Spiritual Realities: Warfare- The Battle is Real

Powerful stories fascinate us! Perhaps more than many other ones told, we are enraptured by the stories told of Harry Potter and before it, we embraced the ancient world of Lord of the Rings. These wildly successful books became mega movie franchises that filled our minds and hearts and also made us open our wallets to experience their worlds. Good vs. Evil. Man against the forces.

In our very modern times, it would be easy to think that we are in control of our destiny. That life would be as we direct it without the influence of others around us, or God forbid, even spiritual forces that would shape us and influence us. We're too advanced for that! Or are we? The timeless truths of the Bible tell a very different story than the one we often hold dear.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 6:12

Choosing to serve Jesus passionately is to invite warfare. The Bible never limits demonic activity to “less advanced” societies.  Jesus came to destroy the works of Satan (I John 3:8), but spiritual warfare did not end when Jesus conquered death. It will continue until Satan and his demons are thrown into the fiery pit of Hell (Revelation 20:10). Our God is victorious!

Our world is under Satan’s temporary control until Jesus returns (I John 5:19). We know the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). God warns us in I Peter 5:8, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Hell is real, so this is the ultimate warfare. However, we are not unaware of Satan’s schemes (2 Cor. 2:11). He uses all kinds of maneuvers to blind people to the message of the Gospel (2 Cor. 4:4). Satan is against all those who desire to do God’s work- regardless where they live or their culture.

What does real spiritual opposition look like? It’s not always obvious. When you're trying to live out a life of faith, spiritual warfare can be discouragement, temptation, illness, changes in finances, difficulties in relationships, doubt, fear, harsh words from others, and thinking that is normally not yours. Be encouraged! All this means you are moving in the right direction as you desire to please God in how you live!  

The main point is certainly not that demons are everywhere and always involved working against you. It is that we must remain aware we are in a battle. Whether by temptation, choosing to sin, or even demonic activity, we should expect distractions and opposition to the work God has given us to do. We must pray in the Holy Spirit as we serve Jesus in a world that wants to deny him (Jude 20). When we step out in faith as God leads, He alone will and should get the glory for what happens. The reality is spiritual warfare will still continue in the midst of it all.

Weapons of War

Don't be mistaken- Jesus has authority over demons. He gave the same authority to His first Ministry Team (The Twelve), to the seventy-two that He has sent out (Luke 10:17), and later to the church as seen in the Book of Acts. Even in our own "civilized" country, we’re living in dark lands, walking in His light (John 8:12; 17:18), and we are asked to do hard things. 

Thankfully- and listen to this eternal truth- God never asks us to do spiritual work in human strength. Working as He directs and empowers means He receives praise and glory for the results.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

We serve a wise, good, and loving God! Of course He would give us spiritual weapons for a spiritual battle: 

The Armor of God, The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and Prayer. As He calls us into battle, not only does the Holy Spirit go before us (John 16:8-11), He also equips and empowers us for all we need. Paul states that we are not lacking in any spiritual gift as we await Jesus’ return (I Corinthians 1:7). That’s good news! It's great news, actually!

The Armor of God

Think of the armor of God as defensive weapons (the Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God- is also an offensive weapon). What would happen if you were sent into battle with only defensive weapons? You would be easily overtaken. You must have offensive weapons to win! God provides them. They are the gifts of the Holy Spirit!

The Armor of God is one of many resources God has given us. We can go forward in His confidence! How can this be in a tough world? There are two characteristics of God that never change: He is always loving, and He is always good. Because of these truths, He gives us spiritual weapons to fight spiritual battles. I'll share more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit at some time in the future, but for now, please understand God does not leave us without His power inside us.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

2 Timothy 1:7

Moving toward God and doing His will requires doing it in the same manner as Jesus if we wish to have impact. That is moving forward in confidence, in love, and definitely under self-control. 

Next time we explore this topic, we'll take a look at the key of effect five service in God's kingdom- Listening for His voice. I hope these bite sized portions of truth are valuable to you. Let me leave you with these powerful words from the Apostle Paul: 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” (Ephesians 6:10-17).

(Copyright Mark Taft.)

Pretty Rare Enchanted Tiki Room Art

Love it or hate it, there's no denying the very important place that Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room plays in theme park history. I fall firmly in the "love it" category. I've always had a soft spot for things Polynesian. Great food, tropical landscapes, a warm ocean, wonderful music. What's not to love? This piece of Imagineering concept art shows the area in Adventureland in the park's early days, before the later changes brought by crowds and even later by the Indiana Jones Adventure. The old wonderful Tahitian Terrace restaurant wraps around the corner, quickly becoming a park favorite. 

