveness and salvation. Surely healing rays or an impersonal life force cannot deal with these problems. Only the Christian gospel provides a cure for such sickness. For Christians, only the power of God’s Holy Spirit can provide acceptable and effective healing. We need to be aware of counterfeits and not be involved in them, however harmless they may appear at first sight. Reiki is a tool of the occult. It is a form of occult energy channeling - a subtle and powerful form of divination. Much the same as a diviners dowsing rod, a shamans power animal, a fortune-tellers psychically related intuitive knowledge and a witches curses, hexes and spells, Reiki utilizes unseen power that is real, and very powerful. However, the power behind Reiki is not from the One true God and is deadly. Most importantly we are told to not be involved with these practices: Lev 19:26 Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. Lev 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God. Deu 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Deu 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. Deu 18:12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Deu 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. There are not just a few passages in the Bible which make it clear that these things are an abomination to God, but many, and here is just one: “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God?” (Isaiah 8:19) The Bible forbids divination because it involves lusting for secret knowledge that God has not chosen to reveal. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law.” The problem with this, aside from opening the door to invisible baleful entities (demons), is that when one subjects himself/herself to a Reiki Master instead of Jesus Christ, the only Mediator between God and man, occult power comes and upon, in, and through the Reiki Master - and their undiscerning subject/clients. 1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; It is said people are not born with this healing gift of Reiki, but anybody can learn it. Reiki won’t harm you, it will heal you, it will lead you into spiritual paths, it will protect you and support you. It is said Reiki was used by Jesus and you will be doing good things and helping people. In order to know the truth you have to be willing to actually read what the bible says, and what it teaches; not what people are telling you it says. Reiki is not mentioned in the Bible – rather it is the invention of a Buddhist monk. What you are doing when you submit yourself to this practice is opening up your spirit to allow very powerful demonic forces to come in, and reside in you. You may think you are receiving a healing, but the truth will emerge eventually that you are now oppressed by demonic spirits, and in time you will find you have more problems than you ever had before. If you are practicing this, and calling yourself a Christian, you are doing it in open rebellion against Gods' word. God's warnings against these practices are as clear as can be. God is not healing through these practices. You may have been healed by Satan, Google it, yes, Satan can heal; but it doesn't last, and he only does it for one reason to deceive you further, and get you deeper into the occult, and further away from the only true God. Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Christ said of Himself when he rose from the grave: Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. When Jesus said this, it closes any compatibility with involvement with Buddhism, or their practices. There is no scripture anywhere that condones any of it. These verses make it clear, there is no other power greater than Christ, and it is He whom we are to go to for every need, not calling on other spirits; which are demons for our healing. Php 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Php 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Eph 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Heb 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. So, where are we to go when we are in need either spiritually or physically? Scripture points us to Christ for every need: Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. We are told to come not as beggars, but as fellow heirs, and come boldly and ask for our needs to be met. When you come to Jesus, and give your life to him, he fulfills every facet of our life. Christ is our great high priest, our advocate, and our source of all that's needed. Jas 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: Jas 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Jas 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. Jas 5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Jas 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Jas 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. People who are practicing Reiki are generally deceived and unaware that they are calling upon spirits when sending Reiki or initiating others. Reikians invite spirits or demons by means of drawing the Japanese symbol of the specific demon and invite them by calling their name three times, thus sending Reiki energy to someone. Or by means of the same symbols, initiating someone spiritually into Reiki by ritually opening accesses for these spirits so the flow of the Reiki energy can come through. Reikians are deceived by the manifestations and personal wellbeing in the short term, but they are not aware of the implications of sin and the wrath of God and demonic legal grounds, until their mental or physical health breaks down. (2 Cor 4:3-4) The saddest thing concerning this is that many Christians are involved in Reiki, thinking it is harmless, and another way to achieve the healing, and the good feelings they desire. Many Christians do not read their bibles, and do not exercise discernment in getting themselves invovled in these dangerous practices. Reiki, which is another aspect of yoga, has become a cancer in the body of Christ, and I see greater dangers coming for those who do not study to know what scripture teaches us about these practices. Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God. (1 John 4:1 KJV) If you, or anyone you know has become involved in this, ask the Lord to forgive you, turn away from it, renounce it and all it's practices, and ask God to cleanse you from it completely. Then turn to Jesus, read His word, and seek His healing, and cleansing for your life. He has the power to heal, deliver, and save today, just he did when he walked this earth. Below are links to informative articles on Reiki, that have much more to add to whats in this blog. http://www.spiritual-research-network.com/dangers_of_reiki.html http://www.the-saltoftheearth.com/danger-of-reiki http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/reiki.htm https://truthinreality.com/2012/07/28/what-you-should-know-about-reiki/ http://bible-christian.org/reiki-ray-key/ http://aslansplace.com/language/en/reiki-and-biblical-discernment/ |
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God's blessings You may find useful information here; Go to the resource page, you will find many videos and links The NightWatchman
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me,
saith the LORD. Isa 54:17 Rev 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. The Victory of Our Faith
For whatsoever
is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1Jn 5:4-5 But they that wait
upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isa 40:31 Our Warfare
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2Cor 10:3-5 The Whole Armor
of God Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph 6:10-18 Am I racist? Read the blog below from my other site-it will fully answer this question.
The Race Issue-posted 3/8/2019- https://www.twosparrowsministry.org/home/the-race-issue The Prayer Room
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