Deceived By The Enemy!

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:1-8 NIV

Remember when trump claimed Hillary was “unfit” to have classified information and all the Republicans fell in line behind him? Nothing on her server has ever surfaced, but this morning, trump admits–he shared classified information with the Russians–his buddies and kept the US press out of the meeting.

Most of us have always known the Russians are not our friends–at least the leadership is not a friendly person and we know–he orders the execution of his opposition. The Russian people–may not be as brainwashed by false propaganda as Putin wants them to be. At any rate–we can say–the Russian leadership is an enemy no matter what disguise they attempt to use.

Personally, I don’t believe they deceived trump–they manipulated him into doing their bidding in exchange for his 2016 election win–a win that is still under a cloud of legitimacy considering we all know–the Russians interfered with it.

The leak in the WH–is trump’s best friend at this point.  Or at least I can say, they are ours. They should tell the press what’s going on in the WH in total transparency so we know what we’re up against, daily.

The Republicans who claim to be true Patriots and the moral majority–have proven they are the hidden enemy of The State–of America. They have hidden their bigotry and disguised their hatred for “all Americans who don’t look like them, think like them or worship like them” by claiming something that just isn’t true (God chose trump) in their support of the worst person in the world now sitting in the WH. They knew he wasn’t fit to serve as president, but they promoted him anyway because of their personal agenda. They knew he wasn’t competent and certainly not a Christian, but they promoted him anyway. They knew he was not a Patriot because he doesn’t want to pay taxes that support our government, but they promoted him anyway.

Now–who is America’s greatest threat? The enemy occupying the Oval Office is Public Enemy #1 with Pence, Ryan, and McConnell following right behind them. They all knew about the Russian hacking and are complicit in the cooperation to just “win.” How do we know–by paying attention to what they’re doing or not doing as Christians.  They support and condone a pathological liar who is a bigot and ignites the worst in those who hate people because of their differences. This is not Christ-like behavior; this is the enemy hidden under the umbrella of the Republican party deceiving the masses.

There are a number of people in America who would make a better president than the one we have; I am one of them! The proof will be in the pudding. Watch for it!

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Exposed!

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them. A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:24-28 NIV

One of the reasons that enemies get the best of people is because trusting people simply trust until the enemy is exposed, but sometimes–the exposure comes to late. The very gullible–trust the lying lips and charming speech of those who have no soul and they seldom see beyond the surface of a person’s veneer.

How do we know when an enemy lurks within and near? We watch–with guarded hearts and pay attention to whether their actions match their words. Do we see light in their eyes that exposes the transparency of their souls or is there darkness–veiling the evil that fights for control in their soul?

Does the person display paranoid tendencies, claiming someone is always out to get them, following them, or spying on them? Are they constantly complaining about the “false” perceptions others have of them? Are they open to multiple perspectives about issues or are they close-minded, seeking only those they know will agree with them for advice?

Do they think that only what they say is truth and everyone else is a liar?

Is there consistent blame and finger pointing when they refuse to accept responsibility for their own actions?

Years ago, a well-known comedian–Flip Wilson–always made a point of saying in one of his spoofs, “the devil made me do it.” Some people–apparently took that literally and accuse the devil of all sorts of things he hasn’t done. In fact, the devil can’t make anyone do anything other than plant the idea and influence surroundings, but what a person does “their active engagement in anything” is entirely on them. The desire was already within them and they didn’t need much to act on their thoughts. If we only do what is right, we never have to fear being exposed for doing wrong.

This is one of the reasons we can rely upon God’s Word when we’re told through James, that no one should ever say when they are tempted to do something that God tempted them because God will not tempt anyone with evil, but we are drawn into evil by our own lusts–those desires that don’t align with God’s Word. Reasonably speaking, if God won’t make us do anything (we make choices), then the devil won’t either. We do what we do because of the desire to do it.

