Latest / Marriage Life and More and Bible Study / The Battle Within: The Art of Preframing as a Shield against Satan's Demons - 164

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The Battle Within: The Art of Preframing as a Shield against Satan's Demons - 164 · Marriage Life and More and Bible Study

0:03
Daniel Moore: What is Preframing?
0:04
Daniel Moore: What are three fundamental aspects needed to Preframe?
0:09
Daniel Moore: What is the shield of faith and what is its purpose?
0:14
Daniel Moore: What is some fiery darts the Satan tries to shoot at us.
0:19
Daniel Moore: Well, this week we discussed that and more in our study on spiritual warfare in this episode of Connecting the Gap, to continue our series, the Battle Within overcoming the Invisible War.
0:32
Daniel Moore: This week we are studying Part 11.
0:35
Daniel Moore: We'll be back right after this.
0:36
Daniel Moore: And a word from our sponsor.
0:38
Daniel Moore: They say that it is darkest right before the dawn.
1:15
Daniel Moore: So remember, no matter what battle you are facing, what war is raging, the dawn is coming.
1:28
Daniel Moore: Prepare for battle, prepare for victory.
1:34
Daniel Moore: Please visit our sponsors website at WeAreWarriorsApparelcom.
1:41
Daniel Moore: Well, welcome to Connecting the Gap podcast.
1:43
Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
1:44
Daniel Moore: You can visit our website at ConnectingTheGapnet for everything about our ministry.
1:48
Daniel Moore: You can also listen to this podcast by subscribing, wherever you get your podcast, as well as YouTube, rumble and your Alexa and Google smart devices.
1:56
Daniel Moore: Also, the transcripts are on our website and we have a merch store there as well, so you can check out our merchandise and get some exclusive Connecting the Gap merch right there at ConnectingtheGapnet.
2:09
Daniel Moore: Well, welcome once again to this episode.
2:12
Daniel Moore: We are continuing our study on the Battle Within overcoming the Invisible War.
2:15
Daniel Moore: We're well over the halfway point at this time, cruising down to the final episode.
2:21
Daniel Moore: It's hard to believe that we are already this far into this series and I do prayerfully hope that you guys have received something from this.
2:28
Daniel Moore: We've been bouncing all over the place throughout all of these episodes, trying to hit all different aspects of spiritual warfare and the things that we may come up against when we're trying to fight Satan and the demonic force that he tries to throw upon us as he tries to trip us up every day and cause us to reject Christ and that freedom that he gave us when he died on that cross.
2:48
Daniel Moore: But you know what?
2:49
Daniel Moore: We can win that war, and we're going to continue talking about that here over the next five to six weeks or so as we slowly wrap up this series on spiritual warfare, and this week we are in part 11.
3:02
Daniel Moore: Well, last week we talked about reframing our past.
3:12
Daniel Moore: You know that's where we thank God for what he didn't do.
3:15
Daniel Moore: You've probably heard the term collateral damage.
3:18
Daniel Moore: Well, consider this collateral goodness.
3:22
Daniel Moore: When we are constantly on the lookout for negativity or bad things, our minds become primed to notice and focus on these aspects of life.
3:30
Daniel Moore: It's as if we wear a lens that magnifies and brings into sharp focus all the undesirable elements around us.
3:37
Daniel Moore: Consequently, our perception becomes distorted and it becomes challenging to see goodness or positive aspects.
3:45
Daniel Moore: Conversely, if we purposefully shift our focus towards seeking God's goodness, our perspective undergoes a transformation.
3:53
Daniel Moore: As we train our minds to recognize and appreciate his handiwork in the world, we start noticing the fingerprints of God everywhere.
4:01
Daniel Moore: We become attuned to his presence and see his goodness in nature's beauty, acts of kindness and the faithfulness of others.
4:08
Daniel Moore: Looking for God's goodness also extends to discerning how he is working in our own lives, even through challenging circumstances.
4:17
Daniel Moore: By paying attention to his guidance, comfort and provision, we develop a heightened awareness of his involvement.
4:25
Daniel Moore: We begin to understand that even during seasons of struggle or hardship, god is at work, bringing forth growth, strength and eventual triumph.
4:36
Daniel Moore: This intentional focus on God's goodness also impacts how we perceive and interact with people.
4:41
Daniel Moore: When we tune into how God is working in the lives of those around us, we begin to see the inherent goodness and potential within them.
4:49
Daniel Moore: We recognize that each individual is a reflection of God's image, capable of displaying kindness, compassion and love.
4:57
Daniel Moore: Instead of being critical or judgmental, we find ourselves seeking the goodness in people, fostering empathy and understanding.
5:05
Daniel Moore: Of course, this shift in perspectives does not negate the existence of pain, challenges or the brokenness of the world.
5:13
Daniel Moore: It is not about denying or minimizing the negative experiences that we encounter.
5:18
Daniel Moore: Rather, it is about maintaining a balanced perspective where we acknowledge and address the challenges, while actively choosing to focus on the beauty, grace and love that emanate from God and permeate our lives.
