Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces
Jeremiah 23:29
 
wrong-way The following scripture has been coming to me a lot. I do believe it was to teach me something as well as to tell others about it. I think "we" as a church. As believer's of Christ have forgotten and failed to truly let this scripture sink into our spirit.....
Father, please lead me in this message....
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. Ephesians 6:12 When I look at this scripture. First, I look at the words "flesh and blood" What does this mean Lord? All along I feel like we have been battling the wrong thing. We have been judging our sisters and brothers in sin. Why are we pointing fingers instead of interceding in prayer for them to our Father. God gave us freedom from sin so that we could lead others, through love and faith in the Lord,to Jesus Christ. He did not grant us mercy and forgiveness for us to not show that same love, mercy, and forgiveness to those around us. 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:21-35 The next thing that I notice in this scripture is that the battle is against "principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." We are rebuking the wrong thing! Instead of rebuking the "person" the "flesh and blood" we are suppose to be rebuking the "spiritual" wickedness that surrounds them!
How can we do this?
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 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,45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect Matthew 5: 43-48   14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12: 14 Bless, and curse not. It means thorough good will; not, bless them when at prayer, and curse them at other times; but bless them always, and curse not at all. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17 The last verse suggests what is not easily understood by the world; that in all strife and contention, those that revenge are conquered, and those that forgive are conquerors. Be not overcome of evil. Learn to defeat ill designs against you, either to change them, or to preserve your own peace. He that has this rule over his spirit, is better than the mighty. God's children may be asked whether it is not more sweet unto them than all earthly good, that God so enables them by his Spirit, thus to feel and act. 20 Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20   As I read these scriptures it breaks something inside me. Have I been showing those that are considered my enemy the love of Christ? Or have I been standing around saying, " I will pray for him BUT" Do you realize how loud the word "BUT" is when you say it? You always recognize that word because you know something different then what was spoken before it will be spoken after it! There is life and death in the tongue and saying "BUT" shows doubt and distrust in what God can do! When the disciples noticed the Fig Tree that Jesus cursed had withered and died, they were amazed! Jesus said it best in the next scripture And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. Matthew 21:21   The next question I am going to ask you is,
What is the point of prayer if we pray without faith?
But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Romans 14:23 Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while quarrelling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it; so others are hurt, by willful offence given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offence to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ's kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we ought to serve. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. When I read those words I know that those are the qualities that we are suppose to possess as Children of God. We should not live for what "we" want! We should live for "Christ" and "Christ" alone. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
  If we possess the qualities of Christ then why are we not using them?
The next scripture I believe answered this question for me. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death James 1: 14-15 I'm reading a book right now called Call 2 Arms it is written by Edward McIntire . That scripture was spoken of in this book but, there was text following that scripture and before that scripture that is very profound and very true!
Our greatest foe is not the devil and his angels, they only take advantage of our weaknesses and enter doors we open. So you must look deeper and discover the doors you've left open before he does. Ask God to open your eyes before it is too late.
What doors have you left open in your life? Is it un-forgiveness, un-belief, lust of the flesh, anger, selfishness, self-righteousness? Why are you letting the devil peek into your home and cause havoc? Why are you letting your weakness control your prayer life? Now your saying but, "My flesh isn't controlling my prayer life!" IF you are not praying and believing on God. Putting that Prayer under the blood and then stepping away from that weakness or desire then you are letting the FLESH control your prayer life.
Not only do we have to pray it but we have to LIVE IT!
I feel like I am speaking to someone right now. IF your prayer is unanswered it is because you have let the devil in through a door that you have left open. Jesus walked among the sinners to preach the gospel but he did not become best friends with them. The devil uses our weakness to make it impossible for us to get closer to God. We have to address that weakness! Confront that weakness and remove it from our life! I know sometimes we all have felt that "we" could somehow change the person. I'm telling you now sometimes the devil uses that excuse to ensnare you into his trap and plans to destroy your salvation! PRAY to God and give it to GOD! Flee from the trap that the devil has set before you and Seek Refuge in the Lord your God. Salvation will come but, only by the conviction of the Holy Spirit! Salvation and redemption will come in God's perfect timing! I know when He redeemed me it was right on time and not before! To bless someone is to pray for them BUT you have to sanctify yourself from and remove yourself from that sin before you can bless someone with your prayer. It is GOD's fight. He is the one that comes to the rescue when we pray to HIM. We forget that the power comes from HIM. We are only a vessel.
Seek REFUGE in the Lord your God and He will give you peace.
Sometimes, the decision to flee is hard out of love for the person. Sometimes, we fail to do so. I'm telling you that when He says He will give you peace. He means that He knows it is uncomfortable for you but, He will walk with you through it and bring ultimate peace. He will answer your prayer and give you peace but you have to dwell with Him and not in sin. LET IT GO! God will work. Confusion is of the devil. Fear is of the devil.
SEEK REFUGE IN THE LORD YOUR GOD!
Father, I thank you for your guidance. I ask that your perfect will and plan goes out to this person that you are speaking to. I pray that you open there spiritual eyes to what is around them and help them to see what they need to flee from. I pray Father that you will give them refuge because sometimes change is uncomfortable! Father, you suffered for our salvation. How much more will be suffer for you to add to your kingdom? How much more will it take to get out attention? How much more can your mercy extend to us? Father, I give you the GLORY and I believe Father that you will do a mighty work in the lives of those that are reading and that need you! Father your will be done! I pray a hedge of protection around this person that you let no evil come near this Child of God that when the time comes that they will know to call upon your name! Father you are the Almighty! You are Yahweh and You know all things. Father I cry to you and know you hear my prayer! I love you Father! Thank you and I give you the Glory over my life! Thank you for your blessing and anointing! Thank you for guidance and spiritual wisdom! Help us to continue to grow in you Father! IN Jesus Name, AMEN I hope you will heed the call of our Father! Be blessed in the Lord Sincerely, Sarah [email protected] Red text is Jesus speaking. Green text is Matthew Henry Commentary Scripture reference from NKJV bible.cc and biblegateway.com If you would like more information on the book I am reading go to the following link Call2Arms I highly recommend this book. I am not completely through with this book but it truly has opened my eyes!
 

Devinely Inspired: Message In A Bottle