Book Review: The Invisible War

"The Invisible War" by Chip Ingram is a must read for Christians!

Overview: Some Christians believe strongly in the existence of demons and spiritual warfare. Others downplay or even ignore the idea. With such divergent views, how are Christians supposed to know the truth about demonic forces at work in this world? The Invisible War examines what every believer needs to know about Satan, demons, and spiritual warfare, offering a balanced look at this controversial subject. This provocative book will help Christians understand what the Bible says about these threats and will show them how they can safeguard themselves and their families through prayer. Now available in trade paper, The Invisible War offers a balanced look at what is going on in the spiritual realm and what believers can do to defend themselves.


Dawn's Review: 5 of 5 Stars

What I Liked: The whole book is chalk-full of practical "how to" ways to stay in the Lord and fight spiritual battles when they arise.  This book was mentioned in another book, "For the Joy Set Before Us" by Erica Fye and I am so glad I got it! Chip Ingram has extensive experience with spiritual warfare and is a wealth of knowledge.  It was eye-opening, giving real-life examples of spiritual warfare going on in the U.S. and overseas. It also gives reasons why most Western Christians don't seem to experience much in the way of spiritual warfare. 

It explains the urgency for prayer that is consistent, intense, and strategic and if we'd pray like that, more spiritual battles would be won.

The Bible says to put on your spiritual armor, but "The Invisible War" helps explain what each armor piece is, what it does, and it explains how to put it on. I underlined something on every page - that's how good it is! This book is a keeper! It will be a reference tool I will go back to over and over again!

What do you think about spiritual warfare?

Book Review: When The Enemy Strikes

"When The Enemy Strikes: The Keys to Winning Your Spiritual Battles" by Charles F. Stanley Helps With Spiritual Warfare.

Overview:

Fear. Discouragement. Loneliness. Anger. Temptation.
These struggles are common to every person, yet not all originate within us. Often they result from a coordinated assault by Satan. In the When the Enemy Strikes Workbook, best-selling author Dr. Charles Stanley explores the often-overlooked reality of siritual warfare and teaches how to respond effectively.
Product features include:

• Insightful Questions for In-Depth Study
• Guided Prayers
• Quotes from When the Enemy Strikes

This important study, which is perfect for individual or group settings, will build your awareness and dependence on God.

Dawn's Recommendation: 5 of 5 Stars

What I liked: The book is great for someone who is going through (or has just gone through) spiritual warfare. The book helps you focus on God and his power, while teaching you how Satan works. It also teaches you his limitations. The book helped me understand Scripture better and gave me more confidence as I call on the power of God to fight evil. It really is as simple as saying, "I cast out evil in the name of Jesus."

Other topics that I found helpful were on discernment, temptation, prayer, and protecting yourself and your family.

What I Didn't Like: Nothing. 

God put this book in my path at just the right time, to help me understand some warfare I had been experiencing.

Have you dealt with spiritual warfare?

Small Seed for 12-10-14

Put On Your Armor.  

^“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 11-17 (NIV)

Examine each piece of armor. Which piece do you need to focus on right now? For me, I think boots of “readiness” are what I need. I need to be ready to do what God calls me to do. I need to be ready to step in at the drop of a hat to help someone, not be too busy or wrapped up in myself. 

Do you think about struggles and trials in your life as coming from evil. How can God’s armor help? 

Prayer focus: Pray that God helps you change and to make wise decisions.

Action Step: Show love in some way to another person. Suggestion: Give a Starbuck’s gift card to a store clerk or cashier and tell him/her that you just wanted to show God’s love to him/her.