The only weapon for war
Some mornings I really struggle to wrap up in my head into a short devotional or “OneMinuteMinistry”. I have seen an alignment this week is so many venues of temptation and the power to resist it. I have heard sermons on Ephesians 6 and the power of the Sword of the Spirit. I have read of the alignment of the temptations of beginning in Genesis even through Christ in the desert. Of how it all wraps together in Satan’s evil ways, and God’s ways of the power to resist. Dr. Willmington quotes “The devil laughs with hellish glee when he can trick someone into either adding to or subtracting from God’s Word”. That really stuck with me for how many false prophets or teachers that are around us today. I plea with you to spend time in God’s Word and for discernment of those teaching in the public eye today.
The only weapon for war
1John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
I am really enjoying the structured study I have just begun this week. It is amazing to me how God has so many venues tying all together from what I have been listening to and reading. So much has been on temptation and the power to fight them. The verses above in 1 John warn us of the three “deadly” sins. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. I even reflected on my recent testimony and realized how many different times I have filled in situations under each of those headings. In Genesis 3 Eve succumbed to all three, and as a result she and Adam drug the entire human race into sin. In Matthew 4:3-10 Christ was tempted by Satan in all three areas also but He resisted Satan and replied to each temptation with Scripture. This was a lesson for us for eternity in the power of God’s Word in resisting temptation.
This must be perfectly clear; God will never entice you to sin. James 1:13-14 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Satan smiles when he can entice us to sin or even feel in our pride we are doing good deeds. Pride can be a back door sin for it has the feeling of elevation of good, but the sin of self worthiness. But as always with God there is good news: 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. God has given us the ability to fight those temptations with an offensive weapon: His Word. Christ when he was being tempted quoted Scripture setting the example. The more time you spend with God, the more His Word dwells in your heart. When you need it most, the Spirit will remind you of it, and give you the power to resist Satan and claim your victory in Christ. The only way you will have that weapon at your disposal is to open the Word and plant it in your heart daily.
On Track
On Track
2 Timothy 2:3-4 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
If we are not to become side-tracked, then are we able to say we are focused? If we are focused we should have a sole purpose, a goal we are trying to attain. If we are focused on that goal, anything that doesn’t pertain or help us accomplish that goal is a deterrent and side tracks us from stepping closer. The apostle Paul writes much in analogies of the focus of our Christian life using many metaphors. The verse above is the relationship of a soldier to his commander and the focus it demands. So much of our Christian life is warfare and our enemy provides all the distractions here to draw our focus away from Christ.
Our focus could be a measurement of our faith. Our faith is the hope of things unseen, and the enemy desires to draw our focus away with things we can see, and even feel we can attain. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Paul was spending much time encouraging Timothy in his faith, for Paul knew he was surrounded by those who could deter, or side track him from his faith and purpose. 2 Timothy 3:10-11 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra–what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. The ability to remain focused, the ability to have great faith, is gained through time spent with God in His Word and prayer. These daily times of preparation allow you to remain focused, to strengthen your faith, and to remain on track with the sole purpose you have for the day. Your sole purpose for the day is wherever Christ has you at that time; to represent Him and reflect Him to those surrounding you. That is where you show the great faith that you possess in your Risen Savior and your ability to share Christ with others.
Side Tracked
Side Tracked
2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
I was reading this morning in 2 Timothy and feeling the weight of school. Yesterday was rough at work and left me physically and even mentally drained. I came home exhausted and unable to do homework. Satan smiled at the distraction. In these versed above Paul is encouraging Timothy to keep his focus on the things of God and His Word. It is the only time in the New Testament that “rightly divided” is used and which means to ‘cut straight’. A straight path has no distractions that tug it off course. We all learned early in school that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and our course with God should keep that principle also.
How do we go about the keeping the straight course and our focus on God? Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. If we truly begin to seek God with all our heart, soul, and strength; keeping the straight course will naturally come. With a true heart for God comes a desire to follow His Will, and remain on that path. Satan will provide all the distractions in many forms along the way, but a heart truly seeking God in everything will discern those distractions. Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. That straight line to follow God may take you through many trials in your life that you would have never taken on your own. You would have taken the side track and possibly gotten off course, and missed the blessing God had planned for you if you remained focused on Him.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. This verse is a lifestyle of focusing on God and keeping the course.
Consistency
Consistency
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
As I struggled yesterday with the anxiety of the start of school, I was reminded of “pray without ceasing” from 1Thessalonians 17. I have written many times of my battles with anxiety and I have come to label it my “thorn in the flesh”; for it only seemed to rear it’s head upon truly seeking God a few years back. I accept that and in those struggles where Satan torments me, it truly draws me closer to God. When you are facing struggles you will not remain idle, but deal with them likely in two ways. Satan desires for you to flee from God and handle them on your own however you choose. God’s desire through them is for you to see His provision and Sovereignty through and on the other side of the struggle. You either run or you draw near.