Remember the adage about being able to fool some of the people some of the time, but never all the people, all the time? Those who have discerning spirits–always attentive to the alarms we sense in our spirits when Holy Spirit is warning–know how to recognize the enemy. We watch and take note of all that is not like God and then we warn others, cautioning them to watch as well and not trust a person based upon surface knowledge. Even when we don’t know people on a personal level–we can ultimately determine who is leading them simply by paying attention to what they say on social media and how they say it.

The same traits and characteristics we can detect in a person with whom we encounter face-to-face, are detected through what we see said in a “tweet” or a blog post.

The secure individual is not afraid of what others have to say and never expects everyone to agree with them. In fact, they look forward to hearing opposing views and then take the time to scrutinize what has been said and objectively determine whether what was said has merit or not. The secure person is not paranoid and has no fear of what others might do or say to them–they walk in love and The Word tells us that perfect love, casts aside all fears.

The discerning person–hearing what Holy Spirit tells them–will share that insight in an attempt to foil the enemy’s plans–exposing them for all they are. Sometimes, exposure comes through the enemy’s actions and all the world can see them for what they are. Everything done in darkness or under cover–out of sight–will be exposed to the light of day and scrutinized and judged based upon what is exposed.

There is no cleaning up lies–especially when a person lies about the lies in an attempt to deceive–deliberately–out of greed for power and money.

Knowing in advance that when a person chooses to run for a political office, attempts will be made to “uncover or expose” a person’s past, I can rest easy in my decision. There is nothing in my past that hasn’t already been publicized in my books in one way or another. My blog posts for the past five years or more have been a mirror into my soul–introspectively–for all who read them. So, I’m continuing the exploratory process, determined to make a difference in America for all Americans.

The Enemy!

The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains. Everyone lies in wait to shed blood; they hunt each other with nets. Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire— they all conspire together. The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. The day God visits you has come, the day your watchmen sound the alarm. Now is the time of your confusion.Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:2-7 NIV

There are seemingly more enemies surrounding us than friends, but the most despicable enemy are those influenced by deceptive persuasion. Satan–will don the garment of the righteous in order to deceive and when their hearts are not right with God, he is successful and then will things fall apart, they stand in wonder as to how it happened.

Everyone saying, “Lord, Lord” is not a follower of The Most High God and in fact, we are cautioned in The Word that many will stand before Him and He’ll say, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” Let’s look at what Jesus said:

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:20-27 NIV

So are we building our house on a rock or on the sand?

It would appear that with all the upheaval and chaos emanating from the White House that the 2016 Election created a situation in which the presidency and the credibility of America was built on sand and when the storms continue to rage, it will soon be washed away.

Historically, not many have ever seen such turmoil in the White House or such disdain from other countries because of the leader in it as we see right now. The enemy–those who gain access or entry into situations by deceit and cunning through the auspices of wrong doing and outside interference should never expect peace for there will be none. Whenever a “dictator” sets out to beguile the people using false propaganda and outright lies, they may have persuaded the masses for a moment, but the moment passes as soon as the blinders fall off and people realize they’ve been duped.

Ironically, not once has there been an evil judge or king or dictator who did not fear for his own life, yet they had no qualms about destroying others.

Karma bites and it’s about to take a big bite out of those responsible for the madness resulting from the rigged election.

But it’s not only those who rigged the election who will feel the pain, but all those who pretend to be Christians–the pseudo-christians who because of their own agenda–lied in order to bring about a desired result.  They won–but what did they win? Based upon what I’ve seen posted by various people from across the land, the pseudo-christians have won the disdain of many who now see them as hypocrites and that includes the entire Republican party–that so-called party of family values who have endorsed and embraced the very epitome of ignorance and evil and condones the wrongdoing in the White House.

Anyone who does not do the will of God, “defend the rights of the poor and needy,” and cannot love as God loves–unconditionally, is the enemy. Did not Jesus tell us that there are but two commands by which we must live and will be judged by? “Love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind and love one another as we love ourselves.”

