Category Archives: Spiritual Warfare

Living the Redeemed Life: Eight Powerful Ways that Activate the Blood of Christ in Your Life

Posted on by yolandaberry
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“That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord so that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3

As the world continues to move towards end time prophecies being fulfilled in the Bible, we will need the Blood of Jesus to cover, protect and sustain us.

The most powerful gift of living a redeemed life is having the precious Blood of Jesus. He bore our sins and transgressions, sickness and disease and by His stripes we are healed, in Jesus name.

In the last days, we will be challenged to hold onto our hope and full assurance of God’s love for us in troubled times.

In Matthew 24, Jesus states, “For many will come in my name, saying, “I am Christ,” and will deceive many. And, you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And, there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. Matt 24:4-7

New Beginnings ✨New Seasons ✨New Era

Whether you are a new believer, backslider, or spirit-filled warrior for Christ, the power of the Blood of Jesus is active and always renewing, replenishing, and covering your life.

The gift of salvation provides a totally transformed life through cycles, phases, and processes of experiences to build your faith, trust and confidence in the Lord. The testing of your faith builds your character so never despise the trials or tribulations that you go through. It is building your strength, endurance and tenacity.

Who said life would be easy? In fact, living a redeemed life is even harder because we live in a fallen world. Not only are we faced with temptation but we are opposing and resisting evil every attack or agenda sent from the enemy. We are going against the grain of the world system.

You can overcome with the power of God, the Blood of Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit.

He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me. Psalm 55:18

They overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Rev 12:11

Are you not the One who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that made the depths of the sea a road for the redeemed to cross over? Isaiah 51:10

The act of redemption means:

1. An act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake or the state of being redeemed.

2. Deliverance from sin; salvation

3. Deliverance or rescue

4. Atonement for guilt

5. Repurchase, as something sold

6. Paying off, as of a mortgage, bond or note

7. Recovery by payment, as of something pledged

8. Conversion of paper money into specie

Shake yourself from the dust, arise; Sit down, O’Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bands of your neck,
O captive daughter of Zion!
For thus says the Lord; “You have sold yourselves for nothing, And you shall be redeemed without money.”
Isaiah 52:2-3

The wind of change is blowing upon us. A new era has begun. It will take the breath of God to transition and position the Body of Christ for the end time harvest of souls. Breathe on us, Lord. Let it be done as it was in the beginning and now of how it shall be.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.

Eight Powerful Ways That Activates the Blood of Jesus in Your Life

1. Salvation

Jesus washes away all sin and cleanses and purifies your heart and mind while renewing your spirit. He releases all doubt, guilt, and condemnation once you accept His love, repent and confess Him as your Lord and Savior. When you believe by faith, a beautiful transformation takes place in your life. You must come to God in faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and he is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. Heb 11:6

Once you truly activate the power of faith and tap into His abundance of love, you will not want to live, think, act or do the the same things you use to do. You will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom 12:2

You will have a heart for God. He will be your priority and your desire will be to live for Him. Whoever wants to be my disciples yet deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life, must lose it but whoever loses their life for my sake shall find it. Matt 16:24-26

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and life I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain. Gal 2:20-21

You cannot continue to walk in your own power and self-righteousness. Many new converts stumble or backslide because they have a heart or mind filled with conflict from their past or don’t believe God loves them. They feel they cannot be changed because of all their past mistakes. They may still want to embrace the culture of what’s convenient and comfortable for their needs and desires.

It’s all or nothing with God. The Lord would rather you be hot or cold rather than to be lukewarm. Rev 3:16

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:5-8

2. Sanctification

Once you begin transforming spiritually, He will set you apart for His purpose and plan. You will begin to move and speak differently. This new way of being will begin to affect how family, friends and others perceive you.

There will be a cutting away, “pruning” physically and spiritually. The Lord will begin to slice and dice all aspects of your life from the inside out. He will begin to mold and shape your character like Jesus. He will begin to remove people out of your life. The evidence of this transition will impact and disrupt your relationships and your environment. You should never be afraid of the process because God loves you and He wants the best for you so do not resist His plan for your life. Continue to walk in full assurance and faith with understanding and wisdom.

3. Redemption

Jesus rescued us from the plans of the enemy. Jesus paid our sins so we can be set free from sin and death. There was a high cost for Christ to sacrifice His life for our sins. He was persecuted, suffered death and was buried but on the third day He arose from the grave.

Can you think of anyone who would stand in the gap and die for you? Would someone catch a bullet or throw themselves under a bus for your wrongdoings or mistakes?

Jesus fully paid the price of sacrifice and not to acknowledge the cost of His redemption for our sins would be a disgrace.

