Victory of Satan

Our adversary the Devil may operate within the limits God has set, but that does not mean his threat to us is not real, nor does it mean there is no true battle going on between the forces of light and darkness. Nevertheless, because the Almighty is sovereign even over Satan, we can be assured that our enemy will not win in the end and that we have nothing to fear if we are on the Lord's side.

The New Testament presents this truth in a number of ways, primarily when it tells us that Jesus delivered the fatal blow to the devil on the cross (Col. 1:13-15). We also see the idea that though Satan has been mortally wounded , he is still prowling about trying to tear down the church (I Peter 5:8). Christ has inaugurated His Kingdom, but He has not yet consummated it, and the Devil will assault us until that final day.

As such , the church is tasked with a "mop-up operation" of sorts as we preach the gospel and look to see God's kingdom bear visibly on all aspects of life. This is a truth found this passage and the report of the seventy-two follower's of Jesus appointee to go into the towns of Israel before Him during His earthly ministry. Just as the finger of God has been displayed in Christ's ministry of healing and exorcisms (Luke 11:20), so too have the disciples seen the Spirit at work in making even the demons subject to the people of God (Luke 11:17). Jesus replies telling them that He has seen Satan fall from heaven (v.18). The Kingdom of God has been on the march, and when it moves, the forces of hell are shaken to the core. Demonic thrones are overturned, the Light of the World dispels the darkness of sin and evil, and Satan and his minions lose the authority they have to hold the church of Jesus Christ in bondage.

The very gates of hell continue to crumble as the gospel goes forth, proving Matthew Henry's comment that "Christ foresaw that the preaching of the gospel, would wherever it went pull down Satan's kingdom". As the church we have been given the authority to "tread on serpents" (v.19) to participate in Jesus' crushing of the devil (Gen. 3:15)- and no matter what the enemy throws at us, we the Lord's people will triumphed in the end.

Desertion Impossible

" God has said, "never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"
Hebrews 13:5

This priceless scripture does not promise us exemption from trouble, but it does secure us from desertion. We may be called to traverse strange and difficult ways, but we shall always have our Lord's company, assistance and provision.

from the writings of C.H. Spurgeon

Rejecting Shame

Shame can be a powerful force in our life. It is the trademark of dysfunctional families. Often times people get Shame and Guilt confused. Guilt is a feeling or thought that what we did is not okay. It indicates that our behavior needs to be corrected or altered, or amendments need to be made. Shame on the other hand is an overwhelming negative sense that who we are isn't okay. Shame is a no-win situation. We can change our behaviors, but we can't change who we are. Shame can propel us deeper in self-defeating and sometimes self-destructive behaviors.

We feel guilty for what we have done, but we feel shamed for who we are. There is a huge difference in the two.There are many things that can cause us to feel shame. We may feel ashamed for making mistakes or succeeding. We may feel ashamed about certain feelings or thoughts. We may feel ashamed when we have fun, feel good, or are vulnerable enough to show ourselves to others. Some of us feel ashamed just for being.

Shame is a spell others put on us to control us, to keep us playing our part in dysfunctional systems. It is a spell many of us have learned to put on ourselves.

In the book of Hebrews chapter twelve we read that Jesus had a choice to accept or reject the shame that others were trying to place on Him. The bible says that "he endured the cross but despised or rejected the shame..."

Christ died that we could live a shame free life. Reject the shame today my friend. Put your Trust in Him.

What a Journey

This process of growth and change takes us along an ever changing road. Sometimes the way is hard and craggy. Sometimes we climb mountains. Sometimes we slide down the other side on a toboggan. Sometimes we rest. Sometimes we grope through the darkness. Sometimes we're blinded by sunlight. At times many may walk with us on the road; sometimes we feel nearly alone. Ever changing, always interesting , always leading someplace better, someplace good. What a Journey!

Today February 4th is the anniversary of when my life changed and a new journey began. Thirty five years ago today I invited Christ to be the Lord of my life and I have never been the same. I encourage you , trust God today my friend, relax and enjoy the scenery and know you are where you need to be on your journey.

Promises: God's and Man's

Peter replied, "even if all fall away on account of you, I never will ".
Matthew 26:33


Too often man's word is merely a clay pot broken with a stroke. On man's word, hang only what it will bear. On your own resolve, depend not at all. On the promise of your God hang time and eternity, this world and the next. Human frailty sends us searching for God's divine dependability.

from the writings of C.H. Spurgeon

Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is the foundation of change. Do-it-yourself efforts cannot sustain us for the journey only for the short sprints. So what is spiritual growth and how do I get it you may ask. It begins with our perception of God. Who is God to you ? Is He a relentless taskmaster, a hard-hearted, shaming wizard with tricks up His sleeve? Is he deaf ? Uncaring ? Haphazard ? Unforgiving ?

God is not like man. God is loving and caring. God is a master potter and we are the clay. The potter allows no more pain than necessary for usefulness, healing, cleansing and spiritual growth. God is ready to pour as much goodness and joy as our clay pot can hold, as soon we are ready to be healed, open and ready to receive. God is approving, accepting , instantly forgiving.

God is a Master Artist and will weave together all our joy, sadness, and experience to create a portrait of our life with depth, beauty, sensitivity, color, humor, and feeling.

God is good and His Mercy endures forever !

Trust

We cannot base our expectations about how we will feel tomorrow, or even a few hours from now, on how we feel at this moment. There are no two moments in time alike. We are changing, our life is changing. At times , things haven't worked out the way we wanted. We had lessons to learn and maturity to earn. Do not limit the future by the past. Do not try to figure out how you shall feel or when you shall feel differently. Instead TRUST. Accept today, but do not be limited by it.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths" Proverbs 3:5-6