What do you think when you hear spiritual warfare? Some of us may think of the Tom Hanks movie Angels and Demons or maybe another thriller. For me, the idea of spiritual warfare triggers my imagination because the battle between good and evil is not always visible. Satan himself was called the father of lies. Jesus is in opposition to him and said that if we know the truth, truth will set us free. Sometimes, we are persuaded to believe things that aren’t necessarily true about ourselves, society, and God. Not knowing the truth can keep us from experiencing freedom and joy in life. Believing truth and destroying these lies is to know Jesus more and experience life more abundantly.
One way I have been experiencing spiritual warfare this week is by becoming more aware of my own actions and thoughts. I believe one of the ways lies can hold us down is through not knowing who we truly are. One thing I became aware of in particular is that I often don’t think of others. Naturally, I tend to focus on myself instead of others. Jesus made quite the statement when He said in Matthew 20:28 that He “came to serve and not to be served.” In Philippians 2, the Bible even says to value others more than ourselves, look to others interests, and take on the same attitude Jesus had. The Bible also says in this same passage that Jesus took on the very nature of a servant even though He was God. Jesus didn’t take people for granted as we sometimes do. For me it starts with being self-aware of my ways and thoughts. This feels impossible, but I know that with God’s help all things are possible and I can grow in this area of my life. Please pray that I will be guided and become more self-aware so I can better love those around me.
Our team is leaving September 17th for outreach. We are going to Mexico City for a week before continuing on to the Dominican Republic. I am very excited to go to Mexico City as it is one of the biggest cities in the world and is full of culture. Mexico City also has very low air quality so please be praying that our lungs and respiratory systems will be protected during this time. We will fly out to the Dominican on the 24th and will be there for roughly a month before leaving for Haiti in late October. Our leaders are reaching out to their contacts in the Dominican and Haiti to see how we can make an impact. I am ecstatic for outreach and the opportunities that God will present there. I will keep open ears and an open heart to what is He saying to me while I am there. I am also so thankful to say that my outreach is fully funded. Thank you so much for supporting me financially and in prayer. It has been a true blessing to see how God provides through His people to fulfill His purposes. I trust that God will continue to teach me as I prepare of outreach and as I go into outreach. Please be praying for our team as some of our members are not yet financially provided for. If you would like to help one of my team members please email me at mcdowellisaac2021@gmail.com and I will make sure the money gets to them. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Love and faith,
Isaac
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