The devil and his puny wanna-be's (That's what they are, you know? They want to be us - like God, but they can't and never will be. We were made just a little lower than God, but ABOVE the angels. We will be the ones judging the angels in the end - I'm sure the devil's looking forward to that day ;)) - back to the devil and his puny wanna-be's, they are after our joy, our peace, our faith, our love; if they can't keep us out of Heaven then they at least want to keep us as defeated and useless in this life as possible. DON'T LET THESE LIGHT AND TEMPORARY TRIALS AND AFFLICTIONS GET YOU DOWN! The devil hates you, because he knows the potential IN YOU to damage his kingdom and plans in this Earth. It might feel like your going through hell on Earth right now - trust me, the devil's not about to stop - if he sees that he can get to you he'll only make IT WORSE! But GOD! But God in His great Grace has given you the ability to face all kinds of trials and temptations and persecutions for in you resides the ability to GIVE THANKS!
Ephesians 5:20 (AMP): "At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (NIV): "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit."
Let it be made clear: There is only ONE thief, murderer, and destroyer - SATAN, the enemy of God! God has NEVER and will NEVER partner with the devil to teach you, strengthen you, or discipline you. God will never bring tragedy, sickness, troubles, pain, or suffering to make you a better Christian. But, when these things come, because the DEVIL hates us, let us not quench the work of the Holy Spirit in us during these trials by grumbling; by getting discouraged; or by finding comfort in the world's arms through misguided friends, T.V./entertainment, commiserating, and self pity. But instead -
FALL INTO THE ARMS OF THE ONE TRUE COMFORTER! And let the devil and his puny wanna-be's know how you truly feel about their vain, futile, and idiotic attempts to defeat you and make you ineffective -
REJOICE AND GIVE THANKS to God for this opportunity to grow CLOSER to Him! Let not your trials push you from God, but instead let the devil press you INTO God!
Romans 5:3-5(NASB): "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
James 1:2-6 (NLT): "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone."
James 1:12-13 (NLT): "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, 'God is tempting me.' God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else."
How did Jesus crush the devil's skull? By finding the JOY set before Him when He went to the ultimate trial - the cross. Do you want to kick the devil in the head? Then find your JOY and give THANKSGIVING despite life and its trials.
We overcome the enemy by the Blood of the Lamb - by putting our faith in the COMPLETED work of Jesus; by the word of our testimony - by confessing day and night God's promises over us; and not loving our lives even unto DEATH - that is praising God in ALL circumstances and at every opportunity giving THANKS!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV): "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
"This place is trying to break my belief, but my faith is bigger than all I can see, and what I need is redemption, and what I need is for You to put me back on my feet."
D. Crowder
Steve H.
(This post was inspired by friends from church and the prayer of a dear friend in my homegroup/Bible study)
How true! It strikes me that even in the smallest details, our adversary will steal not only from us but also ideas from God.
ReplyDeleteRecently, I came across a phrase in Revelation 4:3 that talks about a rainbow that surrounds Father's throne. Now, in the hands of our enemy, the rainbow has become the symbol for what Father calls shameful and vile passions (Romans 1:26,27).
There is nothing original about satan. he mimics everything good that Father values and perverts it to author his confusion. his purposes are clearly our destruction and he will use whatever means possible to distract us from truth even using something as beautiful as a rainbow.
Clearly, even little things mean something to him and, as you say, can quench the Holy Spirit.
Let's live our lives consciously focused on the Lord, putting on the full armor of God, having a perfect heart toward our Father and we will defeat whatever our accuser brings against us.
AMEN!
ReplyDelete