The Tactics That Satan Uses to Deceive Us

~ kathrynspen ~ Leave a comment

I Peter 5:8… “Be sober, be vigilant – for your adversary the devil – walketh about, seeking whom he may devour!”…. And we can take note here that the very name of what he is (the devil – which means “false accuser, slanderer”).. tells us what he does so well .. Indeed – in John 8:44 – Jesus identified the devil as “a liar.. and the father of lies.”…

Okay.. the devil (aka Satan) is a deceiver… and realizing that – shouldn’t we then always be able to recognize him “at work”?  We could…. except that the problem with deception is.. that it is so “DECEPTIVE”!!  And since Satan is a being from the spirit realm, that makes it easier for him to carry out his deceptions generally undetected…. And that is even greater reason for us to identify and learn to understand the tactics he uses to get in to our thinking.

I have often heard it said that “Satan’s ONLY weapon against us is deception” – but did God give us any info in His Word to shed some light on “HOW” to recognize when we are being deceived?  Yes, He did… Because He wants us to LEARN how to recognize deception.. and to understand the tactics  that Satan uses to get into our lives with this deception.

The first piece of information that I would like to share about this is in Romans 8:14-16 & I John 2:27.. which tell us about the “witness of the truth” that God gave us in our born again spirit… And.. how the Spirit of God (aka the Spirit of Truth/The Holy Spirit ) has been sent to lead and guide us into all truth..(John 14:16,17 & John 16:13,14) ….He is the One who bares witness in our born again spirit.. He bares witness of truth.. and of error…. This “witness” in our spirit – along  with the information which we are given about “our adversary the devil” in the Word of God – is our greatest ally as we.. LEARN.. to recognize that witness in our spirit – and these “tactics”which Satan uses to gain entrance into our thinking.   

We can find a lot of information concerning those tactics in the Parable of the Sower – which Jesus used to teach the multitudes the “mysteries of the Kingdom of God.” In that parable in Mark 4, Jesus informs us of several very important things we need to  know IF we are to truly understand how the Kingdom of God operates…

( FYI – A parable is.. a short simple story of comparing one thing that we are familiar with.. with another thing which we are trying  to understand…. In the case of the Parable of the Sower..in Mark 4.. we see the operation of the Kingdom of God.. compared to the familiar subject of the planting of a seed to produce a harvest…. In other words.. the Kingdom of God operates like the planting of seeds works in the natural..to grow and produce a harvest!)

  • The “seed” that the sower in this parable sows – is the Word of God – v. 14
  • People receive (or not) in different ways (verses 15-20)…. but one thing is the same for all of them – which is this – “Satan/aka the devil – comes immediately to snatch away the Word which had been sown in their heart”/spirit… v. 15
  • He comes to take away the seed (aka the Word of God)  BEFORE  we understand the value of that Word – i.e. – That, as we RECEIVE and KEEP that word.. it imparts into us the very “life” that is in every word which God speaks (Hebrews 4:12)… The life that is in that spoken word  produces “fruit” – fruit according to the thing which God spoke to us about in that Word. (v. 20.)…. It is helpful to recall…that God spoke, and the worlds were created by His Word (Hebrews 11:3 and John 1:1-3)…. No word that He speaks is without power to come to pass – including the words that He speaks to us – which come to us as “a seed”…We don’t have to understand altogether “HOW” this works…. only that it does (v. 26-28!!)
  • Satan comes immediately to snatch away the Word we hear…and these are the 5 tactics that he uses to get into our life to do that…..:
  1. Persecution (v.17) – to pursue to harass or injure
  2. Afflictions  (v.17)…i.e. pressures, anguish, trouble
  3. Cares of this world  (v.18,19) ..Cares produce in us one or more of these things:  anxiety and disquieting of the mind by worry & fear,  grief,  weighed down by responsibilities (which can be either “genuine” – or false ones we’ve taken on)
  4. Deceitfulness of Riches  (v. 19)…is woven around the line of thinking that having wealth will solve all things
  5. Lusts of other things  (v. 19)….revolves around an excessive desire to gratify the senses or bodily appetites

Those are the tactics which the devil uses to bring deception and thus some form of defeat in an area of our lives….The ultimate goal of the devil being what we see in John 10:10… which is that the devil/aka our adversary – only comes to kill, steal, or destroy…Everything he does is aimed at accomplishing  something from one of those three categories….

BUT.. The good news is that we have been redeemed out of the hand of this our enemy.. .Psalm 107:2 and Colossians 1:12-14 express that very well…. And being AWARE of that – and of the tactics that the devil endeavors to use to get into our thinking and thus into our lives…is our best guard against living in some form of deception….So would it not be good to take some time to thoughtfully and honestly …Go over the list of those 5 tactics that he uses – to see if any of those tactics are things that he regularly uses to get into your life.. to bring in deception… Because as it is often said.. “Forewarned is forearmed.”… We are not to be ignorant of the devil’s tactics!

Does Faith Come in Different Shapes and Sizes??

