Spiritual Warfare

Humble Heart & Gratitude Expressing honor and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Lord. Acknowledging a “big old humble heart” and constant thoughts of people and Jesus. Expressing gratitude for being saved, recognizing it as an undeserved act of grace. Saved at 38, felt lost before salvation. Mark Chapter 5 & Personal Connection Reading from Mark chapter 5, focusing on Legion. Brother Tommy asked to speak Tuesday morning. Prayed about the message, feeling a connection to Legion. Recognizing a past behavior mirroring Legion’s self-harm. Cutting self with razor blades as a teenager (17-18 years old). Devil trying to “kill, steal, and destroy.” Encounters with Evil Recounting three experiences of feeling strangled while asleep. First at 18 at dad’s place, felt someone on chest, could not breathe. Saying “Jesus” three times stopped it. Second time at home before being called to preach. Again, saying “Jesus” three times stopped it. Third time, saw a black demon sitting on chest, choking. Demon described as black with scaly skin and large black wings. Not scared this time, realized the demon was trying to prevent future ministry. Devil’s Tactics & Vulnerable Targets The devil targets the vulnerable, like babies or weak church members. The devil seeks easy prey, those easily swayed or killed spiritually. The devil uses the weakest link in the church to cause division. Awareness is crucial to resist the devil’s influence. Personal vulnerability to returning to self-harm (“cutting arms”) if yielding to the devil. Close Calls & Divine Intervention Recounting incidents where divine intervention prevented potential disasters. Drag racing incident where a truck stopped unexpectedly. Driving through a field in a 73 Dodge Charger at night and narrowly avoiding a tree. Realizing the danger but still not listening to God. Fighting the Devil with Scripture Cannot fight the devil spiritually. Emphasizing the need to use scripture against the devil, as Jesus did. Devils bow down to Jesus. Legion’s Story & Personal Reflection Relating to Legion’s torment and self-harm. Remembering cutting self and apologizing to the Lord. Acknowledging God’s repeated rescue from dangerous situations. Driving a mixer truck on a mountain, fearing it wouldn’t make it. Praying for help and reaching safe ground. The Power of Jesus & Transformation Legion recognized Jesus and worshipped him. The devil knows who Jesus is. Jesus cast out the demons from Legion into swine. Two thousand swine ran into the sea. Legion, now in his right mind, wanted to follow Jesus. Jesus instructed him to share his story with his community. Living a Transformed Life Expressing a commitment to staying “in the boat” with Jesus. Refusing to tolerate sinful behavior in personal space (“my house”). Avoiding involvement with friends engaged in harmful activities (drinking, drugging). Recognizing the heavy price paid for salvation. Repenting from sins and not letting them accumulate. Prioritizing God’s will over worldly desires. The Preciousness of Ministry Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to preach God’s word. Desiring to continue preaching about salvation and the promise of eternal life. Acknowledging God’s goodness and the transformative power of salvation. Quitting bad habits and starting a life for Jesus. Family & Faith Family members talking behind back about going to church all the time. Celebrating family members getting saved, including son and granddaughter. Prayers are heard by God. The Danger of Turning Away The worst thing is knowing the righteousness of God and walking away from it. Sharing the story of mother’s 42-year backslide due to disobedience. Describing a difficult childhood marked by tension and fear. Sleeping in church yards for safety. Mom got it right after 42 years. The Devil’s Strategy The devil cannot physically harm, but can influence thoughts leading to self-destruction. Relating personal experience of cutting self due to anger and feeling lost. Ignoring father’s warnings to get right with God. The devil was trying to kill Legion. Salvation & Humility Remembering begging and pleading for salvation. Believing salvation occurred upon deciding to go to the altar due to a broken and humble heart. God has blessed ever since. Staying in the boat with Jesus. The devil just wants to torment. Recognizing the Devil’s Influence Recognizing the devil’s attempts to aggravate and frustrate. Two cars broke down at the same time. Salvation provides awareness and resistance to the devil’s tactics. The devil uses various means to torment and destroy (drinking, smoking, etc.). Backsliding leads to greater distance from God. Personal Reflections & Warnings Remembering cutting arms and realizing the devil had control. Hurting mother by actions and causing her to cry. God was holding one day this will be mine. God saved from turning over a 65 Dodge. The Holy Spirit warns against sinful actions. Need to be aware of the devil’s tactics. The devil is out to get kids, grandkids, and children. The devil never bothered until saved. The devil turned up the heat when called to preach. Staying in the boat with Jesus.