UNDERSTANDING THE ENEMY

 

To overcome Satan we need to understand his tactics. Satan’s main tactics are lies and deception. In the garden Satan deceived Eve by causing her to doubt God’s word and goodness, and minimizing the consequences of sin and disobedience. Satan still tries to deceive us by tempting us with things of the world, and making us think they are not really that bad. He tempts us in the areas where we are weak. We overcome deception and temptation just like Jesus by knowing the Word and not compromising. We also overcome by what we focus on. What you focus on grows. Focus on God and the things of God and the things of the world will become less attractive. The enemy also comes against us with fear of others, fear of failure and of circumstances we face. But 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Satan wants to intimidate you, discourage you and overwhelm you. But 1 John 4:4 says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” When you know who you are in God, and walk in the power and enablement of the Spirit, the enemy has no power over you. Victory is ours in Jesus Christ.

 

By Andy Clark

God shows up when least expected.

 Let us first look at the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke chapter 1.

Luke 1:6 - "Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly."

They were both righteous and serving God faithfully. Yet, they were not able to have children. They were both very old. How often do we live righteous lives and serve God faithfully, but we don't see the reward of our righteousness and faithfulness. The promise(s) God gave us is not fulfilled. Our greatest desire is not being met. Yet, if we forge on in righteousness and faithfulness, God will fulfill His promise(s) to us, and usually at the most unlikely time. Zechariah was going about his priestly duties, when all of a sudden God shows up unexpectedly and in a great way. He wasn't in prayer asking God for a child. He had already given up hope that this would ever happen.. He was only concentrating on his duties as priest. Then bang, the angel Gabriel shows up out of the blue, and says you are going to have a child, and no ordinary child. A miracle child who will be full of the Holy Spirit before he is even born.

Then we have a similar story where the angel Gabriel shows up before a young virgin woman, named Mary and says you you will have a son. He will be no ordinary child, but a child born by the power of the Holy Spirit. He will be called Jesus, the Son of the most high. Mary was just minding her own business, living a holy life, and out of no where her life is turned upside down. She has found favor with God and becomes the mother of our Lord. She did nothing to earn the greatest child and gift of all. She wasn't even married. As far as she was concerned, this was just going to be another ordinary day. Instead, it became an extra ordinary day.

The idea I am trying to bring across in these two stories is that God often show up in a big way when least expected. When we are not even seeking it or expecting it. Therefore I counsel you to continue to be faithful in your spiritual walk and serving God, and don't be discouraged. One of these days God is going to show up in a mighty way in your life and ministry. It will be a wondrous thing, and maybe even a little scary or uncomfortable. It may turn your life upside down, but it will always be a good thing. It will be a good thing because it is a God thing. 

I know these past few months in our lives, God has shown up in a miraculous way. He has blown us a way with His great favor and provision. He has done the unexpected. It is like, wow God. Look what you just did. It is unbelievable. This all after a time of weariness and great trial.

INEXPRESSIBLE JOY

 

1 Peter 1:8-9 - "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

 

How many of us would love to have an inexpressible joy?

This inexpressible joy is rooted in our belief in Christ. Our belief in the salvation of our souls. Our belief in God's goodness and perfect love. Our belief in an eternal inheritance that awaits those who have given their lives to Him. Our belief that all things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Our belief in God's power to accomplish all these things.

 

Finally and most importantly our belief that He is who He says He is and does what He says he will do.