~ kathrynspen ~ Leave a comment

We all have problems that come in different shapes and sizes…. But none of them are too big for God to handle.  For the born again person who has gotten to know God reasonably well – and has began to have a pretty good understanding of the Kingdom of God  (that receiving Jesus brought us into) ….. You already knew that – i.e. That nothing is too hard for God!… But the real issue for most Christians about this – is.. How do I get God to “fix MY problem?” 

First off – The day you ask Jesus to come into your life – you have put yourself on the starting line of a truly incredible journey…. One that I’ve been on for 38 years and have NEVER regretted starting.. I’m in this for the long haul and I find myself always waiting for something  to be answered – even while I am still rejoicing over the last prayer God answered.. and the last miracle that I saw at His hand… There’s nothing boring about it.  As you press in to know Him more and more – there is an ongoing freshness in the relationship… For the longer you know Him, the more reason you will see to be in awe of WHO He IS – and HOW HE IS.   Jesus, my Lord and Savior – You are incredible!

What I am saying to you is that there is enough going on in your life at all times to keep you challenged,  glad, and hoping – all at the same time – as you walk through problems the way He directs you to, receive wonderful unexpected “suddenly” answers to prayers – AND WAIT – for things close to your heart that  “feel like” they’ll never change!…. All going on in your life at the same time!   And that – all because we’re still human and still have to deal with what we see, hear, feel, taste etc. – which things always stand to oppose walking by faith.

But God gave us the remedy for that… He gave us His Word – from which faith comes.. He gave us His wonderful presence to refresh us as we seek Him… He gave us authority over things that the enemy uses to oppose us.. and He gave us the gift of each other when we need someone “with flesh on” to stand with us.

Knowing Jesus is wonderful – but that alone doesn’t keep some storms from coming.  Yet we have His promise that “I will never leave you.”… and that He will supply all our needs …. And the reality of His presence and of His promises will continue to grow bigger and bigger within you – as you get started following after Him to know Him….And as you go – with your eyes on Him – you will find it easier and easier to trust…. And trust is a good nesting place for faith to root itself into your life and start to grow …. Faith to deal with any size and shape of problem…. “Because nothing is too hard for God” and “All things are possible to him that believeth.“…

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So speak always in line with God’s word and according to the promise that He has given you concerning the problem you face…. because His word does not return to Him void … and though the problem may seem to grow into a mountain .. it will change..  It will change before God’s word does!

Psalm 16:8,9  “I have set the Lord always before me (I have His promises – and I’m beginning to see that He IS BIGGER than my problems)… Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved…. therefore my heart is glad.. my tongue rejoices.. and my flesh also rests in hope.”   Glory be to God- Jesus, thank You.!  Knowing You sparks faith within me … faith big enough to deal with any size of problem!

 

 

 

God’s Divine Supply… Exercising Faith to Receive

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When the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:24-34) – touched the hem of Jesus’ garment – virtue (miraculous healing power) went out of Him and into her… Jesus had not sought her out to pray for her – neither had she requested that He pray for her…. Rather it happened because she believed (and voiced what she believed)… that if she could only touch His clothes, she would be healed….  And thus it happened that when she touched His clothes – healing virtue went out of Him and healed her.  Her faith “drew out” the healing virtue that was/is resident in Him.  We know this is so because Jesus turned to her and said “Daughter, your faith has made you whole.”….

Even so – your faith and my faith – draws on and receives from God’s divine supply of grace and provision sufficient to fill every need..  The divine supply for all our needs is already there….He made this provision for us because of.. and according to.. what Jesus paid for and did for us in God’s redemption plan for man…. And Hebrews 4:15,16 tells us that He can indeed be touched with the feeling of our infirmities….That means that He WANTS to help us and to supply our needs!

Our part is FAITH…. And as Jesus said to His disciples.. we only need “faith the size of a mustard seed” in order to receive from God.. or to do the things that He asks us to do…  You might ask  “How can I get this little bit of faith that I need to receive from God?” 

Faith is the gift of God to us… It comes as we get to know Him and trust Him – through His Word and taking time aside from other things to spend with Him (as you would with any person that you want to get to know.)   It’s for all those who choose to receive Jesus.. and exercise faith to believe….

The real answer to all of this .. is found in your continued fellowship with God …. For as you get to know Him, the things of His Spirit and of His Kingdom – begin to get into you and affect all that you think and do.  And with each answered prayer, you will find that trusting Him becomes more and more the “natural” thing for you….

God’s divine supply of healing virtue in Jesus – was available for the woman with the issue of blood…. And that same divine supply is there for you… It’s held in trust for all those who choose to receive Him – and exercise faith to believe.

Trust Him – And Start Walking

~ kathrynspen ~ 1 Comment

How does one walk out of the past?

You put one foot in front of the other – and start walking….

You may not see how you can do it.. But if you will ASK Jesus “into the picture”- He WILL help you….

He will not only walk with you – but His very presence (whether you always “feel” it or not) – will begin clearing the way ahead of you….

So.. ASK Him! … That’s the first and most important thing you can do.

Then – start walking!..  Put one foot in front of the other and keep walking – according to the last instruction that He gave you…. If you didn’t hear a particular instruction- then it is this….. “Just start walking”….. Because as Proverbs 3:5,6 tell us.. “If you will trust in the Lord with all your heart – and not lean upon your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him…. HE WILL direct your paths!” … He will show you how to “walk it out.”

