On Wednesday night, I shared with those at our mid week Bible Study how Satan is still very much alive and well on this planet. We read Revelation 12:9 which tell us that Satan "...was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." That means he and countless thousands of his cohorts are active among us, trying to wreck our lives and cause us to stumble in our walk with the Lord.
Looking down to verse 17 the Scripture says, "Then the dragon was enraged...and went off to make war against...those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus." That means Satan is mad and he is taking aim at you every waking moment.
It's amazing that we, and I'm just as guilty, often get up each morning, get dressed, go to work or school, try to get some work done, come home and feed the cat, eat supper, watch television, try to connect with our families, go to bed and get up the next morning and go through the routine again without giving thought to Satan constantly attacking us.
And we've just read that we have an enemy that is trying to wreck our lives and then wonder why we aren't enjoying the abundant life that we should have in Christ!
Satan is the father of lies and he is telling you that you don't have time for prayer or you're not good enough for God to bless you or God is too busy to listen to you. We don't even see this as Satan at work.
Folks, we've got to recognize this liar for who he is. We are children of the Almighty. We've got to everyday ask God to battle for us. Quit accepting defeat as normal, as just the way things are. Satan takes every victory he can get. They add up and after a while we feel the weight of the world upon us.
If we want the life Christ has promised us remember Galations 5:1. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." We are in a war against the prince of darkness. Onward Christian Soldiers! Look to our Commander and call on Him to defeat the one who would deny us to live a life of victory.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Lessons from Hezekiah
I spent much of the morning sitting on my front porch today studying sermon notes, Sunday School lesson, Sunday evening notes and regular Bible study. While enjoying a fall-like day, I was reading about King Hezekiah in II Chronicles and I noted a few things about his life we should all consider.
First, when confronted with a problem take all possible steps to remedy the situation, but also submit the situation to God in prayer. The Assyrian army was headed toward Judah in great numbers. Hezekiah saw through the eyes of faith. He knew that the overwhelming numbers of the Assyrians did not matter as long as God was on his side. How often do we surrender when a situation seems insurmountable without even taking the matter to God?
I also note that Hezekiah was human. When God tested him, Hezekiah caved in to human pride. After all the Lord had done for him and Judah, Hezekiah took credit, pointing out his accomplhishments rather than God's. I believe He wants us to have confidence in ourselves, but also understand what God has done as well and give Him proper credit.
Finally, after ruling the nation for 29 years, Hezekiah dies and his son, Manasseh took the throne. After watching his father rule for so many years following the Lord and enjoying the blessing that came to Judah, Manassah destroyed all that had been done, turning the nation into a Godless kingdom. I have no idea exactly why he did this but it brings to mind what I have often said, "If you are not praying for your children, who is?" But I also notice that eventually, after all the detestable things Manasseh did, God forgave him.
Praise God that when we follow Him, He blesses and nobody has sinned so much that he cannot be forgiven by our loving Lord!
First, when confronted with a problem take all possible steps to remedy the situation, but also submit the situation to God in prayer. The Assyrian army was headed toward Judah in great numbers. Hezekiah saw through the eyes of faith. He knew that the overwhelming numbers of the Assyrians did not matter as long as God was on his side. How often do we surrender when a situation seems insurmountable without even taking the matter to God?
I also note that Hezekiah was human. When God tested him, Hezekiah caved in to human pride. After all the Lord had done for him and Judah, Hezekiah took credit, pointing out his accomplhishments rather than God's. I believe He wants us to have confidence in ourselves, but also understand what God has done as well and give Him proper credit.
Finally, after ruling the nation for 29 years, Hezekiah dies and his son, Manasseh took the throne. After watching his father rule for so many years following the Lord and enjoying the blessing that came to Judah, Manassah destroyed all that had been done, turning the nation into a Godless kingdom. I have no idea exactly why he did this but it brings to mind what I have often said, "If you are not praying for your children, who is?" But I also notice that eventually, after all the detestable things Manasseh did, God forgave him.
Praise God that when we follow Him, He blesses and nobody has sinned so much that he cannot be forgiven by our loving Lord!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Welcome
This is new territory for me. While I'm still trying to figure out how to program my cell phone, here I am taking on new technology. Well, at least it's new to me. This world is evolving rapidly with technology-based gadgets. In an effort to get on board somewhere, I noticed more pastors are using the web with their own blogs to communicate Monday through Saturday. That is my intention here. I often have thoughts that never make it to the pulpit on Sunday, usually because by then I've forgotten what I was going to say. Join me here periodically as I offer opinion, encouragement and other ideas on a regular basis. And by the way, I hope to see you in church Sunday, and in the meantime I'll be here the other six days of the week.
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