Does your prayer pack a punch? In other words, is your prayer a powerful one? When you are in a fight with satan, do you always come out the winner?
When we pray, our prayers should make a difference, first in our own lives and then in the lives of others. If our prayers aren’t making a difference? If nothing seems to be happening we aren’t much of a threat to satan, our enemy. He won’t consider us very powerful in the Kingdom of God. This is not good! We want satan to fear us.
Remember what the demon spirit told the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19:14&15, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" Those certain men didn’t pack much of a punch did they? They had never been heard of by that demon. The devil knows who is powerful in the Kingdom of God and who isn’t. He knows who’s genuine and who’s fake. Who to run from, and who he doesn’t have to run from.
In this particular scripture these men were counterfeit. They were trying to tap into a power that they weren’t trained to use. And let me point out in the very next verse it states these sons of Sceva were overcame by the evil spirit in the man and it prevailed against them so that they fled out of the house both naked and wounded. I think it would be safe to say here, NO they didn’t pack a powerful punch.
Most of the time our bark is bigger than our bite.
Many of us make a lot of noise in the kingdom of God, but when it comes right down to it, what are we getting done for the Kingdom of God? That is the real issue. Is our bark bigger than our bite?
While we are at church we boast of big things. We tell the devil where to get on and get off at while we are under the Anointing of the Holy Ghost. But let us return home, isolated from other fellow Christians, and then see how much power we have.
We need to realize that we have just as much power over satan at home as we do at church. When are we going to figure out that he is a defeated foe? Are we ever going to comprehend satan’s power is limited and God’s power is UNLIMITED.
Satan may walk about as a roaring lion but his power is no match for God’s power. The devil’s bark is certainly bigger than his bite. Let us remember that he is merely a bully trying to pick on God’s children and we all know what happens to bullies. They almost always get beat up.
Praying is the Key to Power
When our prayers reach the throne they are packing a punch!
Parents, remember when your children were young and they would go outside to play. When they called out mommy or daddy you came running to see what they wanted and to see if anything was wrong didn’t you? God is like that as well. When we pray God hears us. When we call on His name in prayer He will come to us to see what is wrong and how He can help.
Jesus’ prayer packed a punch because He reached the very throne of God. When our prayers reach the throne of grace, they too, pack a powerful punch. When Jesus prayed, God listened to what He said and done what He asked!
I John 5:14-15 tells us that when we pray, if we ask according to God’s will, He hears us and if he hears us we know we will have the petitions that we desire of Him. Now that is a powerful prayer packing punch don’t you think?
A Powerful Prayer that Jesus Prayed
Lazarus was raised from the dead!
Do you remember this powerful prayer Jesus prayed?
Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it that they may believe that thou hast sent me. John 11:41-42.
Then Jesus went on to raise Lazarus from the dead. Jesus gave death a powerful punch, literally in front of God and everybody. The crowd was then amazed at what He had done.
Even Jesus didn’t take His prayer time lightly. He was the Son of God and He always prayed with such POWER!
The Model Prayer packs a punch
Our Father which art in Heaven
Hallowed be thy name
They kingdom come
Thy will be done
In earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thy is the Kingdom, the power
And the glory forever. Amen
Lets examine the prayer above because this is our model. We must imitate this prayer.
It begins with addressing the prayer to the Father and admiring Him as the Holy one.
An important factor in this prayer is that the prayer must always ask the Father’s will be done
It states the need for daily bread by emphasizing a need not a want
In asking for forgiveness we must be willing to forgive others also
We are to ask for God to deliver us from evil.
And give glory to the Father again in closing.
When we pray we should make sure we have all the ingredients that makes the prayer powerful. We then need to take those ingredients and blend them together with love and faith. Faith works by love. We cannot leave out these two last ingredients. The prayer won’t turn out right if we do.
For example, if we are baking a cake we get the eggs, the oil, the mix and whatever else we need to bake the cake. We blend them together and put them into the oven. But, as my husband has made a special point to tell me often, "if you don’t bake this with love it won’t taste right." This is so true. And let me tell you, my husband knows when I have just thrown something together and when I have taken my time and put a lot of work and care into it. I can’t fool my husband and when we pray, we can’t fool God either. We must always use love and faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God. I believe without love that it is impossible to please God also.
