Exposing Spiritual Warfare

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

So, there’s really no cute way to curtsey my way into this topic today, so I’m just going to just start spewing my heart. Which, as I sit here is both terrifying and an adventure because I honestly have no idea where this post is going to end up. But between you and me, that’s typically how my best posts begin.

Lately, this past week, I feel as though I have been under attack.

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And yes, I am talking about spiritual warfare.

Now, let me pause, because whenever I bring up that term — or even worse: “Satan” — I instantly feel as though I’m just asking to be the subject of an SNL parody skit. Visions from Mean Girls come to mind, where Cady Heron is describing the homeschool kids:

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But I just feel like no one wants to talk about spiritual warfare for fear of being seen as one of those “crazy Christians” that’s all in a tizzy about a concept that society will have you believe doesn’t exist.

Well, friends, screw it, I’m going there. 

To be honest, ever since I hit 40,000 subscribers, I have felt spiritually attacked.

My mind has been hit with a thousand flaming arrows, trying to fill my head with lies and self doubt, and I’m going to be honest, they’ve been hard to resist.

Thoughts that my blog ministry is stupid, and that it doesn’t matter. Thoughts that berate me for being single and alone, without hope of ever finding a husband. Thoughts that cut at my social skills, looks, season in life – you name it. They’re coming in from all sides. Each one more damaging than the next.

And this is coming at a time when you’d think the exact opposite would be true. Things have been going great since 40K. I was interviewed on a podcast that I have dreamed about being on – and I can’t wait to share that with you in early 2019 when it comes out. My weekends have been filled to the absolute brim with social engagements with friends who truly care about me, and that I love. And heck, in last week’s post, I received a letter from a reader who told me that my book, Bloom, literally was a catalyst in her recovery from an eating disorder.

So why, the heck, am I listening to these lies that are filling my head that are straight from the pit of hell?

Why? Because I am human, living in a fallen world, and try as some people may to convince you otherwise, Satan is real.

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I don’t think that I am alone in my experience this past week. I think that all of us, at one time or another, have felt bogged down by self doubt or discouragement, or inadequacy, or loneliness. I think those are universal obstacles. I just think that most people are afraid to talk about it.

But I also think that those are the exact cracks in our foundation that the devil likes to worm into, in order to gain a foothold in our lives.

A surprising paradox in all of this, is that you’d think that when you’re “down and out,” you’d be the most vulnerable to spiritual attacks. But I think the opposite is true. I think that when we have a momentum going; when we’re on fire for the Lord and eagerly chasing after His plan for our lives, that is when Satan is going to do everything in his power to throw as many road blocks in your way as possible. That he’ll bring along seven friends to trip you up and shove you off course. I don’t think that is a coincidence.

Which is why we must heed the advice of Ephesians 6: 10-18…and put on the armor of God, most especially when we feel we don’t need to.

I was reading over that passage this afternoon, and I realized, for the first time, a very important thing.

Everything in that armor: — the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet in the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation — those are all defensive articles. They are all passive, shields, used to defend oneself against an attack.

Except for one: The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The sword of the Spirit.

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That is the only thing that was an offensive tool. An attack. A proactive tool.

And that’s when I realized: we do not have to do the fighting. The Spirit will do it for us. 

And what a freakin’ relief that was. I don’t have to rely on my own strength to resist the spiritual attacks from the evil one. The Spirit will do that for me. I just need to ask. I need to just take up that Sword, and the Spirit will fight for me.

Yes, I need to take all the defensive actions possible – with faith, with the gospel, with truth — but the fighting is left up to the Spirit.

That kind of puts it in a new perspective, doesn’t it?

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I know that I can’t just snap my fingers and *poof* magically be out of this cloud of darkness that has collected in my mind. But what I can do, is seek out the truth. Seek out Him. Seek out His presence. Which is exactly what I’m going to do. Right now. I’m going to crack open my Bible, and read His love letter to me: The Gospel.

Because the truth of the matter in all of this, is that Jesus has already won. He has overcome the world. And the evil one doesn’t even stand a chance against the King. And that, is a truth I can believe.