4. Restoration

When you are discouraged or defeated, frustrated or exhausted, the Blood of Jesus restores hope and provides endurance for life’s journey. He restores rest to the weary and health to the sick. He restores joy in a season of grief. He will refresh and replenish your spirit. He will restore all that was lost and give you victory, if you do not give up.

To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of Joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the Spirit of heaviness. That they may be called the trees of righteousness. The planting of the Lord that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:2-3

If God is for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:31

5. Justification

Justification is an act of God, who is the righteous judge, to declare a man righteous. Although a man is a sinner and does wrong repeatedly, through a right relationship with God he is viewed as righteous in the sight of the Lord. Another words, he is exempt and all charges are dropped. Justification is not a license to actively sin and do wrong but you do not have to work for righteousness because it’s a free gift for the believer who receives Christ by faith.

The transformation through holiness in a sinner is the process of sanctification.

Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Rom 8:33

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.
Songwriter: James Hammerly and Robert Lowry

6. Purification

The Blood of Jesus purifies through the gift of Holy Communion. When you repent, your sins are completely forgiven. There is no need to continuously dwell on the past or feel guilty about what you’ve done. Once you accept accountability for your behavior or actions, it’s never to late to change. It’s important to make amends or apologize to others, as well. Regardless, whether others are accepting of your apology or change, the Lord cleanse and releases your bad habits and attitudes, negative thinking or behavior and poor choices, decisions and mistakes. The cross carries the burden so you can be set free to live the life God destines for you to live.

7. Deliverance

Who the Son sets free is free indeed. John 8:36

The act of deliverance is the evidence of being set free physically, spiritually, mentally emotionally, and even psychologically.

In today’s world, there is a host of demonic activity that leads to people being in bondage. Some people are ignorant to the spiritual doors they open while others willfully seek to open these doors. You give Satan opportunity to attack your soul (mind, body, will, and emotions).

If you are a born again believer, Satan does not have the ability to attack your spirit because you are washed in the Blood of the Lamb, however occult involvement such as using Tarot cards, astrology, new age religion, theologies, and practices, witchcraft, voodoo, black magic, clairvoyants, speaking to the dead, and crystals are just some ways you can open the door to darkness.

The results of participating in these types of activities can lead to drugs and alcohol abuse, sinful lustful acts, pornography, adultery, fornication, idle words and cursing, disobedience, idolatry and false religion and worship, violence and suicide. These are some heavy examples that are the nature and results of demonic activity that leads to generational curses of depression, poverty, addiction, sickness and disease.

Lately, there has been a high level of suicides in the nation. Most people immediately think the suicide rate is linked to depression due to the current climate of violence, financial instability, isolation (due to Covid) and other factors such as devastation of loss through natural disasters.

This definitely is a factor and should not be discounted due to the mental and emotional state impacting the person, however people are quick to label depression and mental illness as the problem. They do not consider open doors of demonic activity operating in their lives. They are also quick to medicate their problems without considering their diet or working on the root of their problems. Not all cases of mental illness are psychological.

The continuous struggle in the family breakdown and in our communities, chronic sickness and financial lack and untimely death can also be results from demonic curses.

To break a curse, you must repent and renounce all activity in the Name of Jesus. It’s only by the Power of the Blood of Jesus that can break the yoke of bondage and disintegrate sin and cast out evil spirits.

8. Healing

The Blood of Jesus heals our sicknesses and diseases. He heals our emotions and state of mind. Jesus heals our wounds and binds up transgressions. Oftentimes, we listen to the voice of the world and allow them to dictate our realities of what’s possible. But God is a God of possibilities. Just like open doors of sin can lead to sickness and disease; an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, negative emotions, bitter speech or anger can lead to poor health.

Whatever’s the cause of illness, Jesus heals by faith. The woman with the issue of blood pushed her way through the crowd to touch the hem of His garment and was immediately healed of her ailment of 12 years. The miraculous healing of a blind man whose eyes was restored and the crippled man who was defeated and lied by a pool until Jesus told Him to get up and walk are all evidence of the healing power of Jesus. These stories are not myths, fables, or fairytales. They are evidence of the Bible. I’m a living witness of experiencing my father be healed of diabetes, his eyesight being restored after becoming blind in one eye after a retina detachment. I’ve also experienced my mother’s recovery from a blood bleed on the brain and recovery from a slight heart attack and stroke without any existing conditions.

There is no explanation why some people are healed and others are not but everything that happens is within God’s divine plan. To get through this life, especially as things continue to shift and change in this world, you will need the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ to sustain you in every area of your life. Speak life over your situation and circumstances and shift the atmosphere and your environment, in the mighty Name of Jesus.

If this message encouraged you, please be sure to read my latest posts from my site below or scroll to the bottom of the page to view the recommended post on my site. You can also subscribe to receive notification by email or by WordPress for my latest updates.