Copyright 2000 by Darlene Osborne
Monday, August 20, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
God is the Author of Happy Endings!
Blog Date August 16th, 2007
Today is a day the Lord hath made. Rejoice and be Glad in it!
If you're having a bad day start rejoicing in the Lord and you'll start feeling better. Are you feeling sick today? Are you worried about a bill you can't pay? Maybe you're going through something that I could never guess in a million years. Doesn't matter what it is, God will move for you! God is the Author and Finisher of your faith. Just as an author writes a book God can write your life. And, if you allow God to write the chapters of your life you will be blessed and your book will have a happy ending.
Remember, God is a good God and He wants to bless you! He wants to meet every need you have. He really does! Rejoice!
Today is a day the Lord hath made. Rejoice and be Glad in it!
If you're having a bad day start rejoicing in the Lord and you'll start feeling better. Are you feeling sick today? Are you worried about a bill you can't pay? Maybe you're going through something that I could never guess in a million years. Doesn't matter what it is, God will move for you! God is the Author and Finisher of your faith. Just as an author writes a book God can write your life. And, if you allow God to write the chapters of your life you will be blessed and your book will have a happy ending.
Remember, God is a good God and He wants to bless you! He wants to meet every need you have. He really does! Rejoice!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Are We Living Under the Old Testament or New Testament?
Blog Date August 15th 2007
I hope all of you are having a great day.
I responded to a comment on yesterday’s blog. Just click on yesterday’s comments to read it.
I’m still surprised at this, but many today are trying to live under Old Testament rules and regulations. I have noticed that many of the TV Evangelists are preaching more from the Old Testament these days than from the New Testament. Wonder why? Yes, praise God, there were some great miracles that happened in those days, but I’d also like to hear some messages about Paul please? Maybe Peter? Why not preach about Jesus? That would be great! Just don’t be so one sided.
I have been told that many TV Evangelists preach the Old Testament because many of the prophets were really wealthy in those days and the apostles of the New Testament were not! I guess they couldn’t justify asking for your money by using Paul as an example. Why? Because Paul didn’t ask for money. He earned his living making tents for the most part.
I guess they have to find a way to justify their begging for money. One thing though, I have never read were those prophets begged for money. I guess that believed God for their wealth. Nowadays, instead of relying on All Mighty God many (not all) are relying on the all mighty dollar! How sad!
There are some God sent evangelists on TV, no doubt about it, and then there are some that just want your money. Be careful in your giving!
How did I end on this note? Oh well…..God knows!
Darlene
I hope all of you are having a great day.
I responded to a comment on yesterday’s blog. Just click on yesterday’s comments to read it.
I’m still surprised at this, but many today are trying to live under Old Testament rules and regulations. I have noticed that many of the TV Evangelists are preaching more from the Old Testament these days than from the New Testament. Wonder why? Yes, praise God, there were some great miracles that happened in those days, but I’d also like to hear some messages about Paul please? Maybe Peter? Why not preach about Jesus? That would be great! Just don’t be so one sided.
I have been told that many TV Evangelists preach the Old Testament because many of the prophets were really wealthy in those days and the apostles of the New Testament were not! I guess they couldn’t justify asking for your money by using Paul as an example. Why? Because Paul didn’t ask for money. He earned his living making tents for the most part.
I guess they have to find a way to justify their begging for money. One thing though, I have never read were those prophets begged for money. I guess that believed God for their wealth. Nowadays, instead of relying on All Mighty God many (not all) are relying on the all mighty dollar! How sad!
There are some God sent evangelists on TV, no doubt about it, and then there are some that just want your money. Be careful in your giving!
How did I end on this note? Oh well…..God knows!
Darlene
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Answer to Question from Reader: Salvation by Faith and Sex Outside of Marriage
Blog Date August 14th 2007
Question:
Someone contacted me and asked me this question, and I quote, "I thought that you were teaching that salvation is by faith. By saying that you cannot make it to heaven if you are having sex outside of marriage, is this not teaching salvation by works?"
