Spiritual Warfare

When the Waves Are Crashing: Drinking from the Living Water

There are things we all experience in life that we don’t always talk about in church – the hard things, the uncomfortable things, and sometimes the deep darkness of depression. We can be tempted to think that if the Lord is in our lives, everything should be happy and beautiful. But Scripture tells us otherwise. Even faithful believers go through dark seasons when it seems the enemy is winning and the waves are crashing over them. Psalm 42 gives voice to that struggle: “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.” Yet even in his anguish, the psalmist turns toward God. He remembers the goodness of earlier seasons, calls out to the Lord, and reminds his own soul to hope in God. Charles Spurgeon, who himself experienced deep seasons of depression, once spoke of learning to “kiss the waves that throw me upon the Rock of Ages.” The waves may be painful, but they can drive us closer to the One who is our refuge. Rather than reaching first for the things of this world to soothe our souls, we can turn to the Lord – the source of living water. Jesus said, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water” (John 4:10). This is more than water that merely sustains us. He is the very source of life, and apart from Him we have nothing. When we find ourselves in a dark season, it may feel as though the water has stopped flowing. But the living water has not run dry. Take care of your soul. Be mindful of what you allow your thoughts to dwell upon, because what we think about can consume us, and what consumes us can ultimately control us. Remember the people, places, and activities through which God has brought joy and goodness into your life. Call out to Him. Bless Him in every season. Our circumstances may not immediately change, but our perspective can. When the waves are crashing, praise Him anyway. God is still on His throne. He is still present. He still cares. And the living water still flows. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” ~~ Psalm 42:1

Riley Pate September 13, 2026

One Thing I Ask

Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow has not yet come. Today is the day we have been given – and today is the day to worship. If you could ask God for anything, what would you ask? Healing? Relief from a financial burden? Help for someone you love? Our needs seem endless. Yet David begins Psalm 27 not with a request, but with a declaration: “The LORD is my light and my salvation.” We live in a world of spiritual darkness and warfare. The attacks are real, the storms are inevitable, and sometimes it feels as though we are outnumbered. But the Lord is our stronghold. In Him we find a place of safety and rest. And David’s declaration leads to a desire: “One thing I have asked of the LORD… to dwell in the house of the LORD.” More than what God can give him, David wants God Himself. To seek the Lord is to put action to our faith – through prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship with other believers. God’s Word is living, and His Spirit dwells within His people. He desires to bring the reality of heaven into our lives here and now. The enemy knows the power of the fellowship and seeks to divide us, but God designed His church so that fellowship with one another is part of our fellowship with Him. Psalm 27 ultimately calls us to a faith that declares who God is, desires His presence, seeks Him faithfully, and learns to wait for the Lord. The storm may be here today – or it may be coming tomorrow. But today, we can seek Him, rest in Him, and worship Him. “The LORD is my light and my salvation: Whom shall I fear?…” ~~ Psalm 27:1

Riley Pate September 6, 2026

Finishing Well

As we conclude our series on the Life of Elijah, we see a prophet who never wavered in his obedience to God. Though King Ahaziah had witnessed the fulfillment of God’s judgment on his own parents, Ahab and Jezebel, he still refused to seek the Lord, choosing instead to inquire of a pagan god. Elijah faithfully delivered God’s message without compromise, despite repeated threats against his life. His unwavering courage challenges us to ask: Where are we tempted to compromise? It’s easy to make excuses – our age, our schedule, our resources, or our fears – but Elijah simply obeyed when God called. The gospel is worth standing for, even when the cost is high. The series concludes with Elijah’s remarkable departure as he is taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. His mantle is passed to Elisha, a faithful disciple who recognizes that nothing in this world is more valuable than following God and walking in His Spirit. Elijah’s legacy reminds us that a life of steadfast obedience leaves an eternal impact. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ~~ 2 Timothy 4:7

Riley Pate July 26, 2026

Cave of Despair

Even faithful believers can find themselves in seasons of discouragement, anxiety, and despair. In this week’s study of 1 Kings 19, we follow Elijah into his cave of hopelessness and we are reminded that even God’s greatest servants – Job, David, Elijah, and others – faced deep struggles. Rather than hiding in shame, we are reminded that God meets us in our weakness. As Elijah poured out his complaints, the Lord revealed Himself – not through the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper. God often speaks most clearly when we quiet our hearts and listen. His answer is not to leave us where we are, but to lift our eyes, strengthen us, and send us back into His purposes. If you’ve ever found yourself in a “cave of despair”, this message is a reminder to watch for God’s presence. He doesn’t simply comfort us in our circumstances – He transforms us and calls us to move forward in faith. When you find yourself in a cave of despair, watch for God. “He doesn’t want to coddle you – He wants to change you.” ~~ Pastor Joe Patton