Where is the love of a the fake-president residing in the White House? There is a love of greed and power, but those are also covered in The Word–practices of evil. When a confirmed and publicized “white supremacist” is sitting at the table with others because he “tricked” the president into signing the order, but the president won’t rescind it–what does that tell us? Can we see any good fruit in that action?

Do we see good fruit or rotten fruit in those given positions as cabinet members who have ties with Russia and refuse to disclose truth?

Do we see good resulting from evil in establishing people who disdain government in government positions? Is that why those who knew nothing, know nothing, and don’t care, are guarded by others at taxpayer expense?

Every foolish decision has consequences and the cost–from a financial perspective is shouldered by the tax-payers who actually pay taxes and those who circumvent paying taxes keep are rewarded. Something to think about it.

Though Satan is the enemy of mankind, those influenced by him are the enemy of everything right and good. The media is not the enemy of Americans–the clown in the White House is the enemy with his autocratic notions and attempts to establish tyranny.

The Americans who did not drink the shake are not fooled (and there are more of us than those who drank the shake) and we are not standing by idly waiting for the storm to rise; we are establishing our faith on The Rock and He will prevail against all the enemy attempts to do to destroy a nation.

In order to defeat the enemy–we must know the enemy and how the enemy plans to divide and conquer. We do, for we see it on a regular basis and will not cave. We will resist the impulse to give in and we will be victorious over evil.

When The Enemy Raises his Head!

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.” Deuteronomy 33:26-29 NIV

Have we forgotten that we who Believe have been adopted into the family by the work on the Cross? We are spiritual Israel and have access to the same promises made to the Children of Israel before God came down from heaven in the likeness of man. We have no need to fear what the enemy might do–we simply need to maintain our focus on Him who is more than enough–to keep us protected from anything the enemy might plan.

This is why it is important to know–who is really a Believer and who is simply cowering under the banner of Christianity--fearful of everything and promoting their fear to anyone who dares to listen. There is no need to fear with Jesus on our side–He is more than the world against us, so why do Christians become fear-mongers, allowing fear of “what might be” to keep their focus off the One who does not change His mind about what He desires for us?

If we truly Believe God’s Word–we have no need to fear anyone or any event. The enemy’s job is to use fear and doubt as a tactic or strategy to make sure people focus on their situation or those things going around them rather than looking up–for our help comes from The Lord!

The enemy has already been defeated with the bloodshed of Jesus Christ and He has given us power to keep him under our feet. So why don’t we? Why are we listening to men–who fear their own shadows, who promote hatred and bigotry faster than they can breathe? Why are we allowing the fickleness of man to deter us from knowing that God wins in the end and for those of us who trust Him–rather than man–we also win!

Some may trust in horses and chariots–the tools used in the battle, but I will trust in The Lord–for He is watching and He knows all about our troubles! The battle is not ours; it is The Lord’s and He cannot be defeated!

Looking Only To The Lord!

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.I Thessalonians 3:12,13 NIV

In these trying times, while we’re trying to figure out what is going on in the minds of those who deliberately harm children and others, we can only look to The Lord for answers; especially in how we maintain our peace.

No matter how many times we hear about senseless killings, we should never reach a place, where it doesn’t bother us. It is the enemy’s ploy to desensitize us with all of the horrific events that occur–daily–so we’ll not pay attention to what is happening.

The Spirit of The Lord–who knows all things and sees all things and speaks to the hearts of those who are sensitive to hearing Him–will not allow us to ignore the ramifications of all we hear and see. The enemy is roaming the earth, igniting hatred and fueling depravity wherever he can find confused minds.

Where are the confused minds? Within all those who are incapable of rational decision-making. For all those whose minds are influenced by addictive chemicals–whether prescribed or not, whether legal or not–when brain cells are altered by chemical influence, we can expect negative events to occur. Lives are lost and those who are left behind are left wondering what happened.

The answer–in a nutshell–when we forsake The Lord by living in opposition to His Word, we invite the enemy into our lives and give him control over what we do. Then when we see the chaos and destruction caused by him, we appear dazed–shaking our heads in disbelief because we don’t understand–anything! We need Jesus! There is no peace in the land without Him reigning in our hearts.

