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Testing Article Today (2009-05-19) |
This is just a testing article
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The Schemes of the enemy (2009-05-17) |
The enemy is sly in his schemes. His desire is to broaden his influence over the world (John 14:30; 16:11; Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19). One of the ways he desires to do this is through false teachings and one of the greatest influences we face today is that of Psychology and those who attempt to integrate this with the Word of God. Pastors have been tricked into believe they are not counselors and this is not their responsibility. However scripture teaches quite the opposite. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 tells urges us to warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone, this truly sounds like counseling to me.
Satan delights in leading believers away from a pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). What are the methods he uses? He tries to destroy our faith, demoralize us, lead us into error, bring division, and to dilute our efforts.
How does he destroy our faith? He Tempts us to sin (Genesis 3:1-6; Matthew 4:3; John 13:2; Acts 5:3). Better yet he gets us to think that it’s not sin, it’s caused by the way we were raised, by others, or our circumstances. He also corrupts our conscience, to where we think things are ok, because there not as bad as something else (1 Timothy 1:19). We allow him to gain a foothold in our life. One way we do this is to begin to question the authority of God’s word. We begin to look other places to answer the situations in life that arise (Romans 13:14; Ephesians 4:26). Another way is by getting our eyes off Christ and onto ourselves (Luke 9:62; Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 3:18-19; 10:12; 1 Timothy 3:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:26). The world teaches and preaches to focus on ourselves in direct opposition of God’s word. Finally by direct persecution (1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 2:10-13). So much is made of problems that arise that if we experience anything uncomfortable our thoughts go to blaming God. Thus destroying our faith, satan is rejoicing.
Another way is demoralize. He accomplishes this by accusations (Job 1; Zechariah 3:1; Romans 8:33; Revelation 12:10); guilt and condemnation (Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 2:11) and by creating doubts (Luke 24:38; Romans 2:14-15; James 1:6; Hebrews 10:23)
The third way is by leading into error by lies and deception (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 20:7-8); By twisting the truth (Genesis 3:1-5; Matthew 4:6; 2 Corinthians 11:14) By false teachers and prophets (2 Corinthians 10:4-5; 11:3-4; Galatians 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:1-22 Timothy 4:3-4) by targeting good teachers (Acts 20:28-31; 3 John 9-10) By false miracles (Matthew 7:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 16:14; 19:20)
To bring division in the body of Christ By anger, unforgiveness, bitterness (Ephesians 4:3; 26-31; Hebrews 12:15) By envy, pride, selfish ambition (James 3:14-15; 4:1-2) By slander and gossip (Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; James 3:9-11; 4:11
The finally to dilute our efforts by putting the phony in with the real (Matthew 13:24-25; 38-39; Jude 4; 1 John 4:3)
Everyone is susceptible to be entrapped by his schemes. That is one of the reasons we must remain diligent in our walk with Him. We need to be continually growing and learning. Every believer whether layman or leader, pastor or member must walk in a manner worthy of the calling we have been given. |
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Test (2009-05-16) |
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Test... |
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Dangerous Curves Ahead (2009-03-31) |
Dangerous Curve Ahead!
As you drive down the highway you are faithfully obeying the speed limit and trusting that all is well within the world. Then you approach a sign that reads . . . WARNING - Dangerous Curve Ahead - 25 mph. Now you must make a choice. You can observe the warning and slow down. You can ignore the sign and continue at your present speed which is perfectly safe for present conditions. You can oppose the sign and accelerate. However, your response will not change the truth of the sign. The curve will remain dangerous no matter how you respond and if you ignore the warning you may very well end up at the bottom of a 300 - foot canyon. The Bible contains God’s many warning signs from God concerning the dangerous curves of life. It also contains precious promises directing you to the true delights of life. Do you believe the Bible speaks for God? Are you reading His road map?
John Wesley put it this way: The Bible must be the invention either of good men or angels, bad men or demons, or God. It could not be the invention of good men or angels because they would not make a book and tell lies all the time they were writing saying Thus saith the Lord, when it was their own invention. It could not be the invention of bad men or demons, for they would not make a book which commands all duty, forbids all sin, and condemns their own souls to hell for all eternity. Therefore draw the conclusion that the Bible must be given by the true and living God. Let the Bible speak for itself as Peter says: . . . no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. (2 Pt. 1:20-21)
The Bible posts many warning signs: You are not to get drunk, be bitter, speak harsh, angry or malicious words, steal, commit adultery or engage in homosexual acts! These are some of the `dangerous curves of life. God says, that he posted these warning signs so that you might avoid the dangers and find an abundant life through His son the Lord Jesus who died to pay the penalty for your sins and to give us eternal life. If all of America believed and practiced just one commandment this year like the one Speak the truth in love! Wouldn’t life in America be wonderful? You may choose to ignore God’s warning signs. You may choose not to believe in the Bible as God’s Word but that will not change the truth. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8) The Bible also gives us precious promises and directives to an abundant walk with our Savoir.