5:32
Daniel Moore: If we fixate on negativity, we will inevitably find an abundance of negative aspects all around us.
5:39
Daniel Moore: So when we direct our attention towards seeking God's goodness, we invite a transformative shift in our perception.
5:47
Daniel Moore: We start noticing His fingerprints everywhere, in all aspects of our life.
5:51
Daniel Moore: We become more attuned to His presence and are able to see His work unfolding in both challenging and joyous moments.
5:59
Daniel Moore: This shift in focus also leads us to recognize the inherent goodness in people and fosters a mindset of empathy and love.
6:07
Daniel Moore: By seeking God's goodness, we open ourselves to experiencing the abundance of His blessings and find our lives enriched in countless ways.
6:16
Daniel Moore: Let's start off here with an illustration.
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Daniel Moore: In a small town filled with winding streets and closely knit neighbors, there lived a young man named Andrew.
6:25
Daniel Moore: He found himself at a crossroads, feeling lost and uncertain about his purpose in life, overwhelmed by the weight of his troubles, he confided in his mother, hoping for some words of wisdom to guide him.
6:38
Daniel Moore: Listening intently to her son's struggles, andrew's mother suggested an unexpected solution.
6:44
Daniel Moore: She urged him to visit an aging retired preacher, samuel, who resided just down the street.
6:51
Daniel Moore: Andrew hesitated at the idea, knowing very little about the man, but he trusted his mother's instincts and agreed to seek guidance from this retired preacher.
7:02
Daniel Moore: One morning, Andrew knocked on the old wooden door of Samuel's home.
7:05
Daniel Moore: The door swung open, revealing gentleness and a warm smile.
7:09
Daniel Moore: They sat together in a cozy living room where rays of sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow.
7:16
Daniel Moore: As conversations between Andrew and Samuel unfolded, they touched upon matters of faith, hope and the meaning of life.
7:24
Daniel Moore: Andrew voiced his struggle, explaining that he found it difficult to witness God's presence and goodness in the world around him.
7:32
Daniel Moore: He felt as though he was wandering through a desolate landscape, unable to grasp the divine amidst the chaos.
7:40
Daniel Moore: Listening intently, samuel leaned forward his voice carrying a hint of wisdom earned through many years of preaching and studying scripture.
7:48
Daniel Moore: Andrew, he said, his eyes filled with kindness, I have a different problem.
7:53
Daniel Moore: When I look at the world, I can't not see God.
7:57
Daniel Moore: Perplexed, andrew furrowed his brow, unsure of what Samuel meant.
8:02
Daniel Moore: But as the preacher continued, his words began to unravel the mystery.
8:07
Daniel Moore: You see, my young friend Samuel said softly, it is in our perception, our way of seeing, that we discover God's presence.
8:17
Daniel Moore: Some may find it easy to overlook the divine amidst the struggles or disappointments of life, caught up in the allure of worldly distractions.
8:23
Daniel Moore: But for those like you who search for meaning and purpose, every corner of life becomes a canvas on which God paints his love and grace.
8:31
Daniel Moore: Samuel shared stories of compassion in the face of adversity, acts of selflessness that brought hope to the hopeless, and moments of providence that can only be attributed to a higher power.
8:43
Daniel Moore: He encouraged Andrew to look beyond the surface, level chaos, and seek the subtle signs, the sacredness hidden within the ordinary.
8:52
Daniel Moore: As Andrew absorbed these words, a spark ignited within him.
8:56
Daniel Moore: He began to notice the intricate beauty of nature, with each leaf whispering of God's artistry.
9:03
Daniel Moore: The laughter of children reminded him of the joy that arises from living in God's love.
9:08
Daniel Moore: Acts of kindness from strangers became beacons of hope, reaffirming the existence of a benevolent force at work.
9:16
Daniel Moore: From that day forward, andrew continued on a journey of awakening His eyes and heart, attuned to the presence of God in every facet of life.
9:26
Daniel Moore: In the midst of his struggles, he found comfort in the knowledge that God's fingerprints were forever imprinted, guiding him toward a path filled with purpose and meaning.
9:36
Daniel Moore: You find what you are looking for.
9:39
Daniel Moore: Let's look at another example of this.
9:43
Daniel Moore: In the bustling city of Chicago, nestled among tiring skyscrapers and bustling streets, there lived a man named Adam.
9:50
Daniel Moore: Adam worked diligently at a prestigious financial firm, spending most of his waking hours engrossed in spreadsheets, meetings and conference calls.
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Daniel Moore: Like many others, he constantly complained about the monotony of his daily routine, longing for the freedom and joy of a life beyond the office walls.
10:07
Daniel Moore: One sunny morning, as Adam rushed to work, he came across an elderly man sitting on a park bench.
10:14
Daniel Moore: The old man was draped in a warm, tattered coat, his eyes filled with wisdom and a peaceful smile spread across his face.
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Daniel Moore: Intrigued, adam decided to strike up a conversation.
10:25
Daniel Moore: Good morning, sir.
