Category: Victory & Power

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Give Up the Throne

Moses was taught about God from a very young age. He was rescued from the Nile River and certain death by Pharaoh’s daughter.

All new born Israelite children were to be killed by order of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The Egyptians feared that the Israelites would revolt and take over power. It was population control.

Moses mother made a reed basket and set her son afloat in the Nile. When the Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to bathe, she found Moses and loved him instantly. She knew what he was and the order of her father but she rescued him and then hired an Israelite woman to wet nurse the child until he was weaned.

Moses was taught about God from a very young age while being nursed by his mother and being raised in Pharaoh’s court. When Moses should have been grooming for the throne, he was out seeking deliverance for his fellow Israelites. He killed an Egyptian and ran for his life to the desert. It was there that God found him and spoke to him from the burning bush.

” Moses grew up and became a man. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter…27 Moses left Egypt because he had faith. He was not afraid of the king’s anger. He continued strong as if he could see the God no one can see.” Hebrews 11:24-27 ERV

Moses was tending sheep on a desert hill top when he saw a burning bush. He was drawn to the site and went to examine it closer.

“One day, Moses was taking care of the sheep and goats of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, and Moses decided to lead them across the desert to Sinai, the holy mountain. 2 There an angel of the Lord appeared to him from a burning bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire, but it was not burning up. 3 “This is strange!” he said to himself. “I’ll go over and see why the bush isn’t burning up.” Exodus 3:1-3 CEV

God called to Moses out of the bush.  Are you seeing a pattern? It’s God who initiates communication with man. He did it then and He’s still doing it today.

“When the Lord saw Moses coming near the bush, he called him by name, and Moses answered, “Here I am.”

5 God replied, “Don’t come any closer. Take off your sandals—the ground where you are standing is holy. 6 I am the God who was worshiped by your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Ex. 3:3-6

God told Moses that He wanted to use him to bring deliverance to the people of Israel. Moses didn’t see how he could be used by God and told Him so. God patiently reminded Moses that He was the “I AM” and that He would display His power at Moses’ command.

“But Moses said, “Who am I to go to the king and lead your people out of Egypt?” 12 God replied, “I will be with you. And you will know that I am the one who sent you, when you worship me on this mountain after you have led my people out of Egypt.”

 14-15 God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.” Exodus 3:11-15 CEV

Notice the significance of God’s name. To Abraham He said I am God All Powerful and to Moses He simply said my name is I AM. I AM whatever you need. Is it strength, power, protection, provision – I AM!

Jesus said the same thing when He came to minister on earth.

I AM: the way, the truth, the life, the great physician, the door, the good shepherd, the light of the world, the Son of God.

I AM!

Moses still didn’t think God had the right man and told him so. God patiently reminded Moses again that He is the “I AM” and He would display His power. Moses persisted, he had a stammering tongue, he stuttered and wasn’t good a public speaking.

“Moses replied, “I have never been a good speaker. I wasn’t one before you spoke to me, and I’m not one now. I am slow at speaking, and I can never think of what to say.”

11 But the Lord answered, “Who makes people able to speak or makes them deaf or unable to speak? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Don’t you know that I am the one who does these things? 12 Now go! When you speak, I will be with you and give you the words to say.”

13 Moses begged, “Lord, please send someone else to do it.”

14 The Lord became irritated with Moses and said: What about your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know he is a good speaker. He is already on his way here to visit you, and he will be happy to see you again. 15-16 Aaron will speak to the people for you, and you will be like me, telling Aaron what to say. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will tell each of you what to do. 17 Now take this walking stick and use it to perform miracles.” Exodus 4:10-17 CEV

God gave Moses everything he needed to be successful in his assignment. Moses went on to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. God was constantly speaking to him and giving him direction.

Once they were in the desert God wanted to speak to the people directly. He told Moses to have the people cleanse themselves and meet him at the mountain. He was going to give them all His instruction.

Really that’s all God is looking for, willing people. He wants us to be willing to talk with Him and obey His teachings.

“The New Way of Worship will not be like the Old Way of Worship I gave to their early fathers. That was when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. But they did not follow the Old Way of Worship. And so I turned away from them. 10 This is the New Way of Worship that I will give to the Jews. When that day comes, says the Lord, I will put My Laws into their minds. And I will write them in their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. 11 No one will need to teach his neighbor or his brother to know the Lord. All of them will already know Me from the least to the greatest. ” Hebrews 8:9-11 NLV

Moses gave up the throne of Egypt to follow God. We must be willing to give up the throne of ruling our own lives too.

