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Well it seems I've stirred some folks up with the posts about satan. First I don't capitalize his name for a reason, second I've been accused of being paranoid. Let me say that I'm not paranoid at all. I live for my Lord and Savior and have put all my trust and faith in him. You can't do that and be paranoid. Yes Jesus is Love, Grace, and Mercy. But if you believe in Jesus, you have got to believe in satan. You can't have one without the other, you can't believe part of the Bible and not believe the other part. I'm just pointing out to be cautious and on your guard with him like we're told to do in 1 Peter 5:8. Is satan responsible for everything bad that happens? No. But we do have to stay in the Word, he runs from the truth of Gods Word. James 4:7 Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. |
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How do you picture satan in your mind, or do you believe he exists at all? I know I've been talking about the spiritual battle alot lately but that's where God has had me. And where he has me in his Word is where I'll stay. Many Christians not only aren't in this battle, they're oblivious to the warfare that's going on. Now back to my question, how do you picture satan in your mind? Does he have a pointy tale and horns? We can always answer our questions by looking at Gods Word. 2 Corinthians 11:14 "...for satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light." Doesn't sound like he has a pointy tale and horns there does it? He masquerades as a messenger of truth. Someone who is spreading Gods Word. 2 Corinthians 11:13 "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ". We have to be on guard for false teachings. They are everywhere, just turn on your TV and you'll see them. So what do we do? We must check everything we're told with the truth of Gods Word. Have you noticed how everything revolves around knowing Gods Word? As Christians we must know it, we must live it, we must study it for ourselves and quit relying on someone else to tell us what it says. And as for those who don't think that satan exist or is just a superstitous tale, satan is real and he is powerful. He's refered to 250 times in the New Testament. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeing whom he may devour". Look at that, not mess with, not make uncomfortable, not cause you problems but to DEVOUR you. He will do whatever he can to drag you out of fellowship with Jesus Christ and out of Christian service. The way to resist the devil is by remaining in the Christian faith, live by the truth of Gods Word. Put on your Armor! |
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Paul tells us in Ephesians....... Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. So how do we fight this battle against spiritual wickedness? We fight it with the word of God. We read and study the Bible. Wanna see it in action? Just look at the temptation of Jesus..... Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Jesus used Deuteronomy 8:3 to ward of this attack. Mat 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Jesus used Deuteronomy 6:16 on this one... Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And here it was Deuteronomy 6:13 We have got to know our Bible to ward off the attacks. Knowing Gods word keeps you armed and ready so satan can't get a foothold in your life. Knowing the word of God helps you spot the false teachings that are out there. Most of all reading and knowing the word of God gets you closer to God. Put on the whole armor of God...... The belt of Truth The breastplate of Righteousness The shoes of The Gospel The shield of Faith The helmet Salvation And of course, the Sword which is your Bible Gear up for the battle against satan, it's going on right now in your life. Paul tells us.... Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. So put on the armor and satan take your best shot! |
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Why is it that people let there own feelings twist reality to what they want things to be instead of how things really are. I don't know how many times I've heard someone say, "We'll there's more than one way to get to Heaven" or "If I live a good life and do more good than bad I'll get to Heaven." The Word of God tells us there is only one way to get to Heaven and have eternal life. Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. There it is in a nutshell. If you don't believe and put your faith in Jesus Christ you won't get into Heaven. Now before you get all huffy, that's not me saying that, that's the Word of God that says that which means Jesus said that, not me. Now you might be saying "That certainly is a narrow way of thinking". Guess what, the Word of Gods got that covered also..... Mat 7:13 Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it. Mat 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. The way and the gate is narrow. We can't love the things of the world and make it through the narrow gate. You can't depend on "religion" to get you into heaven. Religion is a ride on the A train straight to hell, I'm talking about a true relationship with Jesus