"When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.”
For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;" (James
1:13 NIV).
And then James goes on to say that we are tempted by our own lusts (evil desires) and when one yields to the temptation, they yield to sin.
Some
years ago, Flip Wilson used the phrase, " the devil made me do it" in
his comic routine. Many thought this was funny, especially within the
context used. However, it is misleading. The devil does not make anyone
do anything, any more than God will make anyone do anything. The devil
tempts people to do evil and because they have evil desires, they give
in to the temptation.
The enemy uses
people to tempt others to land into the lake of fire with him. He
influences people to murder, molest, abduct, coerce, mangle, manipulate,
lie, cheat, steal, cuss, and commit all manner of disastrous acts that
lead people deeper into the pit of no return. But they could not be
tempted if the desire to do those things were not already present. Those
desires begin with thoughts and if the thoughts are not changed,
rapidly, they intensify until the thoughts are acted upon and havoc
reigns.
If we want to avoid
being tempted--by anything or anyone, we have to change our thought
patterns before they become acts that cannot be reversed.
Some
might say--they are stronger than that--they don't have to give in. I
would encourage all to reflect upon the world events, historically, and
recently, that have led to escalated violence and people being killed. All of the acts--began with a thought and thoughts ran rampant--completely unchecked until they became acts.
For
change to occur in the world--it must begin with change in every
individual's way of thinking--in a positive manner so we can all live in
peace, without the threat of continual violence.
Perhaps,
we should all lobby legislators to change the way they think--putting
people first--above their own personal agendas. And then we should
pray--in the privacy of homes and other personal space--and then "out
loud" so the enemy will know what we're doing and put him on notice.
Don't
allow the evil thoughts and desires to become acts of disaster and then
try to claim--God tempted you to do it. He did not. The Word from God
will only encourage us to live according to what God says--so we can
live to see the promises fulfilled in our lives and to see our future--a
future to prosper us and not harm us.
The devil doesn't do anything he was not created to do--and neither should we. We were created to be a praise unto our God and to give Him glory. Let's do it!
Showing posts with label Pray. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pray. Show all posts
Friday, May 30, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Without Excuse for Victory!
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions,
and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you" (Luke 10:19 NASB).
Jesus has talking to those who followed Him at that time, but when we have a personal relationship with Him, we understand that through The Word, He is still speaking to those who follow Him. We have been given authority to "step on the devil's head" and defeat him, by thwarting all of his efforts to defeat us in life.
What is the authority we have? "The name of Jesus who is above every name and at that name, every knee shall bow." If we have the faith of a mustard seed we can "speak" to the mountains in our lives and move them out of our way. When we pray, we can have whatever we "say" but we must believe we have received in order to see it come to fruition.
The power we have is in our tongue--we use it to speak life or death over all our situations. If we learn to watch what we say and say only those things that lead to "having the abundant life" that we have been promised--right here on earth, we will have what we say we have. When we see the enemy raise his ugly head, we have the power to "keep him under our feet" by what we say and do.
Victory--in every area of our lives--is possible because we have the power to make it happen by what we say. We also have the power to defeat ourselves by what we say and do. What are you going to have in your life--victory or defeat?
We do not have to cave to every negative situation that arises in our lives. We can speak to it and see victory. When we pray, we must take action because faith without works--comes to nothing. Speak life to your life and live victoriously!
Lord, we thank You for giving us the power to have victory in our lives and for reserving a place for us in heaven when we reach the end of our journey, here on earth. Thank You for loving us enough to providing us an avenue to be saved from ourselves. This we pray in the name of Jesus!
Jesus has talking to those who followed Him at that time, but when we have a personal relationship with Him, we understand that through The Word, He is still speaking to those who follow Him. We have been given authority to "step on the devil's head" and defeat him, by thwarting all of his efforts to defeat us in life.
What is the authority we have? "The name of Jesus who is above every name and at that name, every knee shall bow." If we have the faith of a mustard seed we can "speak" to the mountains in our lives and move them out of our way. When we pray, we can have whatever we "say" but we must believe we have received in order to see it come to fruition.