Joe Patton July 19, 2026

Prayer of Proclamation

As we conclude our “This Is War” series from Ephesians 6:10-20, we are reminded that the Christian life is not a playground – it is a battlefield. Paul calls believers to stand united, clothed in the power and armor of Christ, understanding that we are engaged in a real spiritual conflict. In verses 19-20, Paul reveals the heart of our mission. Writing from chains as he is taken to Rome to stand before Caesar, knowing death likely awaits him, Paul does not ask for comfort, protection, or release. Instead, he asks for prayer – that he would have the boldness to proclaim the mystery of the gospel. Even in prison, Paul understands that his circumstances do not define him. He is an ambassador of Christ. An ambassador represents the Kingdom to which they belong, and every believer carries that same calling. Wherever God has placed in – in every situation and season – we are representatives of the Kingdom of Heaven. The message we proclaim is the mystery once hidden for generations but now revealed through Jesus Christ: salvation by grace through faith. (Eph. 2:8-9) As Paul explains, this mystery shows that salvation is not earned or purchased but given as the gift of God, extended to all who come to Him. Through the gospel, both Jew and Gentile are brought together as one body, heirs of the promises of Christ, revealing the wisdom of God to the world. (Eph 3:3-10) These final verses remind us that we are not merely spectators in God’s plan – we are participants in His mission. Like Paul, our prayer should not simply be for easier circumstances, but for boldness to proclaim the gospel wherever God places us. And as we carry out that mission, we must also remember those who are serving across the world. Pray for missionaries who are boldly declaring the unsearchable riches of Christ, often in difficult and dangerous places, that the gospel may continue to advance to every nation. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing: it is the gift of God,” ~ Ephesians 2:8

Justin Coleman March 15, 2026

Power of Prayer

In Ephesians 6:18, after describing the Armor of God, Paul reminds us of something essential: prayer. If spiritual warfare is real, if the armor is real, and if the enemy is real – why is prayer often the first weapon we put down? Too often we try to fix our problems ourselves and bring prayer in last, when the battle has already worn us down. But the battle belongs to the Lord, and we are called to bring our needs and struggles to Him first. Prayer is not another piece of metal or leather added to the armor. Prayer is the atmosphere in which the armor is worn. It is the air the Christian breathes while standing in the fight. Through prayer we communicate with our Commander and connect to the power of heaven. In many ways, prayer is the seventh piece of the armor – signifying completion – because there is no moment in the battle where prayer is not necessary. Prayer is not an afterthought: it is what makes the armored work. First, prayer is the ammunition of the believer. It is the communication line in spiritual warfare. Prayer is not retreat – it is invasion. To pray constantly does not mean we are always kneeling, but that we live in continual connection with God, breathing prayer as naturally as we breathe air. (Thessalonians 5:16-18) Second, perseverance is the posture of the warrior. In Colossians 4:2, we are told to continue steadfastly in prayer, staying alert with Thanksgiving. Prayer is not passive. The warrior remains watchful, standing guard, because the enemy never sleeps. Even when answers delay, we do not stop praying – because our battle is not against flesh and blood. (Ephesians 6:12) Third, intercession reminds us that this is a family battle, The Church fights together. When one believer grows weak, another believer prays. When one is under attack, another stands in the gap. And above all, Christ Himself is always interceding for us. (Hebrews 7:25) When the Church prays, heaven moves, the enemy trembles, and darkness begins to retreat. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” ~ Ephesians 6:12