Be encouraged today. Take time to listen. God wants to speak with us like He did back then.

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The Lion and The Chihuahua

This morning I was reflecting on our move to Arizona. It was 4 years ago this month.  I know I have shared some of this story with you before but I wanted to share with you the Lion and the Chihuahua struggles that we faced in bringing us to this place.

Roaring lion or barking Chihuahua! The struggles we face on a daily basis can be one or the other.  Oh my goodness, one brings fear and the other is just an annoyance that doesn’t go away.

Before I go any further let me interject here, I have a friend that loves her little Chihuahuas and I am in no way casting dispersions on them but just relaying a lesson the Lord taught me years ago and apparently one I needed to be reminded of this morning.

“6 Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. 7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. 8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.” I Peter 5:6-8 CEV

We were in the process of packing up the house in Montana and getting ready to make our move home, back to Arizona. We were so excited and each chore was met with joy and anticipation. However, there was one “care” that I found myself throwing over on the Lord continually. We were moving ourselves with a U-Haul big truck and our Excursion was too large to tow so we needed a third driver.

The logistics were complicated and just when we thought we had them figured out they changed! That’s the Chihuahua I’m talking about. The little details kept changing.

For the past 6 years we had been anticipating this move; that long wait was our roaring lion. The enemy roaring at us, telling us it was never going to happen, telling us we had missed God and it wasn’t His will that we move. Those words roared in our ears but we took our stand on God’s word and stood, stood firm, stood steadfast and immovable. Now we were moving!

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV

Lion conquered but now for the Chihuahua.

Years ago we were holding a Camp Meeting at a ranch in Northern Arizona. When we arrived at the ranch, our friends weren’t there and we were greeted by their little dog that lived under the porch. He came out making the most ferocious bark that he could muster. As I took a step toward him, he took off and went back under the porch.

This was a scene that repeated itself a number of times over the next 20 minutes. Finally, frustrated I scolded him harshly and told him to hush. He ran back and stayed under the porch until his owners came.

In that situation, I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my heart. He said, you know that little dog is a good example of the devil. He’ll yep and bark and annoy but he can’t win. The victory has been given to you through Christ Jesus! You need to stomp your foot and tell him to get back “to where he came from”. Don’t let him distract you from what you were called to do.

You see the verse doesn’t say the enemy IS a roaring lion. It says he’s LIKE a roaring lion. Don’t be scared off by the growl.

So that morning of our moving preparation  we stomped our foot and sent the adversary running. God knew every detail and step that we needed to take with this move and weren’t  going to be distracted, worried or frustrated by the enemy’s yapping!

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” I Peter 5:7-8 AMP

You may have much bigger problems and struggles than we did with our move. Yours may be health issues, financial issues or a marriage that’s falling apart. The principles of God’s word work for all of us. So read on and see the promise of victory.

“But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are. 10 But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. 11 God will be in control forever! Amen.” I Peter 5:9-11 CEV

Let me give you the ending our of story. Our son and his girlfriend were able to meet us in Salt Lake and drive our Excursion the rest of the trip. They were also able to stay with us for a few days in Arizona and help unload the moving van. What a blessing!

Victory – Grace filled victory!

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Warm Coals Bring Comfort

How many of you have been camping? Maybe you camp in a tent or just in a sleeping bag on the ground but one of the best parts of being out in nature is the campfire, right?

I have to admit that I enjoy the coals more than the fire. I always seem to sit on the wrong side and end up with my eyes filled with smoke. But once the fire has burned down and the embers are glowing that’s when I like to move in close. I find it warm and comforting.

These days fires like the ones I described are recreational. In the past 15-20 years fire pits have become common place in backyards. Kind of like bringing the camping experience home. But years ago fire was essential to every home’s well being.

Fires were needed for heat and for cooking. They gave light and provided a way to kill germs and sterilize wounds. Without fire, early settlers would be overcome by the cold.

There are a couple of Scriptures in the Bible that talk about coals of fire that I think have been misunderstood. They are basically the same verse, first written in the Old Testament and then repeated in the New.  These verses were used hundreds of years apart but both groups of people understood their meaning.