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446 thoughts on “Exposing Spiritual Warfare”

  1. Hi Caralyn. Below is a prayer I read in Charisma magazine a couple years ago. I have prayed it through, and lived through it. I know, and testify that satan is real, his demonic attacks are real.
    Jesus Christ, His Word, and Holy Spirit are the only way through to our victory.
    Jesus already has the Victory through His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and promise of return to all who accept Him as Saviour.
    I am praying for you, Dear Friend and Sister, in the Power Of the Spirit, with expectations, and the Promise of our Father answering,

    Also wanted you to have this other prayer as well.
    God’s Blessings Caralyn, as you faithfully serve Jesus Victoriously.
    Luv, 😀❤️🌹😘

    Written and prayed by Victor Matthews
    Shared in CHARISMA MAGAZINE Dec. 29, 2016

    Believer’s Warfare Prayer

    (To be read aloud)

    Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before You. I cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ as my protection. I surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life to You. I take a stand against all the workings of Satan that would hinder me in my prayer life. I address myself only to the true and living God and refuse any involvement of Satan in my prayer.

    (I command Satan, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to leave my presence with all of his demons. I bring the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ between Satan and myself.)

    Heavenly Father, I worship You and give You praise. I recognize that You are worthy to receive all glory and honor and praise. I renew my allegiance to You and pray that the blessed Holy Spirit would enable me in this time of prayer. I am thankful, heavenly Father, that You have loved me from past eternity and that You sent the Lord Jesus Christ into the world to die as my substitute. I am thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ came as my representative and that through Him, You have completely forgiven me. You have adopted me into Your family; You have assumed all responsibility for me; You have given me eternal life; You have given me the perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ so I am now justified. I am thankful that in Him You have made me complete, and that You have offered Yourself to me to be my daily help and strength.

    Heavenly Father, open my eyes that I might see how great You are and how complete Your provision is for this day. I am thankful that the victory the Lord Jesus Christ won for me on the cross and in His resurrection has been given to me and that I am seated with the Lord Jesus Christ in the heavenlies. I take my place with Him in the heavenlies and recognize by faith that all wicked spirits and Satan himself are under my feet. I declare, therefore, that Satan and his wicked spirits are subject to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    I am thankful for the armor You have provided. I put on the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, and the helmet of salvation. I lift up the shield of faith against all the fiery darts of the enemy and take in my hand the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. I choose to use Your Word against all the forces of evil in my life. I put on this armor and live and pray in complete dependence upon You, blessed Holy Spirit.

    I am grateful, Heavenly Father, that the Lord Jesus Christ spoiled all principalities and powers and made a show of them openly and triumphed over them in Himself. I claim all that victory for my life today. I reject all the insinuations, and accusations and the temptations of Satan. I affirm that the Word of God is true and I choose to live today in the light of God’s Word. I choose, heavenly Father, to live in obedience to You and in fellowship with Yourself. Open my eyes and show me the areas of my life that do not please You. Work in me to cleanse me from all ground that would give Satan a foothold against me. I do in every way stand into all that it means to be Your adopted child, and I welcome all the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

    By faith and in dependence upon You, I put off the old man and stand into all the victory of the crucifixion where the Lord Jesus Christ provided cleansing from the old nature. I put on the new man and stand into all the victory of the resurrection and the provision He has made for me to live above sin.

    Therefore, today I put off the old nature with its selfishness, and I put on the new nature with its love. I put off the old nature with its fear, and I put on the new nature with its courage. I put off the old nature with its weakness, and I put on the new nature with its strength. I put off the old nature with all its deceitful lusts and I put on the new nature with its righteousness, purity and honesty.

    In every way I stand into the victory of the ascension and glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ, whereby all the principalities and powers were made subject to Him. I claim my place in Christ as victorious with Him over all the enemies of my soul. Blessed Holy Spirit, I pray that You would fill me. Come into my life, break down every idol and cast out every foe.

    I am thankful, heavenly Father, for the expression of Your will for my daily life as You have shown me in Your Word. I therefore, claim all the will of God for today. I am thankful that You have blessed me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I am thankful that You have begotten me unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. I am thankful that You have made a provision so that today I can live filled with the Spirit of God with love and joy and peace, with long-suffering, gentleness and goodness, with meekness, faithfulness and self-control in my life. I recognize that this is Your will for me, and I therefore reject and resist all the endeavors of Satan and his wicked spirits to rob me of the will of God. I refuse in this day to believe my feelings, and I hold up the shield of faith against all the accusations and distortion and insinuations that Satan would put into my mind. I claim the fullness of the will of God for my life today.

