Tag: Satan

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12.18.24.Vigilance

Be on guard
how to face the enemy

Revelation12:Throughout the entire Word of God, signs are pictures given to remind us of the scope of history both past, present and future as well as teaching points about God and Jesus Christ. In this chapter we find signs about the birth of the nation of Israel as well as the continuing struggle between the Jews and the non-Jews who hate anyone who belongs to Christ. 

The Jews who are God’s favored nation, are pictured as a woman in labor for they struggled since the Garden of Eden to bring forth Christ, the Son of God. Those who hate the Jews are seen as the offspring of Satan in the image of a dragon, a most fearsome creation. As we read this chapter, we must stop and ask what is the lesson God wants us to see through the eyes of John, the Apostle? It is this; until Christ comes and conquers there will be war between believers and non-believers. Peter said it well: Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you. Be ready for when you begin to see this happening, know that Christ is at the door knocking for entrance so He can come in and sup with us. Are you listening for His knock? 

God has given us these pictures to alert us to His eternal plan of redemption for His people.

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11.26.24. Fear is the enemy

Faith or Fear?
What is your guide?

John 19 Guilty or Innocent

In this chapter the Apostle John is like Sherlock Holmes. He has the evidence, will he pronounce the verdict? Jesus remarked that the one who had handed him over to Pilate had the greater sin. Who was He referring to? Could it be Pilate who stood before him in total fear. Of what was he fearful? Jesus had just said he was given the power of his destiny and Pilate had to answer to Rome. Could it be Caiaphas, the high priest because of his announcement that one man should die for the nation. As we read this we encounter several emotions and decisions are revealed. 

The first and prominent emotion is fear and Proverbs reminds us that the fear of man is a snare. Both Pilate and Caiaphas were fearful and their fear was guiding their decisions. As we watch and listen we are reminded that we have an adversary who is clever enough to sway men’s minds just as he did in the Garden of Eden. He presents just enough truth to sway us and then we fall victim to his plans. The worst part of that is that our fear leads us into the path of sin and others become complicit along with us. We can’t say he made me do it. We are all responsible to God for what we decide. 

Both Pilate and Caiaphas leave us with how we are to make decisions. We can allow fear to guide us or we can seek the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom from the Holy One. Whom will you choose? 

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How to win over temptation.

Matthew 4 Temptation and Repentance

Jesus faced the onslaught of temptation from the evil one. Satan is clever and begins his temptation of Christ when he is at his lowest point physically and spiritually. We too face this same temptation when we are at our lowest and are the most vulnerable. That is why we must stay close to the Lord 24/7, 365 days a year. Satan may not be omniscient but he has his demons who work for him and they can follow his orders. We must be on guard. Jesus knew that the only tool that works against Satan is the mighty word of the Lord and He utilized it. He knew scripture and could recall the exact words to be used as he sword of the Lord. Scripture memorization is key and we must use it as part of our weapons. In Ephesians we are given the weapons that will win: Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God) (Eph 6:11-16) 

Sometimes we are successful but other times we are not. When Jesus passed the test by Satan, He then picked up the message of John the Baptist: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” That is what we need to do when we fail: repent and do not rehearse the failure but claim the power of God and seek His face. Stand up! Stand firm! 

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Impulsiveness vs. God’s Ways

Esther 1-5 One thing we learn from this story is how God can and will use even the impulsiveness of a king to bring about His plan to preserve His people. King Ahasuerus, as we have seen in chapter one, is an impulsive king. He makes snap judgments without thinking of the long-term consequences. He got mad at his queen and removed her. This will not be the first time, for later, he removed his signet ring and gave it to Haman so he could destroy a group of people. In both cases, this king did not investigate the reasons behind his decisions. But…then God! As Isaiah wrote: God’s thoughts are not like men. His ways are higher and superior. [Is 55:8] He looks down on the earth to find those who are righteous and those who are not. He even keeps a scroll of those who fear the Lord and esteem His name. [Mal 3:16] He orchestrates events to protect His people because he who touches them touches the apple of His eye. [Zech 2:8]

What can we learn from this story? Satan may roam about seeking whom he can devour, but God has His people placed in high and low places. He had Mordecai and Esther right where He could bring about salvation for His people. A third lesson is God says, “I love you!” [Jn 3:16/Malachi 1:2] and because He does, He will move heaven and earth to protect them/us. Where has God placed you for such a time as this, and are you looking for His deliverance? 

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Parenting 101

Prov 4-7 Parenting needs wisdom from God. Even King Solomon began his teaching by reminding his children to listen and pay attention so that they would gain discernment. He had learned from his father, David, and now injects knowledge, reasons, and consequences. They say more is caught than taught, yet Scripture teaches that both are vital to a child’s upbringing.

Dear parent, pray for wisdom to know how your child learns so that they will progress through the stages of growth to maturity by discerning both good and evil. [Heb 5:14] Pray for a hedge of protection around yourself and your child remembering greater is He within you than he that is in the world. [1Jn 4:4] Parents, remember children, listen, observe, and will follow in your footsteps.

Be wise, dear parent, today. Follow the example of Deut chapter 6 about disseminating biblical truth. Add this verse to your prayer arsenal: Num. 6:24-26 “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace” Change that to reflect your own voice: Lord bless me and protect me and my child. Lord smile on me and be gracious to me and give me your peace as I parent.