Make it your practice to read God’s Word every day. Read each day until you can find one road sign for life to obey for that day. Then spend the rest of your day practicing that road sign. It will help you to avoid many of the dangerous curves
Written by: Dr. Robert B. Somerville |
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Fear and Anxiety (2009-03-30) |
T-shirts proclaim, “Life is sudden death overtime-and the clock is running! NO FEAR!!” But in the face of all the problems of life, the financial recession, loved ones dealing with life-threatening diseases and the ups and downs of every day, how can anyone possibly live without worry? Fear? Anxiety? “NO FEAR!!!” “Are you kidding, I have hundreds of fears! How could one possibly live without fear?”
The book of Philippians in the New Testament was written from a Roman prison by the apostle Paul. Paul was surrounded by Roman guards and knew that at any moment, at the whim of Caesar, he could be facing Roman crucifixion. Yet Paul has the audacity to actually command us to “be anxious for nothing!” He tells us that through the power of his relationship with Jesus Christ he has learned to be content in any and every circumstance including prison and he actually gives us instructions for living free from fear.
Listen to Paul’s formula for anxiety-free living. It is found in Philippians 4:4-9. 1) REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS. Set your mind on God and His power and promises and you can be free from worry. The Word of God teaches us that God causes “All things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Do you love God? Have you accepted the free gift of eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you believe His Word that all things work together for good? Accept His promises at face value and rejoice in His power and promises. 2) RESOLVE TO BE GENTLE no matter what the circumstances. Determine that with God’s strength you will demonstrate peace and patience in the circumstances as you trust in His strength and loving purpose. Suddenly the situation becomes less stressful. 3) REMEMBER THE LORD IS NEAR. God has never left you. In fact, in Romans 8:28 He promises He is not only in your problem but He is in it for good. 4) REFUSE TO BE FEARFUL ABOUT ANYTHING. Determine before God that you will obey Him and in each circumstance you will turn to Him for strength, not allowing your mind to pursue anxious thinking. 5) RELY ON PRAYER. Trade in all of your fearful, anxious worry for specific prayer concerning that situation. Turn every detail of the problem over to God, realizing that He is powerful enough to handle anything. 6) REST YOUR MIND ON WHATEVER IS EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY. Once you have determined the specific, gentle, patient action that is necessary in the situation and have turned the entire circumstance over to God through prayer then you must put your mind on the things that are good and excellent. Since you have committed the problem to God it is now His worry and your job is to think about the things that uplifting rather than the things that will pull you down with fear. 7) REACH OUT AND PRACTICE WHAT IS GOOD. Determine how you can practice what is good in the circumstances and do it. Put your energy into practicing what is good, not into to worry which will change nothing.
Paul promises that if we practice this formula whenever we would normally be prone to anxious thoughts that the God of peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Read the book of Philippians over and over this year. For additional insights read Elyse Fitzpatrick’s book, “Overcoming Fear, Worry and Anxiety,” Harvest House Publishers. Ask God to teach you the secret of contentment in every circumstance. Practice Paul’s formula for freedom from fear, and let your trust rest in God as you rejoice in Him. |
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Fork in a road (2009-03-24) |
We all reach it, it’s that point where we know what we need to do but have that temptation to do what we want to do instead. There’s strong biblical guidance for us to follow, but we also have our ideas or listen to others instead of God. Am I going to do what God wants or do what the world tells me to do? There are numerous examples for us throughout scripture. Joseph chose to follow God’s commands when he was tempted by his master’s wife in
Genesis 39 8 But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.
Then what about David:
2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 3 and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" 4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her.
Two separate people, same situation, different responses. You will have to read the rest of the stories to come to your conclusions. These were forks in the road for each man. One chose to follow the Lord while the other followed his own desires. It may be that God has brought you to a point in your life where you know you need to make a commitment to follow Him, but there is too much to give up. Here’s another example from scripture hear the eunuch’s response to God’s calling:
34 The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
Then you have the example of the rich young man who didn’t responded to God’s calling,
21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
It could be you have already made that commitment and now it’s time to begin to follow through with it, but you can’t seem to grab hold of that area which has it’s hold. Well you’re not alone. Paul states in Romans,
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want
Don’t allow the cares and concerns of everyday life to put a strangle hold on you. When you come to the fork in the road, take the way of righteousness. It may not be the easiest, in fact it may be more difficult, but it is the way which leads to righteousness.
13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
So take heart and follow our Lord, for He is the one who is faithful to us. |
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