The Word tells us that God is not the author of confusion–and any time people think they have a right to take a life for any reason–their minds are confused–a trademark of the enemy. Where there is confusion—the enemy reigns in the minds of people. Where there is chaos and destruction–the enemy reigns in the minds of people. The enemy’s role in the atmosphere is to kill, steal, and destroy; he is a master manipulator and the father of liars. Look around you and see the evidence of the Word being true!

If we want to see peace, we must look to The Lord and allow Him to reign in our hearts. Without Him, there will never be peace, only confusion. It is The Lord who can increase love in our hearts. It is The Lord who can strengthen us in our resolve to live for Him. Without Him, we can do nothing worthwhile and if we can do nothing worthwhile, while living on earth, the enemy wins!

Look to The Lord all you people in the land and know that He is God!

Are We Now, As Jerusalem Was?

“Jerusalem has sinned greatly and so has become unclean. All who honored her despise her, for they have all seen her naked; she herself groans and turns away. Her filthiness clung to her skirts; she did not consider her future. Her fall was astounding; there was none to comfort her. Look, Lord, on my affliction for the enemy has triumphed.” (Lamentations 1:8,9 NIV)

Jeremiah understood why Jerusalem became captives–for they had forgotten the God of their fathers, the God of heaven who had saved them so many times from their enemies, the God who had made them an honored nation of people who had great reputations, and now–no other nation looked upon them with honor and respect.

America has become captive–slave to the enemy of God–Satan and all of his influence in the minds of people who have forsaken the principles of godliness and righteousness because of some–who choose to mock God and God is allowing us to be scorned as mocked as a nation, where few countries have any respect for us and certainly, none honor us Godly people. Have we become the Jerusalem that concerned Jeremiah? If so, how did it happen and is there any hope for us as a nation?

When greed–having more than we need becomes a priority, we set ourselves up for failure. However, most corporations in this country don’t call it greed; they call it competitiveness. Greed by any other name is still greed; especially when little thought is given to the people who clamor for the goods of the competitiveness until they clamor themselves out of jobs. The more the worker in this country wants, the less they get. They may get higher wages, but those higher wages lead to job loss, benefit loss, and higher consumer prices, and job creation anywhere but in America.

Corporations are only interested in one thing–the bottom line–profit over everything. They could care less about those in this country, which is why we are now so indebted to others. If the Chinese were to demand payment on the debt we owe them (or any other country), we’d all end up learning to speak other languages for America would no longer be an English speaking nation. This is what happens when a nation becomes captives of others–the captives have to change to accommodate their captors.

That’s on a natural level. On a spiritual level–everything changes in the spirit realm first–this country has submitted to enemy’s influence and he is running rampant, creating havoc in the minds of so many, leaving violence and death in his wake and because we have become such a godless nation; we don’t even recognize the enemy at work–at least some don’t. The principalities in the air have definitely influenced the head of our government and all those in places of authority. They have been deceived and now become captive to the deceit, sworn to spread the lies of the enemy everywhere they go, making a mockery of the Godly principles by which we once lived. And other nations–are looking upon us with contempt, just waiting for us to cave so they can enter our borders and hold us captive to their will. This is what happens to every nation who puts God on a shelf, thinking they know more than He does.

While I can see the inevitable about to take place, it won’t stop me from praying and interceding on behalf of a nation that has forsaken God and all of His principles to pacify flesh. And I know there are other Believers out there who know what I know and they are doing what I’m doing–communicating with the One who can change the course for the better for all. For God has said, “If my people who are called by name would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, then would He hear from heaven and heal the land.”

Father, look upon this land and see the hearts of those who love You. I pray that there are more of us who love You and will obey than those who scorn and mock You and Your Ways. Forgive us, for many don’t know why they do what they do, other than to live to please self and not You. Thank You for Your mercies, which are new every day and help us who know You, to not take Your mercy and grace for granted, but to continue to fight the good fight of faith, daily, for we know time is not on our side, but You will have the last and final word over all those who have chosen to disobey You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Have mercy upon us O God!

