What war
movies have you watched that stirred your manly blood? There are some scenes of
heroism that make me want to pump my fist in the air
or even choke up in manly admiration. What courage! You've felt that too haven't you? It’s because
you are made in the image of God and He is the divine warrior (Rev.19:11-16). Thus, there is a warrior within
you. You can conquer spiritual giants. Attack!
You were not made to be a faithful church attender. You were made to "fight the good fight of the faith" 1 Tim.6:12. Battle is in our spiritual blood. No wonder so many guys like to play war games. But we better not be playing games when it comes to the
spiritual war we are in. This world is a battle ground not a playground. Yet so
many men are entertaining themselves into a spiritual lethargy, rather than fighting to liberate others. They don’t see the enemy hidden from
their worldly sight.
We read
the other day that “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." Eph.6:12. There is an invisible
spiritual war going on all around us, and somehow our prayers make a difference in
the outcome of these battles over people's lives. We need to pray! Why don't people have more breakthroughs? "You do not have, because you do not ask God" James 4:2. Wow! Pray!
1.-Read
Daniel 10 and note how there is an invisible angelic war going on. Share a
brief thought on this amazing chapter.
The angel told Daniel that he would soon return
to fight against the prince of Persia. This was evidently a demon of high rank
over that nation. I imagine there are demonic forces even assigned against
Chicago. As you think about the many men at New Life who are just sitting on
the sidelines, rather than fighting to advance God’s kingdom, you have to
wonder what lies demons have bound these men with that they seem so HARD or STUCK
on the sidelines. Let’s use those two words to reveal identity lies the enemy
uses against people we need to liberate-
Hopeless
Abandoned
Rejected
Defective
Shameful
Trash
(worthless)
Unwanted
Condemned
Kinky-(sexually
twisted or defiled)
When
people believe that their past experiences define them, they are apt to stay
stuck on the sidelines. We know that the truth will set them free. We know that
they can be transformed by the renewing of their minds. We know that one of the
best things they could get involved in is the renewing and encouraging
fellowship of M3. But they don’t know that- yet. Now they just feel stuck. Sermons even seem to bounce off many of them. We need to pray fervently and daily that God
would break through those lies, that the Spirit would create a hunger for the
Father and their MANLY calling. They need to hear what the heavenly Father says of them, not the father of lies.
2.-From
the HARD STUCK identity lies listed above, list a couple that really stand out
to you that you will engage in warfare prayer to break such hell holds. Also write them on your MP3 card. Also write out the following portion of James 4:2- "You do not have, because you do not ask God" Then do the Did it. (That verse is such a holy kick in the pants to me to pray. Do you want to see guys liberated and become Power HOUSE men to your credit in M3? Then ASK fervently and repeatedly. Pray!)
Hunger
and thirst for men to hunger for God, for their liberation and activation into the
battle with us. Pray forceful prayers, for forceful men advance the kingdom
of God (Mt.11:12). You are forceful, unstoppable warriors, made in the image
of your divine warrior King. “The Lord is a warrior” Ex.15:3. You were made to fight! Engage your warrior side. Men need to be liberated through our warfare prayers. So attack! Attack! Attack!
"The Lord is with me like a mighty warrior" Jer.20:11
3.-R?
4.-A? (I engaged in warfare prayer since I commented on the blog yesterday.)
Announcements
The results from Monday are below and we want to commend Andy and Kentrayle for scoring for the team as well. We are so glad you're with us!
| G=God's Word | Right Wrongs | E | A | T=Team members recruited | |||
| For Mon.1.12.15 | |||||||
| Alpha Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 1 | |||||||
| 1 | Jack Rogers U.1 | Y | R | A | 2 | Daniel & Roger | |
| 2 | Daniel Contreras U.1 | Y | A | 1 | Vince | ||
| 3 | Vince Diaz | Y | A | ||||
| 4 | Roger Vinlasaca U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| Fire Team 2 | |||||||
| 1 | Israel Fuentes U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 2 | Sam Vargas U.1 | Y | A | 1 | Robert | ||
| 3 | Robert Roman | Y | A | ||||
| Delta Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 3 | |||||||
| 1 | Alvin James U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 2 | Dave Heidekruger U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 3 | Mike Pagan U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 4 | Andy Scott | Y | A | ||||
| Fire Team 4 | |||||||
| 1 | Eddie Morales U.1 | Y | A | 3 | Gary, Ismael, Kentrayle | ||
| 2 | Gary Remson U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 3 | Ismael Andrade U.1 | Y | A | ||||
| 4 | Kentrayle Adams | Y | R | A |
1.- What a great chapter that illustrates the spiritual war that is taking place everyday in our lives and in our city. Verse 12 really stood out to be because it shows how a person that prays and is humble before God is loved by Him and his prayers are answered. What a great example Daniel is to all of us and what a great promise from God that he does listen to us when our heart is right with Him.