“If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat.  And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. 22 This will be the same
as piling burning coals on their heads.  And the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25:21-22 CEV

“Dear friends, don’t try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says, “I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.” 20 The Scriptures also say, “If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.” Romans 12:19-21 CEV

Putting coals of fire on your head was a customary way of carrying your fire with you. Since fire was such a necessity for life and many peoples were nomadic they would take a few coals put them in a metal dish and transport them to the next location. Many times this meant wrapping the in container in cloth while they carried them on their heads.

What a wonderful example of how we are to treat those who are unkind to us. We are to feed them, give them water when they are thirsty and give them coals for warmth to sustain them when their fire has gone out.

Plain and simple we are to keep a loving and giving attitude even with our enemies and God will avenge any evil that has been done to us. I guarantee you He can do a much better job than we ever could.

We are to follow of the example of Jesus. He didn’t curse the Roman soldiers who were charged with His crucifixion nor did he condemn Judas for betraying Him. He even preached forgiveness to the thief hanging on the cross next to Him.

I encourage you today don’t speak evil of those who have wronged you. Don’t try to exact revenge. Let God handle your situation. Don’t be defeated by evil.

Is there someone you can give “coals of warmth” to today?

 

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What To Do with Condemning Thoughts

Am I the only one who wakes up at 4:30 am and says “I’m late”?

Just when I was getting ready to condemn myself this Scripture verse came to mind.

“You rise up early, and go to bed late, and work hard for your food, all for nothing. For the Lord gives to His loved ones even while they sleep.” Psalm 127:2 NLV

Thank you Father for giving me the rest I needed and thank you for providing me with your peace where there had been condemnation.

You see I have lived most of my life with the attitude that being late is almost a sin. We used to say that if we weren’t 15 minutes early we were late. Being punctual is a big thing to me and it can be very upsetting to be late.

Now that we’ve dealt with the thing that tried to start my day out wrong let’s look at your day. What type of things bring condemning thoughts to steal your joy?

It might be a failed relationship, an affair, a bankruptcy, a test grade that was lowered than anticipated. Perhaps you are dealing with position failure, you know what I mean, you thought you would be in a better position (whatever it is) at this stage in your life and so you fight feelings of failure.

Let’s look at what God has to say about things that condemn or try to condemn us.

“So now anyone who is in Christ Jesus is not judged guilty. (condemned) 2 That is because in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit that brings life made you free. It made you free from the law that brings sin and death.” Romans 12:1-2 ERV

Condemning thoughts have a way holding us in a prison of fear. God never intended us to be afraid.

“ For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind.” II Timothy 1:7 NLV

When thoughts of self-doubt come- you can’t do it, you’re not good enough, no one wants to be around you, give up now, you’ve failed too many times – we take those thoughts and give them to Jesus. He will replace them with His loving thoughts.

“We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.”                 II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

Still I can hear someone saying “but you don’t know what I’ve done”. True, but God does. Because He knows that we fail in lots of different ways, and that we sin in lots of different ways He tells us to come to Him and to confess what we’ve done and we will find forgiveness and help.

“If we tell Him our sins, He is faithful and we can depend on Him to forgive us of our sins. He will make our lives clean from all sin. ”              I John 1:9 NLV

“With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 ERV

And God not only forgives, He forgets. How is that possible, I don’t know, I’m not God. When someone wrongs us and we forgive them we need to be more like God and also try to forget it. We shouldn’t hold them in captivity by reminding them of the wrong they’ve done – we need to free them the same way God does us.

“I will show loving-kindness to them and forgive their sins. I will remember their sins no more.”  Hebrews 8:12 NLV

“Love does not do the wrong thing. Love never thinks of itself. Love does not get angry. Love does not remember the suffering that comes from being hurt by someone. ” I Corinthians 13:5 NLV

God’s love is truly amazing! He doesn’t condemn, He covers. He doesn’t criticize, He convicts. His words are never “you awful thing, how could you do something like that” no, He says “you’re better than that, that was wrong, trust me to help you next time and I’ll give you the strength you need not to fail”.

When we do fail and do something again that we have asked forgiveness for He’ll be there to forgive again. Why? Because He loves us!

So what started out as a morning thought of “I’m late”, now what”, has become a reassuring lesson from the Father that I am dearly loved.

“The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.” 18 The Lord has promised: Your sorrow has ended, and you can celebrate.” Zephaniah 3:17-18 CEV

Let God’s love free you from condemning thoughts today!

