Month: August 2015

Temptation – James 4:

sign keep from going wrong way

Note from Debbie

Hi – sorry for any inconvenience but I noticed this morning that when putting notes on my blog yesterday that I had missed a few important scriptures. I have therefore deleted the first copy and am replacing it with the following.

James 4:

[7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (KJV)

Also used the following scripture within the message below…

Matthew 4:1-11

Matthew 17:14-21

Mark 9:38-40

Acts 19:13-16

1 John 4:4

Philippians 4:13

Psalm 138:3

Psalm 118: 24

Luke 10:19

Luke 10:20

Genesis 1:3

James 4:7 tells us that in order to have authority over the enemy, we must submit to God. We must give ourselves to God, as our Father, by accepting Jesus as our saviour, thereby becoming a part of the Lords family.

We are told to place our lives in His hands and rely on him fully in all situations.

We are also told in this scripture that we must flee from the enemy. That means we are not to stand there and take the lies that satan tries to tell us. Our Father has given us the authority to overcome the enemy.

By standing strong in him and using the Word of God (scriptures from the Bible) we can fight the devil and come out winners.

When I became a Christian 8 years ago, I felt satan closing in on me like never before. I felt lonely because I was the only one of my family and friends that believed in Jesus.

As time went on and I grew in the Lord I felt persecuted because people made fun of my beliefs and challenged me with questions I couldn’t answer.

I was called a prude because I started to change and wouldn’t do things that I had previously done. Examples: using the Lords name in vain, or accepting a DVD that was illegally copied, telling a clerk that she had given me too much change instead of saying ‘wow bonus’.

There are far too many differences to list here but the enemy apparently didn’t like the good changes he was seeing in me, so he came down hard. Being so new to the faith in God, I fell under the persecution of others and felt lonely and left out.

I even started to wonder if “this God thing” was worth the aggravation I was receiving.

Thankfully, God, my Father knew my heart and had other plans for me.

I was reading my Bible one day and I read the following scripture…

Matthew 4:

[1] Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
[2] And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
[3] And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
[4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
[5] Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
[6] And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
[7] Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
[8] Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
[9] And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
[10] Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
[11] Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. (KJV)

These verses opened my eyes. If Jesus was tempted by satan and he is part of the Trinity, then of course satan is going to temp me as well. Satan would be assuming that I would be much weaker than Jesus.

Two other scriptures gave me more insight:

Matthew 17: says

[14] And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
[15] Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
[16] And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
[17] Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
[18] And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
[19] Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
[20] And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
[21] Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

And Mark 9:

[38] And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
[39] But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
[40] For he that is not against us is on our part.

These verses tell us that we have been given the authority over demons, even in ailments caused by the enemy.

Acts 19:

[13] Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
[14] And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
[15] And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
[16] And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

These verses show that not just anyone can call on the name of Jesus. Even priests tried but we’re not successful. In order to call on Jesus for anything, we need to have a good relationship with him.

Having God as our Father, Jesus as our Saviour and the Holy Spirit living in and directing us on a daily bases gives us the authority we need to overcome the enemy.

Faith in God and using that faith wisely in Jesus’ name is a gift that has been left for all believers in Jesus. Without them, the enemy will just laugh at us.

We are not to feel superior to others nor use our gifts to show off. We are to fast and to pray in the Name of Jesus to help the person or situation.

By these scriptures, I was led to see that Jesus used the WORDS of God to defeat the enemy. If it worked for Jesus then I could use Gods words as well and they would be just as powerful for me as they were for Jesus.

I decided to search the Bible for scriptures that I can use when I feel heavy or overcome by satan. The following scriptures stood out for me and I use them over and over again.

1 John 4:

[4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV)

Philippians 4:

[13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)

Psalm 138:

[3] In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. (KJV)

Psalm 118:2

[24] This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (KJV)

I am so very blessed that God has allowed to have authority over satan but I must remember that the authority only works because I am a Christian.

Luke 10: says

[19] Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (KJV)

This verse assures me that I have the same authority that Jesus had over the enemy. Satan and all of his minions power is nothing compared to the authority that I have in the name of Jesus Christ.

But I must remember to stay strong in the Lord and not get conceited by this authority because then I would be working outside of God’s grace.

Luke 10: reminds us…

[20] Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (KJV)

Heavenly Father

Thank you that my name is written in the Lambs book of life. Please allow me to always remember that the only way I have authority over satan is through the name of Jesus!

Thank you Father that early in my walk with you, you taught me that the Word of God has authority. From Genesis 1:3 I saw the power in the spoken word “and God SAID”. Yes Lord, everything was created by your Word.

Yes, your word is full of power and through Jesus, I have access to it. Thank you Lord because I use it on a daily basis. I believe that the enemy sends out his scouts, just to test the waters and if they see any kind of weakness, they will call in the troops.

