By Pastor Deborah Morrison
WCM Theme: The Supernatural in the Midst of the Warfare
· For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12).
Ephesians 6:12, tells us: our struggle is ultimately against "spiritual forces of evil," meaning the real battle is the spiritual warfare of good versus evil. There is a spiritual war ongoing for the hearts of mankind, as the forces of evil want to turn us away from God and separate us from God, not just in this life, but in the eternal.
Beginning with verse 10 of Ephesians we are told to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Before we get to the Armor of God, we first must be strong in the power of God’s might, not our strength. In Zechariah 4:6 it says: “This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel saying not by might nor by power but by my spirit said the Lord of hosts”. What God was saying, it is my power and strength that will empower you to rebuild my Temple in Jerusalem.
The Armor of God
10 In conclusion, Finally, [my brethren] be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 13 Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. Ephesians 6:10-11, 13 Amplified Bible
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 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.13 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. Ephesians 6:10-11, 13 KJV
In addition to the armor of God, there are still additional weapons that will aid in the effectiveness of our armor Prayer, Fasting, Praise, and Worship. For this lesson, we will be looking at Prayer and Praise in the midst of warfare.
The Weapon of Prayer and Praise
· 18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people. Ephesians 6:18 Amplified Bible
· Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
· Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Psalms 33:1
Acts 16:19-31 Paul and Silas continue their journey into Philippi.
· Doing the work of ministry, they continued where Jesus left off. They were the eyes, hands, and feet of the good news, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul penned a letter to Timothy telling him:
· But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you 2 Timothy 4:5 NLT
Timothy is to do more than endure; he is to accomplish the purposes of his ministry calling. Ministry is hard work and there is often a temptation to quit. There is a natural lure to settle for less than our best. Here, Paul commands Timothy to continue, even during difficult times, to complete the calling God had given him.
· Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12)
No matter what your situation is or whatever you are going through for the sake of the Kingdom know that we serve a supernatural God, that can do anything.
· Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27
QUESTIONS:
· Thinking on your Christian walk, would you agree with 2 Timothy 3:12 - Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution?
· What one piece of advice would you give another Christian, who is experiencing trials, tribulations, sickness, and/or oppression?
(19-24) Paul and Silas - arrested, beaten, and imprisoned
But when her masters (the demon-possessed girl Acts 16:16-18) saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. And they brought them to the magistrates (Rulers), and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.”
Then the multitude revolted against them, and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they were severely beaten, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, under maximum-security conditions. The jailer or the guard was commanded to keep them under watch. He put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
After being beaten, bloodied and in pain, they were put in an uncomfortable environment, but Paul and Silas never lost sight of who they served, and that God would show up.
(25) Paul and Silas sing in prison.
At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God: Though they were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for doing good, Paul and Silas were filled with joy and sang praises to God. It seemed as if nothing would make them stop praising God.
This should encourage us, that the Holy Spirit will enable us to pray, praise, and worship God during difficult times. Anyone can be happy in pleasant circumstances, but the real joy comes only from within, it is always available to Christians by way of the Holy Ghost.
· In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
Could you imagine what a strange sound this was to the other prisoners? Paul and Silas were bloodied, beaten, and chained, yet they could be heard praying and praising God.
QUESTIONS:
· If you are facing difficulties, are you able to trust the Holy Spirit, and remain focused and not complain?
· Can you recall a time that you were able to look beyond your circumstances, and remain prayerful, praiseful, and joyful? If Not, what brought you back to focus on the things of God?
(26-29) The Great Earthquake
Suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosed.
· Suddenly there was a great earthquake: This earthquake was clearly supernatural. This was not only because of its timing and location, but also in the way that all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosed.
And the keeper (Jailer, guard) of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, though the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas and asked what must I do to be saved?
· Note: Under Roman law and custom, guards who allowed their prisoners to escape received the penalty of their escaped prisoners, death by the sword.