10:27
Daniel Moore: May I sit beside you?
10:28
Daniel Moore: Adam asked politely.
10:30
Daniel Moore: Of course, my friend, please take a seat.
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Daniel Moore: The old man replied his voice filled with kindness.
10:37
Daniel Moore: As they sat quietly, adam couldn't help but notice the tranquility that radiated from the old man, following a sense of comfort.
10:44
Daniel Moore: He shared his frustrations about his demanding job, expressing his yearning for a life filled with happiness and purpose.
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Daniel Moore: The old man listened intently, his eyes filled with compassion.
10:55
Daniel Moore: After a moment of silence, he spoke gently my dear Adam, do you not realize that every day is a gift from God?
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Daniel Moore: In Psalm 118, verse 24, it is written this is the day that the Lord has made.
11:09
Daniel Moore: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
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Daniel Moore: Adam pondered the words for a while, their truth slowly settling into his heart.
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Daniel Moore: Sensing his confusion, the old man continued you see, my friend, life is not something to be endured, but rather to be fully embraced.
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Daniel Moore: Each new day brings endless opportunities for joy, love and discovering your purpose.
11:32
Daniel Moore: Your work, though demanding, provides a path to growth, fulfillment and the means to support yourself and others.
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Daniel Moore: Adam thought on the old man's words as the hustle and bustle of the city continued around them.
11:45
Daniel Moore: Suddenly, his perspective shifted and he realized the beauty and value of every moment given to him.
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Daniel Moore: The complaints that once dominated his thoughts now seem trivial compared to the vast potential for happiness and contentment just waiting to be grasped.
12:01
Daniel Moore: With a grateful heart, adam rose from the bench his spirit refreshed, extended his hand to the old man, thanking him for the wisdom he had shared.
12:10
Daniel Moore: The old man simply nodded, his smile growing wider as Adam returned to work, he carried within him a newfound appreciation for each day, the days transformed from burdensome chores into stepping stones toward a purposeful existence.
12:26
Daniel Moore: And every morning, as he begrudgingly left his home to face the challenges of the day, he would remember Psalm 118, 24, finding comfort and joy in the realization that he had been gifted a life to enjoy and make the most of every single day.
12:40
Daniel Moore: And you know, that's the nature of a stronghold Demolishing them takes the divine power and continued mental discipline.
12:49
Daniel Moore: It takes a shift in our perspective.
12:51
Daniel Moore: Some walls fall more slowly than others.
12:54
Daniel Moore: You will often find that when you think you have the victory and the battle is won, there is still battling left to do.
13:01
Daniel Moore: Let's go back to that thought that you will find what you are looking for In our wonderful wild world that we live in.
13:08
Daniel Moore: There is a contrast between two fascinating creatures the vulture and the hummingbird.
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Daniel Moore: This comparison serves as a reminder of the diversity and intricacy woven into the fabric of nature and, beyond their physical dissimilarities, it is their behaviors and motivations that truly set them apart.
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Daniel Moore: Let us first turn our attention to the vulture, a majestic but often misunderstood bird With wingspanning great distances.
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Daniel Moore: The vulture soars high above the earth, its keen eyes scanning the landscape below.
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Daniel Moore: What captures its attention are not the vibrant colors of life or the flourishing beauty of nature.
13:48
Daniel Moore: Rather, the vulture seeks out the lifeless, the decaying and the repugnant.
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Daniel Moore: It is drawn to the sin of death, primarily feasting on carrion and remnants of creatures that once brimmed with vitality.
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Daniel Moore: To accomplish this grim task, vultures may traverse great distances, sometimes flying up to 30 to 50 miles, in search of roadkill.
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Daniel Moore: They serve as nature's cleaning crew, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by disposing of carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases.
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Daniel Moore: However, their existence is tethered to the somber aspect of life, forever seeking sustenance and the remnants of what was once alive.
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Daniel Moore: In contrast, we find the delicate and vibrant hummingbird, a creature as captivating as it is diminutive.
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Daniel Moore: This tiny bird with wings that flutter at an astonishing rate of 20 beats per second is an exemplar of constant motion, a perpetual quest.
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Daniel Moore: What ignites the heart of the hummingbird is not the sin of decay, but rather the fragrance of life-giving nectar.
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Daniel Moore: With its long beak and delicate tongue, this resourceful bird seeks out the sweet, intoxicating essence hidden within flowers, a testament to nature's unmatched ingenuity.
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Daniel Moore: Unlike the vulture's solemn trajectory, the hummingbird's journey is filled with velocity and color.
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Daniel Moore: It dances from blossom to blossom, playing a vital role in pollination, thus aiding the reproduction and survival of various plant species Sustained by the nectar it passionately seeks.
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Daniel Moore: The hummingbird embodies a sense of purpose, embracing the vitality and nourishment that life has to offer.
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Daniel Moore: In contemplating the vulture in the hummingbird, we witness the duality of existence.
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Daniel Moore: Each bird demonstrates a distinct way of navigating the world, driven by its unique desires and necessities.
