We must prepare for the battle that is before us and awaits us.  Even those second generation Jews who entered Canaan had enemies to be overcome.  Though our battle is not physical, waged with sword and spear, our battle is a battle nonetheless, and we must know the weapons God has given us to pull down strongholds to defeat the enemy.

1. We must know scripture.  For by knowing scripture we can discern good from evil and use the word as a sword to defeat the enemy.
2. We must be free of sin in order to wage war with satan.  There can be nothing of him within us for if there is, he does not have to yield to us
3. We must be Spirit filled and operate in the gifts like gifts of healing, word of knowledge, discernment of spirits..
4. We must stay attached to the vine in order to bear fruit (apart from Christ you can do nothing.).
5. We must use the authority that God has given us to bind and loose, the keys of the kingdom God has given us. ( I bind sickness and disease and loose health and prosperity.  I shut the mouth of lions and put satan where he belongs)
6. We must be yoked with fellow believers in order to exercise the prayer of agreement (if two of you will agree on earth as touching anything it will be done as you agree) and to bring Christ into our midst (if two or three gather in my name I am in the midst).
7. We must plead the blood of Christ to overcome sin, sickness, and death.  There is power in the blood.
8. We must redeem the time, for the days are evil.  Prayer, study, evangelism, silence, nature are good components to redeeming the time.  By resisting the devil he will have to flee.
9. We must ask in confidence according to his will and then we will have the petitions we desire of him.
10. We must believe God and trust in him in all things, not looking at what is seen but what is unseen, for what is seen will perish but what is unseen is eternal. 

            The times we are living in are perilous times and require more than ordinary means to gain the victory.  In order to be successful as a Christian, able to conquer the enemy and live in peace, we must put on the armor of God and prepare for war.  Be righteous, live the truth, walk in the gospel of peace, have the word in your hand and in your mouth as a sword, and carry the shield of faith.  Recognize the times and be prepared.