Christ. You can't earn or buy your way into Heaven. If you're a part of a "religion" that requires you to "earn" your way into Heaven, that "religion" is false. To recieve the gift of eternal life, all you have to do is repent and accept the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Yes, it is that simple. He's waiting for you, all you have to do is accept it. Why in the world would you want to try and work your way into heaven when it's there for the taking? That's why Jesus came and died on the cross, he bore our sins on himself. Let me ask you this, if you have to try and earn your way into Heaven, why did he die on the cross? If your a part of any of the many false religions ask yourself that question and read the Word of God and the Word of God only. You don't need a "companion" book to the bible that was written by man. The Bible is the word of God, that's all you need. Bottom line is so many people waste time searching for "their way" when there's only "one way" and that's through Jesus Christ. The purpose of this post wasn't to offend anyone, I don't want anyone going to hell and I love you enough to tell you the truth even if it upsets you. |
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Have you ever noticed that in life, some people will walk with Jesus until one of lifes storms comes up? As long as life is easy and goin good we love Jesus but the minute things start to get a little tough, we start thinking Jesus doesn't care, we start questioning our faith. Even the disciples went through this...... Mark 4:37 And there arose a windstorm, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was now full. Mark 4:38 And He was in the stern of the boat, asleep on a headrest. And they awakened Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we perish? As we go through life and storms come up we can totally put our faith in Jesus and he'll provide and take care of us. After all, look at the rest of events that unfolded on that boat.... Mark 4:39 And He awakened and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:40 And He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith? Keep your faith and trust in Jesus. If he can calm the wind and sea, you know he can take care of our problems. Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, he is God. |
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So I'm watching TV last night and a promo for a women's conference comes on. In one of the cuts the preacher says "Jesus came to give you the good life". WHAT! I literally upchucked. That's what's known as the prosperity gospel. Believe in Jesus and you'll have a new car, your bills will automatically get paid, you'll have everything that this world has to offer. After all, isn't that what it is, things that this world has to offer? Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? That's what's wrong with our churches today. Preach what the people want to hear so they don't get offended. Fill the churches with as many people as possible and make sure that we don't preach anything that offends them. Tell them what they want to hear. That's LUDICROUS! Mar 7:7 However, they worship Me in vain, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."Does God bless us for being obedient, yes he does. But not necessarily with a new house or car. We have a relationship with Jesus out of love for him and what he did. Not for what we can get! It's not about us, it's all about Jesus dying on the cross for OUR SINS! Jesus did not die on the cross to provide us with a new car or house. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Everlasting life, that's our reward for being a faithful, loving, obedient servant to our Lord Jesus Christ, NOT A MERCEDES! Wait, I think I just upchucked again....... |
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Mat 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me."Let him deny himself" Can we do that? Deny our worldy desires and give our all to our Lord Jesus Christ? Can we put Jesus first in our life? Not just on Sundays but every single minute of every single day. We MUST take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. Are we doing that or are we too concerned about what people will think? Do we let things get in the way of serving Christ? Doubt, fear, insecurity all play a part in satans plan to stop you from sharing the news of Jesus. BUT, if we draw our strength from our Lord Jesus Christ, if we hit our knees and pray to God to gives us strength, NOTHING will stop us from sharing the news of Jesus. Look at some of what Paul went through.... 2Co 11:24 Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one. 2Co 11:25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the deep.
2Co 11:26 I have been in travels often; in dangers from waters; in dangers from robbers; in dangers from my race; in dangers from the heathen; in dangers in the city; in dangers in the wilderness; in dangers on the sea; in dangers among false brothers.
2Co 11:27 I have been in hardship and toil; often in watchings; in hunger and thirst; often in fastings; in cold and nakedness;2Co 11:28 besides the things outside conspiring against me daily, the care of all the churches.