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Daniel Moore: While the vulture serves a crucial ecological role in the circle of life, its focus is on the remnants of what has expired.
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Daniel Moore: In contrast, the hummingbird finds sustenance in the enchanting throes of life itself, its existence forever rooted in the pursuit of sweetness and vitality.
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Daniel Moore: Daily, both birds find what they are looking for.
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Daniel Moore: The same is true for you.
16:08
Daniel Moore: You will always find what you are looking for when we reframe what happened in our yesterdays that changes our todays.
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Daniel Moore: Just as we can reframe, we can also pre-frame.
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Daniel Moore: Reframing is choosing how we will perceive it before it happens.
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Daniel Moore: Living in accordance with God's ways and aligning ourselves with His plan enables us to approach the ups and downs of life with a predefined, positive, godly perspective.
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Daniel Moore: By doing so, we reframe from allowing our old, negative nature to dictate our attitudes when faced with unexpected circumstances.
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Daniel Moore: The journey towards embracing God's ways necessitates a continuous aligning of our hearts and minds with His teachings and principles.
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Daniel Moore: As we immerse ourselves in His Word, we begin to comprehend His loving nature and the wisdom encompassed within His plan for our lives.
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Daniel Moore: Through this understanding, we can gain a pre-frame, a mindset that predisposes us to respond positively to the unpredictability of life.
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Daniel Moore: This pre-frame encompasses three fundamental aspects—faith, trust and gratitude.
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Daniel Moore: By cultivating these qualities, we effectively rewire our thought patterns and reshape our attitudes towards life's unexpected events.
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Daniel Moore: First, faith anchors us in the belief that God is in control and has a purpose for everything that occurs.
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Daniel Moore: It allows us to acknowledge that, although we may not understand or appreciate the immediate implications of unexpected circumstances, god's overarching plan is unfolding.
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Daniel Moore: This unwavering faith empowers us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that they serve as stepping stones towards our growth and, ultimately, god's divine purpose.
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Daniel Moore: Second, trust builds upon faith, intertwining our dependence on God and His wisdom.
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Daniel Moore: Trust implores us to relinquish our need for control and surrender our outcomes to the loving hands of our Creator.
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Daniel Moore: Instead of allowing worry and fear to consume us, we entrust our lives into God's care, confident that he will guide us through any unanticipated turn of events.
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Daniel Moore: Such trust nurtures a positive perspective, enabling us to embrace change and adapt, knowing that God's plan is always better than our own.
18:33
Daniel Moore: And, lastly, gratitude enriches our attitude, providing a lens through which we view both the expected and unexpected aspects of life.
18:44
Daniel Moore: Gratitude acknowledges the abundance of God's blessings, even amidst challenges.
18:48
Daniel Moore: By fostering a heart of thankfulness, we cultivate an awareness of God's unwavering presence and goodness.
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Daniel Moore: Gratitude helps us focus on the positives rather than dwell on the negatives, thereby shaping our responses and enabling us to find joy even in the midst of adversity.
19:05
Daniel Moore: Being within this preframe allows us to tackle lies, unexpected hurdles, with resilience and a heart-tune to the perspective of God.
19:15
Daniel Moore: We encounter adversity without succumbing to negativity or despair, since our foundation is built on faith, trust and gratitude.
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Daniel Moore: This intentional approach redirects our preconceived notions and safeguards us from being controlled by our old nature of negativity.
19:32
Daniel Moore: In implementing this godly preframe, we approach each day, each moment, with open hearts and minds, ready to receive God's guidance and live out His plan.
19:43
Daniel Moore: We become active participants in our journey, acknowledging that, despite unforeseen circumstances, god's love and purpose never waver.
19:52
Daniel Moore: We are going to take a break here for a moment.
19:55
Daniel Moore: When we come back, we will continue with the second part of today's episode on the battle with, then overcoming the invisible war.
20:02
Daniel Moore: We'll be back right after this.
20:18
chataboutjesus.com: This is Kay Arthur.
20:19
chataboutjesus.com: Are you hungry for love?
20:21
chataboutjesus.com: Unconditional love, because unconditional is what you need.
20:25
chataboutjesus.com: You've blown it, made a mess of life and deep inside you wonder if anyone could love you the way you are.
20:31
chataboutjesus.com: God does, and that's why God let His only Son, jesus Christ, die in a cross almost 2,000 years ago.
20:38
chataboutjesus.com: Jesus died for you because God knew you would fail to measure up.
20:42
chataboutjesus.com: That's how much God loves you.
20:44
chataboutjesus.com: The Bible, god's book, says while you were a sinner, a person who failed and missed God's standard, jesus died for you.
20:51
chataboutjesus.com: But that's not all.
20:52
chataboutjesus.com: God raised Jesus from the dead.
20:55
chataboutjesus.com: Because Jesus lives forever.
20:57
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20:58
chataboutjesus.com: If you want unconditional love, dear one in a new start on life, call 888.
21:04
chataboutjesus.com: Need Him.