The power we have is in our tongue--we use it to speak life or death over all our situations. If we learn to watch what we say and say only those things that lead to "having the abundant life" that we have been promised--right here on earth, we will have what we say we have. When we see the enemy raise his ugly head, we have the power to "keep him under our feet" by what we say and do.
Victory--in every area of our lives--is possible because we have the power to make it happen by what we say. We also have the power to defeat ourselves by what we say and do. What are you going to have in your life--victory or defeat?
We do not have to cave to every negative situation that arises in our lives. We can speak to it and see victory. When we pray, we must take action because faith without works--comes to nothing. Speak life to your life and live victoriously!
Lord, we thank You for giving us the power to have victory in our lives and for reserving a place for us in heaven when we reach the end of our journey, here on earth. Thank You for loving us enough to providing us an avenue to be saved from ourselves. This we pray in the name of Jesus!
Saturday, January 4, 2014
What Love Does!
"No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us" (I John 4:12).
Love is perfected in us, when God's love abides within
Love does covers (eradicates) a multitude of sin
Love seeks to do good to all - children, men and women
Love chooses to do what is right, hoping everyone wins
The battle against the enemy who does not know Love!
When we truly love God and allow His love to live large in us, we cannot seek or hope for the failure of others. We do wish bad things to happen to those who we simply cannot agree. When we love we do disrespect those in authority because God tells us in His Word that we should pray for those in authority. If we are disrespecting people, we certainly are not praying for them.
I do not agree with a great deal that the President and Congress, governors and mayors, and many others in authority are doing, but I certainly am not promoting hatred because I don't agree with them. I am so weary of all the hate-filled propaganda directed at the President by so-called Christians who are making a mockery of truly being one. It is obvious to me that those who proclaim to know God have no clue since God is love. The Tea-Party faction has proven without doubt they have no true knowledge of God or they would cease their promotion of hate. I pray that God does a mighty work in their lives so they can see themselves as they truly are. They certainly are not ambassadors for Christ when they hate without reason. But then again--the religious groups hated Jesus without cause, had Him arrested out of envy and persecuted out of hatred, and they unwittingly were fulfilling God's plan so that no one has ever forgotten the name of Jesus!
Love promotes goodwill towards all, not hatred. Love looks beyond our faults and sees the potential to rise above circumstances and be victorious in all things. Love prays for those who have lost their way. Love never ceases to encourage others to love like God loves--unconditionally.
Father, I pray that all who are promoting hatred will cease and desist. I pray that You will forgive their sin and fill them with love overflowing so when they look in the mirror, they will understand who You are. I pray for those in authority all over the world, that they will seek You and Your wisdom in governing all people. I further pray for every born-again believer--encourage hearts and strengthen them to stand against every evil that arises against You and Yours. Help us to understand that the only superior race in the world is the human race and that is because of Your love. In Jesus' name, I pray and declare--all is well! Amen!
Love is perfected in us, when God's love abides within
Love does covers (eradicates) a multitude of sin
Love seeks to do good to all - children, men and women
Love chooses to do what is right, hoping everyone wins
The battle against the enemy who does not know Love!
When we truly love God and allow His love to live large in us, we cannot seek or hope for the failure of others. We do wish bad things to happen to those who we simply cannot agree. When we love we do disrespect those in authority because God tells us in His Word that we should pray for those in authority. If we are disrespecting people, we certainly are not praying for them.
I do not agree with a great deal that the President and Congress, governors and mayors, and many others in authority are doing, but I certainly am not promoting hatred because I don't agree with them. I am so weary of all the hate-filled propaganda directed at the President by so-called Christians who are making a mockery of truly being one. It is obvious to me that those who proclaim to know God have no clue since God is love. The Tea-Party faction has proven without doubt they have no true knowledge of God or they would cease their promotion of hate. I pray that God does a mighty work in their lives so they can see themselves as they truly are. They certainly are not ambassadors for Christ when they hate without reason. But then again--the religious groups hated Jesus without cause, had Him arrested out of envy and persecuted out of hatred, and they unwittingly were fulfilling God's plan so that no one has ever forgotten the name of Jesus!
