Tag Archives: Religion

What Do You Believe?

by Saved 2 the Utmost aka Mom
Image Credits: BabaSteve and Imagens Evangelicas @ Flickr

Image Credits: BabaSteve and Imagens Evangelicas @ Flickr

From the very beginning Satan has worked to overthrow man’s faith in God’s holy word. I am convinced that he has been working overtime to fulfill his mission; he’s had much success in twisting the minds and hearts of mankind to the point where ‘right’ has become wrong and ‘wrong’ has become right. Those of us who are filled with God’s Holy Spirit know that God’s word is true and that it is the only truth we should live by and believe.

Of course Satan, being who he is, will use every tool at his disposal to fight against us, even the Word itself. That’s why it is important for us to know the Word for ourselves and to know how to use it. It is our weapon against Satan, in short:  knowledge is power.

The Devil, like most sociopaths, is very intelligent. So much so that he knows the Word better than we do and he has personal knowledge of the Word of God; he lived in heaven with the Living Word before he was kicked out!

It is because he knows the Word so well that he felt emboldened to use it against Jesus Christ who is the Living Word, the hope of Glory.

Matthew 4:1-7 (NIV)

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’  Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

If Satan had the audacity to do this doesn’t it make sense that he will make the attempt to use the Word against God’s children as well?

Yes just as Jesus was tempted in the wilderness we too are being tempted, unfortunately many of us are not resisting Satan’s devices. Why? Because too many of us are not rooted and grounded in the Word of God. We rely too heavily on preachers and teachers, books and mega-conferences to feed us our spiritual bread. Thus we remain ignorant of the tools Satan has formed to use against us. We cannot rely solely on preachers and teachers to provide us with the knowledge we need. Rather, it is to the Word of God that we must turn to for knowledge: it is the only thing that stands between us and destruction (Hosea 4:6 NKJV).

In these last and evil days we must, with all diligence, guard our hearts, minds and souls so that we will not be deceived by the messengers of Satan. This is why the word of God exhorts that we should know those who labor among us! These are they who come to entice us away from the truth; they are like their father the Devil, they twist the Word of God which is all truth into a lie. These are they who creep in unaware! (2 Timothy 3:6, Titus 1:10-11)

Let us not be deceived by false doctrines dear hearts; those doctrines that are mixed with a little truth but consist mainly of lies. The disease of false doctrine was introduced to the body of Christ in the early days of the church. The apostle Paul had to address this very issue during his ministry.

Galatians 1:6-9 (NKJV)

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

Jesus Christ alone is to be the head of our lives. He is the author and finisher of our faith. It was God who sealed us, claimed us and marked us as his own. He took us from Satan’s clutches and gave us his guarantee in the form of his spirit that his promises to us would be fulfilled (2 Corinthians 1: 21-22 Amplified). Thus it behooves us to guard our hearts against the tricks of the adversary and hold on to the truth of God’s word.

1 John 4:1-3(NKJV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

The Antichrist has been here for ages. He has brought division in the body, contorted the Word, sent false prophets into the world and gathered to himself teachers and preachers and believers who have no discernment of spirit (because they do not have the Holy Spirit).

We who would live Godly have to keep this thought in our hearts, ‘What we believe determines our destination, what we do with our belief determines our destiny.’ I encourage you my Christian family to hold fast to the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord, spread the Gospel according to the word of the Lord and continue to bless his name forever!

Cast Down but not Destroyed

by Saint In Training
Original Image by: Joel Olives

Original Image by: Joel Olives

Satan does not wait for anyone to come to him, he goes searching. Like a lion on the prowl he searches for lives to destroy; minds to confuse; bodies to afflict with sickness and disease; families to tear apart and finances to dry up. He does this to the children of God in hopes that we will first curse God, and then die.

Sometimes we feel as though we will be overcome. We are surrounded on every side; struck down by the problems we face and threatened with hopelessness. But, we are not without hope. Our hope is in Christ. Our strength is in Him. God sees our tears and He knows our heartaches and our fears.

God is the God of Compassion. He cares for us and he wants us to bring him our worries, our anxieties and troubles. He wants us to leave them in his capable hands. He wants us to trust Him!

