Tag: Spiritual Warfare

The focus is understanding spiritual warfare as warring between two laws: natural law and spiritual law. Exploring the contrast of visible and invisible dominions in the earth and in heaven that begins and ends under the control of God. Travel through the journey with the author and readers sharing as a global community. Subscribe to Servant Leadership Now platform for updates. You can also share via Social Media platforms. Welcome to a place of support with bulluckg.com

When You Are Tested

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

When you are going through a test, it is not time to give in or give out. In this example, visualize the words of a supervisor to the worker.

“You are gutless, weak!” shouted the Official.  “You will get nothing from me.”  Acen, taken back, by the official’s harsh words, replied, “No, sir.  I am not weak.  But my children, my family, it is true that they need the food.  I need the money.  If I do as you ask, what will they learn?  The money to buy food will help our most dire situation. Yes, in this very moment, I need the help.  Today and tomorrow, I will have those needs for my family because those things are temporary. But, my integrity, their integrity must last a lifetime.”



When he returned home, he explained to his family, “I cannot, in good faith, do as he ask.  For the Lord, watches over us.  He will help us find another way.”

This is the story of one man who stood up to a bully, an official of deceit, dishonor, and untruths.
This story also mirrors the story of Jesus in the wilderness.  In Luke 4:1-13, led into the desert for forty days – Jesus. Jesus ate nothing during those days, and he was hungry.  He had a physical need.  Tested by his enermy.

The devil came to Jesus and tempted him on three different occasions while Jesus was hungry and the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, then…..you should do these things as proof of who you are.
First of all, Jesus knows who he is at all times.  Jesus understood that he was not on the enemy’s agenda, but He was on God’s agenda.  And when the time was right, God saw that Jesus prevailed.

The enemy seeks to destroy you.  Even though the official saw the need of the man and his family and he was in a position to help; the official chose to say, “Only if you do this thing evil thing for me. Prove to me that you are on my side.”

When you are tested, how will you stand?
This man chose to do good and not compromise his integrity, his faith.

Jezebel
There are many stories in the Bible of such evil doing among officials.  Take, for instance, Jezebel, who wrote letters to make demands to hurt the people (1 Kings). She hated those who trusted in God; especially Elijah the prophet, who spoke against her evil.

Jehoshaphat the King of Judah

He understood the value of trusting in the Lord (1 Kings 22). King Ahab of Israel asked King Jehoshaphat of Judah to help him fight the people of Syria. King Jehoshaphat insisted that he must hear from the Lord’s prophet. No other prophet, especially prophets of King Ahab. Micaiah, the Lord’s prophet, let it be known to them, “Whatever the Lord says, I will speak.”  In other words, it will not be what you may desire to hear, but I will speak the Lord’s truth.  This is an example of a test.

Will you speak truth to power?  Will you pass the test?

How will you stand?

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I Claim the Victory

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

By Faith – the Victory

“I claim the victory.” By faith, the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land (Exodus 14:21-22). The Egyptians tried to do so, but they were drowned. The walls of Jericho fell (Joshua 6:20-24), after the people had marched around them for seven days, by faith. By faith, Rahab, the harlot, and her family were saved. She welcomed the spies (Joshua 2:4-6) and was not killed with those who were disobedient. (Hebrews 11:29-31). All of these blessings of miracles happened because of faith. If we are faithful until death, we will receive a crown of glory (Hebrews 3:14; Revelation 2:10) #faithful

By Faith We Have the Victory

God did not create us to lose. Rather, God wants us to be victorious before He returns. In times of struggles, do not forget what the Word says about Kingdom children. Do not forget the end of the story – we win. But before the end, there are battles of victory that we must win.

We have an inheritance. That is because of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. God has given angels to the body of Christ. They have assignments. It does not help to stay on the valley experience when we can refocus on the helpers. It is far better to speak faith than fear and doubt.

The faith is not in self. The victory is not in self but God. God said, “We have dominion over the territory, over all the work of our hands, we have dominion [paraphrase].”