    In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I completely surrender myself to You, heavenly Father, as a living sacrifice. I choose not to be conformed to this world. I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind, and I pray that You would show me Your will and enable me to walk in all the fullness of Your will today.

    I am thankful, heavenly Father, that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, to the casting down of imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and to bring every thought into obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, in my own life today, I tear down the strongholds of Satan and smash the plans of Satan that have been formed against me. I tear down the strongholds of Satan against my mind, and I surrender my mind to You, blessed Holy Spirit. I affirm, heavenly Father, that You have not given me the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I break and smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my emotions today, and I give my emotions to You. I smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my will today; I give my will to You and choose to make the right decisions of faith. I smash the strongholds of Satan formed against my body today; I give my body to You, recognizing that I am Your temple. I rejoice in Your mercy and goodness.

    Heavenly Father, I pray that now and through this day You would strengthen and enlighten me, show me the way Satan is hindering and tempting and lying and distorting the truth in my life. Enable me to be the kind of person that would please You. Enable me to be aggressive in prayer and faith. Enable me to be aggressive mentally, to think about and practice Your Word, and to give You Your rightful place in my life.

    Again, I cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and pray that You, blessed Holy Spirit, would bring all the work of the crucifixion, all the work of the resurrection, all the work of the glorification and all the work of Pentecost into my life today. I surrender myself to You. I refuse to be discouraged. You are the God of all hope. You have proven Your power by resurrecting Jesus Christ from the dead, and I claim in every way this victory over all Satanic forces in my life. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving. Amen.”

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    1. Thank you so much George for sharing this powerful and beautiful prayer. I appreciate your encouragement so much and for your prayers. Amen. Amen. Amen. I really needed to read that. Thank you. You are an incredible friend. Hugs and love xox

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  3. Cool post! Thanks, I appreciated reading it. I think you’re quite right, those arrows often come at you when things are going well,when you’re right where you should be. Satan doesn’t have to attack when you’re already down, depressed or struggling. Somebody smart once said “most of us don’t really fear failure, it’s success that terrifies us.” I think there’s
    some truth in that. One of my favorite sayings on spiritual warfare is from Jude,where the angel Michael says “May the Lord rebuke you.” We too can say that whenever those negative thoughts come our way,and then trust that the Lord will handle it on our behalf.

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    1. Thank you so much 🙂 What a powerful quote. I think there’s a lot of truth in that. Amen!! The Lord will handle it! Hugs and love xox

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  5. Want to know why you’re being attacked by doubts and despair about your ministry through this blog? Well it’s very simple. Mr devil and his evil angels know they went beyond forgiveness before being tossed out of heaven, but you and I have that offer of forgiveness and we don’t have to do anything but believe and take Jesus at His word, let Him direct our path and modify our behaviour over our life span. Jesus accepts our will to live like heavenly beings as our best effort and will change us when we are glorified at his appearing. So you are encouraging people through your blog and that’s not on the devil’s bucket list. Just tell him audibly you’re not going to let him get you down and do it often. It feels good!

    1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)
    Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

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    1. Wow this really struck a chord with me. Thank you Ian. You’re right – what we’re doing is not on his bucket list. Amen to telling him off! Thanks so much friend. Hugs and love xox

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  6. Outstanding article. You certainly have a good understanding of the topic. Fear not the SNL mockers. They have their reward.

    Try this passage..

