Spiritual Warfare 06.19.08

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Today we are completing our studies on the book of Daniel, please read Chapters 10-12 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%2010-12&version=9

Today we will read and learn about an angel that is detained; the prophecy of great tribulation and the Antichrist. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that spiritual warfare exists and the only way to overcome it is to pray without ceasing and to trust in God's Word.

When Daniel learned of the difficulties his people were facing in Jerusalem he became deeply distressed, he grieved and fasted for three weeks. "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." (Daniel 10:1-3).

After three weeks of fasting and prayer with no answer from God He revealed to Daniel through an angel that unseen evil powers had kept Him from answering his prayers at the time, but that He was with him through it all. "And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words........Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come." (10:10-13,18-20).

The unseen warfare between our nations still exists today and is stronger than ever, eventually the antagonist of the world will openly attack God and all His people until the entire world is at war. Through Daniel God foretold of the Antichrist. "Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things." (11:34-38).

Since the birth of Christ there have been many antichrists and the driving force behind them all is to destroy the Kingdom of God. Daniel admitted in his prophecy that there was much of it that he did not understand, but his faith knew that it would eventually lead to a wonderful outcome.

Daniel's prophecy reminds us that the coming of Christ is real and will be sooner than we think and it is up to us to be prepared. There will be a time when all the antichrists and wickedness of the world will come to an end and Jesus will reign the entire world. "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." (II Thessalonians 2:8-10).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the one who lives forever, (Daniel 12:7).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We as believers of Christ are thankful and grateful today as we learn of the seriousness of the antichrist. It is only through Your strength, comfort, and security that we will be safe from the persecution that we face. Though we can not avoid what is happening around us we can experience the joy and peace that comes as we meditate upon Your Word and teach it to those who are willing to listen. May we not cease from praying for the lost and our protection. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day and be blessed!
God Bless You,
Christina

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