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This Is the Victory

Sitting here this morning, I’ve been thinking about my walk with the Lord. Where I’ve come from and how much farther I still have to go. A Bible teacher I know puts it this way, “I haven’t arrived yet but I’ve left”. He means that he has started on this journey called the Christian life but he hasn’t arrived at full maturity – that’s how I feel.

I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was a little girl. I grew up loving the Lord but had little or no victory in my life. Seems the favorite saying of the people in our church was “when we get to heaven all of life’s trials and struggles with be worth it”. That is true…but I was tired of getting my teeth kicked in by those trials. There had to be more to my Christian life than I was experiencing! There had to be.

You remember Peter. His life was a wonderful example of how my life had been. He was tempestuous, quick to react (right or wrong), wanting to do big things and failing. He walked on the water and sank; he ministered to the sick and then be stopped by a boy’s seizure; he was ready to take on the whole Roman guard to protect Jesus and then denied knowing Him to a servant girl! Up and down, up and down and no real victory UNTIL the day of Pentecost when he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes into your life. You will tell about Me in the city of Jerusalem and over all the countries of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”

9 When Jesus had said this and while they were still looking at Him, He was taken up. A cloud carried Him away so they could not see Him.” Acts 1:8-9 NLV

After that day, Peter became faith-filled and fearless. He never looked back and he faced every day with the resolve that he would be a witness to the power of God and nothing would stop him from proclaiming the mighty name of Jesus. Beaten over and over, imprisoned, and persecuted he continued moving forward from one victory to the next.

When I saw this miraculous change in Peter, I said “Lord, this is what I want in my life. I want to live in your power and not my own; I want to be a victorious Christian and not one who is plagued with defeat. I want my life to reflect you and not be overcome by the circumstances.”

Thank you Jesus – he heard and answered that prayer. I, like millions of other Christians, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and became filled with God’s power.

That was over 30 years ago! Do I still have struggles – you bet. Do I always handle things right – not always. Do I face discouragement – some days it’s a constant battle. Am I victorious – ABSOLUTELY! Jesus said I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – He’s my strength, He’s the one who carries me when I feel weak and He’s the reason I will live and declare the works of the Lord.

I don’t read God’s Word and serve Him because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t live my life trying to please Him and get His love; I serve Him and follow His word because He loves me.

My faith is in God and God alone, Its where I find victory to overcome the world.

“We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow. 4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:3-5

Following God’s word isn’t hard when you realize that He is the one with all the answers. Faith in Him and who He is always brings victory!

“ I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

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The Choice is Yours

Have you ever sat alone with your thoughts? Wondering how things are going to be in the future or what you could have done differently to change the past and shape your present?

Maybe you’ve been going over and over the dynamics of a relationship; your education or lack thereof; your financial situation or your health. Too often, you begin to follow rabbit trails in your mind and come to a place of discontentment or disaster.Before you know it you are angry or depressed.

You know how it goes, you have a bad dream where you fight with your spouse or a friend or a co-worker and when you wake up, you’re madder than blazes and it spoils your morning and maybe your day.

I know none of you have had experiences like that but some people have. Some people let their imaginings become real and they are hurt by them.

But what has any of this got to do with anything. Glad you asked because it takes me to this morning’s devotional thought.

“We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

One version of this verse tells us to cast down vain imaginations. That’s what I was talking about above. When those thoughts of failure, death, desertion, and humiliation come you need to take them captive or cast them down. But how?

“Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. 2 Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.” Romans 12:1-2 CEV

and how do you change the way you think…

“Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.” Philippians 4:8 ERV

The news you hear everyday is mostly bad; most of you have a tendency to run “the worst case scenario” when you think of doing something new. But that needs to change.

Yes, it’s that simple. If you don’t like the way the red shirt looks, you change to the blue. If you don’t like the brown boots you change to the red ones. If you don’t like the fishing lure you’re using you change to live bait.

Your thoughts are the data that you input to your mind’s hard drive. They dictate your prejudice, your approval,  joy, and your sorrow. You can make wrong assumptions and be destroyed or you can choose to consider God’s word, his thoughts and live in victory.

“ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

Change – renew your mind to God’s way of thinking instead of your own. Think about what’s good, honorable, pure and true. When those bad thoughts and imaginings come, change them! Change them immediately! Replace them with what God has said about you and your situation.

When you do, the word of God will rule in your heart and God’s word brings peace and light!

Time for a change!!

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Not By Sight

Have you ever been blindfolded? Maybe as a kid you played Pin the Tail on the Donkey or another game that required you to have your eyes covered. How well were you able to maneuver?