Answer:
Salvation
Salvation is provided to us freely, by faith, for it is the gift of God. However, there is some work involved in this salvation process. We must do our part and take care of the gift that has been given to us by our Heavenly Father. For example: We bought our son, Jamie, a new vehicle after he graduated high school. (We bought our daughter a car too) I’ll never forget when we gave Jamie his bright new shiny red pick up truck. He was thrilled. He shined on that truck so much I thought he was going to rub the paint right off. He changed the oil himself and never asked us to do anything. As a matter of fact, he wouldn’t let anyone else do anything to it. It was his truck and he kept it in tip-top shape himself. Jamie appreciated the gift we had given him and he worked really hard to keep it spotless.
Shouldn’t we appreciate the gift of Salvation God has given to us? Shouldn’t we work just as hard as Jamie did on his truck, if not harder, to keep ourselves spotless from the world? According to Romans 12:1 we are. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service."
Yes, salvation is by faith, but Phillipians 2:12 states we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. James 2:17 tells us that faith without works is dead.
Like I said above, there is some work involved in this salvation process.
Sex Outside of Marriage
On the issue of sex outside of marriage: The person that wrote me says that the way they understand it, is that sex outside of marriage is OK as long as it is in a meaningful relationship. I would like to ask this person to read these scriptures and then tell me if they still believe the same way.
1Th 4:3 -
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
Jude 1:7 - Show Context
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Eph 5:3 -
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Col 3:5 -
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
1Co 6:13 -
Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
1Co 6:18 -
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
1Co 7:2 -
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
1Co 10:8 -
Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
2Co 12:21 -
And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Ga 5:19 -
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Until next time remember, I said it and you read it,right here on Darlene’s Blog.
Contends on Page Copyright 2007 Darlene Osborne
Question:
Someone contacted me and asked me this question, and I quote, "I thought that you were teaching that salvation is by faith. By saying that you cannot make it to heaven if you are having sex outside of marriage, is this not teaching salvation by works?"
Answer:
Salvation
Salvation is provided to us freely, by faith, for it is the gift of God. However, there is some work involved in this salvation process. We must do our part and take care of the gift that has been given to us by our Heavenly Father. For example: We bought our son, Jamie, a new vehicle after he graduated high school. (We bought our daughter a car too) I’ll never forget when we gave Jamie his bright new shiny red pick up truck. He was thrilled. He shined on that truck so much I thought he was going to rub the paint right off. He changed the oil himself and never asked us to do anything. As a matter of fact, he wouldn’t let anyone else do anything to it. It was his truck and he kept it in tip-top shape himself. Jamie appreciated the gift we had given him and he worked really hard to keep it spotless.
Shouldn’t we appreciate the gift of Salvation God has given to us? Shouldn’t we work just as hard as Jamie did on his truck, if not harder, to keep ourselves spotless from the world? According to Romans 12:1 we are. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service."
Yes, salvation is by faith, but Phillipians 2:12 states we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. James 2:17 tells us that faith without works is dead.
Like I said above, there is some work involved in this salvation process.
Sex Outside of Marriage
On the issue of sex outside of marriage: The person that wrote me says that the way they understand it, is that sex outside of marriage is OK as long as it is in a meaningful relationship. I would like to ask this person to read these scriptures and then tell me if they still believe the same way.
1Th 4:3 -
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
Jude 1:7 - Show Context
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Eph 5:3 -
But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Col 3:5 -
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
1Co 6:13 -
Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
1Co 6:18 -
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
1Co 7:2 -
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
1Co 10:8 -
Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
2Co 12:21 -
And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Ga 5:19 -
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Until next time remember, I said it and you read it,right here on Darlene’s Blog.
Contends on Page Copyright 2007 Darlene Osborne
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Righteousness of God: Let's Talk About That!
Blog Date August 11th 2007
Hello to Everyone!
The other day when I was reading the bible I came across this scripture that I had not read in a while. Romans 10:3, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”
There are many in the world today, claiming to be Christians, who are following man made rules and have not submitted themselves to the Commandments of God. Most take what they hear from a preacher on TV to be the gospel instead of reading the Bible for themselves. This is dangerous. I have known people who have opened up their checkbooks and written checks to ministers because they were told, on national TV, that their loved ones would be saved if they gave a certain amount. I am not sure how a minister could get on a nation wide broadcast, with a straight face anyway, and say if you give a pledge of $100.00 your loved ones will be saved. The only way your loved ones are going to be saved is if they accept Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. Money has nothing to do with salvation. Don’t you believe for a second you can buy your loved one a place in Heaven. Real estate is not for sale up there.
