Scripture reading: II Timothy 3:1-5
There are spirits of darkness that are giving the church much trouble. Knowing this tells us that the church has to overcome the princes and their palities (areas of rulership) all over the world, of every tongue and every tribe and nation. Therefore, the battle is both on the individual level, as well as on the corporate level. The spiritual rulers of the old Roman Empire, and the great Viking spirits of the Norsemen of Scandinavia, the Prince of Persia (with whom Michael and Gabriel contended in order to give Daniel the message of God), along with all the other principalities in the world have held the people captive for thousands of years, but God is now arming His church to break and bind them, and to set His chosen people free. These spirits do not grow old and senile, they only get wiser over the centuries. Nevertheless, God has given us “Power…over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19, Matthew 28:18-19). He did not say that the enemy has no power, but what He said is that we will have a greater power to defeat and overcome them.
When Peter, Paul, James, John, and the early church came out against these spirits in the beginning of the church, the spirits were new to the experience of dealing with a Holy Ghost filled church. The brethren therefore did not have many of the problems we face now. The Word in II Timothy 3:1-5 says that in the latter time, “perilous times” would come, which was a prophecy for our time.
We are now facing a well-developed spirit opposition that has been for two thousand years educated in warfare against the church. They have to a great extent hindered the development of the church, and muzzled many of the people of God by all manner of diversions and sensual and devilish devices. They have succeeded in creating a “World/Church” mixture – a concoction that is offensive to God. Not only is the church facing an enhanced spirit opposition, but in the human realm, man has attained or is very close to attaining his “666,” which is the “fullness of man” (the highest point of human development). However, instead of preventing the development of the true church, this has enhanced it, in that we have heard the trumpet of God calling us to great determination and more diligence in our walk with Him; to a will and purpose set to be like Jesus, according to the promise.
(Excerpt from The Omega Message, April 1997, pg. 2-4)
Thought for today: Are the spirits of darkness giving you much trouble? Remember, you have been given a greater power than they have to defeat and overcome them!
Sonlight Devotional 
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