21:04
chataboutjesus.com: Let me repeat that If you would like to speak to someone right now about beginning a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, call 888.
21:14
chataboutjesus.com: Need Him.
21:19
Daniel Moore: The Lord is coming.
21:19
Daniel Moore: Welcome back to Connecting the Gap Podcast.
21:38
Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore.
21:38
Daniel Moore: Thank you for joining us this week.
21:40
Daniel Moore: We're in Part 11 of our series on spiritual warfare the battle within, overcoming the invisible war.
21:47
Daniel Moore: Now, as we've been talking about the different parts of the armor that God gives us to fight all these battles in our mind, it brings up this week to the shield of faith.
21:56
Daniel Moore: We have to learn how to cultivate invincible faith.
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Daniel Moore: That in itself will also help us reframe our perspectives.
22:06
Daniel Moore: Martin Lloyd-Jones once said the ultimate cause of all spiritual depression is unbelief, for if it were not for unbelief, even the devil could do nothing.
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Daniel Moore: It is because we listen to the devil instead of listening to God that we go down before him and fall before his attacks.
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Daniel Moore: In all the years that I have led in youth groups, life groups and now this podcast, there have been many times that I would prepare, get all excited about the delivery of my God-inspired discussion and right before it was time to deliver the discussion or record the episode, a darkness would come over me.
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Daniel Moore: I would feel like I didn't even want to teach or discuss or even record.
22:48
Daniel Moore: I would think I'm not good at this.
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Daniel Moore: I don't have the right to be doing this?
22:52
Daniel Moore: Why am I doing it?
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Daniel Moore: Why am I even trying?
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Daniel Moore: Well, over time, I have come to realize that when I have those moments, it is Satan attacking me with all his might to shut me down.
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Daniel Moore: I knew that God had called me to do this, and he keeps his promises.
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Daniel Moore: In Numbers 2319 it says God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son of man that he should repent.
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Daniel Moore: I had to start learning how to use my shield of faith to quench those fiery darts of the enemy.
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Daniel Moore: You may be in this same situation right now, so let's talk about this a little bit.
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Daniel Moore: During the time when Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians, there were two distinct types of shields that they used.
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Daniel Moore: The first type was the small round shield that one might envision gladiators using in ancient Roman movies.
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Daniel Moore: These shields were carried in hand and provided limited protection against close range attacks.
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Daniel Moore: However, the shield that Paul refers to in Ephesians is of a much different nature.
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Daniel Moore: The shield Paul mentions in Ephesians 616 is a specific type of shield known as the skutum.
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Daniel Moore: The skutum was a large shield, measuring approximately four feet in height and two and a half feet in width.
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Daniel Moore: It was made from a combination of materials, typically wood, covered with layers of animal hide or leather.
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Daniel Moore: This construction made the skutum durable and resilient, allowing it to withstand the fiercest of attacks.
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Daniel Moore: One unique aspect of the skutum was its ability to be interlocked with other shields.
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Daniel Moore: Soldiers would stand side by side, overlapping their shields, creating a cohesive formation known as the Testudo or Tortus formation.
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Daniel Moore: When locked together, the interlinked shields formed a solid wall of protection, insulating the soldiers within from enemy assaults.
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Daniel Moore: Paul's reference to the shield in Ephesians 616 carries a symbolic meaning he encourages believers to take up the shield of faith to extinguish the flaming arrows of the enemy.
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Daniel Moore: Just as the skutum shield protected the Roman soldiers from physical harm, the shield of faith acts as a spiritual safeguard against the attacks of the enemy.
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Daniel Moore: The imagery of fiery arrows represents the spiritual trials and temptations that believers face in their lives.
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Daniel Moore: These arrows may take the form of doubts, fears or temptations to compromise one's faith.
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Daniel Moore: However, with the shield of faith, believers can withstand such assaults, remaining steadfast in their convictions.
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Daniel Moore: Similar to the construction and durability of the skutum shield, faith provides believers with a solid defense.
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Daniel Moore: It empowers them to stand firm in their beliefs even in the face of adversity.
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Daniel Moore: Through faith, believers can block and extinguish the fiery arrows of doubt and deception that the enemy seeks to launch against them.
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Daniel Moore: Furthermore, just as the interlocking shields created a unified and formidable barrier for the Roman soldiers, the shield of faith encourages believers to come together in unity.
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Daniel Moore: When believers support and encourage one another, linking their faith like interlocking shields, they create a collective defense that is much stronger than individual efforts.
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Daniel Moore: Faith has the much needed capability to quench arrows that not only have the potential to pierce but also cause destructive fires in our lives.
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Daniel Moore: It is through faith and unwavering trust and confidence in God, his promises, his power and His plan for our lives that we find the means to extinguish these harmful flames.
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Daniel Moore: When faced with the challenges, uncertainties and temptations of life, the arrows that the enemy aims at us can take various forms.
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Daniel Moore: They may manifest as doubts, fears, disappointments or distractions that seek to undermine our faith and weaken our resolve.
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Daniel Moore: These arrows have the potential to inflict deep wounds, disrupting our relationship with God and hindering our spiritual growth.