Never Silent!

“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest,” (Isaiah 62:6 NIV)

During those ancient years when a city was built with high walls surrounding it and a tower, watchmen were assigned to keep guard over the city and when they saw danger coming (an attack by the enemy), they were to warn the residents of the city so they would prepare for battle to defend it. When they saw the enemy coming, they were to sound an alarm–usually a loud blast from a trumpet or other horn. This assignment was important since lives could be lost and entire cities captured.

Today, there are still watchmen assigned to sound the alarm when they see coming danger of an attack by the enemy. Since there are no more “cities with high walls” per se (but the walls of hearts), the alarm must be sounded through whatever venue is available in order to save lives and to keep people from being captured and held in bondage by the enemy. The problem is–not many are listening to the watchmen who have indeed sounded the alarm–warning people of the dangers of being captured by the enemy of man–Satan–and being held bondage to sin. We, who are watchmen, observing the times and aligning them with The Word, will not be held accountable for people not listening when we speak God’s Truth. If they choose to ignore us, their blood will be on their hands.

“But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.”(Ezekiel 33:6,8,9 NIV–Best understood if entire chapters are read)

This is “The Word of The Lord” and woe unto to us if we do not hear and obey!

So though there may be those who would prefer seeing a “feel-good, sugar-coated” message, I am appointed to warn and I will never stay silent about what God says or how He wants us to live. I love encouraging people to seek Him, love Him, obey Him, and receive all the benefits He has for us, but when I see the destruction the enemy has planned, I must also warn people not to be deceived by those trying to changing the intent of God’s Word. All Believers must study The Word for themselves and understand God’s intent for inspiring men to write what He wanted us to know. There are many who are hearing God, and warning people about the impending dangers of being influenced by Satan. However, not many are heeding the warning because their flesh speaks louder.

Watchmen, Watchmen–Sound The Alarm and Let it be known–Danger approaches and lives will be lost–if the warning is not heeded–change is coming and no man will able to stem the tide of devastation we will experience, if we don’t turn from our wicked ways and seek The Lord to forgive us and live as He desires!

Standing Against The Devil’s Schemes!

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11,12 NIV–please read the rest).

The armor of God–designed to cover and protect all the sensitive areas of our bodies from the attacks of the enemy. We can stand against the enemy and thwart his attack when:  our waist (stomach) is covered by Truth and we will not be compromised by lies, Righteousness covers our heart, our feet are ready to promote the Gospel of peace, our Faith is the shield upon which the fiery darts of the enemy are extinguished, our heads are covered with the Helmet of Salvation (we are saved), our Sword, the knowledge of The Word which we carry in our hearts that are protected by the breastplate.

We have all we need to withstand the attacks of the enemy and win, but we must be willing to stand and face the enemy who dares to attack the children of God.

We have to know–we should not lie or accept the lies of others.

We have to know–our faith is in Him and Him alone and trust Him in all things.

We have to know–The Word and how it impacts every area of our lives.

We have to know–the enemy thrives on lies, deceptions, half-truths, and fear because his job is to kill, steal, and destroy.

We have to know–how to recognize the enemy and those who he uses to implement his plan of destruction.

We have to know–that God knows the plans He has for us and those plans are for us to succeed and have victory in every area of our lives. We have to know this and proclaim every time the enemy attacks.

And when we stand–fully covered and prepared for spiritual warfare–we will see the victory that God has already established–no matter what the enemy attempts to do!

Chosen, Not Rejected!

“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you” (Isaiah 41:9 NIV)

Spoken through the prophet, God reminded the descendants of Abraham they had no need to fear other nations because He had chosen them and not rejected them. That Word is still relevant to the spiritual descendants of Abraham, just as it was to the natural descendants of Abraham.

