Don't let the Devil steal your intimate relationship with Jesus. Becky, my wife, talked about this on Sunday at the www.LovingGodFellowship.org Salem campus.
You can listen with the player below. It's worth the listen.
Thousands of years ago cities were fortified with walls. This was their defense against invaders. The inhabitants of the cities could go to sleep at night knowing that they were safe. If the walls were broken down, invaders could raid the city taking hostage and even killing the inhabitants.
God’s Word says (Proverbs 25:28 NIV) "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."
With no self control, a person leaves themselves open to attack. They are vulnerable to fall into the same traps and make the same bad choices that have gotten them in trouble in the past.
The enemy of our soul knows our weaknesses. He has watched us and knows what temptations we have given into in the past. He knows where the walls of our defense are weak and will hit us there time and time again. Anger, pride, lust, gluttony, jealousy, gossip, addictions, an uncontrolled tongue are just some of many weaknesses people have to deal with daily.
What is one to do? Without supernatural help, one is on their own. I have often times tried to overcome on my own only to fail and fall for the same tactics of the enemy of my soul. I have ended up frustrated and depressed.
I have found a better way. A way that helps me be strong in my weaknesses. It is relying on God’s help. God’s Word says (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV) "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
You may be living in fear today of falling again. You know your weakness. The devil knows your weakness. You need supernatural help. Rely on God and as you follow Christ, He gives you supernatural power to overcome temptation and be strong in weaknesses. He gives you supernatural love that helps you even love your enemies. And He gives you supernatural self-discipline that’s like a city whose walls are strong. You can sleep well at night knowing that you are protected from all invaders that the enemy of your soul may bring your way.
Control self by relying on God.
Amen!
gaj
What do you have that is inexhaustible?
God's love.
Nothing you can do will make God love you any less.
Nothing you can do will make God love you any more.
His love was completed for you at the cross of Christ.
And it's inexhaustible!
O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. -- Psalm 130:7
gaj
This world is messed up! Trouble abounds. I’m so glad that my citizenship is not of this world. In the midst of trying to make a difference in this messed up world, I take heart in knowing that the One I follow has overcome and He will get me across the finish line. Awesome!
[Jesus said,] "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
-- John 16:33
In the midst of trouble, what do you take heart in?
gaj
Always remember that God is the refiner and YOU are His gold. He is doing a good work in you even if it does not feel good and He is closer than you could ever imagine throughout the entire process.
The refiner is never very far from the mouth of the furnace when His gold is in the fire.
-- Charles H. Spurgeon
Just a thought....
gaj
You can withstand any situation with the help of Christ.
It's as the Apostle Paul said.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
-- Philippians 4:13
Just a thought....
gaj
We had Easter again today at the LGF Salem Campus.
I talked about being too blessed to be stressed.
Listen in <-------------- Click here
Or use mini player below.
gaj
Click to view Stephanie Stricklen's story on my running to save lives.
Stephanie is the health reporter for NBC affiliate KGW in Portland, Oregon.
I'm running down the home stretch now and can use your help in reaching my goal!
Thanks Stephanie for a great story!
gaj
Moses was one confident person in what God had called him to do. Get this:
(Numbers 16:28-30 NIV) "Then Moses said, "This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea: {29} If these men die a natural death and experience only what usually happens to men, then the LORD has not sent me. {30} But if the LORD brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the grave, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt."
Moses was confident that he was doing what he was sent to do. He knew that he had heard from God.
Jesus has called each of us to follow Him and our mission is to continue His ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit. That's what He has sent us to do in our day. We are to make a difference in our day.
My prayer today is that God will give us confidence in our calling. May we each be given the confidence of Moses. God, start the work in me.
gaj
Christ followers are insurgents living behind enemy lines in this world. This is not their kingdom. Their citizenship is of another kingdom. In the midst of all the shaking going on, they live their life to make a difference in a world that grows increasingly out of step with the Gospel. Read more....
gaj
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