Today’s New Covenant nugget is Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 (ICB) says, “Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.”
Ephesians 6:12 (Paraphrased), “People are not the source of our challenges, the source of all trouble, all hardship, and of every attack against us is from evil spirits and powers of darkness in the spirit world.”
The main reason that people end up offended, in strife, and falsely accusing one another is that they do not have a revelation on Ephesians 6:12. No matter what you are facing in life, I guarantee you that the source of your problem is a spirit of darkness, not a person. Those who have a revelation on this walk in love toward all people, and then deal with challenges at the root. Instead of falling into traps of offense, bitterness, judgement, unforgiveness, strife and hurt towards people… instead of separating themselves from people of like faith that they are called to, they walk in compassion, love, peace and grace towards all people.
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, ‘love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”’ (Matthew 5:43-44)
When you have a revelation on Ephesians 6:12 you can understand what and why Jesus said what He said in Matthew 5:43-44… people need our love… they need grace and mercy, not hostility, judgement and rejection.
When it comes to the spirits of darkness, bind them in Jesus Name! Here is an example of how to pray, “devil… spirits of darkness, the blood of Jesus is against you, you will not succeed in getting me offended. I bind you in Jesus Name! Heavenly Father, I forgive Harry and Suzie, I bless them and I walk in grace, mercy and compassion towards them. I pray that you show them how to close every door on the devil and that they no longer give place to him. Instead of being angry at them and rejecting them, I will pray for them, love on them and be a blessing in their lives, in Jesus Name!”
I’ll end this devotion with Romans 12:15-21 (MSG), “Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it. ”Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”
In His amazing love, Nick