2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

It leads one to wonder as to the whys of God’s seeming unwillingness to deliver us speedily from our trials. Paul addresses this with eloquence:

If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Does God allow us to be tormented for the sake of others? The answer is ‘yes’ but it is not as simple as it seems. You see, it’s through our sufferings that we not only receive God’s glory but He is glorified among men. When we endure without giving way to the enemy, our fellow sufferers who are our brothers and sisters in Christ receive comfort and encouragement in their own fight of faith. Further, sinners who watch us, some who are in hopes of our failing, will see the salvation of our faith which is Christ Jesus. Even if our tribulation seems to be unto death, Paul preaches, it is so that we will trust in God and not in ourselves (nor in man).

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

But here is the hope and the promise!

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Paul reiterates this reason and hope in 2 Corinthians 4:15-17 (NIV):

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man [our Spirit] is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…

During our days of lack when we’ve drawn our belts so tight we can’t get air enough to breath and we’ve received all the assistance man has to offer but still are in need – we must endure and trust God.

When the doctors shake their heads in despair and their reports offer us no hope of recovery, beloved we must endure and trust God.

When our children, siblings or spouse refuse to turn to the Savior we love and adore; when they linger in the filth of sin and shame, we must endure and trust God.

It is in God we find hope. It is in the Master of the universe that our peace resides. It is in the bottomless well of Living Water where our thirst can be quenched. Though the fiery arrows of the enemy fly overhead and threaten to engulf the world around us in flames – we must endure and trust God.

Beloved of God, my brothers and sisters in Christ, stand firm on the rock of your salvation. Stand! Do not give ground. Do not give up. If you have to crawl, clawing your way inch by inch to the mountain’s peek, screaming and crying all the way – don’t you dare give up! For, “after you have suffered a little while,” your suffering will end. (2 Peter 1:10 NIV) It is ‘after’, that God will heal. It is ‘after’, that God will loose the chains from the captives. It is only after that the flood gates of prosperity will be opened.

But before we can see the ‘after’ – we must endure.

It hurts. It’s painful. God knows the chaos and confusion that assails our minds. Cling to Him! Dig in the deeper beloved. Imprint yourself in the Ark of Safety and hang on for dear life because if you don’t, “…to whom shall we go?”

It is God who has the words of eternal life. He is our hope in this life and He loves us. He hears our prayers and despite what the enemy may say God has answered every one of them. We just have to wait for the answer to be made manifest.

Trust Him. Rely on Him. Turn to Him and He will not fail you. Hold on! For the Lord says:

“I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”   Revelation 2:9-11 (NIV)

Beloved I don’t like to suffer. I’ve been running from suffering all my saved life. But, I am not alone anymore; I have the Holy Spirit within: He says it’s time to stop running. I have the Hope of Glory residing on the inside of me and where I falter He will stand! So I say to my Lord, the God of my Salvation, my Hope of Glory…So be it.

I pray that you are encouraged and that the Holy Spirit will enable you to do the same. If you have not yet received the free gift of the Holy Spirit, pray to receive Him and that God grants you mercy until you do. He who is able to keep us faultless will cover you with His mercy and grace until that blessed time.

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For additional encouragement read:

2 Peter 1:7-11

1 Peter 5:7-9

The Suffering Saint – a poem

A Pit full of Purpose – a poem

 

The Suffering Saint

by Saved 2 the Utmost aka Mom

Original Image by: John Griggs

Salvation does not mean that we are exempt from suffering in this world. In truth, it is because we are saved that we must be tried.

Centuries ago, King Solomon wrote these words of wisdom: “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Eccl 3: 1 KJV) He was a man gifted in wisdom the likes of which has never before or since been seen. However, Job, that suffering saint of great renown, testified of the woes of life by saying, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1) So you see, suffering is a part of a Christian’s life – we were forewarned that we too will experience our seasons of trials. There are many testimonies given by the heroes of faith; those men and women who willingly accepted suffering with grace. They put their trust totally in God, showing their commitment to him. They knew that God can be trusted in all things, with all things!