    “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
    ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:6-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬
    http://bible.com/1/1pe.5.6-10.kjv

    Be blessed…

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    1. Thank you so much Dennis! And thank you for sharing this powerful passage. Wow – it really hit home with me. Hugs and love xox

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  7. Hiya ..Thank you for being honest and not hiding it like most christians who dont want to be honest with what they are actually going through. I can really relate to you as i’ve been feeling this way for some time and I end up thinking that there is something really wrong with me.. My prayers for you that you will overcome this victoriously as we are called to be victors in Christ and no defeated demon can make you loose your true identity. just think of Satan a loser counterpart of Michael!. I read about this recently on

    https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/5-myths-about-angels-and-demons.html

    hope this encourages you!. Keep up the good work!
    Blessings

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    1. Hey well there friend! Thank you so much for your encouraging words and prayers. I’m sorry you can relate on such a personal level. I will definitely lift you up in prayer! And amen – victors in Christ! Looking forward to reading that article! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Love and hugs to you too. and thank you for upholding me in prayer. I am greatful that there are mediums such as this to connect with like-minded miles away.

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  8. So much of what we just dismiss as random mood swings is really Satan bringing his fire down, in order to separate us from God emotionally. I dealt with it again just tonight, really strong, as I was doing my deliveries.

    But you know what? With experience comes faster victory. It used to take quite a while to shut this stuff down. Now it’s just a couple of prayers and it lifts. It’s the most encouraging thing you could imagine.

    I gotta say, I was expecting to see you holding a sword in the blog picture when I read the title, but that’s okay. As you said, you have one anyway. 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much Brandon. I think you’re absolutely right about that. I’m sorry that you can so personally relate. Praying for you, my friend. And so true! Faster victory! Hahaha that gave me a good laugh about there sword!! A real knee slapper!! Hugs and love xox

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  9. God is sovereign and things happen in His timing. Right time husband may be around the corner or years from now. Only thing to keep in mind is that His timing is better than our impatience.

    The more we stay in the Word, the better off we are. Remember who you serve and keep focused on Him. It’s easy to look around and think that this is all there is…

    your blog is awesome by the way.

    ….sorry to ramble. 😀

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  10. Caralyn, I agree that spiritual warfare is real. We all have seasons of it .2 Corinthians 10′:4-5 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments, and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Besides taking every thought captive part of our divine weapons are the hosts of heaven who are waiting for us to send them out to destroy the enemy. They fight for us! I tell them to make toast of the enemy! Hugs and love!

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    1. Thank you so much for this powerful response. You’re right – take captive every thought! I love that so much. Make toast indeed! So glad you stopped by! Big big hugs xox

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      1. You’re welcome. I’m very blessed by your ministry and sincerity. Hugs and love to you, too. xox

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  12. I want to agree. The NAR uses the term “spiritual warfare” in Canada to take donations from the poor Natives there. Spiritual seed money for some lollipop future. Frank Peretti, seemed to have popularized spiritual warfare in his Christian bestsellers. The thing I can’t agree with is, how can I believe in Him and force another to only believe in Him as well? That is not what Jesus did. There were way more Pagan rituals going on back then. That is the inner framework of this tidbit here of conservative idealism. Bordering, Christian Nationalism which limits the rights of everyone to only Christian-first preferred policies. That contradicts the choices we all have as Americans under, The Constitution. True, many cultures believed in spirits but, not every wrong thing is the devil. I’ve saw people do bad things and go to church the next morning. People, are a complex system of choices and alliances. That I could agree with. Threats of bodily harm, troll behaviors, and just plain mean people are all over the Internet. On an aside. I emailed you about that thing, did you fix it? It was weird and I didn’t do it.

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    1. Thanks Kenzie for sharing your thoughts on this.Lots of food for thought here. I didn’t! I’ll check my inbox this afternoon. hugs x

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      1. This thing we call America, is a big social experiment. To live in harmony would be great but it’s mostly gains through the harm of others. I know this, was only a part of what you wrote. It does remind me of, when the soldiers came for Jesus and Peter told him to sheath his sword. The greatest man to ever live, says do not war. I can’t quote the Bible like everyone else. It’s just, not how I read it. 😂

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      5. I didn’t go to break your heart. In our shared human experience, some of us have no opportunities. It’s life. Evil and envy are universal emotions that are hard to pinpoint. Are you the cause of their actions against you? I don’t think so. Just like, I should not be the cause of your heart break. We disagree, often. 😂 It doesn’t mean, I didn’t fight any less for you to say what you feel is right.

