ASLEEP TOO LONG!

Here I am again, early morning, sitting outside watching the world wake up. This is my time to spend quiet time with God. Sometimes, I read God’s Word sometimes I sit quietly talking to God and listening intently to see what He has to say back to me. Prayer is a two-way conversation. To hear God we have to give Him a chance to talk back.

Sitting there thinking about how awesome it will be to one day kneel before His throne and see all the wonders that God has planned for us, I was saddened to think that many people will never see the amazing home that God has freely given us to spend eternity in, simply because they have chosen not to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

This in turn got me to thinking about how Satan works so hard to keep lost people lost and how he tries so hard to thwart Christians from doing the only true mission that God has planned for us, and that is telling lost people about Jesus.

While I was sitting there thinking about God and Satan, I started thinking about how our only enemy (yours and mine) is not flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). In 2 Kings 6:15-17 Elisha and his servant woke up one morning and saw their city surrounded by an army with many horses and chariots. The servant was terrified and asked what will we do? Elisha said don’t worry, “those who are with us are more than those who are with them!” Then Elisha prayed and asked God to open his servant’s eyes and the Lord did open his eyes. When the servant looked, he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire.

As I thought about this, I was comforted to know that surrounding me always is God’s ministering angels, protecting me from the unseen spiritual battle that is going on around me. As you read this, it is important that you realize there is a battle going on around you at this very moment. The last thing in the world that Satan wants is for this to go out and for you to read it. Satan has worked very hard to become a “myth”. In an April 2009 Barna Survey, 4 out of 10 self-described Christians (40%) agreed with the statement “Satan is not a living being, but is a symbol of evil.” An additional 2 out of 10 self-described Christians (19%) agreed somewhat with that statement.

In John 8:44 Jesus tells the Jewish people “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!” John 8:44-45

Satan is a master liar and manipulator, he knows your hot buttons and he knows how to push them. You also know what your hot buttons are and when you feel Satan pushing them, as a follower of Jesus Christ, you are free to say “NO” to Satan’s antics.....he has no authority over you! Of course, he doesn’t want you to believe this, but, you are set free in Christ! Romans 6:18 tells us “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” You do not have to be a puppet on a string any longer; you are free because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is the only way that you can break free of Satan’s influence and if you don’t know this freedom, please see our blog titled “New Life in Christ.”

Father God,
I know that this is a strange entry today, but it is one that You have placed upon my heart. So many of Your children are hurting and in pain because of the devil. Because of the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we are no longer slaves to his lies. Open our eyes Father so that we might see the lies and manipulations for what they are and from whom they come. Your Word tells us that Satan is a liar and a deceiver and Your Word also tells us that we have overcome and are no longer slaves to the father of sin! All honor and glory goes to You because of Your merciful grace. You have given us life through Your precious Son and because of his sacrifice and death on the cross, Satan has no hold on us....we belong to You....thank You! In Your precious Son’s name, Jesus Christ, I pray! Amen



RESOURCES:
http://www.barna.org/topics/faith-spirituality

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