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Daniel Moore: However, faith stands as the shield that provides a safeguard against these assaults.
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Daniel Moore: It engenders absolute confidence in God and His character.
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Daniel Moore: Faith recognizes that God is trustworthy, whose promises never fail and whose power knows no bounds.
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Daniel Moore: Such unwavering trust and confidence in God's divine attributes allow us to combat the forces that aim to extinguish our faith and derail our journey.
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Daniel Moore: Much like a sturdy shield, faith acts as a protective barrier that quenches the fiery arrows of doubt, discouragement and deceit.
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Daniel Moore: As we steadfastly rely on God, we can counter these assaults with the knowledge that he is with us, guiding, sustaining and empowering us.
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Daniel Moore: This unshakable confidence allows us to rise above the challenges and see beyond the immediate circumstances, anchored in the assurance that God's promises will be fulfilled.
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Daniel Moore: Furthermore, faith enables us to navigate through life aligned with God's program and plan.
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Daniel Moore: It leads us to seek His guidance and align our desires with His will.
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Daniel Moore: This alignment grants us the discernment and wisdom to make decisions that honor God and contribute to our spiritual growth and fulfillment of His purpose in our lives.
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Daniel Moore: Faith also emboldens us to confront the uncertainties with courage and perseverance.
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Daniel Moore: It fuels the hope within us, reminding us that God is working all things together for our good.
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Daniel Moore: In times of tribulation, faith strengthens our resilience and grants us the endurance to weather the storms, trusting that God's unwavering love and sovereign control will prevail.
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Daniel Moore: Blasphemous thoughts is one type of a fiery dart.
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Daniel Moore: Blasphemous thoughts can be extremely unsettling and distressing.
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Daniel Moore: They often arise unexpectedly, challenging our faith and understanding of God.
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Daniel Moore: These fiery darts can strike at the very core of our spiritual beliefs, causing doubt and confusion.
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Daniel Moore: It's important to remember that such thoughts do not define our character or our devotion to God.
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Daniel Moore: Recognizing them as mere distractions and seeking guidance from God by engaging in prayer can help us regain clarity and reinforce our connection to our beliefs.
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Daniel Moore: Hateful thoughts is another type of a fiery dart.
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Daniel Moore: Hateful thoughts can be likened to fiery darts aimed at our hearts and minds.
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Daniel Moore: They manifest as feelings of anger, prejudice and resentment towards others.
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Daniel Moore: These fiery darts can lead us to act in ways that are harmful and destructive both to our cells and those around us.
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Daniel Moore: It is essential to cultivate empathy, understanding and compassion to counteract such negativity.
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Daniel Moore: Recognizing the potential harm these thoughts can cause and consciously choosing forgiveness and love instead can help extinguish these fiery darts.
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Daniel Moore: Then we have doubts.
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Daniel Moore: Douts are like fiery darts that attack our confidence and certainty.
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Daniel Moore: They create a sense of uncertainty and insecurity, making us question our abilities, decisions and our belief in God.
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Daniel Moore: However, doubts can also be seen as an opportunity for growth and self-examination.
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Daniel Moore: By examining our doubts and seeking answers, we can strengthen our understanding and faith, Studying in open-minded conversations, exploring different perspectives and seeking guidance from God can help extinguish these fiery darts and build a stronger foundation for our beliefs.
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Daniel Moore: Then there is the burning desire to sin.
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Daniel Moore: The burning desire to sin can be one of the most challenging types of fiery darts to overcome.
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Daniel Moore: These temptations can consume our thoughts and lead us down paths that contradict our values and principles.
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Daniel Moore: Learning and acknowledging these desires is the first step towards regaining control.
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Daniel Moore: It is vital to practice self-discipline and find healthy outlets for our emotions and desires.
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Daniel Moore: Building a support system and surrounding ourselves with individuals who encourage and reinforce positive, godly behavior can help extinguish these fiery darts and empower us to live in alignment with our values.
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Daniel Moore: Satan loves to plant seeds of doubt.
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Daniel Moore: Let's take a look at how Satan undermines faith by examining two biblical passages.
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Daniel Moore: In Genesis 3, in the story of Adam and Eve, satan seeks to undermine their faith by tempting them to doubt God's instructions.
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Daniel Moore: He cunningly approaches Eve in the form of a serpent and questions God's command not to eat from the tree of knowledge.
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Daniel Moore: Satan suddenly plants seeds of doubt, suggesting that God is holding something back from them and that eating the forbidden fruit would grant them wisdom and God-like status.
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Daniel Moore: By appealing to their desires and casting doubt on God's motives, satan successfully leads Adam and Eve into disobeying God, ultimately shattering their faith and resulting in their expulsion from the garden.
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Daniel Moore: This passage explains to us how Satan undermines faith by distorting the truth, sowing doubt and appealing to human desires.
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Daniel Moore: He capitalizes on our vulnerabilities and weaknesses, making faith appear less desirable or trustworthy.