Justin Coleman March 8, 2026

Sword of the Spirit

As we continue through the Armor of God in Epistle to the Ephesians, we come to the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God. This is not a heavy broadsword swung wildly from a distance, but a short dagger designed for close-range combat. The enemy does not attack from afar; he comes near with lies, temptations, and distortions of Truth. And like Jesus in the wilderness (see Gospel of Matthew 4), we do not argue or rely on human aggression. We answer with precision: “It is written.” Every lie is stopped by Truth. This sword – the Word of God – is not merely logos (information on a page) – but rhema: a Spirit-empowered, spoken Word for the moment. The Word must already be hidden in our hearts (Psalms 119:11), shaping and transforming us from within. Deuteronomy 6:4-6 reminds us that God’s commands are not just to be known, but to dwell in our hearts. When attacks come, we will not have time to run and retrieve the Word – we must prepare daily by meditating, reading, and studying so that Truth is ready on our lips. The enemy is not threatened by a Bible that stays closed. But he trembles at a believer who proclaims the Gospel: “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ is coming again.” The Word and the Spirit are inseparable. Dry knowledge cannot change a heart – but Spirit-filled truth proclaimed in faith will never return void (Isaiah 55:11). Victory over temptation comes not by strength of will, but by the sword of the Spirit, anchored in truth and alive in us. “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” ~ Psalm 119:11

Justin Coleman March 1, 2026

The Helmet of Salvation

As we continue through this series about the Armor of God, we come to the Helmet of Salvation – a vital piece for real spiritual warfare. This is not a game. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces that seek to divide churches, attack marriages, disrupt homes, and most of all, assault our minds. Helmets are designed to resist chaos, confusion, and crushing blows – and that is exactly why salvation guards the believer’s mind. The enemy whispers doubt, fear, shame, depression, and confusion. He targets our thoughts because he knows the head is a primary target in battle. But Scripture reminds us in Psalm 140:7, “O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.” O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. ~ Psalm 140:7 Salvation means rescue. We were dead in our sin – and dead men cannot save themselves. As Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Salvation is 100% God and 0% us. We were rescued by grace through Christ alone. When you know you are covered, you stop living timidly. The helmet of salvation gives faith, hope, and confidence in the fiercest fight. We don’t fight for victory – we fight from victory. Because our future is secure in the Kingdom of God, we can stand firm, think clearly, and move forward boldly. Protect your mind. Guard what you watch, what you listen to, and what you allow to shape your thoughts. The helmet is on – stand your ground.

Justin Coleman February 22, 2026

The Shield of Faith

Every day we live in the reality of spiritual battle. Scripture reminds us that our struggle is not against one another, but against the powers of darkness that continually resist the light of Christ. (Ephesians 6:10-16) The enemy fires arrows from a distance – fear about the future, desire that whispers “you’re missing out”, painful trials that cause us to question God’s goodness, and even seasons of success that tempt us toward pride and spiritual complacency. Yet believers are not called to live in fear; we are called to stand prepared, already holding the shield of faith. (Jeremiah 29:11) Faith is not mere optimism or emotion – it is trust in the character and promises of God Himself, who declares, “I am your shield.” (Genesis 15:1) Our confidence rests not in our own strength but in the crucified, risen, and reigning Christ. And we do not stand alone. Like soldiers locking shields together, the church is called to gather, encourage one another, and strengthen one another’s faith. (Hebrews 10:24-25) In every circumstance, lift the shield, trust the Lord, and stand firm – because the victory has already been won. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. ~ Romans 10:17

Justin Coleman February 15, 2026

The Gospel of Peace

Ephesians 6:15 – and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the Gospel of peace. Roman soldiers wore specialized battle footwear – caligae – designed for stability, traction, and readiness in combat. In the same way, Scripture calls believers to be “shod with the readiness of the gospel of peace”, equipped specifically for the realities of spiritual warfare. Our footing is not found in our own strength, achievements, or attempts to create peace, but in the finished work of Christ: Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ is coming again. Every human heart senses a quiet emptiness – a persistent hum reminding us that something is missing. We often try to silence that longing through success, relationships, possessions, or status, yet the dissatisfaction remains. True and lasting peace is not something we manufacture; it is something we receive. Only Jesus fills the God-shaped space within us, bringing the peace of God that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. ~ Matthew 5:9 Once we stand firmly in that peace, we are called to carry it forward. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), reminding us that those who belong to His kingdom bring the reality of heaven into the places they live, work, and serve. The enemy spreads division, tension, and unrest, but believers advance the kingdom by living out the peace they have already received through Christ. What we truly believe is revealed not merely in what we say, but in how we live. As we put on the armor of God, may we walk forward with steady footing – sandaled in the Gospel of Peace – confident that the peace we share with the world flows not from what we have done, but from what Christ has already accomplished.

Riley Pate February 8, 2026

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