ReplyDeleteDan. 10:12 "Then he said to me, 'Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words"
2.- Hopeless and abandoned are two lies that I will specifically be praying about concerning my protégés.
Did it.
4.- A
Very good Roger! "I have come because of your words." Wow!
Delete1. Daniel 10:13a " But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days."
ReplyDeleteWhen I attempt to wrap my mind around eternity, time space continuum my brain hurts, literally. 2 Peter 3:8 "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." Revelations 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” God is not restrained by the laws of physics that he created, we are. A delay to the response of our prayers in no way hinders God's will and divine plans.
2. Did it :-) Hopeless, shameful
3.
4. A
Very good words your wrote there Robert- A delay to the response of our prayers in no way hinders God's will and divine plans.
Delete1. Dan. 10:5-6. I'm also reading through the book of Revelation and I noticed the description of the man is very similar to the description of Christ in Rev 1:13-16. I know Daniel is the parallel book to read with Revelation. It seems that the encounter would be that of a very holy being to the point where it seems Daniel may be dying. I don't know if there is any other reference to other encounters with angels like this one. Some say can this be Christ, but then probably unlikely that He would have needed help from another angel. Some say the that it is probably Gabriel, who had visited Daniel prior to this. Any thoughts on this m3 Men?
ReplyDelete2. Condemned, rejected and Did it.
4. A
Good digging Eddie. I'll reserve my opinion and look forward to hearing first what others may say.
DeleteI feel it was an angel. God sent an angel to be an answer to his prayer as it says in verse 12" Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them." Plus Daniel keeps saying "the one who looks like a man." So in my opinion just angel on assignment.
DeleteHello Eddie, the cult "Jehovah Witnesses" build much of their theology around this chapter, stating that Jesus Christ is the archangel Michael, even though scripture NEVER states this! The term archangel Michael appears 5 times throughout scripture and NEVER once does the bible ever teach that archangel Michael (a created being) is the God Almighty, Jesus Christ (the Creator of all beings) ! Besides, if Jesus were an angel, how could He accept the worship of other “lesser” angels when, according to Revelation 19:10 and 22:8-9, angels do not accept worship, but rather preach the worship of God, and no other? Hebrews chapter one is a death knell to the idea of Jesus, the Son of God, being Michael, the archangel. I have talked with many JW's in my life and my first question to them is always the same " Is it true that the JW's teach that Jesus in NOT God, and that Jesus Christ is the archangel Michael?" and they will always state, Yes. I then ask them to show me in the bible where it says that the archangel Michael is Jesus Christ? and they will take 5 minutes looking thru the bible, while getting all sweaty because they cannot find it. I then politely state to them, that the bible never states that, and they are shocked. The JW's, along with other cults out there, will totally disregard the dozens upon dozens of scriptures that are crystal clear about a subject, and use a very seemingly vague portion of scripture, to build an entire theology upon (very dangerous), instead of using the 100 clear verses to clarify the one seemingly vague portion of scripture?
DeleteLet's make no mistake about it, Jesus is NOT the archangel Michael. I can go into many ways to prove it here, with many scriptures to prove it, but it will take too long. Let me know if you need a bible study I did many years ago, to prepare myself for battle with the JW's regarding this specific topic? I hope this helps??
1) Daniel10:12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
ReplyDeleteI pray that pride does not hold back any coaches/mentors or proteges from M3. I pray for their humility. I pray that God will come to our aid in our great commission and avoid omission of Jesus Christ.
2) I will pray against abandonment and shame.Did it
4) A
Welcome brother Andy and Kentrayle!
Very good Sam!
DeleteIt is always very encouraging to continue forward when God reminds us "Do not be afraid" and "Fear not."
DeleteR for 1/14.
DeleteDaniel 10:19 NLT "Don't be afraid," he said, "for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!" As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, "Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me."
ReplyDelete1) This stuck to me for this "angel" in my opinion tells Daniel he is precious to GOD. Amazing, GOD finds a human being precious. GOD is a loving GOD. God created us in his image. He never makes a mistake. Thank you GOD.