That is why everyday I confess my sins to you and then put on the armour of God. I know that your words are my weapons and they can defeat the enemy easily as long as I stand strong.

Thank you Father, that you are with me and watching over me each and every day. Thank you Jesus for the work you did on the cross, and thank you Holy Spirit for living with me, reminding me of the words of God.

Thank you for helping me to stand strong against the enemies and that on the days his scouts find a leak you send out your warriors to fight them off and the Holy Spirit reminds me of your Words.

I know Lord that prayer is important, so allow me to pray continuously every day.

In the blessed name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen

Sword of the Spirit -Hebrews 4:

Hebrews 4:

[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Studying this passage was difficult. It has been studied by many authors, each having a different opinion of who or what was being talked about.

Some felt that “For the word of God” meant Jesus is quick and powerful, others felt it was God actually speaking the Words over us and still others deemed it was God speaking to us through the words in the the Bible.

Regardless everyone agreed that the Word of God is quick and powerful. When we wander off track, the Words are meant to hit and pierce us to the core.

They are meant to affect us dramatically in some way. When we are hit with the Word of God, it is like a sword or an arrow has pierced us. We will feel the effects.

Sometimes when we are sitting in Church, we believe that the Pastor has prepared his sermon with us in mind. It makes us feel uncomfortable, like he is laying all of our sins out in front of the entire congregation. We feel uncomfortable and start to squirm.

The wonderful thing about the sermon is that most likely many others are feeling the same convictions. However, everyone’s circumstances are most likely totally different than ours. God, through a particular sermon can use His Word to pierce a part of many hearts.

It’s not just in sermons. When we have that uncomfortable feeling, we are aware immediately of what we have done or said that was not pleasing to God. We don’t have to be a Christian to feel that guilt. Everyone knows right from wrong. We feel ashamed, we get that nagging sensation to make it right. Some ignore it, shrug it off and go on with their day.

However, when a Christian feels this nagging, it will not go away until something is done. We need to confess it, ask for mercy, apologize or do something to make it right. When we have sinned, we are convicted. The guilt of the crime is felt more deeply, by a Christian, right through the marrow to the joints.

God’s Word is powerful! It keeps us on the straight and narrow path. It’s important for us to feel convicted when we have gone against God, so that through the confession of our sin and through Gods mercy and grace, we can continue to move forward in peace.

Heavenly Father

May I always feel the convictions of my sins. As soon as I know I’ve done, said or thought something that is not pleasing to you, I ask that I would be flooded with guilt, shame and remorse.

I want to be made aware immediately, so that I can make things right with you and others if someone else is involved.

Father when I came to you for salvation, I put off the old self and put on the new. In no way do I want to jeopardize my relationship with you.

Please Father, use the double-edged sword and the arrow to piece my heart. I want always to be aware when I’ve sinned, so that I can make it right immediately.

Thank you Lord for loving me as you do. Thank you for helping me grow closer to you each and every day. I am so very blessed to be your child.

In the name of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray.

Amen

Preparation – 2 Corinthians 4:

2 Corinthians 4:

[5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
[6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (KJV)

It is very important that when we talk to people about Jesus we make ourselves known as servants and we raise up The Lord.

Paul is teaching that we should be showing people the light. We shouldn’t try to build ourselves up or even tell people how much better they will be with Jesus in their lives. Our job is to live a life that shows others the light and to tell people about how Jesus is the light and how that light teaches us of the glory of God.
It should be all about Jesus and how he is the light in the darkness.

Heavenly Father,

I bless your Holy name.

I thank you that when I looked for the light, it shone brightly around me. I thank you that in the light of Jesus, I found the glory of you Father.

I pray that each and every day I can show, through my actions, that you live in me. When I talk to people let me tell them about you Lord and how great you are.

Stop my mouth if it ever becomes about me. For people to come to you Lord, they need to see the light for themselves.

Most of the people who come to you because they are afraid of the darkness, will not stay with you. But those who come seeking the light will love you and want to stay in the light forever.

I pray Father that I always teach about the light. I pray for all those people who have not even seen the light yet, that today would be the day the light shines into their lives.

I thank you Father that you are a loving and gracious God who gives your light, your love, your mercy to those who seek it.

I pray that today is the day many find the light and in doing so, find salvation!

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen. Hallelujah!

Thanksgiving – Psalm 105:

Psalm 105:

[1] O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
[2] Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
[3] Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
[4] Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
[5] Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;(KJV)

David had been praying and was reminding the people to draw close to God. He was reminding them that everything they had was because God had blessed them with it.