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      7. I’ve watched what we might call trolls online. In different venues. The abusive comments are not as we may perceive them. If, they do not add to the original conversation. The function, is not to bring you down as much as an expression for good or bad. My evidence is anecdotal but, it appears consistent with the behavior. Essentially, there is no winning move to help the person but in my engagements I’ve listened and redirected and reiterated facts. Either the person disconnects the argument about 80% of the time but 20%. Something changes. A lighter more engaged audience member. It doesn’t solve your whole problem but, I think until social media platforms have less sovereignty and users have potentially less privacy we will have these ugly issues. There are no rules for social control digitally. The same, that make cities more habitable.

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      9. Only interesting thoughts because, I’m studying Constitutional Law. Any other conversation sounds, funner. 😂

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  14. Minutes after posting a praise report (with a brief mention of warfare), I went to my reader and saw your post on warfare. Joyce Meyer says, Another lever, another devil. Meaning when you advance to another level, you will be on another level of attack. When you grow spiritually and in your ministry, of course you will have a bigger target on your back because you become a bigger threat to the enemy. That’s just your cue that you’re doing what you should be doing. Those fiery darts will come, so it’s important to use your power and authority in Jesus and the Word to snuff it out because it’s meant to distract you from doing what God is calling you to do. Don’t listen to those lies because once you let it in, it gives the enemy a foothold like a seed being planted which then becomes a stronghold like a tree full of bad fruit. (Which becomes more work than if you just snuffed it out to begin with.) Snuff it out by speaking the truth, what you are believing God, and scripture. If you ever need me to stand in agreement for something in prayer, you are welcome to reach out. You are a blessing and I want to see you continue to flourish. Strength & Courage!……..r

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    1. Another level, another devil. oh wow how true is that. Thank you so much for your encouragement 🙂 You’re so right – authority in Jesus! There’s the victory! Hugs and love xox

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      1. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to strip every weight that slows us down because it will trip is up. In previous levels, those things were issues you stripped off and dealt with so you could move forward. As we go along…Sometimes, we may think we fully dealt with things and are completely healed and free from it. It’s only when we advance that God will also show us that we haven’t fully let go of it, which is why it is tripping you up. He wants us to be completely free from those weights so we can go in for the long haul without anything weighing us down and keeping us distracted. The enemy will use areas of weaknesses to push your buttons. Keep using your sword, letting go of those weights, and remember who you are.

        https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.biblegateway.com/passage/%3fsearch=Psalm%2b112&version=NLT&interface=amp
        Psalm 112 says you are the righteous. You will not be overcome by evil. You do not fear bad news. You confidently trust the Lord to care for you. You face your foes triumphantly!
        Strength & courage!

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  16. Stay strong and one has to be happy and truly accept themselves first before they will find their mate…I found my 2nd husband, recently remarried, through an online dating site. I made my profile real and stated exactly what I was and was not looking for and I met many super nice men, dated a few times and then met my now husband. It can happen!!!!

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    1. Thank you so much for the encouragement. What a beautiful love story! Congrats! Gives me great hope 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  19. Can identify with this. Ever since I have been supporting my daughter through her eating disorder, I have regularly felt like this. Some days are okay and others are a battle against my feelings of worthlessness.

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    1. Oh gosh, friend, I’m sorry that this hits so close to home. Battling an eating disorder is such a hard thing, and especially for loved ones, feeling that their hands are tied. That was the overarching theme with my loved ones. Hang in there. She will get through this. It takes time. Praying hard for your and your daughter and family. Hugs and love xox

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  20. Thanks so much for sharing ~ As I read your post a song was playing by Casting Crowns ‘Praise you in the Storm’ A great encouragement as was your post ! I truly believe we go through seasons and storms. Time to adjust the sails and put on that armour. Praying… Take care, Suz.

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  21. I’m still kinda new to this and some of your words hit close to home. I loved this part “I don’t think that I am alone in my experience this past week. I think that all of us, at one time or another, have felt bogged down by self doubt or discouragement, or inadequacy, or loneliness. I think those are universal obstacles. I just think that most people are afraid to talk about it.” I’m not a big long reader, but once I started I couldn’t stop. Thanks for your words and the like of my post.

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    1. Thank you so much, for this thoughtful reflection. Glad this resonated with you. Thanks for stopping by! Big big hugs to you ! Xox

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  22. This is a great topic. We all have seasons when this happens. I know I have and the good news is that it the junk passes. When I get on the other side; I get a sense of strength that God is stronger than anything that may try to come against me.