Related Scriptures

The Blood of the Lamb

Exodus 12:13

Now the Blood shall be the sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the Blood, I will Passover you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

Rev 12:10

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of the brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

Rev 12:11

And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.

Healing by the Blood of Christ

Isaiah 53:5

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

I Peter 2:24

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

The Lord’s Supper | Holy Communion

Matt 26:26-28

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which was shed for many for the remissions of sins.

Additional References:

I Corth 11:23-29

Eccl 3:14-15

Heb 9:22

Eph 1:7

I John 1:7

I Corth 6:4-6

Rom 1:28-32

Rom 4:7

Heb 6:4-6

Psalm 103:12

Jer 31:34

Exodus 12:7, Exodus 12:12-13

Psalm 106:7

Lev 17:11

Heb 9:12

Matt 8:17

Exodus 12:31-36

Prov 13:22

How to Avoid Temptation

Posted on by yolandaberry
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The devil often tempts us at our weakest point. He will use our emotions when we are vulnerable. When he sees that we are tired, hungry, sad, angry, or afraid, he will strategically plan his attack. However, the devil is not creative. He will use the same tactics, plots or schemes over and over again.

The Lord is the creator of all things and by His power and authority He has all the ability to create, form, shape, mold, and design according to His plan and purpose for our lives.

In the Wilderness

When Jesus was fasting in the wilderness, the devil tempted Him “Five” times. The devil came to Him when He was weak and hungry. It’s often when we lack a physical or emotional need that the devil tempts us. Our strongest defense is to reflect on the reaction of Jesus in the wilderness. He used the Word of God to confront the attack of Satan. He spoke with authority every time Satan tried to persuade Him.

In the passage in Matt 4:7-9, it states, “Jesus said unto him, It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord they God. Again, the devil takes Him up to an exceedingly high mountain and showery Him all Kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them and he says to thee, all these things will I give to thee if thou will fall down and worship me.

Satan will distort or magnify a specific target to make his proposal so appealing so you will fall into the snare or trap of his devices.

We must stay on guard and be mindful at all times because we will be constantly tested. As the passage states in Matt 26:41 “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” So, we must constantly build up our spiritual nature to combat the attacks of the enemy.

The devil is a con artist. He will manipulate or persuade his target to get his way. When you are aware of his plans or schemes, you’re able to confront the attack by speaking the scriptures over your situation to dismantle every dart the enemy throws your way.

When you’re aware of the temptation, you may have to physically remove yourself from the situation. If you find yourself in a constant battle with the flesh, having self-control of your thoughts and your desires, you trick yourself into thinking that you will defeat the enemy in your own strength. However, we must be empowered by the Holy Spirit and the Blood of Jesus to walk in victory and to overcome the slick moves of the devil.

Be sober and viligent; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walking about seeking whom he may devour. 1Peter 5:8

In the Garden of Eden

The devil used sly, cunning tactics to convince Eve to eat from the Tree of Life. In the Book of Genesis, the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, “You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.

“Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

In both cases, the devil promised that they would be more like God with either power or wisdom. The devil twisted his words to convince Eve otherwise and enticed her to disobey. Let your eyes be open to the sneak attacks of the enemy.

In the Womb of Infertility

Sometimes, the Lord uses a crises to teach us about patience, obedience, belief, faith and trust. In the story of Abraham and Sarah, enticement was also used to lure her husband.

By faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Heb 11:17

Abraham, to produce a child from Hagar. This was out of compromise of faith and out of the will of God for their lives. When you’re bound to fleshy desires and human passions, it will cause disastrous results. When you allow your emotions to override the divine will of God, it will cause division or conflict in your body, mind or spirit.

In the Heat of the Moment

David lusted over a beautiful woman after watching her bath while he walked on the roof of the king’s house. He requested for the woman named Bathsheba who was wife of Uriah, and slept with her. She became pregnant. Due to his sin of adultery, David plotted to murder Uriah by ordering him to the frontlines of war to deliberately kill him to hide his affair.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corth 10:13

In the Fiery Furnace

Another attempt of temptation was when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego worshipped only the one true God. They lived amongst a city where there was idol worship. They refused to bow down to any false idol.They were subject to great peer pressure from their community and suffered great temptation to follow the tradition ordered by King Nebachadnezzar to worship a golden statue symbolized of his power and glory. Unfortunately, they were thrown into a fiery furnace. The King even turned the heat up seven times hotter but they weren’t burned.

King Nebuchadnezzar was shocked when he saw four men walking amongst the flames. He immediately called the guards to release them from the furnace.

Through the deliverance, he granted them freedom to worship as they desired and was given a royal promotion in honor,

In the Test of Faith

In the story of Job, the devil requested authorization from the Lord to test the faithfulness of Job. Job was harshly tested and faced many temptations, sickness, and loss, however Job never lost his faith and received complete restoration of all that was lost.

