Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War, "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."
We are engaged daily in warfare. I am not talking about a the two-front war in Iraq and Afghanistan. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood . . . we are engaged in spiritual warfare. We must know how to wage war successfully.
Sometimes I read the Bible to study the tricks the devil has used to fight against the children of God in the past. To Samson, he offered Delilah, a woman. To Judas he offered thirty pieces of silver, some money. To Job, he brought undeserved calamity to all areas of his life. Just reading these three stories, I see that the devil will try to get believers to take our minds off God by either giving something or taking away something.
I find the temptations of Jesus particularly enlightening. The devil tempted Jesus 3 times, appealing to his physical hunger, attempting to make him use his divine power wrongly, and lastly trying to get Jesus to achieve his mission without the cross.
(For further reading, click http://www.apocalipsis.org/jesustemptation.htm
Look at how Jesus responds.
Jesus knew himself and Jesus knew the devil. Jesus knew that the devil could not stand against God's Word like we know that lies cannot stand up to the truth neither can darkness withstand the light. Jesus asserted the truths of God's Word as recorded in the Scriptures. What a weapon!! What a weapon!!
Before going into battle, generals routinely look for the enemies' weaknesses before developing their strategy. As believers, we already know that the devil cannot stand against the truths contained within God's Word. As a result, we must study God's Word and live according to its truths so that we may be victorious in battle.
Remember, study God's words that you easily identify his "bag of tricks" and you are equipped to exploit the devil's weaknesses. I guarantee the devil has studied you and he knows your weaknesses and vulnerabilities. So study God's Word daily and ask God to search you regularly to make sure you are putting on the whole armour of God and you are ready to fight and WIN!!
Be strong my brothers and sisters in Christ. We are already victorious!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Experience Never Before(s) in 2009
Someone told me that 2009 is a year of "never before(s)" meaning things will happen this year that have not happened before in your life, possibly never before in history. The election of President Obama as the first black President of the United States is just one example of a "never before" which happened this year.
I have undertaken a major home improvement project for the first time in my life. The professional company I called quoted a $1500 price. Brother man from around the way quoted a $450 price. However, I was able to get the job done for roughly $3. The $3 was the cost of the Gatorade I drank while I did the project myself.
What caused me to shift my intent from paying someone to do a job for me to deciding to do the job myself? Someone suggested/hinted that I could accomplish the project myself. It was their belief in me that caused me to look at me and decide, I can do this. Though I have never done this before, I fixed my mind on God and spoke in faith, "Yes, I can".
Peter had never walked on water before. But one day he did. David had never killed a giant before. But one day he did. Jesus had never turned water into wine before. But one day he did.
These men were able to do these "never before" things because their minds were fixed on God. Who knows what you will accomplish this year? Impossible is a word that does not apply to the believer. With God, all things are possible. Fix your mind on God and make manifest your "never before".
If you have a "never before" you have accomplished or want to accomplish this year, please share in the comments section below.
I have undertaken a major home improvement project for the first time in my life. The professional company I called quoted a $1500 price. Brother man from around the way quoted a $450 price. However, I was able to get the job done for roughly $3. The $3 was the cost of the Gatorade I drank while I did the project myself.
What caused me to shift my intent from paying someone to do a job for me to deciding to do the job myself? Someone suggested/hinted that I could accomplish the project myself. It was their belief in me that caused me to look at me and decide, I can do this. Though I have never done this before, I fixed my mind on God and spoke in faith, "Yes, I can".
Peter had never walked on water before. But one day he did. David had never killed a giant before. But one day he did. Jesus had never turned water into wine before. But one day he did.
These men were able to do these "never before" things because their minds were fixed on God. Who knows what you will accomplish this year? Impossible is a word that does not apply to the believer. With God, all things are possible. Fix your mind on God and make manifest your "never before".
If you have a "never before" you have accomplished or want to accomplish this year, please share in the comments section below.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
What does it mean to be "fixed" on God?
fixed
1 a: securely placed or fastened : stationary b (1): nonvolatile (2): formed into a chemical compound c (1): not subject to change or fluctuation (2): firmly set in the mind (3): having a final or crystallized form or character (4): recurring on the same date from year to year d: immobile , concentrated
Being fixed on God means that I have a made up mind to trust and obey God. I seek to please him daily. "Lord, please be pleased with my actions, my thoughts, and my intentions. Help me to obey when I hear your voice. Let me crucify my flesh daily. Help me love my enemies. Let me not seek treasures and self-glory above your will for my life. These things I pray in Jesus name. Amen."
Being fixed means having a focus that is intense and unwavering. It does not matter what others do, including friends. A person who is fixed on God will be dedicated beyond the haphazard, inconsistent effort of others. If you are "fixed" on God, the temptations of this world will not appeal as much. The devil's tricks and lies will be exposed early and often. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to
5. Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ
It pays having a "fixed" mind. We have the confidence that others lack, knowing that obedience to God will give us the desire of our heart. To hear Father God speak of us saying, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased."