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  23. First of all take a deep breath. What you are going through is terribly normal. This morning I will write on my blog in more details for you. Always remember that the only person you spend your entire life with is you!

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  24. He is assuredly very real. He bothers me regularly at mass and always when I’m praying the rosary. He hates every single one of us with a vengeance. Christ did warn us; the ‘roaring lion’ is not just a simple simile.

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    1. Hi Frank, thank you for this thoughtful reflection. You’re right – roaring lion indeed. Luckily God is stronger! Hugs and love xox

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  25. Some of the worst, meanest politics and behavior I’ve ever experienced was when I was president of my church. An additional proof that Satan works the hardest for what he doesn’t have!

    I’ve had my blog for three years; my subscribers number a few hundred. Last Sunday I had TWO people come to class while dozens packed the fellow ship hall. Last weekend I almost signed off my blog and quit teaching Bible class. Why try so hard?

    But Jesus said He’s wherever two or three are gathered. I look at where my readers are besides the US; China, Cameroon, and sometimes places I’ve never heard of. So my blog, small as it is, is perhaps helping God’s Word gain a small toehold somewhere.

    So I guess I’m saying I can certainly identify with your feelings! I too write or say things that are spiritually true, but I know how they can sound to the world, the mockers, and I cringe. Even now a voice in my head is saying to not send this; it’s stupid.

    I just listened to your Beautiful Morning, and it was a blessing: we must be using our talents to grow the kingdom of God. Some get a few talents, some get a lot. We manage and grow what we have been blessed with! That was saving food for my soul this morning, so thank you!

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    1. Hey Jeff, thank you so much for sharing your heart. You’re right about that – for what he doesn’t have. Oh Jeff, your blog and your class ARE making a difference. You never know the seeds you are planting, and the giant oak trees that grow from them. I, for one, truly appreciate your daily bible reflections. they always put my head in a good space. And thank you for saying that about my Beautiful Morning video! Also! That email you sent a few weeks ago about the videos, it was such an encouragement to me. Truly. I was about to throw in the towel and stop making them altogether, but then I read that beautiful email, and it was literally the thing that kept me going. I was home in Ohio at the time, and it was last and one of those things where I was dozing off and said, “I’ll reply in the morning,” and then life happened and it got buried in the dreaded inbox, but I want you to know how much that meant to me. so thank you 🙂 okay, hope you have a great day friend. and keep on shining your light for the Lord 🙂 hugs to you and julie! xox

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      1. Thank you also for your encouragement! I’m glad my morning thoughts are helpful to you. I truly think Satan continues to whisper in my ear that just because numbers are small they mean nothing. We both know it isn’t so, but there are times. Just keep up the great work!

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  27. Love this post! Spiritual warfare is real and cuts you right where it hurts. I’ve doubted myself as a mom and whether I should be blogging, but I think that’s Satan attacking me where I could have the biggest impact on people. I loved how you said to let the Spirit do the fighting for us! We are not alone!

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  28. Rom. 8/38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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      1. Stay strong. In your article, your comments on your social status reminds me of myself. You are on a walk that God won’t leave you alone on forever. I’ll pray for you. Thanks for that article. I needed. I’ve been letting life keep me from writing. 🤦🏻‍♂️

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      2. thank you so much, friend, for your encouraging words and prayers. Keep writing! it makes a difference! Hugs and love xox

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  29. I’ve been blessed. I’m a Christ follower, but there are times when I feel the presence of the enemy. However, those are the time when I meditate more on God’s word and I know He’s closer than ever.

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  31. I think Satan had it out for the world this past week, Caralyn. I felt so down, depressed, lonely, and even when i confessed before Low Mass on Sunday morning, i felt dead. It was so strange. The depression REALLY hit me on Monday, and i’ve been struggling to come back out of all week. Good thing is that it’s Friday morning now and i think that i’ve finally gotten it all out of my system. I can’t wait to get back to confession tomorrow afternoon and get back on track!

    Have a blessed weekend! Thank you for writing what we all want to say sometimes, btw!!!