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Daniel Moore: In Matthew 4, verses 1-11, satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness.
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Daniel Moore: He challenges Jesus' identity and attempts to make him doubt God's provision and plan.
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Daniel Moore: Satan first tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger, questioning whether God truly cares for his son's needs.
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Daniel Moore: Next, satan tempts Jesus with power and authority over all the kingdoms of the world, suggesting that he should worship Satan in exchange for worldly dominion.
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Daniel Moore: Finally, satan tempts Jesus to test God's faithfulness by throwing himself off the pinnacle of the temple, hoping to provoke doubt in God's protection.
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Daniel Moore: In each temptation, satan tries to exploit Jesus' human vulnerabilities and cast doubts on God's faithfulness, provision and plan.
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Daniel Moore: However, jesus remains steadfast in his faith, relying on the truth of God's Word to resist these fiery darts and thwart Satan's attempts.
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Daniel Moore: These passages collectively show how Satan uses various tactics, such as distorting truth, instilling doubt and appealing to human desires, to undermine faith.
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Daniel Moore: By understanding these strategies, we can be vigilant and equipped to counteract his efforts.
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Daniel Moore: It is through strengthening our relationship with God, immersing ourselves in his Word and being aware of our vulnerabilities that we can resist and overcome the fiery darts of Satan, solidifying our faith in God's unwavering love and truth.
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Daniel Moore: So, as we close today, let's discuss a couple of different ways that our faith can be strengthened against Satan and his demonic forces.
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Daniel Moore: Trusting in God's character is a powerful source of strength for our faith.
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Daniel Moore: We can explore this concept in two biblical passages.
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Daniel Moore: The first one is Psalm 8411.
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Daniel Moore: It states For the Lord.
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Daniel Moore: God is a Son and Shield.
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Daniel Moore: The Lord bestows favor and honor.
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Daniel Moore: No good thing does he withhold from those who walk up.
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Daniel Moore: Rightly, this verse emphasizes the character of God as both a protector and a provider.
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Daniel Moore: When we trust God's character as depicted here, our faith is strengthened.
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Daniel Moore: By understanding and believing that God is like a Son, illuminating our path and guiding us, we can find reassurance in his divine presence.
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Daniel Moore: Additionally, perceiving God as a shield implies that he protects us from harm and shields us from the attacks and fiery darts of the enemy.
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Daniel Moore: This knowledge encourages us to place our trust in God's goodness, knowing that he will safeguard us.
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Daniel Moore: The verse also explains God's willingness to bestow favor and honor upon those who walk up.
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Daniel Moore: Rightly, this reinforces the understanding that God desires to see us flourish and be blessed.
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Daniel Moore: When our faith is rooted in trusting God's character as a provider and source of goodness, it becomes unshakable, even in challenging times.
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Daniel Moore: Another passage in Romans 8.32 declares this verse articulates God's sacrificial love and generosity.
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Daniel Moore: It assures us that if God has already given us the greatest gift of his Son, he will surely provide everything else that we need.
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Daniel Moore: Trusting in God's character, as revealed in this verse, strengthens our faith by reminding us of his selfless love and willingness to give abundantly.
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Daniel Moore: It reinforces the concept that God is not reluctant or withholding, but rather eager to bestow blessings and meet our needs.
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Daniel Moore: This perspective encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that he is faithful to his promises and will provide for us according to his perfect timing and plan.
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Daniel Moore: By anchoring our faith in God's character of protection, provision, love and generosity, as depicted in Psalm 84.11 in Romans 8.32, we can find strength and reassurance.
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Daniel Moore: Trusting in who God is enables us to have unwavering faith, even in challenging circumstances, as we believe in his goodness, his never-failing love and his ultimate desire for our welfare.
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Daniel Moore: Lastly, trusting in God's promises and his Word has the power to expel darkness and bring light into our lives.
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Daniel Moore: In Numbers 2319 it states God is not man that he should lie, or a son of man that he should change his mind.
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Daniel Moore: Has he said and will he not do it?
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Daniel Moore: Or has he spoken and will he not fulfill it?
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Daniel Moore: This verse affirms the unchanging and trustworthy nature of God's promises.
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Daniel Moore: Trusting in God's promises means believing in the faithfulness of his Word.
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Daniel Moore: When we fully rely on God's promises, the darkness of doubt, fear and uncertainty is expelled.
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Daniel Moore: God promises bring light and hope, filling our hearts and minds with the assurance that he is steadfast, true to his Word and will fulfill what he has spoken.
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Daniel Moore: In 2 Peter 1, verses 2-4, it says my grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus, our Lord.
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Daniel Moore: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him, who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises so that through them, you may become partakers of the divine nature.
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Daniel Moore: These verses give us an example of how trusting in God's promises and his Word has transformative power.
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Daniel Moore: By knowing and embracing God's promises, we receive his grace and peace.
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Daniel Moore: We gain access to his divine power and the resources needed to live a life of godliness.
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Daniel Moore: God's promises enable us to participate in his divine nature, aligning our lives with his will and bringing light into the darkness of sinful ways.