And another thing, many preachers are teaching that you can live any way you want to live, with whomever you choose, and still go to Heaven. This isn’t true. You can’t shack up with your girlfriend or boyfriend and still go to Heaven. You can’t live in homosexual relationships and expect to be welcomed into Glory when you die. Read 1st Corinthians 6:9. It states clearly that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. We must strive to be holy. We can’t live any way we want for there are rules and commandments we must follow. I will say this, God does understand if you’re struggling with something sinful and will make a way for your escape. 1st Corinthians 10:13. But, you must do your part. You must pray and ask God to forgive you of your sins and help you get out of the mess you’re in. If you ask for His help, He will grant it!!!
Are you trying to establish your own righteousness by doing what you want to do and justifying it? Are you searching for scriptures to justify your unhealthy relationships? You won’t find any!
Don’t be like many are today who are ignorant of the righteousness of God. Read the Word of God for yourself and do what He says is right and not what man says is right. God loves you and He wants to save your soul. Sure, if you’re living for God you’ll make mistakes. Many of us have! The only way back to God is to get on the road to His Righteousness! The Bible is the road map so read it daily! If you’re not using the Bible as your road map, then you’re not on the right road.
Have a nice weekend all!
Copyright 2007 Darlene Osborne
Hello to Everyone!
The other day when I was reading the bible I came across this scripture that I had not read in a while. Romans 10:3, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”
There are many in the world today, claiming to be Christians, who are following man made rules and have not submitted themselves to the Commandments of God. Most take what they hear from a preacher on TV to be the gospel instead of reading the Bible for themselves. This is dangerous. I have known people who have opened up their checkbooks and written checks to ministers because they were told, on national TV, that their loved ones would be saved if they gave a certain amount. I am not sure how a minister could get on a nation wide broadcast, with a straight face anyway, and say if you give a pledge of $100.00 your loved ones will be saved. The only way your loved ones are going to be saved is if they accept Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. Money has nothing to do with salvation. Don’t you believe for a second you can buy your loved one a place in Heaven. Real estate is not for sale up there.
And another thing, many preachers are teaching that you can live any way you want to live, with whomever you choose, and still go to Heaven. This isn’t true. You can’t shack up with your girlfriend or boyfriend and still go to Heaven. You can’t live in homosexual relationships and expect to be welcomed into Glory when you die. Read 1st Corinthians 6:9. It states clearly that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. We must strive to be holy. We can’t live any way we want for there are rules and commandments we must follow. I will say this, God does understand if you’re struggling with something sinful and will make a way for your escape. 1st Corinthians 10:13. But, you must do your part. You must pray and ask God to forgive you of your sins and help you get out of the mess you’re in. If you ask for His help, He will grant it!!!
Are you trying to establish your own righteousness by doing what you want to do and justifying it? Are you searching for scriptures to justify your unhealthy relationships? You won’t find any!
Don’t be like many are today who are ignorant of the righteousness of God. Read the Word of God for yourself and do what He says is right and not what man says is right. God loves you and He wants to save your soul. Sure, if you’re living for God you’ll make mistakes. Many of us have! The only way back to God is to get on the road to His Righteousness! The Bible is the road map so read it daily! If you’re not using the Bible as your road map, then you’re not on the right road.
Have a nice weekend all!
Copyright 2007 Darlene Osborne
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Rise and Shine: Today is Tuesday!
Blog date 8/7/2007
Rise and shine everyone. Hope your day is a good one.
Have you been over to the magazine yet? If you haven’t I hope you will visit soon TheChristianOnlineMagazine.Com
If you like poetry please visit my poetry site by Clicking here: Darlene’s Christian Pages Many visited the poetry site yesterday.