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    1. Thank you David, I’m sorry this hit so close to home with you. Gosh, I’m praying for you and sending love. I’m glad that’s out of your system. I hope this weekend is just the restoration and joy you need! Hugs and love xox

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  32. Hey girl, thank you for sharing such a transparent post and pointing to truth! I would encourage you that no matter what you feel, as a believer we always possess the armor of God because His Spirit literally dwells in us. Thats such great news. Emmanuel- God with us. So, no matter what you’re feeling in the moment and believe me, I know the lies from Satan can be debilitating, but put confidence in what you know, even when you don’t feel loved, protected, redeemed. God will fight for you. Blessings to you and I’m loving your blog. It is part of your ministry and it is not stupid. Stay faithful 🙂
    xo,
    April

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    1. Hi April, thank you so much for your encouragement. You’re right about that – dwells within us! What a thing to celebrate. This was exactly what I needed to hear, so thank you from the bottom of my heart! big big hugs xox

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    1. thank you so much Julie, gosh that is so kind of you. I appreciate your support and friendship. Amen – Jesus won!! Hugs and love xox

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  34. Your post on spiritual warfare has encouraged me to write my own post about a dream where demons had me by the hair and were dragging me away until, in the dream, I said “in the name of Jesus, I command you to depart” and they install went pfft and disappeared. I’m taking this as a nudge from the Lord to make this my next post!

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    1. Thank you so much Meg. Oh my gosh that is terrifying!!! So glad you called on Jesus!!! He is the victor! Hugs and love xox

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  35. Of course you are under attack! And the best way to deal with that is to put on the full armor of God, which you already have. Jeez Louise, I have 294 followers and I fight the battle daily. You are so talented, beautiful and wise beyond your years. Rise up, precious. You are a born leader.

    I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

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    1. Oh my goodness, thank you Michele. Yes! the armor of God! and amen — we can do ALL things through Christ! He is our strength! big hugs xo

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  36. Your description of the armor of God is a wow moment. Look at all the protection God has put around us spiritually! Caralyn your ministry here certainly does matter and is indeed reaching the hearts of your readers. Lift up your head and keep going my sister in Christ.

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    1. thank you so much friend, gosh your generous words are so encouraging. God is good and yes! is our protector! Hugs and love xox

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  37. I have been wondering if this was happening. I’ve seen it coming through in your posts recently, and have wondered if you were a bit off-center.

    If you are doing this work, your center needs to be in Christ. I know that this abuse crisis has rocked you a bit, but are you going to Mass regularly? Even daily? You have been fed there for such a long time, and the person on the altar only matters in that they are bringing Christ to you. He is your center, He is your nourishment, He is where your armor is strengthened to titanium levels, and inside of that armor is peace.

    Your search for community has been on my heart, and a friend of mine told me of a group in NYC that sounds perfect for you. She was involved a couple years ago, and everything about it sounds like just what you need. I’ve just been waiting for the right time to tell you. Sounds like this is it.

    Look up catholicnyc.com and reach out to Colin Nykaza.

    May God continue to bless your work. Keep your eyes on Him, and know that with 40 or 40,000 or 4 million followers, you are still His beloved daughter. That is where your value lies. Nowhere else.

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    1. Thank you Karen, I appreciate you encouraging words. Yeah, it has been a tough week. I do go to Mass every Sunday. I used to go to Daily Mass, but it has been more and more difficult to get there recently. And truly, the abuse crisis has not affected my faith in the least. The thing that gets to me more, is how attendance is on life support. THAT really makes me sad. But you’re right t- Christ is my nourishment. I love that. And yes! Colin Nykaza! I get emails from him every week about CatholicNYC for young adults! Thank you so much for passing that along! For the last couple months, I have been out of the city for the YA mass, which has been such a bummer, but I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing with them. THANK YOU for such an uplifting and empowering comment, Karen May. You are a great friend and beautiful soul 🙂 grateful for you!! Hugs and love xox

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  38. Yes, definitely been under attack lately! Thank you for the reminder to keep our eyes on God and to read His promises to us. May He bring you the peace you are searching for. God Bless!

