The Apostle Paul makes it extremely clear that the major aspect of our “fight of faith” is seeded in our mind. Remember, to the Philippians, he said, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true…are noble…are just…are pure…lovely…are of good report, if there be any virtue, if there is anything praiseworthy—think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8; emphasis added)

     And to the Corinthians, he said, “I intend to be bold against some who think that I walk according to the flesh. For though we walk {or live} in the flesh we do not war according to the flesh…” {“war” is strä·too′ō, and refers to both internal and external conflict accruing from service to God}. Paul continues, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but are mighty {dü·nä·tös,′ meaning capable or powerful} through God for pulling {or tearing} down strongholds, casting down imaginations {thoughts or arguments} and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; emphasis added)

     And finally, we must consider Ephesians 6:12. Paul is here explaining the need for the believer to put on all the armor of God. Now I know that we must not overrate our demonic opponent, but neither must we miscalculate his influence—after all Satan and his minions are the promoters of evil in the world. Apostle Paul underscores the significance of this evil by calling Satan the “god of this world.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

     In Ephesians 6:12, we are emphatically told that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”(Ephesians 6:12; emphasis added) Dr.  Joseph H. Thayer tells us that this word wrestle is translated from the Greek word pä′lā, and indicates that one combatant is in a life and death struggle, attempting to throw another combatant down and hold him helplessly against the ground by his neck. While this kind of attack may, or may not, be eternally serious (it certainly can be), one thing is for sure, it will incapacitate, or hinder the one thrown, and hindrance or frustration is the devil’s chief ploy against the will and work of God.

     This article came to me while reading the prophecy of Haggai. And in Haggai, as in many other Scriptures we see multiple examples of enmity impacting the lives of people. Good and evil are always present. In Haggai and Ezra, you will remember that Zerubbabel was appointed leader of the Jews in Babylon for the purpose of restoring the Temple. He began this task, and it went along rather well for two years or so, but the changing of kings, combined with the secular interests of the returning Jews from captivity, caused a total curtailment of the labor on the Temple.  This hiatus lasted sixteen years before they returned to this task. However, the unique thing about the book of Haggai is that the people of Judah actually listened to the man of God. (Haggai 1:8)  *Important: In the next 30 days Americas face the most momentous decision in our history (it will seriously affect our Federal Supreme Court). Thanks for your prayer and support.

      FYI: Hurricane Matthew posed a serious threat to Gonaives, Haiti…the site of the churches and schools that Dr. Sharp (and his wife, Diane) has committed to and have visited several times over the past three or four years. The missionary, Salonique Adolphe, his wife, Gine, and their family, contacted the Sharp’s via skype just a few hours before the storm arrived to the far west of the island, and they stayed in touch through the entire disaster (incredible!).  (continued on back)

     We began praying against the storm immediately, and praised God as we witnessed the heart of Matthew continually move westwardly, so that when the eye-wall passed Gonaives (situated about 90 miles North of Port-au-Prince),  it was 140 to 160 nautical miles west of the city approaching Cuba. The churches and schools had some minor wind and rain, but not the 130 mph winds, and the 25 to 40 inches of rain that was originally predicted. While there were near a thousand Haitians that lost their live in this storm, no one from the mission was in that group. Praise the Lord!

     The residual problem is that the storm did destroy much of the island’s agriculture that will cause the food prices to escalate two to three times above normal. This is a great problem also… Please pray about this! Thank–you for your prayers.