The Rules of Engagement

The Rules of Engagement

T he E nemy ’ s W eapons A gainst the C hildren of G od

What follows at the end of this chapter is a list of intrinsic (internal), extrinsic (external), and esoteric (obscure/hidden) weapons the enemy could possibly employ in his attack against you. For ease of reference, weapons have been alphabetized. Scripture references are given to provide further biblical insight and revelation of how the enemy utilizes these weapons. Read each section carefully and prayerfully. A bandonment Abandonment is when a person withdraws their presence and support from another person or organization; reneges on their duty, responsibility, and obligation; and betrays covenant or commitment. The enemy seduces people, particularly those who play a key role in the life of another person or organi zation’s development and progress, to renege on commitments and contracts and to walk away from relationships and responsibilities. This act of abdica tion has the power to cause great emotional pain, financial hardship, spiritual misalignment, organizational chaos, and confusion in the abandoned. Aban donment can be physical, psychological, and emotional and can occur with one’s job or career, a political or military post, and within family relation ships. Paul experienced ministerial abandonment, but God provided for him three individuals—Timothy, Mark, and Luke—to encourage and refresh him during his season of testing. (See 2 Timothy 4:9–18.) Issues arising from abandonment, such as the inability to trust, manipula tion, shame, fear of rejection, loneliness, suspicion, addictions, codependency, and a host of other maladaptive sets of behavior interfere with the victim’s ability to foster future healthy and loving relationships. A bortion There are two perspectives I want to give concerning abortion. First, I offer the traditional. According to the American Heritage Dictionary , abortion is an induced termination of pregnancy and expulsion of an embryo or fetus. Once the woman or young girl consents and actually undergoes an abortion, she becomes both victim and perpetrator. The abortion does not merely make

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