It would have been easy for Paul and Silas to escape thinking God provided another miraculous jailbreak. But to them, the lives of others were more important than their own personal freedom and comfort.
In not escaping, they showed tremendous discernment. The circumstances said, “escape.” But love said, “Stay for the sake of this one soul.” They were not guided merely by circumstances, but by what love of Jesus Christ and the good news of the Gospel. Jesus came seeking them that are lost
· For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10)
QUESTIONS:
· What trial or difficulties in your life, might God be using to bring about the supernatural in someone else’s life?
· In the midst of your current circumstance(s), what is your conduct saying to non-believers?
The supernatural power of God, can show up suddenly and immediately
The Supernatural in the midst of warfare --- when God shows up in the midst of our situations, The Supernatural Power of Jesus is revealed! And it changes everything!
When I pray my help shows up
When I pray the atmosphere shifts
When I praise and worship chains are broken
When I praise and worship the spirit of the living God shows up
· But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Psalms 22:3 (KJV)
©2018 David Guzik - Enduring Word
About The Author
Pastor Deborah Morrison was ordained and serves as the associate pastor, under the leadership of Dr. Shana Wise at Wise Choice Ministries, Jacksonville Florida. She faithfully serves on the Evangelism Outreach Team, and Intercessory Prayer Team, and Leads the Kingdom Jewels (Citywide Ministry for Women aged 50+).
She has served in various capacities and Leadership positions in ministry for over 16 years.
Pastor Morrison is actively involved in her community through outreach efforts with The Well Christian Women’s Network, Christian Women Preachers United Clergy and The Early Learning Coalition of Duval /Children’s Closet.
In 2010 Pastor Morrison founded Times of Refreshing Women’s Ministry – “Ladies Day Out” Prayer, Praise and Fellowship, where the focus is on Being Refreshed, Reconnected, Restored, Revived and Renewed in the Presence of the Lord.
From October 2011 – August 2013 Pastor Morrison partnered with The EFPG (Effectual Fervent Prayer Group) International Church Ministry Online. She hosted Refreshing my Sister’s Heart (Ladies Hour) – Sharing refreshment from God’s Word to encourage women in their relationship with God. She became an On-Air Personality/Prayer Warrior (1360AM WCGL) as part of Faith United Miracle Temple’s radio ministry.
In 2013, God’s blessing and favor was in a continuous flow, that for Pastor Morrison as she hosted “For Your Glory Women’s Conference”, birthed Standing in the Gap Intercessory Prayer Line. God was still at work in January 2021, she established the HEAL LEAHMinistries, Inc. (a Women’s ministry of Healing, Cultivating Wholeness and Unleashing Purpose).
Pastor Morrison is a Breast Cancer Survivor and is the epitome of the word Sur.vi.vor - A person who can continue living their life successfully, despite experiencing difficulties. Since her diagnosis of Cancer, surgery and recovery Pastor Morrison had to choose to stand in faith and on Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end’. She had to trust God through the process, because His thoughts towards her were not evil, but good, and her faith was in the expected outcome. Pastor Morrison had to trust God when she wanted to give up and remind herself, that God had already worked it out for her good and His glory because every provision needed would be met. God got this! She was walking by Faith and not by Sight!!
As Pastor Morrison “Journey Forward”, she continues to be a student and teacher/preacher of God’s word where lives are being changed, minds are being renewed, and souls are being saved. With a God given burden on her heart for women to be set free and delivered just as she has been! She continues to seek the Most High on ways of being a tool for Him to use to allow Him to work through her for His Glory! She declares not only am I a Survivor, but I am Thriving, and I have a lot ahead that I want to accomplish as I “Journey Forward” in my expected end in Christ Jesus!
Pastor Morrison is blessed to be a mother of 1 child and many spiritual daughters, and 5 glam babies which she adores. She is richly blessed with many great things in her life - God, faith, love and support of family and friends.