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The Fast that God Ordered

Notably, are the fasts that God ordered. Numerous are the mandated fasting by God to the children of Israel. Because of their disobedience, many were the orders of God to them to show their humility and repentance.

Fasting and Spiritual Strength

What is fasting? Fasting is often associated with abstaining from food and liquids, with the exception of water. As I write this blog post, I remember that my longest fasting was for torty days. Accomplishing that mission, still ministers to me. The purpose – to change a specific situation. The food choice – to abstain from all carbs and sugars. Giving thanks at the end of the fast, I gave God thanks for drawing me closer to Him. Thus, when questions come my way about fasting, I ask. “Is the fast that God ordered?”

Profoundly, I do not find it difficult to fast when it is the fast that God ordered.

Biblical Icons of Fasting

In no special order: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Asa, Daniel, Moses, David, Elisha, Mordecai Esther, Anna, Mary the mother of Jesus, John the Baptist, Jesus, Jesus’s disciples after His departure, and Paul are well-known icons in proclaiming a fast. With prayer and fasting, the victories of healing, miracles, and overcoming, God gave deliverance. To call for a fast, to break or interrupt, is spiritual.

On the other hand, Jesus’s disciples did not fast while Jesus was with them on earth. Only after Jesus ascended to the Heavenly Father did his disciples fast (Mark 2:20). God honors fasting that is for the purpose to glorify Him, not self.

Other Purposes for Fasting

Some reasons for calling a break: Discipline from immorality, mourning, and confession; to seek the Lord, show gratitude, discernment, and prepare for spiritual warfare. Ezra wrote, “So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer,” (Ezra 8:23). Fasting for guidance is given to us for victory in spiritual growth. It is not the only tool. However, it is a powerful one.

Faith is part of the process of a fast (break). Believe that God will answer. One promising scripture reads: “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am.” The continuing verses of Isaiah 58:9-12 remind us that God cares. To open the eyes of our heart, He is willing to do. He is willing to take away the yoke.

Strength in Your Now

In summary, fasting is to bring change and make a difference.  While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  So, after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:2-3).

Prayerfully, as you lay hands on yourself, may God give you strength for the fast that He orders.

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Break the Yoke

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Break the Yoke

“Break the Yoke” – I declare that I want God to break the yoke! He sees my heart.

I am not at ease, I am perplexed, so I pray, “Dear God, Break the yoke.” You said in Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light; So, Dear God, break the yoke.”

Are you listening?

Is He listening to my plea? I understand what David meant, “Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help,” (Psalms 35:2). “This yoke feels like a hard device, a hard place, across my shoulders. It feels as though the very essence of carrying it, is breaking my inner parts. This yoke makes my stance awkward. I feel unbalanced.“

Why should I bear the yoke?

“Lord, how long will you look on my situation?”

The scripture says that the Lord redeems the soul of his servants and none of them that trust in Him is condemned. Why do I feel the burden of this yoke? When will I feel at ease? I am searching for Your answer.

Reflect! Look from where you have just walked out of!

“The Lord is nigh!”

God will break the yoke! So, I pray… “Thank You!”

 I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry (Psalms 34: 1-7;15 NKJV)

In Your Wait… What will you do?

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My Dear Grandson

black woman with anonymous son washing hands

My Dear Grandson is written by the author to express the love of a grandmother. The wonder she sees in him! 

