12 Dec 08 (Week 3 on the theme "Prayer & Intercession")

This evening, we had the pleasure of having Sharon's mum, Susie, join us and share with us her fascinating testimony, the revivals in the 80's in Borneo and the subject of spiritual warfare. Most of us have read or heard about Susie's phenomenal encounter with the Lord at Siar Beach, Sarawak, and were particularly glad to have her join us in person.

Susie shared about how the Lord delivered her from the influence of evil spirits early in her walk with Christ, and how she was subsequently led into the deliverance and spiritual warfare ministry.

In recounting her experiences, Susie certainly drove home the message of how real the spiritual realm is and how we must absolutely increase in our knowledge of spiritual things and learn to function in the spirit or live spirit-led lives. I have attempted to summarise the key aspects of Susie's approach to battling in the spiritual with the help of some specific passages of scripture:

(1) Knowledge of the Real Battle
Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places."

(2) Spiritual Protection
Ephesians 6:10-18 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the (a) belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the (b) breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your (c) feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the (d) shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the (e) helmet of salvation and the (f) sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

(3) Taking Up Authority
Matthew 18:18 "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

(4) Remember that the Battle is the Lord's
2 Chronicles 20:15 He (Jahaziel son of Zechariah) said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's."

Lord, we humbly pray that You will come and teach us Your ways and sensitise us to the things and way of the Spirit.