Everything Christians have is because God has blessed us with it. I’m not just talking of the good things, I am also talking about the trials and tribulations the Lord brings us through. At the time, are we happy to be going through the bad times? No of course not. But at the other side, have we learned something and have we grown because of it? Of course we have and we thank the Lord that although he allowed us to go through the hard times, he was always there, right by our side, giving us the strength to prevail. Thank you Father.

Because of what the Lord does for us we should be out there telling people of how wonderful he is. Whether we are going through trials or wonderful circumstances, we can glorify God by trusting him and showing that trust to others in how we act.

Father

I was just praying and asking you to draw me closer to you and you led me to this Psalm. I believe you were telling me specifically how stay close to you… Thank you.

I need you in my life and I thank you for the gift of salvation.

We are all weak but you LORD are strong and we must draw close to you to feel and receive that strength.

You are willing to give us strength, but we must be close enough to you to receive it.

We must accept you as the supreme GOD, the one and only and we must accept that JESUS came to the earth to give us not only salvation, but so much more.

We should never forget what you have said or done. All your words, that you have so kindly given us, through the Bible, are true and we should stand on those words and praise you that you have given us a way to understand them and to live in you.

So my job in this life is to…

  • Draw close to you so you can draw close to me.
  • To praise your mighty name and to spread the good news to everyone.
  • I stand in awe of you Father. Thank you for loving me so very much.
  • I’ll praise you today and always.

IN THE HOLY NAME of the LORD JESUS CHRIST,

Amen.

1 John 2:1-2

We have an Advocate in Jesus – 1 John 2:1-2

  • 1 John 2:1-2
  • 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
  • 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
  • Read complete chapter here: http://www.biblegateway.com
Hand drawn picture of Jesus with bible in hand. Text - we have an avocate 1 John 2:1-2
1 John 2:1-2

We have an advocate in Jesus. John is addressing the people. Not just the Jewish but all people. John is now an older man but is still preaching the word of God. And reminding the people of the promises Jesus made.

John remembers the advocate (the Holy Spirit) that Jesus sent to him and the others following Jesus’ crucifixion. And telling the people that they have can have an advocate in Jesus and in the Holy Spirit.

Jesus died as a sinless man

Jesus died as a sinless man on the cross which has given him the right to go before God for us. He can speak on behalf of “possibly” every person in the world. However, not every person in the world will accept Jesus as their Saviour.

Although salvation is offered to everyone as a free-gift, we must also make a sacrifice to receive it. What is the sacrifice? We must confess our sins and accept Jesus as our Saviour.

It’s not just the words of forgiveness that save us.

The true , deep belief in Jesus plus the story of his life and death is what give us salvation. That is to say, that with belief and a true heart-felt confession, our names are written in the Lambs book of Life.

Things that won’t stop a person from being saved:

  • Age, race, colour.
  • No matter what our health is like.
  • What our financial situations are.
  • Kind of lifestyle we lead.
  • Our current religious beliefs.
  • How much sin we are carrying.
  • What kind of sins we have.

Every person has the opportunities to turn to Father God through Jesus and then ask for forgiveness. As a result, Jesus will gladly and without judgement, become our advocate to the Father. Furthermore, Jesus is the only advocate that can take sin away.

We need to confess our sins to Father God often, through Jesus Christ.

By repenting, we can be counted as sinless. However, we will not stay sinless because we live in a fallen world. Hence, we must confess on a regular basis.

Confession is not a one time deal. That means because sin will rear it’s ugly head on a regular basis. However, Jesus will continue to be our advocate and we can be cleansed.

Can we purposely sin each day and then be cleansed just by confessing? No, we cannot! Each day we need to be growing in the Lord. Furthermore, we need to be studying his ways and striving to be better people. Will we ever become perfect? Not while on this earth. But through Jesus and confession, we can become the best we can be, here on earth.

We need to be thanking Jesus, for accepting such a horrendous job for the sake of our salvation. Christians all over the world, are thankful for Jesus’ relationship with our Father and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. And, God will stay faithful to us, if we remain faithful to him!

Image of Jesus on cross Text We have an advocate in Jesus
1 John 1:1-2

My Prayer for 1 John 2:1-2

Divine Father,

Thank you, Father, that you sent your only son into the world. Although he was in human form, he lived a pure life while on earth. He carried no sin when they crucified him.

He is the perfect Lamb! And because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, he is able to bear my sins. And the sins of all who confess and call on Jesus as their Saviour.

Thank you, Father, for loving us so much that you had a plan of redemption.

Glory to you God. You are the creator of this world and everything good in it. I am blessed to be counted as one of your children.

In the mighty name of my Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen

What is Salvation Prayer for Salvation Salvation by the Grace of God – Titus 2: 11-14