Thanks for all the comments on the articles. I appreciate the feedback on the article I wrote for this month. The devil is a liar, we will not surrender but rather we will serve God. We must do the Will of the Father and His Will is for us to preach and teach His Word. We must expose the devil. If you’re struggling with something today just say devil, I bind you and take authority over you in the name of Jesus. I cast you out and command you to leave my presence. God kicked you out of Heaven and I am kicking you out of my house! Flee devil! Be Gone! You have no place here. God has sent me free!
If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your personal Savior I pray you will do so now. Right this very moment. Repent by turning away from your wicked ways and asking Jesus to come into your heart to stay!!!
Keep those trapped miners in Utah in your prayers. They haven't gotten them out yet! Also, pray for the war in Iraq to end!
May your day be blessed! God is a Good God!
Darlene
Rise and shine everyone. Hope your day is a good one.
Have you been over to the magazine yet? If you haven’t I hope you will visit soon TheChristianOnlineMagazine.Com
If you like poetry please visit my poetry site by Clicking here: Darlene’s Christian Pages Many visited the poetry site yesterday.
Thanks for all the comments on the articles. I appreciate the feedback on the article I wrote for this month. The devil is a liar, we will not surrender but rather we will serve God. We must do the Will of the Father and His Will is for us to preach and teach His Word. We must expose the devil. If you’re struggling with something today just say devil, I bind you and take authority over you in the name of Jesus. I cast you out and command you to leave my presence. God kicked you out of Heaven and I am kicking you out of my house! Flee devil! Be Gone! You have no place here. God has sent me free!
If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your personal Savior I pray you will do so now. Right this very moment. Repent by turning away from your wicked ways and asking Jesus to come into your heart to stay!!!
Keep those trapped miners in Utah in your prayers. They haven't gotten them out yet! Also, pray for the war in Iraq to end!
May your day be blessed! God is a Good God!
Darlene
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Has the Devil Told You To Surrender? And Come Out With Your Hands Up?
darlene@christianmagazine.org
Face to Face With the Enemy
Have you suddenly found yourself face to face with the enemy? Is he looking you square in the eye right now (spiritually speaking) and threatening your life? Is he telling you that you’re going to die? That you’ll never make it so you may as well surrender and come out with your hands up?
Well, I have been where you are. He told me the same thing when I was having anxiety attacks years ago. I am here to tell you that you can win! If the enemy has backed you in corner, come out fighting. Don’t allow his threats to get you discouraged and cause you to throw down your weapons. Instead, grab your sword, which is the Word of God, hold up your shield of faith and take after the devil. Put him on the defense for a while.
Knowing How To Fight
There was a man that our family used to know years ago who was always getting into fights. Just ever so often we’d hear that he had beat somebody else up. I don’t know how or why it happened, but it seemed like he was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. I never witnessed a fight he was in but what I have been told is that he knew how to fight. Even when his back was turned he could sense when a punch was coming from the other person and he’d be ready. When they swung he dodged and then with both his fists swinging he would tackle them to the ground. He was one of those people you wanted on your side, if you know what I mean? He always won! I guess his first goal in a fight was to dodge the first punch. Because if you take the first punch, according to how hard you’re hit, you might not recover enough to finish the fight much less win it. You’ve got to watch for that first punch.
It’s the same way when you’re fighting with the devil. Watch for that first punch because he’ll try to hit you when you’re not looking. You can defensively block his punches by being on guard and quoting the Word of God every day. Many Christians don’t know how to fight the devil. Now, I’m not saying I am skilled at it by any means, but you’d be surprised at those who won’t even try. Instead of getting in there and knocking it out with the devil they just accept whatever comes their way. According to the Word of God we’re supposed to jump in there with both fists and knock the devil around. The Bible says resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7) Well, what do you think the word resist means? Resist means to fight or work against; to combat. Many of you may not have known that. Well now you do! Pick up your bible and learn how to fight the devil. You may as well go ahead and throw a punch or two and see how it goes. No sense in lying there and allowing him to beat you up! Defend yourself.
Whatever the devil tries to hit you with have a scripture ready that will put him in his place. If he tries to hit you with sickness, swing back at him with a healing scripture such as, by His (Jesus) stripes I am healed. (1st Peter 2:24) If he tries to knock you down with some kind of financial problem use this scripture against him. But my God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
As you learn the strategies of the devil you’ll get quicker on your feet and better at fighting him. But, you’ve got to start somewhere, it may as well be in the here and now.