And.. like the 10 lepers in Luke 17:12-15 – who received instruction from Jesus to go to “a certain place”… “As they went” (before they even got there!).. they were cleansed and healed!….I cannot tell you if things will turn that quickly for you .. if “your journey” will last 6 months.. or 6 days…But we do have to step out and start the journey….

And I would like to encourage you by sharing this from my life – that one of the biggest hurts of my past was completely (and supernaturally) healed in less than a day – and ended with a glorious finish as He wiped all the hurt away….

AND.. then He “promoted” me…. That came right aftewards – when He asked me if I would start depending more personally on Him than on anyone or anything else … I said “Yes”.. (In the atmosphere I was” tasting”- why would I say anything else ?!!)

That happened in 1998.. and it is one thing in my life which I agreed to – that I have NEVER regretted!.. Glory be to God.. How He loves us!

So trust Him – and START WALKING!

 

 

 

 

 

The Perfume of His Presence II

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We all need personal fellowship, Lord Jesus, with You….

Only that fellowship can make our hope and strength for each day new….

As the freshness of the early morning – before the turning of the hand or mind to do…

Like the one in the old hymn who comes to the garden alone – Lord Jesus, seeking You..

That one comes “while the dew is still on the roses”….

And although those roses have long since faded –

The sweet presence of the Son of God still lingers… waiting for the one who seeks Him..

The perfume from His presence reserved for those who draw aside to such a meeting…..

The very remembrance of which – serves as a confident respite from the hustle and bustle of the world we live in today…..

As we are mindful – of WHO HE IS – and the sweet fellowship and communion we’ve had apart with Him…still there with us… permeating all that we face with His wonderful peace.

This kind of fellowship is to us as Jesus said in Luke 10:41 & 42 of Mary…. “this one has chosen that good part – which shall not be taken away from her.”

For the perfume of His presence can still linger –

And the words that you heard Him say are a gift to take with you…..

As “duty” calls – and you have need to depart from that dear place.

And it is the same for those who choose the stillness of the night….. lighting down from the cares of the day to meet Him ….

The “time” is just a matter of choosing to draw aside into that secret place….. Oh, Jesus.. I’m so ready for this time away – an hour – or even a few quiet moments to visit again with You…

For by His Spirit, God calls… He beckons to each one of His children to lighten down and find rest in Him from all the busyness and cares of the day…

And then refreshed and aware that He made us to live here in this world for a certain span of days – we take leave from that place of sweet respite He gave us here….

It’s not a dream I can assure…. It’s not a “myth or fairy tale”… It IS the one thing I know of that sounds too good to be true – but indeed is REAL…It is “the product” of God’s love for you….

Jesus, You ARE.. all the wonderful fragrance of this life anew…..the gift of God given us to live for and draw aside to….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Capacity of the Born Again Spirit to Know God

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News Flash…. You and I can not “MAKE” God do anything….But the “good news” is…. that because He loves you and me – He made a way for us to come to Him..and to connect with Him – if we choose to….

In John 3, we see a man who DID choose to…. Indeed, Nicodemus did want to know….He wanted to know so badly – that he risked losing his standing as a ruler among the religious crowd of his day – by coming to Jesus to inquire “Who” Jesus was –  and about the connection Jesus had with God….. (To be honest with you, there are many people today that ought to take a little bit of a risk – in order to inquire “Who Jesus Is” and about His connection to God….!)  It’s worth everything in the world to know the real answer to that…

But then – as it would be now – Jesus wasted no time in answering Nicodemus’s questions about the Kingdom of God and who He was….He began by letting Nicodemus (as well as you and me) – know that the natural man cannot understand the Kingdom of God…. “You must be born again,”  Jesus explained…” Except a man be born again, he cannot see/have knowledge of the Kingdom of God.”  (John 3:3)

When Jesus told Nicodemus “You must be born again” – Jesus was speaking of a SPIRITUAL BIRTH…. And until you and I can understand that, we will continue to equate “religion” in it’s various forms with “knowing God” – but yet not understanding God’s Kingdom or being born again into the family of God…..i.e. Being born of the Spirit – as Jesus told Nicodemus in the discourse between the two there in John 3:1-16 …. And as surely as Nicodemus had trouble seeing (v9-12) just what it was that Jesus was trying to tell him – so it always is with the natural mind of man… there is not in him the “capacity” to understand the things of the Kingdom of God –  because they are “spiritually discerned”…

The natural man neither sees or knows the things of the spirit….Those things are actually foolishness unto him…..Indeed,  the things of God knoweth no man  (I Corinthians 2:11-14)- But the moment we receive Jesus as our Savior, we are born again – a spiritual rebirth into the Kingdom of God…. And from that moment, we have the “capacity” to see and be taught the things of the Kingdom of God – and to truly  get to know who He is and what He has done for us to bring us into right relationship with Him……

That- in a nutshell- is what happens to us when we get born again….But that’s just the beginning…..We have our birth/ our beginning in the Kingdom of God in the spirit…. But as the Apostle Paul asked of and explained to the Christians in Galatians 3:3….”Having begun in the spirit, do you now think that you can fulfill your place and walk in the things of God by the flesh”?… The answer to that is obviously “no”…. But the born again spirit of a man is .. READY.. is WILLING… and even PREDISPOSED  to follow after God to know Him.  Indeed, that born again spirit cries after God the Father to know Him….. But as long as you’re still living in your “earth suit” – you WILL have choices to make.  Your born again spirit was designed by God to feed on the things of God – His Word, time apart from other things to worship God and taste His presence so that you can grow strong in the spirit.

