The Most Important Question You'll ever be Asked:

The Most Important Question You'll ever be Asked:

Translate

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Compiled Tips Related to Dealing with Temptation and Satan and his Demons


Compiled Tips Related to Dealing with

Temptation and Satan and his Demons

 

       This chapter is a compilation of quotes and sayings that teach Scriptural principles. I have often found little sayings like this helpful and hope that they will be to you as well.

 

“If you think the right things, you can’t be thinking the wrong things at the same time.” Adrian Rogers

 

Nudity and sexual perversion are a main feature of satanic and demonic influence.

“The mind is Satan’s playground—imaginations.”—Adrian Rogers

 

The Truth—not silence—set’s people free (STOP AND READ: John 8:31-32).

 

Scripture warns us to flee sexual temptation; not walk into situations where we know there could be some temptation and just resist.

 

Pride is a lie about your identity.

 

God has a plan for your life, but that plan includes valleys of shadow and mountains of revelation (illumination, clarity): hard times and easier times (STOP AND READ: Psalm 23).

 

Chance is an illusion. God is sovereign over everything so trust Him.

 

Take heart, be of good cheer, take courage, and persevere!

 

Be careful what you read! It shapes your mind.

 

“People who lay down their peace often have stopped praying with thanksgiving and praise. Followers of Jesus need a vibrant prayer life. As the gospel song says, They need to ‘stay in touch with God.’ They must avoid talking with God only about what they think they need, and regularly live with a thankful heart—giving thanks always in all circumstances for all things.” –Charles Stanley

 

“All transgression begins with sinful thinking. You who have come to Christ for a pure heart, guard against the pictures of lewdness and sensuality which Satan flashes upon the screen of your imaginations, select with care the books you read, choose discerningly the kind of entertainment you attend, the kind of associates with whom you mingle, and the kind of environment in which you place yourself. You should no more allow sinful imaginations to accumulate in your mind and soul than you would let garbage collect in your living room.”—Billy Graham

 

Your feelings often lie to you. You may feel discouraged or defeated, but you serve a God who is all powerful, ever victorious, and eternally loving. Look to the Lord for your strength, don't focus on the circumstances or feelings that are getting you down—that's what the Enemy wants you to do. Instead, like Paul, learn to delight in suffering for the Master and in being weak because then even more of His strength will be shown through you.

 

“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 (KJV)

 

 

You can ask God questions in prayer, it isn’t wrong. Ask God about how to deal with your struggles, He loves you as a perfect Father.

 

My God is not a God of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).

 

Instead of spreading myself thin, focus: seek the Lord and joyfully, quietly, peacefully go about your tasks.

 

Are we to worry or live by faith?

 

Circumstances should not be allowed to crowd out a quiet life of learning from the Lord.

 

All the sleep in the world can't cure worry. If you feel fatigued constantly, prayerfully examine yourself to see if you're living in a state of worry. If you find that you are, take courage! We have divine weapons which tear down Strongholds! (Matthew 6:25-34)

 

Lord, make me salt and light to a world that is tasteless and blind.

 

Things are happening that I cannot see and may never realize (Ephesians 6:11), but I am impacting others as I follow Christ (Matthew 5:13-16).

 

Words are powerful.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Temptation and Battling the Devil


Temptation and Battling the Devil

     When tempted, we are not merely to resist temptation, but to resist the devil. Scripture says:

 

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:17-32 (KJV)

 

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:6-10 (KJV)

 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (KJV)

 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:10-20 (KJV)

 

    As Paul says in the last passage, I ask you to pray for me—I cry out for your prayers: that I may boldly speak, write, and proclaim while on this earth God’s Word. Your local church Pastor, elders, your mentors, your parents, and your future spouse also cry out for your prayers. Prayer is important and praying for our authority is important because it encourages them in a way that nothing else can. 