In the Belly of a Whale

Jonah was given a specific assignment to go to Nineveh to address the sin in the land. It was a city full of evil and wickedness. Instead, Jonah ran from his assignment of the Lord. He jumped on a boat and sailed the opposite direction to a place called Tarshish.

The Lord created a massive storm upon the waters and the men threw Jonah overboard because they felt he caused the turbulence. After being thrown overboard, the storm suddenly stopped. The Lord sent a large whale to swallow Jonah.The Lord was shielding and protecting him from drowning and from the other animals in the ocean.

Jonah repented, prayed and praised God. The Lord answered his prayer by allowing the whale to throw him up which was near the city of Nineveh. Jonah preached in the city and warned them to repent. The people listened in obedience despite the corruption and chaos and the Lord had mercy on them.

Unfortunately, Jonah struggled with his heart condition and became bitter because he felt the people didn’t deserve God’s grace and mercy however the Lord was more concerned about the hearts of the people and restoring the land. Jonah was disciplined due to his disposition.

Even the people of Israel, suffered great temptations. They had several cases of doubt, fear and unbelief on their journey to the promised land. They fell into temptation when Moses did not return from Mount Sinai when they expected. They created a golden calf to worship and challenged Moses with every decision or move he made along the way.

So he called the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not.” Exodus 17:7

These are great examples of how to avoid temptation. Not all temptation is related to fornication or promiscuity. the devil comes in many ways to attack us at our weakest points. We must understand the tactics, schemes and devices to override the plans he uses.

Here are seven ways to overcome temptation.

1. Speak the Word of God in the area of attack

2. Be obedient to God’s voice

3. Learn how to be patient and wait on God

4. Run from temptation

5. Stand strong in faith and your convictions

6. Walk in faith no matter the circumstances or situation

7. Listen to the Lord’s instructions and face opposition with courage and boldness

We will not always be perfect but we must turn away from temptation at all cost. We have a loving Father who desires our whole heart. He is a forgiving Father that supplies us with His grace and mercy.

Prayer

Lord, help us to walk with you through the valley of temptation. Strengthen our heart and mind to focus and lean on you at all times. Continue the new work in us by transforming us to be molded and shaped in the potter’s hands, so we can be representatives for your Kingdom to bring glory to your name. In Jesus name, Amen.

Additional Bible References:

James 1:12-16

I Peter 5-8

2 Sam 22:2-3

2 Sam 22:7, 17, 31

Psalm 32

Psalm 38

Psalm 3

Psalm 63

Dan 3:25, 28

Num 14:22-24

Defying the Odds | Pick up Your Stones

Posted on by yolandaberry
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And David spake to the men that stood by him saying what shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and take away the reproach from Israel for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Sam 17:26

In the climate we live in today, we are facing giants on every side. We are unsure of our present situation and wonder about our future. If we perceive the environment with our natural eyes, the giants we face seem insurmountable and overwhelming to fight. We cannot fight these giants in our own strength, but we have all the tools and resources through the Spirit of the Most High. We are more than able to defeat and conquer the enemies, tactics, schemes, strategies, and plots that are destroying the fabric of our country, our region and our family.

David said, “Moreover, the Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, go and the Lord be with thee. 1 Sam 17:38

And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head, also he armed him with a coat of mail, And David girded up His sword upon his armor, and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said unto Saul, I cannot walk with these; for I have not tested them. And David put them off him. 1 Sam 17:39-40

And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherds’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. 1 Sam 17:40

The equipment and weapons Saul provided was the standard protection made for war. Saul believed he was equipping David with the best gear for the job, but David felt otherwise. He had to use what he felt was comfortable for him. Something so simple as a handful of rocks seemed so unpredictable to slay a giant, but David had to fight according to the way he was accustomed to.

What is in your hand? How do you fight your spiritual battles? Is it the battle cry of praise and worship? Fasting? Prayer? Speaking the Word? Or a combination of all of the above? We must understand how to war in the Spirit in these difficult times ahead. We must be able to stand in opposition in unfamiliar territories and uncomfortable spaces. Our eyes must be fixed and focused canceling out all distractions and turbulence from the enemy’s camp.

We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Rom 8:37

What are you facing today? Are you facing fear or anxiety? Do you need to shift your perspective or mindset? Are you confused or disoriented? Are you frustrated or angry? Do you need healing in your body? Pick up your stones.

The Lord will contend with our enemies that every attack is null and void. The fear that we carry is false evidence appearing real.

David said to the Philistine, thou comes to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defiled . 1 Sam 17:45

This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand, and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee, and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines, this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And, all this assembly shall know that the Lord save thee not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into our hands. 1 Sam 17:46-47

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth. 1 Sam 17:49

So David prevailed over the Philistine, with a sling and a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him but there was no sword in the hand of David. 1 Sam 17:50