The born again spirit  (YOUR born again spirit!) – has an amazing CAPACITY  to fellowship with and grow in knowing God – and in understanding the things of the spirit….

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  FYI  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Continue reading →

God’s Grace Is Sufficient For You

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Note:  This poem/psalm was given to me – both to instruct and encourage  – as I hope it will do for you.   It was given on my way to work November 11, 2003…. I had a little recorder with me, so that I was able to “capture the words” to pen later…And today, I thought it good to share it with you..

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 My grace is sufficient to bring in your new day…..

And it is ENOUGH – to “open up the way”- for you to walk in that new day!

So.. take hold of My grace….. Rest in and rely upon Me….

Walk out of the past – and KEEP WALKING…..

‘Till you walk out of the things that have stood to block your way!

My grace is sufficient….. It is enough!

And as you keep your focus on Me – I’ll move those things that have entangled you.

So, keep this one thought in all of your days…..

My grace IS SUFFICIENT to move every mountain out of the way!

But keep moving – pressing in – to fellowship with Me…knowing….

I AM (IS) with you….. EVERY DAY…

When Words Alone Are Not Enough

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There are times when our words simply fall short of adequately expressing the thanks that we feel…. I found myself in just such a “place” a few days ago while I was praying with a close friend….

As I listened to the words of thanks coming out of their heart and into their mouth – my heart too, began to swell with thanksgiving and the growing realization.. that I would NEVER  be able to find enough words to thank God for Jesus my Savior – and all the prayers He has answered, and all the good things that He has done for me and brought into my life…..Then in the midst of that realization.. I heard Him speak this scripture in my spirit ..“What shall I render (give in return) to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” Psalm 116:12 – Then He Himself answers that question in the very next verse as He tells us “to take the “cup” of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.”…..

What does that mean?  He is simply telling us to acknowledge Him.. acknowledge His benefits and blessings – even those things/benefits (Psalm 103:1-5; Ephesians 1:3; II Peter 1:3) that came to us – and belong to us when we receive Jesus into our life.  In Ephesians 1:16-19  He even tells us how to pray that we might more fully see and understand these things….

To give a simple example, God is “like an earthly father” who loves His children, gives them certain benefits and blessings…. And all that father asks of those children is that they recognize and remember that He gave those things to them… AND USE THEM… call on Him for what  they need from those benefits He has told them belong to them as His sons and daughters.

So, how can I thank Him when words alone are not sufficient to express my thanks  for all the benefits He has given to me?…  I think perhaps better than anything more I could say to answer that here – would be to share what God says to us in His word in III John verses 2-4….

(Paraphrased) “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health… even as you renew your thinking to the truth which I have spoken unto you… I rejoice greatly to know that the truth is in you – and that you are walking according to it.  I have no greater joy than to know that My children walk in truth.”  That – in a nutshell – expresses what He wants and needs from us – when our words alone are not enough.

 

 

I Have Learned … Dealing with Difficult Feelings and Emotions

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Note: I first published this post in May 2015 – but because so many people report having some of their most difficult times after Christmas as they go into the new year, I thought it good to share it again.  I share it from a Christian perspective …. because Jesus Christ really is “where my help comes from”… but  He is there and offers the same help for all who will come to Him.

So… I share this post about “dealing with difficult feelings and emotions” with compassion in my heart – because that is an area that used to “eat my lunch” – so that I very well understand how those things feel – and the way that they can negatively affect everything you need to do.  BUT this is one of the  “I have learned” things in my life…… not that I am always 100% perfect the minute I recognize a feeling I don’t like,  or an emotion that hurts – but I have learned what to do – and when I rise up and do it,  those things do not control my thinking or my day.

First of all, you must understand this – EMOTIONS CANNOT BE IGNORED! We struggle to get away from them – only to find that indeed they are still “with us” – they cannot be ignored!….. BUT fortunately –  they can be “TURNED”! …  I’ll show you an example of that in the Word of God……

I Samuel 30:1-19 (Paraphrased)  After being away for three days, David and his men returned to their place at Ziklag – only to find it burned and their wives and children all carried away captive……. “Then David and the men that were with him lifted up their voice and wept – until they had no more power to weep.” …..then came another “turn for the worse” ….. for David…..

“And David was greatly distressed – for the people spoke of stoning him – because the soul of every man was grieved for their wives, sons and daughters.. …..( which is not too surprising as people in deep grief often divert some of that grief to “assigning blame” for what has happened.) …. So that David who had suffered as much loss as the rest of them – now faced still another crisis…..  But the way that he chose to handle the mounting crisis is the thing that made ALL THE DIFFERENCE for him. 