The Lord our God, has called us–from every corner of the earth, every nationality, every culture, every gender, the spiritual seed of Abraham–into a personal relationship with Him and to promote the glorious Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have no need to fear what the enemy does or plans to do. God is with us and with Him, He is more than enough to squash all the deeds of the enemy.

If we know that our God is with us–everywhere we go–we have to no need to fear–anything or anyone. If we are capable of loving, unconditionally, we cast fear aside and face all we need to do with determination and courage, knowing that we can do all things through Him who loves us. If we know that the enemy will rise up against–especially if we are living the life that God wants us to live–we should also know that he has already been defeated and we have the power to keep him under our feet.

The enemy that rages against God and all that God has planned has been defeated, but he loves to use people–vulnerable, arrogant, insensitive, those without a conscience to create havoc and chaos and stir up fear in the hearts of those who want to do what is right.  When those he uses are defeated and fade away, he goes after others who have lost sight of their faith in God and have become fearful.

The enemy’s influence is seen in all who defy God and choose to live however they want to live. His influence can be seen from the heights of authority of power to the depths of the gutters where those who lay, totally ignorant of the events around them, are only concerned with appeasing flesh. In America–from the White House–to the dope den and all places in between, we see the enemy’s influence.  We see how he turns the hearts of politicians from serving the needs of the poor. We see how caving to the pressure of political correctness attempt to change God’s Word. We see how maniacal attitudes–swing from end of the spectrum to the other–fight for the lives of unborn children, yet promote access to killing people with guns in the hands of every lunatic. We see–every day the plans of the enemy unfold as he attempts to quickly rid the world of all God has created because he hates all God has created.

But don’t fear what the enemy can do because his time is nearing an end. Be more concerned with severing a relationship with God that saves, cleanses, and makes whole. Don’t risk losing eternal life with the One who loves for the one who hates.  God is love and Satan is hate–and we recognize the influence of both in all we see people say and do. We have been chosen from the beginning to promote love, so let’s do that and reject hate!

Greater Power With Us!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him” (2 Chronicles 32:7 NIV).

A wise Christian leader will always encourage those who follow them to not be afraid of the things they see, but to have faith in the One they cannot see, but know is there.

Throughout the Bible we see the words, “be strong and courageous” and “do not be afraid” of anything. People who are fearful make hasty decisions that usually end up causing even more problems than they would have incurred if they had faith and waited.

When faced with obstacles and challenges that appear to overwhelm us, we must remember that we have the greater power within us than the power in the world. This is why we are reminded that “Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.” The enemy may think he has the upper-hand in our lives, but if we remain focused on the promises of God and obey Him only, we have no need to fear what the enemy may do.

Does this mean we never have problems? Absolutely not! We will have trials and tribulations–Jesus told us that, but He also said in John 16, “don’t worry about them because He had overcome the world.” In other words, He has already prepared the solution before the problem arises.

Think about things this way. Is there anything the enemy does that God cannot turn around in our favor? No! There is nothing too hard for God. Even when we think it appears that God has failed us, He has simply allowed us to go through so He can get the glory in our lives.  We have to develop our faith in God so we can stand and face the enemy in our life (whatever that enemy is–drugs, alcohol, pornography, sexual sin, stealing, lying, fear, etc.), so we can be like Daniel–no matter what happens–we will not worship other gods or be fearful of what man can do because we are never alone–God is always with us!

Hezekiah was faced with the possibility of an entire tribe being destroyed by Assyria. He knew that his military would not fight if they were fearful so he encouraged them to have faith in God, rather than be concerned with mere men in the Assyrian army. We must not be afraid of what mere men can do, for their lives are just as limited as ours, but we (who have a relationship with God) have the promise of eternity with Jesus!  Remember it is not by power or might that we achieve victory, but by the Spirit of  The Lord, working on our behalf.

No matter what happens in the world today; especially when we can see the influence of the enemy roaming wildly, stirring up hatred and violence; we must keep our focus and our faith in God and never fear. “Perfect love (unconditional love) casts out fear.”