In closing just let me say, if you still think you can’t win then read this scripture that is found in 1st John 4:4, Greater is He (Jesus) that is in you than he (the devil) that is in the world. You don’t have to fall prey and surrender to the devil. Instead fall down on your knees and pray to the Father for strength. Remember, He sent His Son to deliver us out of the hand of satan and He in turn, gave us power over all the power of the enemy. (Luke 10:19) Don’t say you can’t win when you’re up against the devil. Instead of confessing defeat confess victory just as little David did just before he killed Goliath.
Child of God, you can pierce the devil through with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and walk away the winner. You may say, well I’ve been fighting but I’m not winning. As long as you’re still fighting you’re still winning. Besides, you have the advantage over satan. Your Big Brother Jesus has already whipped that bully over two thousand years ago. And you know what they say? It runs in the family.
Some quick tips:
Watch for the devil’s first punch. Be ready with scriptures.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Don’t be ignorant of the devil’s devices.
Walk wisely in the Spirit.
Copyright 2007 Darlene Osborne (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
________________
Darlene Osborne is publisher of The Christian Online Magazine. You may find a list of her articles here http://publisher.christianmagazine.org Email her: darlene@christianmagazine.org Visit her daily blog http://darleneosborne.blogspot.com
Face to Face With the Enemy
Have you suddenly found yourself face to face with the enemy? Is he looking you square in the eye right now (spiritually speaking) and threatening your life? Is he telling you that you’re going to die? That you’ll never make it so you may as well surrender and come out with your hands up?
Well, I have been where you are. He told me the same thing when I was having anxiety attacks years ago. I am here to tell you that you can win! If the enemy has backed you in corner, come out fighting. Don’t allow his threats to get you discouraged and cause you to throw down your weapons. Instead, grab your sword, which is the Word of God, hold up your shield of faith and take after the devil. Put him on the defense for a while.
Knowing How To Fight
There was a man that our family used to know years ago who was always getting into fights. Just ever so often we’d hear that he had beat somebody else up. I don’t know how or why it happened, but it seemed like he was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. I never witnessed a fight he was in but what I have been told is that he knew how to fight. Even when his back was turned he could sense when a punch was coming from the other person and he’d be ready. When they swung he dodged and then with both his fists swinging he would tackle them to the ground. He was one of those people you wanted on your side, if you know what I mean? He always won! I guess his first goal in a fight was to dodge the first punch. Because if you take the first punch, according to how hard you’re hit, you might not recover enough to finish the fight much less win it. You’ve got to watch for that first punch.
It’s the same way when you’re fighting with the devil. Watch for that first punch because he’ll try to hit you when you’re not looking. You can defensively block his punches by being on guard and quoting the Word of God every day. Many Christians don’t know how to fight the devil. Now, I’m not saying I am skilled at it by any means, but you’d be surprised at those who won’t even try. Instead of getting in there and knocking it out with the devil they just accept whatever comes their way. According to the Word of God we’re supposed to jump in there with both fists and knock the devil around. The Bible says resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7) Well, what do you think the word resist means? Resist means to fight or work against; to combat. Many of you may not have known that. Well now you do! Pick up your bible and learn how to fight the devil. You may as well go ahead and throw a punch or two and see how it goes. No sense in lying there and allowing him to beat you up! Defend yourself.
Whatever the devil tries to hit you with have a scripture ready that will put him in his place. If he tries to hit you with sickness, swing back at him with a healing scripture such as, by His (Jesus) stripes I am healed. (1st Peter 2:24) If he tries to knock you down with some kind of financial problem use this scripture against him. But my God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
As you learn the strategies of the devil you’ll get quicker on your feet and better at fighting him. But, you’ve got to start somewhere, it may as well be in the here and now.
In closing just let me say, if you still think you can’t win then read this scripture that is found in 1st John 4:4, Greater is He (Jesus) that is in you than he (the devil) that is in the world. You don’t have to fall prey and surrender to the devil. Instead fall down on your knees and pray to the Father for strength. Remember, He sent His Son to deliver us out of the hand of satan and He in turn, gave us power over all the power of the enemy. (Luke 10:19) Don’t say you can’t win when you’re up against the devil. Instead of confessing defeat confess victory just as little David did just before he killed Goliath.