So, what did he do?  Verse 6 says “David was greatly distressed… but David….  but David did what? – “But David encouraged himself in the Lord!!  To give you a better idea of exactly what David did, I will give you the definition for the Hebrew word “encouraged”…..  It means:  “to fasten upon – be stubborn, strong, courageous – which, by so doing – is causative to heal, cure, fortify, strengthen, or repair a situation….. David CHOSE to encourage himself in the Lord….. and the Lord obviously began to influence the situation so that the men who wanted to stone David in their grief begin to think differently….

AND – David prayed –  he inquired of the Lord saying -“Shall I pursue after the troop/this enemy? Shall I overtake them? And the Lord answered him “Pursue; for you shall overtake them – and without fail recover all”!   We then read the report of the outcome in verses 18,19 ……  “And David recovered all that the enemy had carried away –  there was no person nor spoil of what had been taken that was not recovered……. David RECOVERED ALL!  Of course that is what was important to David and his men……

But for us today, I am pointing to THE REASON  he was able to recover all the loss – which, of course, was that he fastened his eyes on God – David steadied himself in the midst of his distress – and looked to God for help and direction.  In the same way, when we are confronted with challenging or hurtful situations,  we have a choice to either “embrace” the negative feelings and emotions that often accompany those situations – and let them” swallow us up” – OR – we can begin to encourage ourselves in the Lord so that we can think and hear what He would say to us more clearly…….

HOW do you do that??  I am going to just list some ways I have learned that work for me   (and everyone of them you will find in God’s word)……

First, pray anything that you know to pray if a person’s safety etc. is involved. Also, forgive anyone that needs forgiveness – do this by faith – feelings follow.

  • Begin to give thanks for different things/ways God has helped or blessed you.  (This has nothing to do with what you feel like at the time – for basing what you do on feelings and emotions is like building a house on shifting sand.) You give thanks because God is good and offers help and deliverance to those who look to Him.
  • You might put on music that lends to worship – and deliberately focus on Jesus and the deliverance you have already tasted by His hand. Get into worship!
  • You can start speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns – sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord – with thanksgiving for every good thing.  (Ephesians 5:18-20)
  • Speak God’s word as scriptures come to you. (God’s word has the power to change things and to accomplish what He sends it to do.)
  • Pray in the spirit quietly – and continue in these things until your mind and emotions have quieted….. which will lend to hearing any scripture or words of direction the Spirit of God would put in your spirit for you at this time.   (Jude 20,21)

Setting yourself to do any of those things will have the effect of turning negative or painful emotions.

In the beginning, I found it hard to “make myself” say what I “didn’t feel” – but over the years I have learned to not go so much by what my mind or emotions are saying at the moment – but rather to choose to take Jesus up on His invitation to come to Him with all your cares and let Him give you rest.  Once I established myself in choosing to not embrace the negative feelings – but to labor to turn those emotions, I have seen a change happen in less than 5 minutes, but that’s not always the case – and you need to stay there with God until you have quieted your mind and let Him have some time to touch you.  Then if there be a valid reason for any of those negative feelings, He WILL show you – because He delights in our well being – the well being that comes from walking in the truth.

God bless and keep you.

 

 

The True Meaning of Christmas and It’s Gifts

~ kathrynspen ~ 1 Comment

In the wonderful country in which I live – as well as in some other countries around the world, we have the freedom to celebrate Christmas and other holidays in our homes pretty much as we each choose to…. but because I’ve been hearing quite a bit of rhetoric lately about “the real meaning of Christmas”… I thought it good to share both some thoughts – and some facts on that subject.

“Christmas” is composed of two words: “Christ” and “mas’….”Christ” being defined in your standard dictionary as “the anointed Messiah”- and “mas” is defined as “a specified festival or celebration”.  When you put those two words together into the one word “Christmas”.. Christmas obviously means “a celebration of Christ, the anointed Messiah.” It has meant that since the first time it was celebrated – and it still means that today….

So, why would people who do not even believe the gospel of Jesus Christ enjoy celebrating Christmas?.. It’s really not that hard to understand… People like to give…Giving feels good! ..It IS good! ..And who among us does not like to be on the receiving end of that giving?.. We all do – because giving is good and receiving is fun!….Maybe that is why that in Luke chapter 2, the angelic host proclaimed  “tidings of great joy to all people”.. peace on earth and good will toward men” – as they announced the birth of the Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”…..

God gave us this Savior for a reason… He loved.. so He gave.. He gave His Son to be the mediator between God and man… He so loved that He made a way for man to be reconciled to right relationship with Him.  God gave this gift of love to all men – but to those who reach out and receive this gift of God in Jesus Christ the Anointed One/Savior/Messiah – there is a very special joy as we celebrate Christmas… For truly knowing Jesus has never been a disappointment to anyone… He is the ultimate gift – the one that truly “keeps on giving”… He came that you might have a new birth in Him – and life eternal… And He made it simple – you just ask for this new life in Him… It is 
“the gift of God to you.” 

The bottom line is this: We can all celebrate Christmas the way that we choose  – but nothing can change the true meaning of “Christmas.”

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To all who read this, I wish good things to you and those you love as you gather to celebrate the Christmas season…And if you’ve never done so – I greatly encourage you to call upon this Messiah, Jesus to become your personal Savior…. For as you do, you will understand like never before – the true meaning of Christmas.

