Tag: Satan

Adam and Eve

Satan’s War On Women – From The Garden To Victory

Jesus Set Women Free – Why Do The Religious Insist On Bondage?

Starting in the Garden, satan sought to divide mankind from God, and split man from woman. Explaining the results of their sin, and the curse that now was on the Earth, God said there would be hostility between satan and the woman, and between her seed and his seed. Why? Because his downfall would come via a woman. Therefore, the adversary would make childbirth challenging. And finally, Eve would turn away from God towards Adam, and the result would be he would dominate her.

God Who Made THEM From The Beginning, Made THEM Male And Female. (Matthew 19:4)

When was the last time you studied the Creation Story in Genesis, or heard a sermon on it, or read some commentary on those events? The first few chapters are full of Revelation, establishing the foundation for the relationship between man and God, man and satan, and of course man and woman. If it has been a while, think about what you learned in the past, and consider the following questions.

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Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Truth Or Treat?

Much of Halloween glorifies evil and darkness, and is designed to instill fear. Believers should have nothing to do with any of these.

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Freedom From Religion

Around every Christian holiday, I can count on seeing a post or two shared on Facebook from an organization whose mission in life is to be free from religion. Strangely, I strongly endorse their efforts – but likely not in the way they imagine.

To understand what religion is, you must travel back to the beginning. God created Adam from the dust of the ground and filled him with spiritual life. He placed His children in the Garden and gave them dominion over the Earth.

However, they weren’t alone for long. There was an enemy present, Satan. His rebellion before led to a catastrophic judgment of Earth, leaving it in darkness, and covered with water. This was the condition when God recreated the earth in Genesis 1. He was an outsider, an intruder, and had Adam or Eve exercised their authority, they could have sent him packing. Instead, he engaged in a conversation with Eve. And she listened to what he had to say.

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”
“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied.
“It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’”
“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.
“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
— Genesis 3:1-5 (<NLT>)

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Read The Word

To Suffer Or Not To Suffer

I recently took part in a discussion on suffering, specifically Christian suffering. All the usual anecdotes were offered, the unborn, the premature death, the physically disabled, those born into poverty, or living in war zones. The usual Biblical examples were dragged out – Job and Paul’s thorn. It makes you wonder what Bible people read. Let’s take a look at some of these examples.

In a passage often quoted from Job 1, Satan complained to God because He had placed a hedge around Job, and blessed all the works of his hands to the point that he was the richest man in the East. For Believers, this should be cause for hope. Instead, this passage is often misunderstood as either God, or Satan, removing the hedge and attacking Job. If this is what you have been taught, you need to dig deeper into God’s Word. The Bible tells you exactly what brought that hedge down, and hindered the Blessing. It definitely was not God, or Satan directly.

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In the Garden of Eden

And God Blessed Them

“Why Did This Happen To me?”

Its a question that gets asked far too often. And unfortunately, it is often coupled with a belief that tragedy, sickness, or death was sent by God. It is like a no-fault religion. A belief system that takes absolutely no responsibility for what happens in life. But as in the natural world, you have cause and effect. In the spiritual world, its called sowing and reaping.

This topic sometimes makes people uncomfortable. The opposite should be the case, especially for Believers. If you are prone to ask these types of questions, or question God, remind yourself of God’s ultimate will for mankind. This can be found throughout the Bible. But let’s look at Genesis 1 to get started – underlining added for emphasis.

God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26 <AMP>)

Mankind was made in the image of God. He was made to fellowship with God. He was made to exercise creative ability like God. He was made to release faith with the spoken Word like God. As God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit exist as one, man is a three-part creation – spirit (heart), soul (mind, will & emotions), and body. God created the Earth and gave mankind dominion. Think about that for a second. This authority was not given to angels, but to mankind! Man is to reign as king over the Earth in partnership with God. (Romans 5:17, Revelation 5:9-10)

Instead of looking at your life, or your own personal limitations, look at God. Look at what He can do. He is your Heavenly Father. Jesus is your example, and you are called to imitate him. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE! (Matthew 19:26, Luke 1:37)