    Prayer will strengthen you for the battles you face; not for temptation alone, but battle with the Devil:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18 (KJV)

 

And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Luke 22:39-46 (KJV)

 

    When you do battle with Satan, ask God to rebuke Him. Let me give you an example from my own life. Now, at the time, I did not realize that I was asking God to rebuke Satan in this area of my life, but now I do. There was a time that I was deeply distressed in my spirit. I knew that I was addicted to watching television and the thing that troubled me most was that I knew my heart loved sitting and watching when I knew I needed to be doing other things. In desperation in the back room one day, I think scooping the cat litter, I cried out to God something like this “Lord, I know that I love television too much, please break its love from me, Lord.” 

    I asked God to remove the love because I knew that I could not change myself. Yes, I have personal responsibility for my actions and a will to choose with, but I cannot change my own heart—that transformation, that heart transplant must be a work of God:

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV)

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalms 51:10-12 (KJV)

 

      I’m glad to report that in time, the Lord did transform my heart and my desire for television has pretty much changed 180 (I still enjoy a good Christian film from time to time for encouragement), I am not longer dependent and feeling a longing to watch television. I am reminded of what Jesus said about when we ask according to His will:

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

John 6:38 (KJV)

 

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

John 14:13-14 (KJV)

 

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

James 4:3 (KJV), emphasis added

 

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:27 (KJV)

 

       Sincerely cry out to God, whether silently from a desperate heart or loudly from an anguished soul, to rebuke the Devil in whatever stronghold he has built because of ground you yielded slowly to him. A word of caution though, don’t rebuke Satan of your own authority, by say “May God rebuke you.” The significance is simply related to how we are not to take revenge, but trust the Lord to repay vengeance. Take heart, the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church of the Living God!

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting 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; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (KJV)

 

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Jude 1:8-10 (KJV)

 

      Ask God to guard your mind in the peace of Christ because I can guarantee that the Satan and his demons wants to get a foothold in your mind. I was just reading today in some notes from my pastor’s, which I think were from an IBLP seminar with Bill Gothard, a bullet point that said, “Satan cannot control a Christian’s spirit, but he can control their mind, will, and emotions.” Your soul is your mind your will and your emotions. Your body is your physical body. And your spirit is your innermost self—your heart—wear the Holy Spirit dwells once you have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. Be on your guard, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion!

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5:8-10 (KJV)

 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

Friday, March 28, 2014

Male modesty


Male modesty

   Now, I know I am reiterating this, but, men, we are not exempt from modesty. There are some things that we need to watch out for too. A lot of guys want to show off their strength and a little muscle, so they wear clothing that does that when “the ladies” are around. If we expect women to dress modestly, we should as well. The Scriptures above which primarily dealt with women can be applied to us if we look hard enough. I’ll leave with that, because the Holy Spirit will convict you if you do not if you don’t harden your heart:

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. John 16:7-16 (KJV)

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Tattoos/Body- piercings/Jewelry


Tattoos/Body- piercings/Jewelry

   We know from the Scriptures that women had earrings, necklaces, etc… Rebecca was given a nose ring when the servant came to get her for Isaac, but we clearly see that ornaments are not to be a woman’s focus on making herself beautiful, but rather cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit which is of great worth in God’s sight. In addition, tattoos were strictly forbidden.

 

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 (KJV)

 

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 1 Peter 3:1-6 (KJV)

 

And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold.

Genesis 24:22 (KJV)

 

Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever. Exodus 21:6 (KJV)

 

And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. 3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. Exodus 32:2-3 (KJV)

 

As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Proverbs 11:22 (KJV)

 

Moreover the Lord saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: 17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret parts. 18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, 20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, 21 The rings, and nose jewels, 22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, 23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. 24 And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.

Isaiah 3:16-24 (KJV)

 

Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. 28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:27-28 (KJV)

 

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:16-17 (KJV)

 

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 14:9-11 (KJV)

 

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:30-31 (KJV), emphasis added

 

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)

The Podcast

The Podcast
Find it on Itunes by searching Ryan Marks