Daily Bread – God’s “Can Do”

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God is able to do anything!… If He said He will do it – He is more than able to do it! .. For what may be utterly impossible for you and me to do – is an easy thing for God…. And we need to understand that if He said it, He purposes to do it…. But it is up to us to do “the part” which He gives us to do.. That is, we need to do the things He has told us to do along the way…. even when it seems to be unrelated to the end result that He has promised…

We do those things He has directed us to do because He has “a definite end in mind”…. and a better way than we usually imagine – to “get us there!”  And the best thing about it is that – He ALWAYS  has a good plan in mind for us in all that He does.

Isn’t God wonderful?…. My soon to be 38 years of knowing Him as my born again Father in Heaven surely has confirmed that for me….and He wants each of us to know Him that well … i.e. to know that His “can do” is as big as His heart of love for me and you!…

 

“For God so loved the world…. that John 3:16… He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish – but have everlasting life.”

Thanksgiving – A Day to Celebrate…. and an Attitude to Cultivate

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One day as I began to ponder “why” I should be feeling a little “dull and testy” when nothing was actually “wrong” with my day…. I heard something  in my spirit – which was this – “The secret to keeping things fresh and new.. is a thankful heart”…..  

And now having gotten my attention, the Spirit of God began to add more to what I had just heard! …… It was to this effect…..”The secret to keeping things fresh and new – is a thankful heart”….. And having a thankful heart is also the secret to walking in and letting patience have its perfect(ing) work in your life… Which thing the Word of God tells us is very important – i.e. “Count it all joy when you fall into different kinds of temptations, knowing this – that the trying of your faith worketh patience….. But let patience have her perfect work – that you may be perfect (complete) and entire, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4).

In thinking about it, I can see how that having an overall thankful heart attitude makes it much easier to be patient … with things and with  people  …. Because we know that patience is the secret to possessing your own soul (the mind, will, and emotions)  Luke 21:19….. So a thankful heart makes it easier for you and me to stay in control of our own thoughts and actions….    

I am beginning to see that developing a thankful heart is the foundation upon which other strong and desirable qualities in our life are built.   I am not generally an ungrateful person, but I see today that there is still room for (and cause for ) improvement in having this irreplaceable heart attitude of thankfulness….   (Do you suppose that this could be one reason why God – in His love for us – has commanded us to give thanks and be thankful?)

I hope this that I just shared with you will cause you – as it did me- to check out the attitude of your heart and see if there is room in you for more of this wonderful virtue of a thankful heart ….. It just might be the very thing that is needed for the opening of some other doors for you!

Thanksgiving – a day to celebrate….. and an attitude to cultivate!

 

 

Bread For Life: The Standing Jesus Bought for Me

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I received Jesus as my Savior January 15, 1978… . It is – without question – “my favorite birthday”!  How come?….

Cause I was born again…into a family…. I became a son/a daughter of the Living God. (Scripture tells me that the instant I received Jesus – a miracle happened in me….. I was “born of the spirit” – by the Spirit of Almighty God (John 3:1-8)…. Who transferred me out of the kingdom of darkness over into the kingdom of His own dear Son (Colossians 1:12-14)… Who redeemed us with the price of His own blood….

I was born again into a family — And in this family I have a standing – with our Father God….. the standing that Jesus bought for me…. (A standing that belongs not just to me – but to everyone who has believed and the sacrifice of Jesus received.)….. A standing that belongs to every son and daughter!  I am  “a child of God.” .. That is why January 15 is not only my favorite birthday,  but a very very special day of the year to me -in every sense of the word…

I am a child of God – and in that place as His child,  He positioned me to receive – ALL His benefits and blessings – (Psalm 103:2-4)…..That is the standing that Jesus bought for me… But it requires that we love Him and learn to  “walk in the truth” (III John 1:2-4)….. A journey that is both very exciting – and very challenging!… .

But now … Seeing His heart – I CAN believe!.. all the love and the other good things Jesus bought for me….  And in every dark hour – the sweetness of His voice quiets all the noise of doubts and fear… and when I hear Him say “Peace be still” it calms my storm as my heart it does fill…. For His peace (John 14:27) is part of my heritage – in the standing with My Father – that Jesus bought for me.

Bread for Life – Man’s Authority Directed by God

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Jesus, our Savior, is in Heaven…. He rose from the dead and ascended to the Father – after the work of the cross at Calvary was completed….

Jesus is in Heaven – at the right hand of God the Father – while you and I as born again believers and members of His Church – are on the earth…. as sons and daughters of the Living God – and ambassadors for His Kingdom.  We have the authority here – “The earth hath He given/assigned to the children of men” (Psalm 115:16; Psalm 8:4-6) … .Has God given man authority on/and over the earth?  These (and other scriptures) tell us that He has!…

For the believer, it is “man’s authority directed by God.”….. Because God is still the creator and owner of the earth, but you and I as born again believers are accountable to Him as “stewards” – having dominion on the earth – (Genesis 1:26-28 & Hebrews 2:6,7…verse 7 saying that He “gave dominion over the works of His hands to man”)……WHY would God the great Creator assign so much responsibility into the hands of man??

