Do not overlook the Power of God's Peace.

A good many problems in life are spiritual. Even if a problem may be "of the flesh" (mental, emotional or physical), many a mature Christian will tell you (from experience), that if we deal with the spiritual issues first, there will be less to deal with in our flesh.

EXAMPLE:
Many times (like everyone else) we have reacted to what we see and think and feel (in our flesh). We have experienced this in our home with our son who is still a baby, who in this instance, would not stop crying. Even after we had fed him, burped him and checked his diaper, he just wouldn't stop crying. which caused us a certain amount of worry as well as stress. Then my wife said let's pray. So we did. We didn't hear a deep echoing voice from heaven, but almost immediately I got a thought to take off his pampers and wrap him in a t-shirt. So we got busy doing that and a few minutes later, he was quiet. Later, I remarked to my wife how that was a good idea because it did the trick. But then she reminded me, that it was because we prayed first - and so we Thanked the Lord for that very practical and immediate answer to our prayer. The point is that very often we take God for granted after he so "matter-of-factly" answers our prayers, in both the small and the great.

Now concerning the spiritual, it may be, that all our son needed was a soft dry cloth wrapped around his booty, but if there were any demonic annoyance (due to us letting down our guard), then we know that we took care of both, and we have greater Peace in our home because we have honored God. In that instance, God immediately imparted wisdom, and we did not have any indication if it was physical only or if it might have actually been spiritual irritation from a demon.

Even with each other, We have found a great indicator: we know that if we can't stop and pray together there is a problem either with our pride or demonic influence, or both. If it's both, it's because pride is a major doorway for a demon to gain access to your flesh (mind, emotions, body). No matter how hard the problem, we have found that if we push everything away and pray first, then things start to come back in line and the problems become solvable.

We pray for God's protection and blessing on a regular basis. But none-the-less, we admit to our human faults. And it is better wise to take all things into consideration, especially the spiritual realm and especially when you don't understand what's going on around you. Why wait until you have a problem before you pray?! Why not pray first before the problems even happen! - We have enjoyed that in our house - we have recognized it - and we thank God for His REAL Peace! Remember the illustration of the umbrella? Trusting first in God is how you walk in His Peace.

"Be anxious for nothing,
but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:6-7)

In contrast, we have had experiences where it was obvious that someone was irrationally irritated with us, and we had done nothing to provoke such underlying anger and verbal abuse. We found an excuse to take a quick break (2 -3 minutes). We prayed and silenced the voice and influence of any demonic spirits. Upon returning, we found the person had a dramatic change of attitude, couldn't remember why they needed to be angry and proceded to be kind, gracious and even thankful.
Folks, the spiritual realm is real! ...and so is your PEACE (which is your authority in Christ)

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time,
casting all your care upon Him,
for He cares for you."
(1 Peter 5:6-7)

About QUOTING SCRIPTURE...

Some people believe that just quoting the scripture (Ephesians 6:10-20) is needed to be protected. Unfortunately, that's not reality. That's merely a superficial attempt to apply scripture. Although it is good to quote scripture, the power of its Truth does not flow through you unitll you truly possess the meaning of the words. Christianity is not a superstitious belief where we quote the scriptures like "positive affirmations" or worse: like incantations. The word of God cannot be used as "church-craft" --which is erroneously trying to wield the power of God under the control of our flesh.

True Christianity is Truth spoken from the heart.

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men,
but in the power of God."
(1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

Now, Let's back-pedal for one second: If all you can do right now is quote scripture...by all means - do it! But do so with the intent to memorize it and then meditate on what it means and how it applies to your life. Seek God through that scripture, and hear His wisdom and Love shining His Truth on your next steps on the path towards your destiny in this life and that which is to come. This is how you will get God's Word into your heart and soul and ultimately your belief.

"So then faith comes by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)

The bottom line is that the power comes when you believe it -- or better said:

"For verily I say unto you,
That whosoever shall say unto this mountain,
Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea;
and shall not doubt in his heart,
but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass;
he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire,
when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
(Mark 11:23-24)

There is a curious process of gaining wisdom. First let's take note that if you look throughout the Bible for the combination of the following words: Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom you find that they are many times within the same passage and often in the same sentence (especially in the Proverbs). Some will say that the process is first knowledge (the facts), then understanding (how the facts work) then wisdom (How you can apply the facts). Others, will tell you that you gain first the WISDOM through obedience the God, then you are able to UNDERSTAND and come to truly KNOW the laws of God. Indeed, both are true and both will take place as you walk with the Holy Spirit and seek Him through the scriptures. Truly, Life is an adventure when you walk with God.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom:
and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. "
(Proverbs 9:10)

The Bible was given to us through descendants of Israel who have faithfully recorded it, harbored it, and delivered it to the world. And it was done so greatly against the odds. The fact that we even have the wondrous and ancient text of the Holy Bible is indeed a miracle as it (and the Jewish people) has been attempted to be annihilated by many enemies throughout the centuries, even to this day. Indeed, the warfare is real and continues on all levels (from spiritual to soul to physical).

The "Orientation" in the first two modules was to help give you some understanding as you now progress with your faith into God's word in the scriptures. For new believers, we highly encourage you to read the words of Jesus in the four Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke and John) as well as the book of Acts (and don't stop there).

Please keep in mind that this website is, in essence, an intensive course NOT designed for the casual reader. As said before, your spiritual growth will not happen automatically. It happens as you put your trust in God and take action steps of faith in obedieance to what He is telling you. Obviously that requres a listening ear. As you seek God at a deeper level through His Word (The Bible) and through a mentorship program (Like LIFEPATH) that hopefully you are involved in while going through this website, your hearing will improve.