, watching a reality program is very often a far cry from dealing with the sobering reality of life itself. We are fallen people living in a fallen world who has the 'fallen angel' as it's leader. God permitted this to come into existence but He did not leave us without hope or a lifeline that we could become reunited with Him. He provided skins of animals to cover Adam and Eve and He has provided through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, a covering for any and all who come to Him.Yet, we still have to get up each day and go forth and do battle in the world we li
ve in. It is a battlefield my friend and the enemies are not only real but very well equipped to inflict injury and defeat. The world itself in its fallen condition makes life difficult. The Scriptures tell us in Romans 8 that creation itself was subjected to the ravages of sin whenever our first parents disobeyed God. Natural forces that exist in our world are not what they once were before the fall and are not what they will be whenever all things are consummated. That very passage says creation itself actually groans in anticipation of its emancipation that will come one day. Of course Jeremiah made this statement about the condition of human beings: "The heart is desperately wicked, who can know it?" This means we also do battle each day with a wicked human family. We don't have to re
ad the headlines each day to know about how cruel and hateful people are towards other people.
ve in. It is a battlefield my friend and the enemies are not only real but very well equipped to inflict injury and defeat. The world itself in its fallen condition makes life difficult. The Scriptures tell us in Romans 8 that creation itself was subjected to the ravages of sin whenever our first parents disobeyed God. Natural forces that exist in our world are not what they once were before the fall and are not what they will be whenever all things are consummated. That very passage says creation itself actually groans in anticipation of its emancipation that will come one day. Of course Jeremiah made this statement about the condition of human beings: "The heart is desperately wicked, who can know it?" This means we also do battle each day with a wicked human family. We don't have to read the headlines each day to know about how cruel and hateful people are towards other people.In fact, the number one enemy of me in terms of people is ME, my flesh or "old man" nature which is how God describes it. He did not eradicate that sinful nature and it has not been redeemed like the new me that came into existence through a ne
w birth by the Spirit of God as I trusted Jesus Christ and called upon Him to save me. That's right. While I am surrounded by folks who are capable of doing very dastardly deeds, I need look no further than the me, myself, and I, that has the most potential to ruin my testimony, inflict hurt on others, and see my life wasted instead of fruitful for my Lord. Why didn't God get rid of that warring faction in my life? Because He has given us the power we can use as we walk with Him to overcome all of these enemies that would defeat us.Then finally we have that old dragon himself, Lucifer, that fallen angel, that personification of evil incarnate, Satan. Yes, I know there's a modern d
ay aversion to believing in Satan, the devil, as being a real being. This is true even within some religious circles and the sad thing is that Satan must consider this to be his very best delusion because people will not fear or fight against something they do not believe exists. But the Scriptures tell us he is all too real and has legions of demonic forces at his disposal. However, the world, the flesh, and even the devil himself are no match for the power of God that resides in a born again believer. The answer for us is to recognize and be aware of and on guard against these th
reats, these enemies and the great potential for their inflicting of pain and suffering. This is a twenty four hour a day, seven days per week, every minute of every hour proposition. This recognition should lead to preparation which means we are to put on the armor of God so that we can protect ourselves, and even go on the offensive to take back some of the territory held by these evil forces. The Apostle Paul was inspired by God to describe this armor in a very descriptive way in his letter to the Ephesian Church, from Chapter 6:
ay aversion to believing in Satan, the devil, as being a real being. This is true even within some religious circles and the sad thing is that Satan must consider this to be his very best delusion because people will not fear or fight against something they do not believe exists. But the Scriptures tell us he is all too real and has legions of demonic forces at his disposal. However, the world, the flesh, and even the devil himself are no match for the power of God that resides in a born again believer. The answer for us is to recognize and be aware of and on guard against these th
reats, these enemies and the great potential for their inflicting of pain and suffering. This is a twenty four hour a day, seven days per week, every minute of every hour proposition. This recognition should lead to preparation which means we are to put on the armor of God so that we can protect ourselves, and even go on the offensive to take back some of the territory held by these evil forces. The Apostle Paul was inspired by God to describe this armor in a very descriptive way in his letter to the Ephesian Church, from Chapter 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, t
hat you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
hat you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.In other words, this is what we are called to do each and every day and we should never leave home without it! Amen. ......More later.
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