Christ is not Jesus’ last name. It means Anointed One, or the Anointing. You are a Christian, a follower of Christ. The Anointing, and the Anointed One, is on and in you! And don’t forget, its the Anointing that removes burdens and destroys yokes. (Isaiah 10:27, Luke 4:18-19, 1 John 2:27)

The day God created Adam, all of creation wondered about this copy of God that was to rule the Earth. Copy of God you ask? What does “in our image” or “after our likeness” truly mean to you? Meditate on that for a time. You are a copy of God! Do children look or act much different from their parents? Why would God’s children be any different from Him? But that wasn’t the end of Creation. (Psalm 8:3-9, John 20:17, Romans 8:14-16, Galatians 4:5-7)

So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.
And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth. (Genesis 1:27-28 <AMP>)

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Though He Slay Me, I Will Hope In Him

I recently was having a discussion on a Christian message board about healing. It was very revealing how angry and passionate people were to prove that God does NOT heal. In fact, one of the arguments against healing was by someone that posted Job 13:15.

God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him. — Job 13:15 <NLT>

Now why would anyone want to make their religious stand on these words of Job? And why, as it is translated by the NLT, would you love God if you thought He was likely to strike you down at any given moment? What kind of fellowship could you have with someone who might kill you for any old reason? It boggles the mind the poison that the enemy sows and religious tradition perpetuates!

Let me back up, before I move forward. Paul tells us that the Word is inspired by God, and is useful to teach and correct you when you are wrong (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible shows us the good, bad and the ugly, so we can learn from it all. There are times, such as the words of Jesus, you need to listen and obey very carefully. And there are times when lies and sins are recorded so you can learn from the mistakes of others, and not suffer their fate. Consider David’s adultery with Bathsheba, and the murder of Uriah recorded in 2 Samuel. Should you take these verses as your guide and go out and do likewise? Absolutely not! You should learn from the consequences of David’s sin the dangers of adultery and murder.

The Bible can be a Blessing, or a curse. You can take the scriptures and twist them around to justify any type of sinful behavior. Or, you can rightly divide the Word, and it will be a tremendous Blessing. The Word is Spirit, Truth and Life! And Christians have been given the Holy Spirit to lead them into all Truth (John 14:17). The world is in darkness. And even Christians can live in darkness if they allow the world, experience, or tradition, to influence their beliefs. This should NOT be the case. Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12). Let that light shine in your heart, and renew your mind with the Word of God!

There is no doubt that God has the power to kill. BUT, God is LOVE. God’s Son Jesus, came to give LIFE, in abundance, to the full, until it overflows. It is Satan who kills, destroys and steals (John 10:10). So, is there a contradiction? No. God gave man authority over the earth. And He gives you a choice.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! — Deuteronomy 30:19 <NLT>

Note that God gives you the choice as witnessed by both Heaven and the Earth, and then tells you to choose life! Now why would He encourage you to choose life, if it was not in your ability to receive it?

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. — Proverbs 18:21 <NLT>

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Why Does God Get the Blame?

Why Blame God?

The following blog post was in response to an article written asking why God allowed the Arizona shootings. No other topic brings out the passion in me than someone ignorantly blaming God for evil. The god of this world must be amused that he is never accused of anything.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. — John 10:10 <NIV> (Jesus speaking)

In the beginning, man was given dominion over the earth, but through sin, he was disconnected from God. If he accepts Jesus as his Savior, he is reborn into God’s family and reconnected to God by the Holy Spirit. If he has not, he is spiritually connected to the thief (satan). There is no middle ground or “lawful neutral” options.

Once you get some revelation from John 10:10, everything else in life and the Bible gets much easier to understand. The bottomline is who is your spiritual daddy? Who is the Lord of your life? There are only two possibilities.

Who do you think was the spiritual father of the Tucson shooter? Even if he had been saved at some point in his life, he was obviously greatly under the influence of evil. How do I know this? Because God is love. Love does not kill. Love does not hate people. Love forgives. Love looks for and expects the best out of people.

I know God and His angels are constantly working behind the scenes to warn and protect people because life is precious to Him. I’m sure there were people interceding for loved ones without knowing exactly what was going to happen. – I have experienced this grace firsthand in my life with my mother’s prayers that saved me more than once from danger. But how many people received warnings from the Holy Spirit and ignored them or dismissed them?

