Most folks make resolutions at this time of year.  Always with good intentions … but then I’m reminded of the old saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”  The resolutions don’t usually last all that long and we slip back into the old habits once again.  I usually set out to read through the Bible or a devotional like Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost for His Highest.”  Sometimes I’m successful, sometimes not.

A few years ago I recorded a song on my “Country Gospel” CD entitled, “This Turn’s for You” written by David Patillo.  It starts off like this:

You’ve made resolutions to turn your life around,

But sometimes things don’t always turn out right.

I know the solution, let Jesus in your heart,

and if tomorrow never comes, you’d be with Him tonight.

But you turn the handle on the door to your heart …

There was a time just a few years ago when I actually read through my Bible twice in one year.  It’s only happened that one time and that was no compliment to me.  I simply had a lot of time on my hands that summer and decided the second time I read through the Bible I would be looking for something in particular.  You see, I had been fascinated by the study of Spiritual Warfare for several years and had actually preached many sermons and taught even more Bible studies on the subject.  I won’t say that I specialized  in the subject, however, I had certainly done a lot of reading and research … enough to at least be “knowledgeable” on the subject.  So I decided to read my Bible from Genesis to Revelation looking for what the Scriptures had to say about Spiritual Warfare.  My findings were shocking!  I discovered that the background of the entire Word of God was centered around a war between Good and evil.  A conflict between God with His Heavenly angels against Satan and his fallen angels.  My entire world view began to change as I internalized this truth.

Since leaving the pastorate and traveling with my Gospel Music ministry, I have had numerous opportunities to preach and I often find myself returning to the subject of Spiritual Warfare.  I have even been called upon to present a series on this fascinating topic.

My wife, Linda has been encouraging me to write a book and share some of my findings and this year I am making a resolution to begin work on the project.  I have decided on a name, “SIFTED LIKE WHEAT … The Believer’s Journey in the Epic Spiritual Battle”.  In it I will share my own personal battle with the Evil One and how it almost destroyed my faith and my ministry.

So in the days and weeks ahead, I will be posting on this blog and sharing my findings on the subject of Spiritual Warfare.  Not only will I be sharing my thoughts with you but hopefully will be organizing them into something that will fill the pages of the book I have resolved to write.  I invite your comments and opinions and would encourage you to tell your story as well.

May God bless you richly in 2012!

Jay Witham (Proverbs 4:23)