And we're worried about making somebody mad by talking about Jesus? Don't let fear of man stop you from sharing the news of Jesus Christ. When we do that, we let the fear of man become more important than our love for Christ. 1Pe 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of God and of glory rests on you. Truly according to them, He is blasphemed, but according to you He is glorified. |
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I have to say that everything I have in my life is because of God. Not only has God graced me with some wonderful children but he truly blessed me with my wife Teresa. I don't know where I would be without her. When I was building my business she was there and not complaining a bit in the slim start up time, she's constantly giving to others of her time and God given talents. We're a team, that since walking with God, has gotten even closer than we ever thought we could. She's giving, loving, caring and always puts herself last. When we first got married we did a quicky wedding at the courthouse. Last night, I asked her to marry me again but this time in front of God, our family and all our friends. Ephesians 5:28 says "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself". Thank you Jesus for my partner, my wife and my best friend. Details coming soon on the renewing of our vows! |
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I have got to thank our Lord above for the experience I had this morning. Two guys, Kenneth and Dan, from the power company were cutting brush around the power lines on my property. They had to park their truck at my house. So this morning Jesus gave me the opportunity to talk with them about him. We talked about how hot it's been and as we talked, I turned the conversation to Jesus, Kenneth informed me he was a Deacon in his church. Needless to say we started to have services right there in my driveway praise God! They were up from South Carolina helping out and are heading back today. I ask you to keep these guys in your prayers. Kenneth is saved but Dan isn't. I made reference to the heat and mentioned how much hotter than that hell is. Then told Dan the story about Lazarus and the rich man and how the rich man described hell and how Jesus could keep him out of there. I just wanna thank God for giving me the opportunity to talk to Kenneth and Dan. My God be with them as they travel back to South Carolina and keep them safe on the job. This leads me to think how difficult we make it sometimes to talk about Jesus. God gives us the opportunities and there's no set formula, there's no pattern to follow, just tell about the love and grace of Jesus. Thank you Jesus, what a great way to start the day! |
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It amazes me how anyone could not accept the love of Christ. Here's a man that died for us, was beaten for us, humiliated for us, spit upon for us and yet we as a society constantly turn our back on him. We reject him because of our pride and love of sin. Let's face the facts GOD LOVES YOU! So many people don't take the time to truly spend time with him and have a relationship with him. How do you do that? Read his Word, the Bible and pray. When you do that, you learn first hand for yourself about his love, mercy and grace. The Bible is all you need to learn what God loves and what God hates. You don't need a "companion book" to the Bible. There is only one word of God, and it's the Bible. Read it, love it and live it. He will change your life. Turn your back on the sinful ways of this world, realize that none of that matters. All that matters is your relationship with Jesus. Do we faulter, yes we're human. But we have an Advocate with the Father. Look in 1 John 2:1 ".....and if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Does this mean we can sin whenever we want, no it doesn't. As you grow closer to God, you actually start to hate the things God hates and love the things God loves. He puts new desires in your heart and you hate the sinful ways of your life and you start to eliminate that from your life. We're all gonna die and you've only got one of two places your headed. Heaven or hell. I love Jesus Christ my Savior and in the words of D.L. Moody "I'd rather be narrow and right than broad and wrong". |
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First I want to thank God for all the blessings he's given me, I truly don't deserve any but that's just how great the Living God is. I've started studying the Book of John. I'm not talking about just reading it, I'm talking about rollin up the sleeves and really getting knee deep in the Word. I highly recommend this to everyone. Don't just read, study. If you need a good study bible, I highly recommend The MaCarthur Study Bible. Studying your Bible will definitely open your eyes and open your heart and mind to the Living God. The Book of John looks at Jesus through the perspective of his Deity and man is He an awesome God! Just look at the first 18 versus in the first chapter. I won't write out the versus but will list the location so you can check it out yourself. In the first 18 versus 6 basic truths are revealed about Jesus..... John 1:1-3 Shows the external Christ John 1:4-5 The incarnate Christ John 1:6-8 The forerunner of Christ which was John the Baptist John 1:9-11 The unrecognized Christ John 1:12-13 The omnipotent Christ John 1:14-18 The Glorious Christ We see the humility of John the Baptist in John 1:27 "It is he who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose". We see Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana when he turned the water into wine, we see the passion for reverance when he cleansed the Temple, and he makes reference to his resurrection in chapter 2:19 "Destroy this temple and in 3 days I'll raise it up. All this in just the first two chapters. Don't just read, study Gods Word. Like it says in Job 23:12 "Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." |
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