When you and I received Jesus as Savior,  we were instantly  born of the Spirit of God into His Kingdom  (John 3:3-8).…. and He calls us “sons and daughters.”  That makes us His family – His family on the earth…..and ambassadors for God’s Kingdom and it’s increase on the earth  (II Corinthians 5:17-20) ….. Indeed, as born again believers we are laborers together with Him to see the Kingdom of God increase on the earth!

….. To do this, we are called to walk in the authority that God the Father purposed for us – which is – man’s authority directed by God……How does it work?  This God given authority prospers as we walk in fellowship with God in the “spirit to Spirit” relationship that was birthed in our spirit when we were born again.  As we grow in our relationship and personal fellowship with Him, we learn to hear and recognize His voice – and follow His leading – which will ultimately result in His will being done in our life and on the earth…..Thus, the authority that God gave to us as believers – IS- man’s authority on earth directed by God

Daily Bread – The Room of Fellowship with Him

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Greater and higher in His thinking than you and I…. but God is “a Person.”… He speaks, He moves, He loves.. And wonderfully – you and I are the aimed recipients of His love, His awesome miracles… and the voice of His Spirit as He speaks to us.  Indeed, God created you and me with this very fellowship in mind…

Actually He has invited each one of us to be a part of His family….. In John 14:2 Jesus tells us that “In My Father’s house (household, estate, family) are many rooms…..

( NOTE:  I know that most Christians are accustomed to hearing the word “mansions” at the end of that verse – but in the original Greek,  the word “rooms” is used in the definition BEFORE the word “mansions” – so that either word could correctly be used here….  But to make the point that He once showed me about this scripture,  I will use the word “rooms”…….)

“In My Father’s house/family are many rooms”…. There are enough “rooms” in My Father’s  house for every person who ever lived to have a room that is his or her very own…. No one else can ever have the fellowship with God the Father in that room….Because that room – every one of those rooms – is intended for one person alone…. It is our room alone… my room , your room – alone…. That is how much He loves and wants to have a place of unique fellowship with you, with me, and with every person who has ever lived.

Each one of us is called to be that special to Him… It is a place of fellowship to be filled… But if you and I do not fill that room of fellowship with Him,      it is – and will remain – an “UNANSWERED” and “UNSATISFIED”  empty place  in our life… that we both live and die with .. without Him….

But, thanks be to God – if you are reading this, there is still time to receive Jesus as Savior  – and choose to begin spending time in your room of fellowship with Him!

 

Daily Bread – A New Song for a New Thing in Our Lives

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“Behold I will do a new thing …. Isaiah 42:9 & 43:18,19…. Before it springs forth, I will tell you…. Therefore – remember not the former things.. neither consider the things of old.  I WILL  do a new thing; now it shall spring forth! …Shall you not know it?”…..

When God is getting ready to bring some new things into our life – or to transition us out of a place or position that is familiar and “comfortable” to us – He will oftentimes share something to change our outlook and the direction of our thinking…  It’s kind of like when you and I are getting ready to take a trip to some place that we’ve never been…. We may get out a map or do a search online to try to familiarize ourselves and connect in some way with this new place that we will soon be going to….

One of the “neatest” things that I have had the Lord share with me to prepare me for one of these new things in my life – is that He will put “a new song” in my heart…. and before I know it,  I am singing and humming this new song as I go about my day….. and as I continue to let that song fill my heart and mouth, I find a peace and a real anticipation.. filling every part of me…..

The Lord gives us this “new song” – and our part is to let it “deposit” what He has purposed – into the very heart and soul of our being….. Thus He is readying you and me for this new thing that He has purposed to bring into our lives….. even a new song for a new day.. and a new thing for you and me.

Daily Bread – What Will You Choose to Pursue?

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The spirit of a born again individual….. is READY, is WILLING, and even “predisposed” to follow after and worship God… That simply means that it is inherent – in the new nature of your born again spirit – to cry out to God….. and to seek to know Him.  God designed it that way…. and He birthed it so in your spirit the moment you received Jesus as your personal Savior… In the time it takes to “blink an eye” you were transferred out of darkness into the Kingdom of God/light when you received Jesus Christ into your life  (Colossians 1:13,14).

You entered into “newness of life”… still flesh and blood – a human being – but you’ve had a “new dimension” added to your life… even life in the spirit….

“If any man be in Christ he is a new creature/creation…. Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17,18) … It is right here at this “starting point” that it is good and very helpful for you to understand that this monumental change took place in your spirit – NOT in your mind or emotions nor in your physical being.. (all three of which the bible refers to as “the flesh”).

If you read John 3:1-8, you will see that there is the natural birth that brings every man into this world…. AND…. there is the “regeneration” (Webster’s defines this as a spiritual rebirth) – which immediately ushers the brand new believer in Christ into the Kingdom of God…. You’ve just been “born again” (the spiritual rebirth into God’s Kingdom)

….But if you expect to immediately see great change in your life – and nothing remaining of your old self/the old man of the flesh – you will likely suffer some bewilderment and disappointment….(Because)… You do have a new life in Christ… but you still have a choice…. the choice to walk after the demands of the old flesh man who is still very much alive …OR… you can choose to follow after the cry of your born again spirit which has the capacity to begin to understand the things of the Kingdom of God – and to follow after Him…. The choice is yours – and mine – to make!  God designed it this way…. because He desires fellowship and kinship with you and me – not robotic relationship!