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Daniel Moore: And finally, in Philippians 4-19, it states and my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches and glory in Christ Jesus.
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Daniel Moore: This verse reassures us of God's provision and abundance.
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Daniel Moore: Trusting in God's promise to meet our needs expels the darkness of worry, lack and anxiety.
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Daniel Moore: Confidently relying on God's promise to provide, we find comfort and peace.
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Daniel Moore: We are no longer burdened by the concerns of this world, but instead we rest in the knowledge that everything we require will be supplied according to his riches and glory.
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Daniel Moore: This trust in God's provision dispels darkness and allows his light to shine through our lives.
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Daniel Moore: While Jeremiah 29-11 was specifically addressed to the Israelites, it still carries the timeless truth that God does have a plan for his people.
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Daniel Moore: It serves as a reminder that God's timing is always perfect and his intentions toward us are good.
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Daniel Moore: Even though we may face the fiery darts of doubt, fear and temptation from Satan, we can find strength and comfort knowing that God holds a plan for each one of us.
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Daniel Moore: Just as the Israelites were assured of God's unfailing love and guidance, we too can trust in His promises and His Word.
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Daniel Moore: By placing our faith in God's plan for our lives, we find comfort in the knowledge that His timing is always good and he is working all things together for our ultimate good, as it states in Romans 8.28.
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Daniel Moore: Regardless of the challenges we may encounter or the doubts that may assail us, we can rely on the promise that God's plans for us are plans of hope, purpose and a future.
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Daniel Moore: As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we should strive to quench the fiery darts of Satan by anchoring ourselves in God's Word and promises.
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Daniel Moore: Just as Jesus resisted temptation by relying on the truth of Scripture, we too can combat the attacks of the enemy by immersing ourselves in the Word, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and stand firmly on the promises of God.
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Daniel Moore: Ultimately, god's plan for our lives transcends time and circumstance.
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Daniel Moore: While we may face trials and tribulations, we can be confident that God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating His perfect plan.
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Daniel Moore: As we trust in His timing and lead on His promises, we will find the strength to quench the fiery darts of Satan and walk in the light of His love and purpose.
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Daniel Moore: That's going to do it for this episode of Connecting the Gap.
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Daniel Moore: That wraps up Part 11 of our series on spiritual warfare the battle within overcoming the invisible war.
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Daniel Moore: If you have not given your life to Christ and you struggle with a lot of these battles, you can visit my website at ConnectingTheGapnet.
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Daniel Moore: We have a page there on how to be saved.
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Daniel Moore: It's a few steps there.
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Daniel Moore: It's not very difficult.
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Daniel Moore: Just believe on Christ and acknowledge the fact that he is our shield of faith.
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Daniel Moore: We can defeat Satan and ward off those fiery darts that he may throw at us just by believing in him, asking God into our heart and allowing him to transform us and then lead us in this life that we live here on earth.
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Daniel Moore: You can check that out on my website.
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Daniel Moore: If you need a Bible, please reach out.
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Daniel Moore: It's Daniel at ConnectingTheGapnet.
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Daniel Moore: There's also a contact form there on the page.
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Daniel Moore: You can send that as well.
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Daniel Moore: I'll do my best to get you a Bible.
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Daniel Moore: If you need one or if you have any questions, you can email me, send a comment through the form there as well.
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Daniel Moore: We'll do our best to get the questions answered that you may have.
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Daniel Moore: It's very important that we live our life with this shield of faith in front of us.
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Daniel Moore: We need all the protection that we can get as we fight Satan daily in this battle that we live in here on earth.
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Daniel Moore: We are not left here to battle that fight alone.
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Daniel Moore: God is here by our side and he will help us prevail.
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Daniel Moore: While I'm out of here for this week, you can visit my website, connectingthegapnet, for anything about our ministry, where you can listen to the episodes we release every Thursday morning.
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Daniel Moore: Also, don't forget to visit my sponsor's website at WeAreWarriorsApparelcom.
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Daniel Moore: And until next week, don't forget that God's Word never fails us.
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Daniel Moore: God's Word has stood the test of time and through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.
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Daniel Moore: You've been listening to Connecting the Gap podcast.
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Daniel Moore: I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast, and I personally thank you for listening.
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Daniel Moore: Each week In this world there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives.
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Daniel Moore: This podcast is births from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God.
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Daniel Moore: Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's Word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap.
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Daniel Moore: We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble.
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Daniel Moore: We are also on the Christian podcasting app, edify.
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Daniel Moore: You can subscribe to our podcast on many of the available podcasting platforms, such as Apple Podcast, deezer, spotify, google Podcast, amazon Music, iheart Radio, tunein Radio and many more.
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Daniel Moore: We are also available on your Alexa-enabled devices.
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Daniel Moore: If you would like to give us feedback or would like to contact our ministry for any reason, including prayer, visit our contact page at wwwconnectingthegapnet and send us a message.
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Daniel Moore: We hope you are blessed by this ministry.
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Daniel Moore: This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.