What fascinates me is how quick people blame God for violence, and the devil never gets any blame at all.

Originally posted January 2011.

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A Thunderstorm Lesson

A Thunderstorm Lesson

Today, I found myself reading in my bedroom when a late summer storm hit. Boris is usually terrified by storms, but this time he came and crouched on my lap. As the thunder and lightning intensified, he would start to move towards the utility room, his favorite “safe” place during storms. But I would talk to him and get his focus back on me and he would settle back down. Then there would be another clap of thunder, or more intensity in the rain, and he would take his eyes and attention off of me and back on the storm. This went on for almost the entire duration of the storm.

This was such an obvious lesson from God I had to immediately post it here. All Satan has is fear, lies and deception. As long as we have God’s Word in our heart (the Truth) we can overcome his lies. The thunder was scary, but as long as Boris was focused on me, he wasn’t afraid. Likewise, as we keep our focus on Jesus (the Word) we have no reason to be afraid.

How about some examples from the Word:

Numbers 21 – The Israelites were complaining yet again about their journey to the promised land. They claimed that Moses had brought them out into the desert to die. The Bible said that God sent poisonous snakes, but that is a mistranslation. Their own words opened the door for Satan and allowed him to bring destruction. Remember Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) And even God said that He put before them life or death, Blessing or the curse and then told them to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). How would they do that? With the words of their mouth.

When they repented and turned back to God, Moses placed a bronze serpent on a pole. All who looked on this type of Christ, were immediately healed. We are in an even better position after the resurrection because we have complete salvation through faith in Jesus.

Matthew 14 – The disciples were on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. A big storm threatened to sink them and they were terribly afraid. Jesus came to them walking on the water. Peter said, “Lord if its really you, command me to come to you.” Based on what he said, the only answer Jesus could give was “Come.” Otherwise, he would have been lying.

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water! But the Bible says that he became distracted by the waves and the storm and took his focus off of Jesus. His fear caused him to start to sink. He cried out for Jesus who lifted him up out of the water and into the boat. Jesus asked him, “Why did you doubt?” Its a question we need to sometimes ask ourselves.

I recently had another experience that will help you understand this note. As we study God’s Word and confess His promises, Satan comes immediately to steal the Word. Why? Because God’s Word brings joy, salvation, deliverance, light and truth. Satan wants you in darkness, stumbling about and falling for his lies.

I was out with a friend when I looked down and saw her IPhone, which has a very large viewing area with the current time. It was after midnight and a thought came to me – its September 5th now. This was my parent’s anniversary and it just happens to have been my anniversary as well. Normally, this date brought about all sorts of satanic attacks and depression. But I’ve gotten better at recognizing his evil ways. A little while later a complete stranger came over and sat near me. The very first words out of her mouth were, “Where’s your wife?” My response was totally from evil inspiration as the devil had used this woman to speak words that might have been an innocent misunderstanding, but were like fiery darts that penetrated my shield of faith.

I repented and moved on from the experience, but it was a lesson well learned. Control your thoughts. Keep Jesus (the Word) in focus and inside you at all times. This will bring joy and peace. Remember the joy of the Lord IS your strength!

Originally published September 2010. read more

God Does Not Abuse His Children!

God Does Not Abuse His Children!

“My (sickness) is one of the greatest gifts that God has given me.” — A Theologian

Recently, I read an article by a prominent theologian that made the point that his sickness was a “gift from God.” I edited his statement above and do not list his name. The point of this is not to judge or condemn this man.

But I am fascinated by Christians who make statements like the above – accusing my Heavenly Father of child abuse. Has he ever read John 10:10? Satan is the one that kills, steals and destroys. Jesus came to give you abundant life! Jesus healed everyone who believed and he is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. You will never find anywhere in the Gospels an instance where Jesus made somebody sick. And remember, if you have seen Jesus, you have seen God!

He glorified God by healing, resurrecting folks and destroying ALL the works of the devil. Think of how much more glory God would get by this man’s testimony proving that God still heals! Instead, his testimony is that God made him sick. Why would any nonbeliever embrace a God who would make them sick? God is love. And just like any parent, He wants the very best for all His children.