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The Law vs. God’s Grace

the Law reveals who we are

1Timothy 1-3 Satan says we are not good enough for God to save us, and he is right. Paul knew that his life was a sham. He was just as he described it to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith. He knew the Law perfectly, and it revealed how far he was from God’s righteous and perfect standard because the Law is for lawless and rebellious people, the ungodly and sinners. He would later say he was the chief of sinners! People today look at the Law and see precisely what Paul saw. He was and would never be righteous enough, but God’s grace was then and is today greater than all our sin.

Paul relates his testimony: I was a blasphemer and a persecutor. Read the book of Acts to see that. Yet, he says, “I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” [1Tim 1:13] Like many today, they see themselves just as Paul. Yet that is why God saved him for the ministry of sharing this testimony with the unrighteous. In Paul’s words: “so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.” [1Tim 1:16]

Do you know of someone today who has believed the words of Satan? Yes, we are never “good enough,” but that is why Christ came. God’s grace is greater than all of our sins.

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Accuser meets Advocate

Ready for battle

Zechariah 3-6 Saved, Sanctified, Service
Satan is the accuser of the brethren, but we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. He was the Advocate for Joshua, the high priest in Zechariah’s time, and he is our Advocate now. Why do we need an advocate? We need one because we are just like Joshua, blackened with sin, pulled from the fire by the gracious hand of the Almighty. As we stand in our filthy clothes, we hear” “I have freely forgiven your iniquity and will dress you in fine clothing.” [Zech 3:4] After our cleansing, we are now sanctified, set apart for the work of the ministry which is our service which is to introduce the Branch who is Messiah.” [Zech 3:8] We have been transformed by His grace to go and spread the gospel message.

Satan will always be the accuser, but we are cleansed, sanctified, and saved for service until His return. Until then, we must put on our armor because the battle will be constant. Even this a.m. I was baffled by thoughts from the enemy. When that happens, I must put on the helmet of salvation and grab my sword of the Spirit. I am saved and sanctified, but to do service, I will be walking in Satan’s realm. I won’t be wrestling with flesh and blood but spiritual forces unseen by the naked eye. [Eph 6:12]

Are you experiencing a spiritual battle? How can I pray for you?

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Blindness

From blindness to sight

Job 21-24 Men are blind to the ways of God

Job and Eliphaz spar off once again. Job understands that God leaves the wicked for a season but one day will call them to account. Eliphaz says you are just as wicked and you know how that turns out. HA! Job says don’t you realize that God has left them here for a reason? They show us the depravity of mankind but the overwhelming patience of God for He is not willing any to perish. [2Peter 3:9] As for me, I will trust Him: he knows the pathway that I take; if he tested me, I would come forth like gold. My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside.

In essence, Job is asking Eliphaz if this is true about his life. He is asking us the same question and waiting for our answer. How do you respond?

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Job and the Trials of Life

The faithfulness ofJob

Job 1-4 A Blameless Man             

God takes our worldview and our way of life seriously. Job is a central character that epitomizes his faith-filled life that not only lived by faith but was an example of that to the surrounding community and his family. Although his story is one of multiple tragedies, he excelled in how he faced them.

“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord.” That was Job’s life; his strength came from God as he faced each succeeding tragedy. Would that God speak into our lives the same way? William Gurnall continues to explain that although we face sudden alarm and other thoughts sent to dismay us, we are to march on and be strong with courage.

We can perform with excellence just as Job. First, we must choose to “be strong,” not just physically but by taking our direction from the Holy One, the Lord God Almighty. It is the power of His might that will sustain us. Job lived by that, which is a challenge to us.

Satan thought this would be a “slam-dunk” exercise, but Job’s character would pass the test just as God reminded him. Truth: God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. [1Co 10:13]

How about us?

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How to be Sagacious in a Topsy Turvy World

bible study 2tim3Genesis 3 -5  Have you a constant struggle with the adversary Satan?  It may be 2019 and our new year like newly fallen snow looks beautiful but if you look beneath you will see all of the dirt and grime that is hidden from sight. Truthfully, today like any other day is just like that dirt and grime and with ups and downs which began so very long ago all because our first parents were not being sagacious (prudent, discerning) before the serpent or as we might call him, the Devil and the devil he is!  Jesus told us that we are to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. Believer, the wisdom that the serpent has may seem mind-boggling but is not omniscient because it lacks the fear of God. It is as James tells us earthly, natural, demonic. It seeks to glorify self, not God and to deny the penalty for self-gain and self-aggrandizement. Satan has one goal: to take back what he thought was rightfully his because deep down he believes the bumper sticker: “The one with the most toys wins.” His first encounter with these newly created beings of man and woman was with great shrewdness:  “Is it really true?” causing Eve to doubt. James warns us of this when he said: “he who doubts is like the wave of the sea blown and tossed about with the wind.”

Every day we face the seeds planted in that garden. But not all is lost for God’s grace and mercy provided the redemption that Adam and Eve needed and He does the same for us as well. He does that because He is not willing any should perish but all come to repentance.

Are you facing what seems a constant struggle?

Do you have your armor on? Go read Ephesians 6 about the armor if you have no idea what that means. 

Start the new year right by meditating on the Word of God and hiding it in your heart so you are ready to give an answer to the adversary. He may question but God’s Word has the answers!

 

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