So…. He gave us the choice – to walk after the old flesh man – or to pursue after the pull in our born again spirit to follow after Him…. and learn of Him, be taught and led by His Spirit.  It is first a choice .. and then a pursuit….

 

 

Proclaiming Liberty to the Captives

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God the Father sent Jesus into this world “to proclaim liberty to the captives – the opening of “prison doors” to them that are bound.”  (Luke 4:18)…..

A PROPHETIC WORD of HEALING & RESTORATION FOR GOD’S PEOPLE 

The enemy has told you that “you have been like this since you were a little boy or little girl – and that things can never change for you”…. But the Lord says  that “I am coming with new revelation of My word – and there is a dimension of My power and anointing that is coming with that revelation – to truly set the captives free in these last days….. Because the place that I’ve brought the church to – the church cannot keep going forward – unless those things are broken…. For truly the captives must be set free… and My people walk about in freedom as never before!…

So don’t shrink back and don’t be afraid… Because the Lord says “In this hour healing is coming – and there’s a river that’s now flowing – that is going to bring about healing to the nations….. And My people are going to rise up – not a wounded people, not a people who are sick and crippled and bent over and cannot look up!…. But My people are going to rise up in these last days with healing and with strength and with power – because of the healing and restoration that I am bringing!.. So don’t shrink back, but press in to Me in these last days – and know the healing that I can bring to you, says the Lord God….. Thank You, Jesus!

Very quickly!  Very quickly! …. For others it is going to be a process of things that He is going to show you.  He’s going to bring healing – and it’s going to be a lot like peeling an onion – layer by layer – as  He’s going to show and bring revelation to you of areas that you need to be healed…. But whatever the way – whether it’s quick or whether it’s a process – the Lord says that He’s going to do the work…. He’s going to bring it to pass!  And we are to acknowledge Him!  Thank You, Jesus!

___________________________

NOTE:  This prophetic word that I just shared with you was given June 11, 2000 by Pastor Drew Isaacs – who often blesses the church he pastors – with such words that he hears from the Lord as he worships or teaches God’s word.

I was there the day this particular word was given – and I can attest to the fact that I for one, have been a recipient of a lot of this kind of healing and freedom from the Lord over the past 15 years….and have been seeing a lot of it taking place in others in the church as well….. So I would encourage all who read this to do as this prophetic word says – “Don’t shrink back, but press in close to the Lord and let Him do the work…..let Him bring to pass the healing He has for you.” And you too, will surely say “Thank You, Jesus”!

Daily Bread – Sent to Reconcile Man to God

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He was conceived in the womb of a virgin – who dared to believe God – that it could be done even as He had told her…… “Be it unto me according to Your Word,” she had said……  (Luke 1:38)

So this “Life” was sent from Heaven – God’s person to reveal…He came out of the bosom of the Father (John 1:1-18) – this “outlet” of divine mercy and grace……. sent to reconcile and heal – all the broken places “in man apart from God.”

He came to “seek and to save that which was lost  (Luke 19:10)… And although God the Father gave this gift to man at great personal cost….. He so loved the world that He took upon Himself the loss – of His only begotten Son – that you and I might – through the Spirit – also become one….. even a son of the Living God!

This is truly not so hard to believe – if you really stop to ponder – the miracle of the world itself – how incredible it all is…… With everything all put together to reproduce themselves….. from the fruit trees and herbs to the animals that roam the earth…… And then man himself…. so loved by God that He desires our fellowship… We worship Him because He IS God….. He is God alone – and truly no man (or “accident” of nature?) – could do the things that He does!…..

So we worship You – God the Father and God the Son – our Lord Jesus Christ.  We worship You because – through You and Your life – we’ve been reconciled to God!…

Daily Bread – Growing in the Fellowship of the Spirit

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“As the deer panteth after the water brooks.. so my soul longeth after You, oh God”  (Psalm 42:1)…..

It is fellowship with each one of us that God desires … And He has planted that same desire for fellowship with Him in our hearts as well……As the heart of God the Father longs for this fellowship, so you and I have need of it….. For it is this very fellowship that helps us keep growing and becoming strong – and sensitive to the things of the spirit…..

Our growing in fellowship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ – is indeed comparable to that in the natural of an adoring mother or father as they see their child growing into the place where it can have greater fellowship with them….. In the beginning, the relationship was pretty well one-sided – with the babe (and with you and I in our relationship with God) -needing all this personal attention…. And even though there was delight in giving us that needed attention – how much deeper the bond and the satisfaction between us as we grow to the place where there are things that can now be shared that were once beyond our understanding…… And the great delight then – to our Father –  when we come to Him just because we want the fellowship that binds us in that “forever relationship.”

So, just as it is necessary to grow up in the natural in order to have more understanding and deeper relationships….. Even so, God the Father desires to see us grow up in the things of the Spirit… For that IS the “forever relationship”