2)Hopeless
Abandoned
Rejected DID IT
4)A
"O my goodness what a powerful passage!" I said out loud reading your verse. Yes, God never makes a mistake! Amen. (Nor did you in what your wrote:)
Delete1. Daniel 10: 12-13 " Don't be afraid, Daniel" He said to me, " for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the King of Persia."
ReplyDeleteThe Angel doesn't come to imply that God's will can be delayed, as the delay was because Daniel was fasting and praying and strengthening his Spiritual life. God's favor is with Daniel as he gives up himself and is fully humbled to the almighty God.
2. Hopeless and shameful are what I will praying for protégés to overcome.
" You do not have because you do not ask" James 4:2 Did it.
4. A
Thanks Jack! Isn't it amazing that the angel is delayed because he was interrupted, having to fight for 21 days against a powerful demonic prince of the principality where Daniel lived- Persia. What we would see if we could see the invisible war around us!
Delete1. The thing that stuck me was the vision to Daniel in this portion in verse 7. It reminds me of Habakkuk 2 and of running with the vision. (Dan 10:7)"And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves." Reading here makes me think to be HUNGRY, will we flee when we are presented with the vision for our communities, our families, and especially other men. Or will stand, just like David knowing the vision is from God and stand knowing that we are the vessels/fighters made to carry it into existence.
ReplyDelete2. Overcoming some of these lies myself the ones that I particularly notice are abandoned rejected and unwanted. More to that I pray for other men to overcome these and break their strongholds
4. I am continuing to engage in active warfare prayer
Very good Gary! I so appreciate your openness. If a father abandons, rejects his child, it would be easy for that child to believe they worht less than a father's loyal love. That is where the father of lies works big time to brand such thoughts into our souls. But our heavenly Father speaks the truth regarding us. "Don't be afraid," he said, "for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!" Daniel 10:19 NLT. Hold onto that truth and let the time that the thoughts of being unwanted be the reminder to go back to the truth of this verse and declare it out loud. Then the tormentor becomes my unhappy servant, reminding me to thank and worship my loving Father. He wanted me so much that he gave up his only Son so that he might adopt me into his family. Write great verses like that down onto MP3 cards and review them often, especially as needed. Rom.12:2. Udabest!
DeleteI was checking back at my card for today and sorry everyone that I missed it
DeleteDid it wrote James 4:2
Daniel 10 :12 Then he continued "do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them". When I read this it came to my mind about how God is always there for us and He answers our prayers. It might not be at the time we ask for it but it will happen if we are faithful to Him and we are in prayer over our request. One of the best war movies I seen last year was Unbroken. It's a must see. Not to let the cat out of the bag the war hero becomes a believer at the end. Also the one statement in the movie that stands out to me is " If you can take it, you can make it". So men of god God will give you the strength you need if we ask for it. If you can take it, you can make it.
ReplyDeleteI will pray for abandonment and shame.
I am continuing to actively warfare prayer.
Did it.
Very good Mike! I'd like to see Unbroken when it comes out on DVD with any in M3 and others that would like to see it.
DeleteWe saw the movie a week and a half ago. (My wife wanted to see it to celebrate her birthday) That's a great example Mike.
Delete1) “Daniel 10:12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them."
ReplyDeleteDaniel's prayers triggered a skirmish in the spiritual realm as the angel brought a response back to Daniel. But despite the resistance, Daniel's prayers were still answered. May our prayers have a similar effect in the spiritual realm as we seek God's will to be done in the lives of men and for His Kingdom to be expanded?
2) A couple of Hard Stuck Identity lies that I will pray against are: hopeless, shameful, condemned and one I will add one- insignificant.
3) None
4) A
Very good Dave!
DeleteBecoming a soldier for Christ is an awesome aspiration. When I think of spiritual warfare I usually look to II Samuel 22:1-7. These verses always provide me with strength and inspiration when the enemy is presenting apparently overwhelming odds against me. The shield of faith, and asking for help through prayer and worship will always prevail. R &C Perception is not necessarily reality, and prayer will help me see the truth. Yes, I am actively engaged.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andy! So glad you're with us.
Delete1.Daniel always seemed to be a man apart. In verse 7 he states, "I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves." Throughout his life Daniel seemed to be the only resolute believer and through him God's power, love, and favor rested on him.
ReplyDelete2. did it
3. R
4.
Great perspective on Daniel. Though we don't measure up to his spiritual stature, I pray O Lord for Alvin, myself and our other brothers, that your power, love and favor would rest on us. I also R= Respect you.