And prosperity – why were Abraham, Job (even more after his restoration of what Satan stole from him), David, Solomon, Joseph, Isaac, Daniel so prosperous? God blessed them all which empowered them to prosper in everything they did. Jesus came to give that Blessing to those that believe in him. Why do Christian ministers continue to preach that poverty is a blessing? The funny thing is, they usually end their message by begging for money to pay the light bill.

Jesus was not poor. He had a money bag with enough wealth that Judas was stealing from him. Jesus had to feed and provide for many followers when he walked on the earth. He provided the very best wine in abundance at a wedding. He gave Peter two of the greatest hauls of fish he had ever seen in his lifetime, as well as a coin from a fish to pay their taxes. He fed 5,000 and 4,000 people with only a few fish and some bread and had baskets of leftovers both times. There was no lack in the ministry of Jesus!

The Gospel will not get spread by a bunch of broke and sick Christians. It takes money to travel, print books, translate, teach and share the Word. It takes health to minister and serve others. Jesus’ ministry flourished because people experienced miracles in every area of their lives. The best way to prove to unbelievers that Jesus lives is by them seeing their lives, spirit and body transformed.

I grew up in a dead church that taught that God was impotent – maybe He will, maybe not, who knows what He might do. I finally said enough. Either God’s Word is true or its not. Since I changed course and began to prove God as He tells us to in Malachi, I am seeing the Blessing work in my life in ways you can’t even imagine. I led the nation in sales and maxed out my budget last month in THIS economy. Remember Isaac’s hundredfold harvest during a drought? Praise God, He never changes!

I am healthy, happy and get up every morning thanking God for what He is doing in my life. I live to give because I’ve found that it truly is more of a blessing to give than receive because God keeps giving it back in abundance as He said He would. And on Sunday, I will leave on a 7 day cruise that was gift from my Heavenly Father who loves me and wants me to enjoy life as any father would want for his children. And I’m looking forward to some quality time with Him while I’m relaxing at sea.

Its your choice: God’s Blessing, or the curse. My house has chosen the former. One thing for sure, if you preach against divine health and prosperity, you certainly will never enjoy it, because you can’t have what you speak against.

But don’t just take my word for it. Get a good Bible translation and read it like you have never read it before. Leave your preconceived notions, religious dogma, traditions, opinions and sacred cows behind and let the Holy Spirit reveal to you God’s will for your life. That’s what I did and it is changing my life. It will change yours too. God loves you and gave His Word to build your faith to overcome any and every obstacle you face in life.

Here are some good verses to get you started:

God Is a God of Abundance

Old Testament: Genesis 26:12-14; Leviticus 26:1-10; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Deuteronomy 30:8-16; Psalm 23; Psalm 36:5-10; Psalm 115:12-15; Proverbs 8:17-21; Joel 2:21-26; Malachi 3:10-12

New Testament: Luke 6:38; Luke 8:1-15; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 3:19-21; Philippians 4:19; 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Healing – God’s Will and God’s Gift

Exodus 15:26; Exodus 23:25-26; Deuteronomy 7:9-15; Deuteronomy 28; Deuteronomy 30 – A choice between God’s Blessing, or the curse

Numbers 21:5-9; John 3:11-21 – Moses placed a bronze snake on a poll to heal the people, foreshadowing Christ’s work on the cross.

Psalm 107:13-22; Proverbs 4:20-27; John 1:1-17 – God sent His Word to heal.

Psalm 103; Isaiah 53; Matthew 8:14-17; Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 3:13-14; Ephesians 1:2-14; 1 Peter 2:21-25 – Jesus bore the entire curse on the cross – sin, sickness, death, poverty – to set you free!

Matthew 4:23-24; Matthew 9:35; Luke 4:33-36; Luke 13:11-17; John 10:10 – The thief (Satan) comes to steal and kill. Jesus came to heal.

This has gone long, but I want to share one more verse. These are not my words or opinion. These are the words of Jesus.

 

He (Jesus) replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” — Matthew 17:20 <NIV>

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