"Mind Games"
Karin Paparelli

We have heard it said that the greatest battle ground is in the mind, I believe that battle is increasing daily. The Lord is ready to move in ways that few have witnessed and yet is the church ready? We have all cried out for revival but how many are willing to drink the cup?

While in prayer recently the Lord gave me a vision. Now I don't get visual visions often, rather the Lord usually gives me a vision in word. This time however He gave me both. I clearly saw (in my mind's eye) a battlefield with soldiers on either side. Some were dressed in red and others in blue uniforms. They were engaged in hand to hand combat. Suddenly in the center of the field I saw an alarming sight. There were babies at play on the battlefield. They were dressed in nothing more than diapers. Some were crawling, others were toddling and some were just sitting. They were completely unaware of the battle raging all around them. The Lord then said to me, "This is my church and it is time to grow up."

Then He gave me more. The Lord spoke to my spirit and reminded me of Esther. She spent one year preparing for the King. Six months were spent in cleansing and six months were for cosmetics and anointing with perfumes. The Lord then told me the body had entered the season of cleansing and purging. This would be followed by a season of glory in the church (anointing), after which time Christ would return for His bride (without spot or wrinkle).

Now I don't usually flow in the prophetic and I was somewhat amazed at what I had seen. I shared what I had seen with the group I was with and both visions were confirmed by those present. Since then the Lord has strengthened these visions with even more.

First, it is clear that we all need to grow up into Christ regardless of where we stand right now. This is scriptural. The Lord says to be holy as I am holy (holy meaning; complete, whole, perfect, mature, lacking nothing). Well how do we do that? I don't believe we can. I believe it is a work that only the Holy Spirit can do in us. All we can do is surrender. The process of purification has begun. The Lord is cleansing us from within. We need to shine so brightly that we reflect Jesus alone, no room for flesh. That is going to take some scrubbing! I've felt the scrubbing in my life as He has brought tough issues in to the light of His love and forgiveness. This is not something I had any control over, all I could do was choose how I would respond. If we will submit to His refining fire we will be ready.

Ready for what? Ah, good question. Most Christians realize that there is a battle being constantly waged regarding your thought life. Well I believe that battle is growing more and more intense each day. Satan knows his time is short and he is becoming even more blatant in his attacks. We know he can easily manipulate the minds of unbelievers but how does he gain access in a believer's mind? He gains access, so to speak, through unrepentant sin and un-forgiveness. Admit it, we all sin. I sin every day. I don't like it, but if I am honest I have to admit that I do. I may not murder people but I am guilty of sin when I live in disobedience to God. But the Word of God says that as I confess my sins to God, He is faithful to forgive me. I am then cleansed by the blood of Christ and made righteous in His sight. Try as he may, the enemy has no ground. Now when we refuse to confess our sin to God, and even to one another, we give the enemy a foothold in our lives. That is one way he gains access.

There is another. He's been using this one for years. It is through the subtle use of the media. Come on hang in there, I know this hurts but it is time to be transformed by the renewing of our minds! Where do your beliefs originate? In the Word of God? Are you sure? How about from that sacred idol in our living rooms; the TV? Sacred idol? You bet. Walk into any home across the USA and you will find it in the center of the living room, in a place of honor and recognition. Hey in most homes there is a TV in every room, even in the kitchen! Maybe you think I am being unfair. After all there is Christian programming too, right? Let me challenge you with this. What do you think happens to your mind as you watch TV? Do you think your brain is active and alert? Do you think you are improving your mental abilities? How about your spiritual effectiveness? This concerns me. But don't take my word for it, check it out yourself. Go to the library and read the research that has been done about TV viewing. We all will readily admit that increased violence is a result of violent television programming. These reports are not even conducted by Christians. For the past few decades television has rapidly accomplished what would have taken generations to do. And to have access to so many minds at once! Imagine the implications.

I know many of you might be defending the cherished idol. Don't believe me. Pray about it. Do you spend as much time in the Word as you do watching the TV? How about in worship or prayer? I'm not out to condemn you. Rather I feel sent to warn you. The war is on, like it or not. It will only increase not decrease as the end draws near. Jesus said to be alert, to watch, to stay awake, to be prepared. Let's not fall asleep so near to the end. Now is the time to press in like never before. We are being warned. Don't get defensive. Get offensive. There is an enemy who wants to destroy your very life. You are in the battle. You were drafted the day you came to faith in Christ. I don't know about you but I wouldn't want to be fighting in a war if I never learned to use my weapons. Take the time now to train this may be our last opportunity. I know it won't be easy at first. You really will survive, in fact you will thrive! Test me in this and see.

The word of God says to take every thought captive and submit it to Christ. Every thought. Let's sharpen our minds with the Word of God. Let's quicken our spirit through prayer and fasting. Let's draw near to God in worship. Let us actively engage ourselves in this battle for our minds. It's time for warriors, not babies, to take to the battlefield.

May you walk in His grace. Thy kingdom come!

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