1 a: securely placed or fastened : stationary b (1): nonvolatile (2): formed into a chemical compound c (1): not subject to change or fluctuation (2): firmly set in the mind (3): having a final or crystallized form or character (4): recurring on the same date from year to year
Being fixed on God means that I have a made up mind to trust and obey God. I seek to please him daily. "Lord, please be pleased with my actions, my thoughts, and my intentions. Help me to obey when I hear your voice. Let me crucify my flesh daily. Help me love my enemies. Let me not seek treasures and self-glory above your will for my life. These things I pray in Jesus name. Amen."
Being fixed means having a focus that is intense and unwavering. It does not matter what others do, including friends. A person who is fixed on God will be dedicated beyond the haphazard, inconsistent effort of others. If you are "fixed" on God, the temptations of this world will not appeal as much. The devil's tricks and lies will be exposed early and often. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to
5. Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ
It pays having a "fixed" mind. We have the confidence that others lack, knowing that obedience to God will give us the desire of our heart. To hear Father God speak of us saying, "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Anything is Possible when your mind is F.O.G
When Peter had his mind fixed on God, he was able to step out of the boat, leave the other fishermen behind and walk on the water. He was able to do the impossible. Though we may not have any literal boats we need to step out of, we all have figurative boats that we need to step out of. These boats may be our jobs, our relationships, our mindsets, our interests, etc.
The boat provided the fisherman a place of security. However, for Christians, the boats in our lives may be hindrances the devil uses to keep us content with the status quo. We may have a nice job but is it "kingdom business"? Is your job bringing glory to God? Or are you simply working for a paycheck? It is possible that you are earning treasures that are good only here on earth. When you die and enter eternity, will you be broke?
Are your associations and relationships bringing glory to God? The world wants you to choose relationships based on a person's physical appearance, educational level, class status, financial stability, and power wielded. However, 1 John 2: 16 reminds us that for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Being in a boat on the water is ordinary. It is to be expected. However, God has called us to be extraordinary people . . . peculiar even. God wants us to be the example to nonbelievers that with God all things are possible.
Those who profess the name of Christ Jesus must live the faith we profess. Do not fix your mind on circumstances. Do not fix your mind on what everyone else is doing. Fix your mind on the things of God. Fix your mind on obedience to God.
With a mind F.O.G., you too can walk on water. However, your supposedly "impossible feat" of walking on water may take another form. God can allow you to feed yourself and your family with no job. God can allow you to run for the highest office in the land and win. You can be completely cured of disease that doctors said was incurable. Marriages and parent-child relationships can be mended against the odds and the decay over time. Broken people can be made whole again. The insane become sane. The lost are found. The blind see. The lame walk. Strength is renewed. Hope grows where none before existed. There is no limit to what can be accomplished when your mind is fixed on God.
Share something that you have been able to accomplish because you had your mind fixed on God.
The boat provided the fisherman a place of security. However, for Christians, the boats in our lives may be hindrances the devil uses to keep us content with the status quo. We may have a nice job but is it "kingdom business"? Is your job bringing glory to God? Or are you simply working for a paycheck? It is possible that you are earning treasures that are good only here on earth. When you die and enter eternity, will you be broke?
Are your associations and relationships bringing glory to God? The world wants you to choose relationships based on a person's physical appearance, educational level, class status, financial stability, and power wielded. However, 1 John 2: 16 reminds us that for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Being in a boat on the water is ordinary. It is to be expected. However, God has called us to be extraordinary people . . . peculiar even. God wants us to be the example to nonbelievers that with God all things are possible.
Those who profess the name of Christ Jesus must live the faith we profess. Do not fix your mind on circumstances. Do not fix your mind on what everyone else is doing. Fix your mind on the things of God. Fix your mind on obedience to God.
With a mind F.O.G., you too can walk on water. However, your supposedly "impossible feat" of walking on water may take another form. God can allow you to feed yourself and your family with no job. God can allow you to run for the highest office in the land and win. You can be completely cured of disease that doctors said was incurable. Marriages and parent-child relationships can be mended against the odds and the decay over time. Broken people can be made whole again. The insane become sane. The lost are found. The blind see. The lame walk. Strength is renewed. Hope grows where none before existed. There is no limit to what can be accomplished when your mind is fixed on God.
Share something that you have been able to accomplish because you had your mind fixed on God.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Is Your Heart Fixed on God? (Audio Sermon)
A powerful sermon entitled, "Is Your Heart Fixed on God?" is provided FREELY by Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Ministries. Listen and be blessed.
Visit http://www.cornerstonefwb.org/archives/is-your-heart-fixed-on-god
Visit http://www.cornerstonefwb.org/archives/is-your-heart-fixed-on-god
Hebrews 12:2
2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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