Month: September 2017

Stealing My Joy

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ ”
Matthew 4:10 (http://bible.com/116/mat.4.10.NLT)

I’ve heard it said as “Get behind me, Satan!” Either way, the sentiment is the same. Jesus shows us through His own actions that we have the authority to command the enemy! Think about it for a minute. When things are beyond our control; when we are faced with a big temptation (after fasting for 40 days, do you really think Jesus wasn’t sorely tempted by the steaming hot bread Satan is offering Him?), we have the power to throw out the enemy. Pronouncing out loud “In Jesus Name, get out!” shows the enemy that we know where the true Power lies. It’s incredibly difficult to resist the lies and temptations. I know, because I have experienced them, and have often succumbed. (I’m not perfect, but saved through God’s Mercy and Grace; Hallelujah!)

We all face temptation, every day. It may be the foul word because of something done or that someone did that impacts us in a negative way, or the rude gestures we sometimes use; even the thoughts we have. Remember these scriptures? Jesus said:

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell….. You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:21‭-‬22‭, ‬27‭-‬28 (http://bible.com/116/mat.5.21-28.NLT)

We tend to forget that our thoughts are just as damaging as our actions, I think. Temptations are constantly around us in what we watch, what we listen to, where we go. I don’t think it’s wrong to appreciate the beauty of a person, but it’s so easy to slide from appreciation to lust. It’s no different with things. I have a habit of saying “Oh, I want that!” Most of the time, I’m semi-serious. Sure, I’d like to have it, but not to the point of pursuing it. Is that lust? Throwing a tantrum because I don’t get something, being jealous, or stooping to stealing; definitely succumbing to temptation!

My point? Temptation can steal our joy when we listen to the enemy. Any temptation. Letting our anger surge, jealousy of someone, out of control desire are all joy steelers. The enemy provides many chances for us to fall. He is a thief; a liar and the Destroyer of everything good. Don’t let the jerk steal your joy! Jesus said: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 (http://bible.com/116/jhn.10.10.NLT)

Got that? By the way, Jesus wins!

Victory

“O Victory in Jesus, my Savior, FOREVER….”

“But you belong to GOD, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” 1 John 4:4
(http://bible.com/116/1jn.4.4.NLT)

Yes, VICTORY. Floods and famines, drought and earthquake, fire, mudslides, none of these disasters can separate us from our LORD.

“And I am convinced that NOTHING can ever separate us from God’s Love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the Love of GOD that is revealed in Christ Jesus our LORD.” Romans 8:38‭-‬39 (http://bible.com/116/rom.8.38-39.NLT)

We need this reminder, sometimes.

Speechless

“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.” Ephesians 6:19
(http://bible.com/116/eph.6.19.NLT)

It’s been a few days since my last post. Watching the unimaginable (until now) flooding and devastation in Texas just withered my voice away. The outpouring of generosity from the American people is breathtaking; a beautiful sight amongst the chaos. Then last night, I watched as a camera crew panned a small apartment complex that was barely standing, and the impoverished families who were trying to salvage anything from their destroyed homes. As one man was being interviewed, a family man who supported his wife and children, he broke down as he told the interviewer that someone had stolen his tools while they were evacuated. That thief has to be among the lowest of the low. That type of behaviour leaves me speechless. Taking advantage of people at their lowest point through outright theft of goods and scams to steal the money and relief supplies flowing in….. there just aren’t going to be any appropriate words.

Speechless.

God tells us to put on His armor to protect ourselves from the schemes and conniving of the devil; to keep us from being sacked in to his evil. Paul tells the Ephesians: “A final word: Be strong in the LORD and in HIS Mighty Power. Put on ALL of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10‭-‬12
(http://bible.com/116/eph.6.10-12.NLT)

I think this passage is extremely important right now for Christians around the world. Texas is reeling from possibly the worst storm in America’s history. India is inundated with rain, Mumbai has experienced collapsed buildings from the floods, and people are drowning and dying by the dozens from it all. North Korea is busy posturing threats to the U.S. and the world, the fighting is never ending in the middle east and in Afghanistan. Russia is also posturing and flexing their muscles at us, China is as antagonist as ever…. the list goes on.

“When the Lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second living being say, “Come!” Then another horse appeared, a red one. Its rider was given a mighty sword and the authority to take peace from the earth. And there was war and slaughter everywhere. When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, “Come!” I looked up and saw a black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay. And don’t waste the olive oil and wine.” When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living being say, “Come!” I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals.” Revelation 6:3‭-‬8 (http://bible.com/116/rev.6.3-8.NLT)

Does any of this sound familiar? If not, perhaps you should watch the world news, because all three are happening, all around the world. There’s more to come, and I can promise that it won’t be pleasant. Folks, believe what you want; believe WHO you want, we are in the midst of the Tribulation that John foresaw and wrote in his Revelations of John. If you don’t believe me, of course that’s your choice and your privilege. I would only suggest you do some reading before telling me how wrong I am. In fact, I encourage your arguments and comments. I’m not a Bible scholar, but I love reading God’s Word to us.

Maybe I wasn’t so speechless, after all. As Paul so eloquently wrote: “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 6:18‭, ‬23‭-‬24 (http://bible.com/116/eph.6.18-24.NLT)