This site has one of the largest collections of concept art and Disney attraction posters. Search and Enjoy!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Dinner with Friends

Dinner with friends. What could be better? Sharing stories, laughter, and tales of God's faithfulness year after year. What a gift!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Design Detail: Epic Universe's Atlantic

With the frenzied state of Florida's theme park wars, it would be crazy to think that Disney Imagineering has a lock on mastering beautiful environments and design detail. Such is the case when we take a look at Epic Universe. Before guests even get into Dark Universe or Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, they have to pass by the central hub. Known here as Celestial Park. 

It's right here in this beautiful area that guests discover the very most expensive of all the park's restaurants: The Atlantic. The theme is the wonders of the ocean, and the full menu describes delicious and quite expensive entrees. 

But, oh the design details! My son and his new wife dined here for a late lunch and dropped a pretty penny for their salmon, their lobster roll, and all the fixings- including some creative cocktails. Yet, it was the theming that made a huge impact. Just the entrance speaks volumes with its elegant stained and leaded glass and its opulent fish floating above the heads of the guests. 

It's a new era for Universal Orlando Resort dining in their parks. Thankfully, so!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

A Wee Trip to Italy

We met this young man when he was just three years old! Now, he's a man traveling with his father through Italy on a bike tour across the country. My, how time slips by!
 

Notable and Quotable: Jeremiah

The wise will be put to shame;

    they will be dismayed and trapped.

Since they have rejected the word of the Lord,

    what kind of wisdom do they have?

                                                   Jeremiah 8:9

You can't find your wisdom in AI and the things of this world. Only in the God who created it all. It's all found in the Bible, the only true Word of God. So, why are you looking elsewhere?

A True Original

I don't know how I missed this one! Artist Peter Max passed away a couple of weeks ago at the age of 88. If you lived in the 1970's, you could not get away from his beautiful painting in psychedelic style. He work graced my wood paneled bedroom as much as any other posters of musical artists and other interests. He was as ubiquitous as that famous Farrah Fawcett poster or the music of the Carpenters on AM radio. Not sure if the world will see another like him- unless it's a copycat stylist paying tribute.

(Art copyright Peter Max.)

Another Look at Richard and Karen Carpenter

Thanks to Ned Nickerson at the A&M Corner discussion boards, I now have a clean and terrific copy of one of my favorite photos of Richard and Karen Carpenter. Their 1981 album Made in America was not their strongest, but it yielded some fresh and contemporary images of the duo that had ruled the 1970s. Sadly, Carpenters would not rule the 80s, and Karen would pass in 1983. 

As with many things life, it's sometimes a good idea to reassess our history, allowing us to consider doing things better next time- while we count the blessings God has given us. The music of the duo is woven into my life story, so I decided to take a Fresh Look at their music and revisit it. Join me on an amazing journey that will encourage you!

  

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This is part of a continuing series on the albums of Karen and Richard Carpenter. There are so many stand alone posts highlighting different aspects of their career, recordings, rare photographs, and life that I've lost count. 

Below is the list of my "Revisited /Fresh Look" reviews and then my initial ones a decade earlier. Each have different photos and clippings.

My Revisited / Fresh Look at the albums:

Offering / Ticket to Ride
Close to You
Carpenters 
A Song for You 

Now & Then

The Singles 1969 - 1973

Live in Japan

Horizon

A Kind of Hush

Live at the Palladium

Passage

The Singles 1974 - 1978

Christmas Portrait

Karen Carpenter- The Solo Album

Music, Music, Music

Made in America (Part One)

Made in America (Part Two)

Voice of the Heart (Coming Soon!)

My Initial Reviews of the albums:

Offering/Ticket to Ride

Close to You

Carpenters

A Song for You

Now & Then

The Singles 1969-1973

Live In Japan

Horizon

A Kind of Hush

Live at the Palladium

Passage

The Singles 1974-1978

Christmas Portrait

Made in America

Voice of the Heart

An Old Fashioned Christmas

Time (Richard Solo)

Lovelines

Karen Carpenter (Solo)

As Time Goes By

Fall Begins and Life Slows Down

After a very busy personal and work life season, I am ready for Fall! As a Californian who moved to Colorado many decades ago, in the first several years, I longed for Summer and all it brings. Now, it's this season I look forward to the most. No, I'm not into Pumpkin Spice Lattes or Halloween at all. I am into a more relaxed vibe with beautiful color, warm days, and cooler nights. And the evening rainstorms are wonderful! It's all a respite of sorts, a break between the activities of Summer and the busyness of Christmas. Let this season begin.

(Photograph copyright UC Denver.)

September 21 is Not Just Another Day!

Do you remember the twenty-first night of September? 

Love was changing the minds of pretender, while chasing the clouds away 

Our hearts were ringing in the key that our souls were singing 

As we danced in the night, remember how the stars stole the night away

Hey, hey, hey, ba-de-ya, say do you remember? 