My Dear Grandson,
I thought you needed to know what I love about you.  Yes, it is true that Nana loves because you are part of me, my legacy. But there are reasons beyond that, which make it easier to love you.  I love you for the person you are.
I watch you grow from a baby into the young man you are.  I am proud to say to anyone that you are my grandson.
You are genuine.  You are truthful about your limitations and challenges; and you fight to overcome them.  You are touched by the things that you see happening around you because you care about others.  Your caring has made a difference in some of our most difficult challenges as a family. 
I listen when you speak of your goals – yes, the importance of a vision.  You are realistic.  “Yes, For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
I admire your courage.  You have the fortitude of a soldier and the strength of a wise leader.  You take risks for the good of a situation.
You are a humble person; you are NOT arrogant. God requires that of us – to show humanity towards one another. God calls it humility.   You set an example as one who learns from mistakes and grow.
I admire how you do not hold grudges; how you have given consolation to others who have made mistakes and encourage them to not give up.
You are not afraid of your share of responsibilities; rather you view it as a part of moving toward your vision.
Moreover, I have watched you graciously accept rewards for academics and sports and be just as excited in the success of others.
I pray that God continues to help you use your gifts and talents, give you clear directions in your decision-making for the good of serving for the kingdom.  I pray God’s grace and mercy continuingly be granted towards you; I pray that you use the power and authority of God in your position(s) in life to always be a blessing for your development and others.
May you always cooperate with the Holy Spirit to lead you.  This will please The Father.
And finally, my dear grandson, I l pray that you will continue to act with wisdom and obedience to God, as a servant leader, giving God all the glory.
With my love,
Your Proverbial Nana

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“It Shall Be Well”

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I would like to shall this story of the Shunammite woman from 2 Kings 4:18-37 New International Version (NIV).  It is the story of a mother as following:

18 The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!”

His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.

22 She called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return.”

23 “Why go to him today?” he asked. “It’s not the New Moon or the Sabbath.”

“That’s all right,” she said.

24 She saddled the donkey and said to her servant, “Lead on; don’t slow down for me unless I tell you.” 25 So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.

When he saw her in the distance, the man of God said to his servant Gehazi, “Look! There’s the Shunammite! 26 Run to meet her and ask her, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’”

“Everything is all right,” she said.

I have read this scripture before, of course.  It seems that God reveals more insight each time for whatever I am going through.  Perhaps, this story will find you and bless you in this season of your personal journey.

First of all, I was drawn to the last words in verse 23 – when the mother said, “It shall be well.”

A mother, who knows that her son has died, speaks the words, “It shall be well.”

When I look around my own circumstances, when I hear and see some things that are happening in this beautiful world, I stand in agreement with this mother, “It shall be well.”

The words “shall be” denotes that there is a coming, a reckoning, in other words, the words are prophetic.  She is sounding the alarm button that it shall be.

Admittedly, it may not look like that now, but I am telling you that, It shall be well.”

How do you know that?  Because, God said so. 

Even to the unbelievers in God, it shall be well.  How do you know that it is not going to be well?  Because you are not the one who raises up the sun in the morning nor the moon by night.  You are not the one who gives me air to breathe. and you are not the one who knows the number of cells in my body.  More than that, you are not the one who can count the number of hairs on my head.  You are not the one who can move a mountain, shift the earth, place a cloud in the sky.  You are not the one!!!

Secondly, the reason why it shall be well, is because of man’s inability to accept what is good for them – it is never enough.  People are fickle by nature. If you give them A, then they want B; it you give them B, then they want C; it goes on and on.  Man has a tendency of wanting more and more to fill their empty vessels.  It is only when he/she comes to the point to understand that no material substance will fill up their vessel.  Materialism is only temporary self-gratification.  It does not matter how many books that you follow i.e.,  7 ways to be a leader; 10 things you must know to become a success story….etc.  if you have not accepted Jesus the Christ as your personal Savior, you will feel lost.

This is why the woman of God could say, “It shall be well.”  Her soul was comforted by a spiritual rebirth that was not from her physical world.  She was a woman of substance; she had means (riches); but, that was not what she relied upon.  Her faith in God bought her hope.  She could take a stand in the midst of her trails and say, “It shall be well.”

How many of us can say as she did, “It shall be well.”  No matter your circumstances, because you have been there before and you know that if it had not been the Lord on your side, you would have fainted.  But because He favored you, you can say, “It shall be well.”  Our thoughts are not His thoughts; our ways are not His ways…you can be assured that…

It shall be well.

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