Delete1. It's amazing how many times the word strong, strength and strengthen come up.
ReplyDeleteThree times Daniel says that he has no strength, using once very weak.. OH But the LORD affirms Daniel "Do not be afraid, you are highly esteemed"(Daniel 10:19).. God also Gives him confidence and reassures who Daniel is in Him, that he(Daniel) will not be alone. Then to finish it God says twice at the end of Dan.10:19 "BE STRONG; BE STRONG"
How amazing is that we also could come to God in prayer and through Christ to have that same connection that Daniel had and be honest and humble to say that were weak and we need you(Jesus) to strengthen us to do your will.
2. Trash (worthless) & hopeless
did it.
Hello Ismael, you are getting better or maybe I am getting worse :) You are consistently beating me to the blog, Lol :) It is great reading your comments and seeing daily how God is molding you into a mighty warrior for Christ :)
DeleteWow, Ismael. I'm strengthened by reading your reflections on the strength that we have access to through God.
DeleteGood word bro.
DeleteLooks like you have the record Ish for the most responses! Bless you!
Delete1. Thank you Lord Jesus for giving us a very real "Powerful picture of Spiritual Warfare taking place in Dan. 10: 11-14 that says "He (an angel) said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”
ReplyDeleteIt appears Daniel was fasting for at least 3 weeks for the Lord to reveal His vision and will to him, and we see the spiritual warfare taking place as Daniel's answer to prayer was held up for 3 weeks by a demon, under the control of satan. Wow, I do not fully understand how spirit beings fight but all I know is that I need to consistently and persistently Pray for God's will to continue to be revealed in my life and now, in the lives of my band of brothers here!! Ephesians 6: 10-18 teaches us to put on the full armor of God, because this battle is not won in the physical realm,but in the spiritual realm! I am so glad that we are also encouraged to enlist people that we really want to pray for us on a daily basis as we need to be covered by prayer more than ever.
2. A couple of Hard Stuck Identity lies that I will pray against are: kinky (perverted sexually twisted minds), shameful . Did it
3
4. A
Israel, I will join you in praying against those lies as well, as they are such prevelant attacks on all of us as men and certainly our brothers and I believe they bring shame and condemnation that keeps men in the sidelines and not active.
DeleteThanks Israel for the insight. I would love to see the bible study to dig deeper into this.
DeleteSo appreciate you and your heart for the Lord and for the battle Israel. May the Lord give you many spiritual descendants.
Delete1. Although I'm not sure what everything represents in the chapter, I was interested in the parts in Daniel 10 where Daniel says "How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord?...
ReplyDeleteIt was great to see that in the midst of his feelings of unworthiness and fear, that he was uplifted, encouraged, and given strength.
2. The Daniel passage had Defective and Trash stick out. Did it (wrote them and James 4:2 down).
4. A: Yes
Very good Kentrayle! Good eye to see Defective and Trash there. And that was Daniel!
Delete1. I hesitate to share this, but as some of you know, my father was a faithful and passionate man of God who was a pastor and missionary in South America. When I was born, there was a prophecy over my life that my father later shared with me, that I would grow to be like Daniel and in my spiritual immaturity I dismissed it and never explored it and certainly felt like it was something that wouldn't be realized in my life. I also felt guilt that I wasn't becoming the man that my father prayed I would be.
ReplyDeleteI now realize that the seeds my father planted and the prayers he watered them with have now begun to grow, praise God.
From what I've gathered, Daniel's life was characterized by:
- faith
- prayer
- courage
- consistency
- lack of compromise
Big shoes to fill for any Christian, and I pray for all of these traits to be a MANLY man of God that steps into the prophecy shared by my father.
2. The lies that stand out for me and that I will pray for men at our church are shameful and condemned. Those were the lies that kept me on the sidelines for 8 years at NL not wanting to engage or fellowship with anyone, for fear that they would know what I was hiding... until I experienced God's love and redemption that set me free 2 years ago.
3. R
4. A (and made contact with a man that attended Sunday service and he's interested in coming to small group next Tuesday... Will steer him to a group led by an M3 brother! :-)
Good job Daniel. Your testimony has already impacted others. I pray that others will open their eyes to God's truth. I prayed that both of us avoid some R's
Deleteamen Daniel!
Delete"Wow!" is what I said out loud. God will accomplish GREAT things through you Daniel as you continue to walk with Him and war with Him.
Delete