Unfortunately, for many Christians today, when we are faced with trials we are quick to ask these questions of ourselves and of God, ‘What have I done wrong to deserve this?’ and ‘Why is God punishing me?’ We assume that we must have done something to deserve calamity when it comes. I know this to be true for myself; I’ve asked those questions many times during my saved life. I made the assumption that God must not have been pleased with me or that I sinned unknowingly and was reaping the penalty. Do you know, I even thought that God was punishing me for sins I had committed prior to my conversion?! I did this for years, never considering the fact that I had been given these seasons of trials by Satan because I was living a Christian life that was pleasing to God. In this I was somewhat like Job. I am sure that it never occurred to this upright man, who shunned evil, that the anguish he endured was logical. After all, he was a God fearing man and was dedicated in his faith in serving God. No one who knew him could speak negatively against his life-living before the Lord.

However, no one knew Job better than God, not even Job himself! It was God’s knowledge of Job’s character that prompted Him to bring Job to Satan’s attention.

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’ Job 1:8 (NKJV)

Dear hearts, when Satan makes an accusation against us before the Lord, God still asks the question of Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant…?’!

Job had no idea that God had discussed him with Satan nor did he have any idea that it was God who gave Satan permission to test him with the condition that he not destroy him.

“And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” Job 1:12

The trials of affliction didn’t stop with Job; the New Testament believers had their time of testing as well. That’s why Peter encouraged the church concerning the travails they were going through for being Christians.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering; that, when his glory shall be revealed, Ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (KJV)

Paul too wrote about the persecution and afflictions that he endured and cautioned the saints to expect the same.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

Suffering doesn’t come easy dear hearts because it takes a willing spirit and a made up mind to accept that pain is a part of our Christian lives. It’s especially difficult to accept when we’ve endured a lot of hardship in our lives prior to becoming a Christian. I know this to be true for myself and I’m sure there are some of you who can identify with me.

It wasn’t until after I’d had cancer twice that I accepted suffering as a blessing in my life. Why? Because it was during that time I learned the meaning of having an in-spite-of praise. It was then that I went to the why-not-me praise! I was able to humble myself in my affliction instead of fighting against my affliction. I went from believing that God could, to knowing that he would. It was then that I went from spiritual weakness to becoming spiritually strong. I stopped being a spiritual infant and learned to fight. I conquered my doubts in thinking that I may live and began to embrace the thought, by faith, that I would live! I realized the need for my suffering and it was during those times that my blessed Lord ministered to my spirit through his holy word. In 2006 when I had colon cancer He led me to read:

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”  Psalm 34:19

In 2010 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer he gave me this scripture and comforted me heart, mind and soul:

“When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not over flow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2

Only the true and living God can give you peace, real peace, in the time of a storm. We all have different storms, tests and afflictions but we have this in common – the God we serve is able and he will keep his promise that he will never leave us or forsake us!

I am still climbing the steps of faith dear hearts; I haven’t reached the top level yet but I am striving to get there. I encourage you to not be discouraged for if we keep pressing; if we keep trusting and if we keep enduring as good soldiers then the only outcome for us will be victory!

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The Suffering Saint

God give me the grace to suffer; you did not promise no pain.
Give me the grace to praise you and to magnify your name.
Suffering is not easy; you did not say that it would be.
You only promised to keep us and remain with us eternally.

Your love is ever before me, no matter the toils or snares.
Your grace is surely sufficient upon you I can cast all my cares.
Suffering comes in different colors:  pain, loss and derision are a few.
But none can compare to scarlet; it’s pain unique only to you.

Blood, like rivers, descended from your torn and agonized flesh.
Pain? You bore it for our weakness; you gave for us your very best.
If I take up my cross and suffer, as did your beloved son,
I too will reap the promise and can say, “My work is done.”

So I ask you Lord for grace that I not murmur and complain.
I pray oh Lord to please you for I live only to see you again.

© Rebecca C. Wilcox 2012
All Rights Reserved

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Related Articles:

Joy in the Midst of My Storm

“Even if He doesn’t deliver.” Daniel 2:18

After the Test, the Blessing!