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    1. thank you so much Jeff, I appreciate your prayers and encouragement so so much 🙂 you’re a great friend! Hugs and love xox

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  42. You are a beautiful Soul. It is knowing who we are and what we are connected to. We are ONE with our Creator and All “things”. We are worth everything. Where there is Love there is only LOVE…….Thank You for shining YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT LIGHT, ON HUMANITY

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  43. To win a spiritual battle one can not worry about what anyone will say or think of you. I am writing an entire series about Spiritual Warriors and spiritual warfare. Of course, I knew how it was going to be viewed when I first put the pen to the paper but I didn’t care because anyone who ever fought a spiritual battle know there’s no harder fight. Keep the faith. You’ll over come it.

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    1. Thank you A, I really appreciate your encouraging words. you’re right about that. looking forward to reading your series! Hugs and love xox

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    2. We choose our “battles”. You are in control, You have free will……..A GIFT from GOD. When we believe in who we are, We rise above “what people think”. It is KNOWING Your WORTH. You are a beautiful Soul, Love and be free, You are worth it

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  44. “Frequently when (the devil) goes out to block the soul she recollects herself very quickly in her deep interior hiding place, where she finds intense delight and protection. Then the terrors that she suffers seem so exterior and far away that the devils not only fail to frighten her but cause her happiness and joy.” St. John of the Cross, “The Spiritual Canticle,” Commentary on Stanza 16.

    That’s a big spiritual turning point – when you realize that the devil is messing with you but you are strong in the assurance of the Beloved and can “look out” and enjoy the futility of the spiritual attacks.

    Christ’s peace and strength be with you.

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  45. The GOD POWER, UNIVERSAL ENERGY that BINDS US ALL. WOW!!!!! This is who we are and LOVE is what were made of. Love is Eternal….We are ETERNAL. We attract that, that we project…….Your LIGHT will always attract LIGHT…..project Love and Love Will Return

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      1. GOD is all powerful, He gives us power to attract ‘others’ of “like mind” to share our Wisdom….”GO FORTH AND MULTIPLY”…………equals, infinite LOVE

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  47. I totally agree. Spiritual warfare is real, but as you said talk about it and you get weird looks – like “what looney bin did she pop out of”. The sword of the spirit (the Word of God) is my favourite part of our armory, Jesus Himself used it, quoting it at the Devil when he tried to outsmart him in the wilderness. Commiting verses to memory so my “guns are loaded” has been a spiritual lifesavor so many times. If I’m battling something I find a verse that shows it up for the lie it is then post it around and quote it to slam the door closed whenever he puts his nose in.For sure the reason for these attacks is because you are going on the attack to spread the word and help others. However the Devil’s power is purely in fear and guile, he’s totally puny compared to Jesus. Don’t listen to him you’re doing great!

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    1. Thank you Claire. I love that advice of committing verses to memory. That’s so helpful. Thank you friend. He’s totally puny!!!!! Hugs and love xox

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  48. You’re on the radar sis and the enemy knows. Continue to take strength from the presence of GOD all the more. More eyes on you = MORE attack BUT also means you’re RIGHT in the center of Abba Father’s will. Get some prayer intercessors for yourself, and NOT just those that are “praying”. You need the strength of the saints in prayer and encouragement sis. You’re doing great. Your Longevity is in the secret of living a pure, blameless life. Keep moving forward.

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  49. You are so right!! While despair is the devil’s oldest weapon, the self doubts (and other doubts) that can creep in can be devastating. Political issues and the general ” world is going to hell” feelings can be overwhelming. Because my husband is a Christian writer and blogger we are steeped in bad stuff all the time. We take the weekend off–just to watch movies on YouTube or other things like that–to give the mind and soul a rest.
    You are doing just fine. Your blog is important. You are important. What you have to say helps many people. Keep the armor on, the sword at hand, and knock ’em dead, kiddo.
    Love
    Pat

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    1. Thanks Pat, you’re so right about that — despair. Thanks for this beautiful encouragement. It truly means the world. You’re a good friend. Hugs and love xox

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      4. Thank you 🙂 Yeah, I have tried and tried to get WordPress to reinstall the button. but alas, i unfortunately don’t have one. But thank you so much for the thought:)

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      6. Ah, amazing. THANK YOU!! It is an honor that you’d share my words on your blog!! Hugs and love xox

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