Love promotes goodwill towards all, not hatred. Love looks beyond our faults and sees the potential to rise above circumstances and be victorious in all things. Love prays for those who have lost their way. Love never ceases to encourage others to love like God loves--unconditionally.
Father, I pray that all who are promoting hatred will cease and desist. I pray that You will forgive their sin and fill them with love overflowing so when they look in the mirror, they will understand who You are. I pray for those in authority all over the world, that they will seek You and Your wisdom in governing all people. I further pray for every born-again believer--encourage hearts and strengthen them to stand against every evil that arises against You and Yours. Help us to understand that the only superior race in the world is the human race and that is because of Your love. In Jesus' name, I pray and declare--all is well! Amen!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Wisdom and Instruction
"but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm" (Proverbs 1:33 NIV).
In the very first chapter of Proverbs--commonly referred to as the book of wisdom--we are see the importance of knowing God. In fact, Solomon begins by reminding us that, "the fear (reverential respect) of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:1 NIV). Throughout this conversation, we are told what happens when people refuse to hear God and obey and God's reaction to our disobedience.
James tell us that "if any lack wisdom, ask of God who gives it liberally without condemnation" (paraphrased). Wisdom is mentioned 234 times in the KJV and instruction 33 times and knowledge 172 times, obey 69 times, pray 313 times, God 4,447. So, what's the point? Wisdom, knowledge, and talking to God are important to Him.
Scoffers have always rebelled against any knowledge of God because they simply want to live their lives any way they choose. This is the way it has been since the beginning and this is still the way in the hearts of many. Any time a person or groups denies the credibility of The Bible or God--it is because they do not want to live a righteous life. By refusing to acknowledge moral values, they exempt themselves from the consequences of disobedience--they think.
When people violate or ignore "man's laws" there are consequences when caught and man's law states, "ignorance of the law is not an excuse to violate it" and fines or the consequences for breaking the law must be paid. What the rebellious have forgotten is that most of "man's laws" were based on biblical principles. And now that lawmakers are changing laws, they think they are changing God's principles, but when the consequences come due, they will understand that ignorance of God's principles is not an excuse to ignore them or violate them. For those who have the mind of Christ, look around at our society right now and see the destruction already coming upon the land and know that when it's over, God will have pronounced His judgment upon all because we refused to hear and obey.
What can we--who know God--do? We can continue to pray. "If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal the land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Believers must act with wisdom and follow God's instructions--love Him and love others, and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ by our actions. We must become the true ambassadors in order to save the lost. When we think we lack wisdom in doing the will of God, we must ask Him for more wisdom and He won't think less of us when we do.
Before the trumpet sounds, we must make sure we have built our faith on a solid foundation and know without a doubt, we have attained the right to enter into our eternal place of rest, to be with The Lord. When we listen to God, we have no need to fear what the enemy might do because the enemy is already defeated for those who know and hear God.
Help us O God, to always hear You and obey!
In the very first chapter of Proverbs--commonly referred to as the book of wisdom--we are see the importance of knowing God. In fact, Solomon begins by reminding us that, "the fear (reverential respect) of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:1 NIV). Throughout this conversation, we are told what happens when people refuse to hear God and obey and God's reaction to our disobedience.
James tell us that "if any lack wisdom, ask of God who gives it liberally without condemnation" (paraphrased). Wisdom is mentioned 234 times in the KJV and instruction 33 times and knowledge 172 times, obey 69 times, pray 313 times, God 4,447. So, what's the point? Wisdom, knowledge, and talking to God are important to Him.
Scoffers have always rebelled against any knowledge of God because they simply want to live their lives any way they choose. This is the way it has been since the beginning and this is still the way in the hearts of many. Any time a person or groups denies the credibility of The Bible or God--it is because they do not want to live a righteous life. By refusing to acknowledge moral values, they exempt themselves from the consequences of disobedience--they think.