Ba-de-ya, dancing in September 

Ba-de-ya, never was a cloudy day

Ba-du-du, ba-du-du, ba-du-du, ba-du-du 

Ba-du-du, ba-du-du, ba-du-du, ba-du-du 

Ba-du-du, ba-du-du, ba-do-da

My thoughts are with you, holding hands with your heart to see you 

Only blue talk and love, remember how we knew love was here to stay 

Now, December found the love we shared in September 

Only blue talk and love, remember true love we share today

Hey, hey, hey, ba-de-ya, say do you remember? 

Ba-de-ya, dancing in September 

Ba-de-ya, never was a cloudy day

There was a, ba-de-ya (de-ya, de-ya), say do you remember? 

Ba-de-ya (de-ya, de-ya), dancing in September 

Ba-de-ya (de-ya, de-ya), golden dreams were shiny days

The bell was ringing, ha-ha, our souls were singing 

Do you remember never a cloudy day? Yow

There was a, ba-de-ya (de-ya, de-ya), say do you remember? 

Ba-de-ya (de-ya, de-ya), dancing in September 

Ba-de-ya (de-ya, de-ya), never was a cloudy day

And was a, ba-de-ya (de-ya, de-ya), say do you remember? 

Ba-de-ya (de-ya, de-ya), dancing in September 

Ba-de-ya (de-ya, de-ya), golden dreams were shiny days

Ba-de-ya, de-ya, de-ya 

Ba-de-ya, de-ya, de-ya 

Ba-de-ya, de-ya, de-ya, de-ya

Ba-de-ya, de-ya, de-ya 

Ba-de-ya, de-ya, de-ya 

Ba-de-ya, de-ya, de-ya, de-ya

This song has been a favorite song and a decades long family joke. Thanks Earth Wind & Fire for always putting a smile on our face!

Even More Coffee Shop Wisdom

Sitting in a brand new coffee shop in Castle Rock, Colorado, and I notice was may be the truest of all snippets of coffee shop wisdom. How can anyone argue with this beautiful sentiment? Oo-de-Lally Coffee is definitely worth your time and money- in particular for the great Fluffernutter Latte made with real peanut butter!

Friday at Islands of Adventure: Seuss Landing

Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort is well known for its Harry Potter adventures, Marvel, and Jurassic Park. But its lesser known areas have a charm all their own too. The family friendly Seuss Landing offers some incredibly sweet and unique views! And above is one of my favorite shots courtesy Rix Flix. This guy loves Universal in all aspects and it shows. Check his channel out!

The Inspiration for Tokyo Disneyland's Space Mountain Earthrise?

So, here is a piece of concept art for Tokyo Disneyland's brand new build, Space Mountain Earthrise. Looks very cool, doesn't it? I like it a lot, but it got me to thinking. Haven't I seen this somewhere before? I started digging into my massive library of Disney Imagineering concept art- and I think I've found it.

Now unfortunately, a did not log a date for this piece, but I do have a name. It's by Christopher Smith at Walt Disney Imagineering. His concept art looks pretty traditional and what we are used to seeing- that is until you look closer. There's some curving at the top and by the attraction entrance that mimics the more wavy architectural look of this new creation rising on the shores of Tokyo Bay. Even the entrance area walkway seems more organic and natural. Is it just me or do you see it too?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Original Park Map for EuroDisney / Disneyland Paris. There Was Much More Planned Than What Was Built!

Here is one of the original park maps showing what Imagineering had planned for EuroDisney aka EuroDisneyland aka Disneyland Paris. For a park that has remained relatively stagnant for decades- which may be a good thing given Disney's lousy track record with newer projects that seemed half-baked- the original park's plans were rich with ideas and variety. Just look at what was fleshed out besides what was originally built! You might be amazed. I won't give any secrets away, but you can enlarge this map to see it for yourself.

Walt Disney Studios Paris was an instant bust and a drain on the resort's finances. It took years and lots of cash to re-emerge as Disney Adventure World. Maybe, just maybe, some of these ideas for the world's most beautiful castle park will come to fruition now.

This is one of many park maps on the site. I know there's many others for Paris' park too. Enjoy!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Don't Ever Forget September 11, 2001

Twenty Five, yes 25 years ago today, the United States of America suffered a great tragedy when terrorists attacked both New York City and the Federal Government buildings. Yet, heroes emerged as they always do when crisis hits. Remember that and honor all the first responders. This photo by Ted S. Warren captures an image of the event that's hard to forget. 

It may be photographer Richard Drew's "Falling Man" photo that is the most remembered. It is a powerful but important image that should not be erased from history. If it serves to remind us all of thew cost of human lives when we go encounter or engage in evil, it is worth it. Lord Jesus, save us from ourselves!