There comes a point in any struggle where we likely want to throw our hands up in the air and give up. At that breaking point is a key point in your life and your walk with Christ. It is at that point that you let go of that pride you are resting on of handling it yourself. That pride is rooted in fear of the unknown, and Satan uses that fear and doubt as a powerful weapon. But in contrast if we realize that “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7); we can go to God in prayer and His Word for strength to fight that demon of fear. This war is not fought once; but one that is a daily battle for many of us in many areas. The praying without ceasing is the key to overcoming what your struggle is. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Pride is not found in that scripture; but a submissive heart for the will of God to handle what we cannot. Throw your hands up today and give your struggles to God in prayer. He is waiting to carry them for you as many of us have seen.
http://llerrah.com/footprints.htm
Knowing?
Knowing?
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned..
This morning I was in John 3, reading of Nicodemus coming to Christ with his inquiring mind. I had awoke this morning and though of writing of a “New Day”, for what today represents in my life starting this new chapter. As I searched scripture, I ended up spending more time where I left off in John 3. Nicodemus was a leader of the Jews and had investigated John the Baptist and Christ in their legal system. Yet he could not understand what he heard. Even today as an outsider looking into Christianity, the comprehension is not there. The understanding of Spiritual things is a Spiritual gift received upon Salvation when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell inside you. 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
Do you want to understand? Does something inside your soul yearn to know more, and even understand your Bible, and the things you hear those who profess Christ speak of? 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. That we might KNOW the things; that it is a free gift available to you also. All of these things are available to you, but only through Christ. Christ was telling Nicodemus of how his desire to adhere to the law wasn’t going to save him. He was telling Nicodemus how to be saved. John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
The realization and repentance of your sin is the first step to understanding the things of God. The Spirit that will reside in you as a result of Salvation will bring to light many of the questions you have, for that Spirit that will reside in you is the Spirit of Christ.
Proverbs 31 Mom’s
Today if you didn’t see on FB, I lost almost and entire devotional when my computer battery died while working on this about 6am at the beach. It was the straw that about broke me with IT, and that Dell almost found out how deep the sea was. I have tried to remember, but only got close I think. I was just trying to thank my mom and my wife for all they do for me. I know it is late, but Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mom’s out there!
Proverbs 31 Mom’s
Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Honoring our parents is so important in Gods eyes that it made the Ten Commandments. If it made God’s Top Ten list, we should understand how important it is, but nevertheless it is even followed by a promise of a long good life as in Deuteronomy 5:16 ‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. That may be in this life or the life thereafter in eternal paradise. The Bible is full of God speaking of the blessings of generations. Are not your parents worthy of such respect if they are striving to raise you in a Godly home?
Today is Mothers Day and I struggled on where to go until I remembered Proverbs 31 ministries Dana is so fond of. Proverbs 31 is almost unattainable, yet I see it in both my mother, and my wife. They have and are much more of a Proverbs 31 woman than in humility they will admit. Today it is with honor to my mother, and my wife I say humbly thank you for all you do for Him, and for us. I love you both.
Proverbs 31:10-31
10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.
Sun rising
Hey all, Between computer problems and early risers, this has proven to be a challenge today.
Sun rising
John 1:6-8 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That Light was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
As I was on the beach this morning, watching and waiting as the sun arose in all its glory, I was moved by its glory and all the colors, all the beauty, all the anticipation of it dawning over the horizon. There is something special about sunrises at the beach. I came up here to see where I was in John, and these were the next scriptures. Christ is the true Light, the Son of God, that gives light unto the world. I couldn’t help but think of His returning and how all the world will see, but yet in an instant. Matthew 12:27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Will you be ready?
He is coming back and will gather all His children. Matthew 24: 30-31 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. We get up and arise every day taking for granted the Creator who provided the sun at the perfect distance from the earth to sustain life. Do we get up every day and forget to realize His Son has come to sustain life for eternity in paradise also? All this is available to you, with the humble realization of your sin and the need for a Savior to keep you from dying in it.
Take a look at this link: http://www.kingswitness.com/pages/hes-coming-back
Turn on the light
Turn on the light
John 1:5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
In the first five verses of the gospel of John, there is a beautiful summary of creation deep in theology. A summary of creation, sin, and redemption through Christ of a lost world. A summary of how everything is sustained by God’s sovereign power. We live in a dark sin filled world which is so evident all around us today in all arena’s. The darkness has not only entered into our daily lives, but our churches too as leaders fall or preach false truths. This darkness has been here all along, but the Light has also. John 12:46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
When we get scared in the night, our first move is to turn on the light. That light brings an instant peace for the unknown of the darkness is revealed. Those troubling sins, fears, anxieties, and demons we battle can be conquered through the Light of Christ. Those tugs that you feel when you know you are steep in sin are convictions to turn from that sin. Turning from that sin to Christ will make you a child of Light, and Christ can conquer that darkness you cannot. John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” The way to battle those deep dark demons, is through the power of the Light that has not darkness at all: Pure Light. 1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Turn on the Light in your life that never grows dim, and the fears of the darkness will flee from you for eternity.
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