When people violate or ignore "man's laws" there are consequences when caught and man's law states, "ignorance of the law is not an excuse to violate it" and fines or the consequences for breaking the law must be paid. What the rebellious have forgotten is that most of "man's laws" were based on biblical principles. And now that lawmakers are changing laws, they think they are changing God's principles, but when the consequences come due, they will understand that ignorance of God's principles is not an excuse to ignore them or violate them. For those who have the mind of Christ, look around at our society right now and see the destruction already coming upon the land and know that when it's over, God will have pronounced His judgment upon all because we refused to hear and obey.
What can we--who know God--do? We can continue to pray. "If my people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves and pray, turn from their wicked ways, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal the land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Believers must act with wisdom and follow God's instructions--love Him and love others, and promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ by our actions. We must become the true ambassadors in order to save the lost. When we think we lack wisdom in doing the will of God, we must ask Him for more wisdom and He won't think less of us when we do.
Before the trumpet sounds, we must make sure we have built our faith on a solid foundation and know without a doubt, we have attained the right to enter into our eternal place of rest, to be with The Lord. When we listen to God, we have no need to fear what the enemy might do because the enemy is already defeated for those who know and hear God.
Help us O God, to always hear You and obey!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Answered Prayers!
"as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many" (2 Corinthians 1:11 NIV).
As Paul relates problems encountered by him and other disciples to the church at Corinth, he also encourages them to pray and thanked them in advance for their continued prayers for others.
"Then many will thanks on our behalf..." Are there many people giving thanks today for the those who are praying on their behalf, even when they don't know it? Sometimes, we have to pray for people we don't even like--not for us--but for them, so they will have reason to give God thanks for the answers, solutions, to their situations. Do we have to know the situation for every person? No, we just have to be faithful and pray--without ceasing, always giving thanks to the Father what He does.
I know there are some--a little skeptical about the power of prayer--who after watching the news day after day and see tragedy after tragedy would not see any need to pray. But there is a need. "The fervent (passionate) effectual (specific to the problems) prayers of the righteous avails (results in answers) much. Let's try it, now!
Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to touch the lives of everyone who reads this prayer and move upon them to seek You on the behalf of people everywhere--who have suffered trials and tragedies and comfort their hearts. I ask You to open the spiritual eyes of all who have a need today and give them direction by showing them all You have prepared for them so that every need is met. I bind the thoughts of the enemy who would dare to feed them negative thoughts and attempt to influence them in unbelief. I declare healing for every person who will receive it right now. Speak to the hearts of saints everywhere and remind them to show love everywhere they go so all will know, who we are and whose we are. Help us, who know You, to be a living letter, a walking testimony of Your goodness, mercy, and grace. All these things I ask and thank You for, in Jesus' name and declare it done! Amen!
Now, only believe--all things are possible--when we only believe (without doubt)!
As Paul relates problems encountered by him and other disciples to the church at Corinth, he also encourages them to pray and thanked them in advance for their continued prayers for others.
"Then many will thanks on our behalf..." Are there many people giving thanks today for the those who are praying on their behalf, even when they don't know it? Sometimes, we have to pray for people we don't even like--not for us--but for them, so they will have reason to give God thanks for the answers, solutions, to their situations. Do we have to know the situation for every person? No, we just have to be faithful and pray--without ceasing, always giving thanks to the Father what He does.
I know there are some--a little skeptical about the power of prayer--who after watching the news day after day and see tragedy after tragedy would not see any need to pray. But there is a need. "The fervent (passionate) effectual (specific to the problems) prayers of the righteous avails (results in answers) much. Let's try it, now!
Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to touch the lives of everyone who reads this prayer and move upon them to seek You on the behalf of people everywhere--who have suffered trials and tragedies and comfort their hearts. I ask You to open the spiritual eyes of all who have a need today and give them direction by showing them all You have prepared for them so that every need is met. I bind the thoughts of the enemy who would dare to feed them negative thoughts and attempt to influence them in unbelief. I declare healing for every person who will receive it right now. Speak to the hearts of saints everywhere and remind them to show love everywhere they go so all will know, who we are and whose we are. Help us, who know You, to be a living letter, a walking testimony of Your goodness, mercy, and grace. All these things I ask and thank You for, in Jesus' name and declare it done! Amen!
Now, only believe--all things are possible--when we only believe (without doubt)!
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