Child of God, you can pierce the devil through with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and walk away the winner. You may say, well I’ve been fighting but I’m not winning. As long as you’re still fighting you’re still winning. Besides, you have the advantage over satan. Your Big Brother Jesus has already whipped that bully over two thousand years ago. And you know what they say? It runs in the family.
Some quick tips:
Watch for the devil’s first punch. Be ready with scriptures.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Don’t be ignorant of the devil’s devices.
Walk wisely in the Spirit.
Copyright 2007 Darlene Osborne (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
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Darlene Osborne is publisher of The Christian Online Magazine. You may find a list of her articles here http://publisher.christianmagazine.org Email her: darlene@christianmagazine.org Visit her daily blog http://darleneosborne.blogspot.com
Friday, August 3, 2007
My Thoughts for Today
Blog Date 8/3/2007
What a beautiful day the Lord has made! The sun is shining here in Va. Hope it is shining in your part of the world.
No matter what is going on in your life today, God will get you through it! Just hang on and trust Him! Nothing is as bad as it first seems. If you're having a hard time get your Bible out and find a scripture to get you through the day. Many of you have loved ones fighting in Iraq. I know you're worried but keep trusting God to get your loved ones home safe and He will! Let's keep praying for this war to end!
I am still receiving comments on the article 'Has God Changed His Mind About Homosexuality?' I didn't know that it was going to cause such a commotion but praise God anyhow! I will try to post and respond to a couple of those comments on this site later today. Understand that I can't respond to all comments there are just too many !
I wanted to mention, and I am sure you have seen it on the news, about the bridge that collapsed in Minnesota. Let's keep that area in our prayers and also, let's pray that they will check out the rest of the bridges across America and do some much needed maintenance on them before they fall!
Be sure and get over to the magazine for a visit. We're waiting on you there! Our doors are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week! You'll find articles to read, puzzles to work, and polls to participate in. We have advertising too!! Sell your product on our site! Click Here for Advertising Click Here to go to our m agazine.
Be healed, Be delivered from whatever is troubling you, and Have a great day, evening, night.
Darlene
What a beautiful day the Lord has made! The sun is shining here in Va. Hope it is shining in your part of the world.
No matter what is going on in your life today, God will get you through it! Just hang on and trust Him! Nothing is as bad as it first seems. If you're having a hard time get your Bible out and find a scripture to get you through the day. Many of you have loved ones fighting in Iraq. I know you're worried but keep trusting God to get your loved ones home safe and He will! Let's keep praying for this war to end!
I am still receiving comments on the article 'Has God Changed His Mind About Homosexuality?' I didn't know that it was going to cause such a commotion but praise God anyhow! I will try to post and respond to a couple of those comments on this site later today. Understand that I can't respond to all comments there are just too many !
I wanted to mention, and I am sure you have seen it on the news, about the bridge that collapsed in Minnesota. Let's keep that area in our prayers and also, let's pray that they will check out the rest of the bridges across America and do some much needed maintenance on them before they fall!
Be sure and get over to the magazine for a visit. We're waiting on you there! Our doors are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week! You'll find articles to read, puzzles to work, and polls to participate in. We have advertising too!! Sell your product on our site! Click Here for Advertising Click Here to go to our m agazine.
Be healed, Be delivered from whatever is troubling you, and Have a great day, evening, night.
Darlene
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
New Issue of Magazine Online Now!
Its almost 4pm and I'm just now getting finished with the magazine. Its online now if you want to visit Click here!
It's a gorgous day here in Va. and I am getting ready to leave and go to town! I hope each and everyone of you are having a great day!
Be sure to read my newest article on the magazine site. My daughter Jessica wrote a good one this month too ! Be sure to send her a comment after you read it!!
Comments welcome here on the blog!
Have a great evening!
It's a gorgous day here in Va. and I am getting ready to leave and go to town! I hope each and everyone of you are having a great day!
Be sure to read my newest article on the magazine site. My daughter Jessica wrote a good one this month too ! Be sure to send her a comment after you read it!!
Comments welcome here on the blog!
Have a great evening!
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