 

It’s an old movie but have any of you seen the movie Entrapment with Sean Connery and Katherine Zeta Jones?  It was a movie that fascinated me. I especially liked the part where Sean Connery was teaching her to maneuver through the maze of laser beams on the security system so she could get to the mask. Crawling under strands of yarn, stepping over the same, turning on a dime – it was like a ballet and then what was truly amazing is that she had to be blindfolded and do it all without ringing the bells that were attached to the yarn.

So how does this all apply to our devotional today?

“For we walk by faith and not by sight”.  II Corinthians 5:7

Walking by faith is almost like being blindfolded. We have to see with our heart and not with our eyes. We must be well trained, trusting, confident in the instruction of the one guiding us – not moved by the distractions around us but focused only on the goal.

Elisha was a prophet of God who had been thwarting the plans of the King of Syria. The King had been trying to conquer Israel’s king and armies but each time they were aware of his battle plan and avoided capture. God gave the Syrian king’s plant to Elisha and Elisha was giving information to Israel’s king.

One morning Elisha’s servant got up early and this is what happened.

“When Elisha’s servant got up the next morning, he saw that Syrian troops had the town surrounded. “Sir, what are we going to do?” he asked.

16 “Don’t be afraid,” Elisha answered. “There are more troops on our side than on theirs.” 17 Then he prayed, “LORD, please help him to see.” And the LORD let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha.” II Kings 6:15-17

The Old English said he prayed “LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.” It wasn’t his physical eyes that needed to be open; it was his spiritual eyes, his eyes of faith.  Elisha could see that God was there and providing a way but the servant could only see the obstacle when he needed to see the answer.

There were a number of times that Jesus spoke healing over someone and told them they were whole before they actually saw the physical results.

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” Mark 10:51-52

When we are walking by faith, we will see that God’s word is true and effective with our spiritual eyes even before we see things change in our physical realm. Faith is substance; it’s real, it’s tangible but it is also spiritual.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

God called Abraham the Father of many nations before He had a child. Was God a liar? Hardly! He foresaw what was coming into Abraham’s life and He called things that weren’t as if they had already occurred. He did this at creation and called light out of the darkness and it was.

When we walk with our eyes on Jesus and His word we will be able to see the way God sees.

“…Our message is that Jesus Christ is Lord. He also sent us to be your servants. 6 The Scriptures say, “God commanded light to shine in the dark.” Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ. 7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us…

These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. 18 Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.”  II Corinthians 4:5-7 and 17-18

Christ has put his power in us. The power to see by faith.  We are able to see things in an eternal light, we can see things from God’s perspective.

So put on your blindfold today – block out the natural and look at the eternal. Walk by faith and not by sight!

 

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Git on Outta Here!

Sitting here this morning the Lord reminded me of a lesson he started teaching me years ago. We had been invited to a ranch in No. Arizona to hold a 3 day campmeeting. We arrived before the cowboy and his wife so when we pulled up to the house we were greeted by their very small, very bark-y dog.

The dog would come out from hiding, bark incessantly and the minute you took one step toward it, he would run back for cover. This continued for about 20 minutes or more. We tried to make friends with the dog but he would have none of it. So finally in desperation for some quiet, I stomped my foot and clapped my hands and gruffly said “GET”! To which the dog obeyed and we didn’t see it again until owners arrived.

At that time, the Lord showed me how this is an example of a verse in I Peter.

“8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9 But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith.” I Peter 1:8-9

It’s important to see that this verse says the devil is like a roaring lion and not that he is a roaring lion. That little dog acted like a big dog but he didn’t have the power to back up his claim. The devil acts like a roaring lion but his power has been taken.

That’s why Peter goes on to say – Resist the devil and he will flee from you. He will continue to annoy you with his barking – telling you lies, trying to deceive you but if and when you resist him, he has to flee – God’s word says so.

In I John 4:4 we read “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Jesus Christ, the greater one, lives in us so when we resist the devil we are backed by all the power in heaven and he doesn’t stand a chance. Will he come back again? Oh yea, just like that little dog did that day but when you put your foot down and stand up to his roarings – he will “GET”!

I don’t know what lies he’s barking at you today but whatever it is, it’s a lie because he is the father of lies and there is no truth in him. Everything the devil does is a deception and if you don’t buy into it, he can’t be successful.

Here’s to a day of resisting – just stand up and say “In the name of Jesus, git on outta here!”

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