“PUT AN AX TO THE ROOT”

“The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10.

During Spiritual Warfare it is important to learn how to lay an ax to the root of your problems. When fighting the enemy, you want to be strategic in battle, because fighting the wrong enemy will open you up to fighting more battles than necessary. Meaning you want to know what is fighting you specifically so you can fight back!

The spirit of discernment is key here. You must put your trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” When we place our dependency on God and inquire of the Lord for His best strategy against the enemy, we are sure to come out victorious every time.

In battle there is no room for undivided faith. God has given us all power over the enemy (through Christ) and each battle, will have a specific Battle Plan. You must seek your marching orders from the word of God, because the enemy is a liar and a schemer. “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were also darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light and try to DISCERN what is pleasing to the the Lord.” Ephesians 5:6-10.

You will be able to discern the enemy by his fruits of darkness! For the fruit of light is found in what is true, good and morally right. Paul is teaching us as believers in the above scripture that we will come in contact with non-believers, but to be very careful not to engage in their sin while around them. “Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1.

As mature Christian’s we must learn to discern the voices that are speaking, especially, during warfare. One of the enemies primary targets is to go after your emotions! When experiencing emotions you should look for it’s root in the Bible. They can easily be determined also by their fruit. For example: If you are feeling afraid, spirit is more than likely the spirit of fear. You must lay an ax to the root of the fear. If you feel like giving up or suicidal that is the spirit of premature death. You must lay an ax at the root. If you are experiencing depression, that’s a spirit of heaviness trying to way you down. You must put an ax to these type of fruit.

Remember “We do not wrestle 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. “Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” 1 Corinthians 9:26. We must learn from scripture how to be effective in spiritual warfare, in order to be sure, each time we fire upon the enemy, we are able to hit Bulls Eye!

“Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in Heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:21-23.

Prepare your ax, for the word of God is clear “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruit you will know them.” Matthew 7:19. Beloved, sharpen your discernment by examining closely their fruit!

In His Service,

Carolyn