Introductory Matters

After years of meaningful conversations, struggles, and victories, I am honored to invite you into the journey of spiritual formation through my book series, ROW Against the Flow and the full Spiritual Formation Series. Whether you’re a seasoned believer, a curious seeker, or simply exploring what it means to live with deeper purpose, this series is crafted to meet you right where you are.

In these pages, you’ll find honest stories, biblical teaching, and practical frameworks for navigating the unseen battles of everyday life. My hope is that you and a few friends will use these resources joyfully, share them freely, and trust Jesus faithfully as you grow together.

Each chapter stands alone, but together they form a journey through the realities of spiritual warfare and the hope of living in Christ’s victory. You’ll encounter reflection questions, action steps, and prayers to help you respond to what God is doing in your life and community.

Invitation to Discuss

As you read the prologue and move through the introduction, I invite you to pause and reflect:

• What has been your experience with spiritual battles or the unseen challenges of daily life?
• How have you recognized (or missed) the ways these struggles shape your journey?
• Where do you sense a need for deeper freedom, courage, or hope?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Please share your reflections in the comments below or connect with me directly. Let’s make this a space for honest dialogue, encouragement, and growth—together.

Prologue

If you don’t know you’re in a battle, you’re already losing it. This stark truth may sound like the plot of a conspiracy thriller, but it’s as real as the air you breathe and as relevant as your most recent struggle with temptation. From the streets of ancient Babylon to the digital landscapes of our modern world, the battlefield has evolved, but the war remains the same.

In many cultures today, you can still see physical idols and temples where demons lurk, seeking to ensnare people through direct offers of power, wealth, or pleasure in exchange for costly worship. These spiritual forces over-promise and under-deliver, leaving their followers in bondage. But make no mistake – the battle isn’t confined to far-off lands or ancient practices.

The apostle Paul reminds us that “our struggle is not 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). This unseen war rages in our homes, workplaces, and even in our own hearts and minds.

From the Garden of Eden to the streets of your city, the enemy’s tactics remain the same: deception, temptation, and the twisting of good desires into destructive idolatry. Whether it’s the blatant worship of false gods or the subtle elevation of career, relationships, or personal autonomy above God, the result is the same – separation from our Creator and enslavement to forces that seek our destruction.

But there’s hope. Christ has won the ultimate victory, breaking the power of sin and death. Through Him, we have the authority and the tools to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. This book will equip you to recognize the battle, understand the enemy’s tactics, and apply the powerful truths of the gospel to resist and overcome. 

Introduction

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the unseen forces at work around us. We navigate through our routines, face our challenges, and celebrate our victories, often unaware that we’re participants in a cosmic struggle that has been raging since the dawn of creation. This book, “ROW Against the Flow,” is your wake-up call to the reality of spiritual warfare and your guide to navigating its treacherous waters.

You might be wondering, “What does this have to do with me?” Everything. Whether you’re a seasoned believer, a curious seeker, or someone who’s never given much thought to spiritual matters, this battle affects every aspect of your life. Your relationships, your personal growth, your identity, your sense of purpose – all are contested ground in this unseen war.

But don’t despair. This book isn’t meant to frighten you; it’s meant to equip you. In the pages that follow, we’ll explore the nature of this spiritual conflict, unmask the tactics of our adversary, and – most importantly – discover the incredible power and authority we have in Christ to stand firm and advance God’s Kingdom.

We’ll start by learning to recognize the battle around us and within us. Then, we’ll delve into the roots of this conflict, examine the liberating power of Christ’s work on the cross, and explore practical strategies for daily victory. Along the way, I will introduce a simple yet powerful concept I have developed: R.O.W. (Repent, Obey, Worship) – a practical tool to help you navigate the currents of spiritual warfare in your everyday life. 

Remember, you’re not called to win this war – Christ has already secured the ultimate victory. Your call is to stand firm, resist the enemy, and live out your loyalty to Jesus with courage and conviction. As we embark on this journey together, prepare to have your eyes opened, your mind renewed, and your spirit strengthened for the battles ahead. As you move through these pages, you’ll not only learn to recognize and resist spiritual battles in your own life, but also discover the power of healing, the strength found in community, and the call to become a warrior for others.

Are you ready to recognize the battle and learn to ROW against the flow?

Get the Spiritual Formation Series on Amazon

The complete series is available in both Kindle and Paperback editions. Buy on Amazon

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