The Battle Of Good -VS- Evil

I know it must be hard for many of us to realize we are in the middle of a battlefield. I know I find it difficult at times to acknowledge that Satan wants me as a victory trophy, while God invites me to be living testament to His love,

We may not see ourselves as popular or valuable to be such a prize in such a high-stakes game of life and death, where our only weapon is our faith. The problem is satan will and does attack at any given moment. He is relentless in his pursuit and often our guard just isn’t up.

I know on my best days there are distinct moments when focusing on the word of God is the last thing on my mind. Events and circumstances and people make it seemingly impossible, unlikely or just plain hard.

I have learned now this is when Satan is at the top of his game. You see satan wants us as his personal trophy, dead, stuffed and mounted on his wall in the pit of hell.

When we’re consciously aware of things, satan wants to to embarrass, humiliate and, like a scorned lover, hurt the Lord. What better way to do that than to steal something, degrade something, ruin something that the devil knows the Lord loves. Ma and yes you too.

I don’t know about you but it’s hard to think of myself as that important. It’s hard to consider myself as a pivotal piece in an eternal game of spiritual chess, a queen or king to one and a pawn to the other.

I suppose without knowing it. We are vulnerable. Like a child who unknowingly wanders off into a swamp, he or she has no idea of the danger. Injury and death are but steps away.

That’s how I feel sometimes. I know I’m lost. I know I’m in trouble. If I’m not vigilant, the devil will take me out to celebrate at my wake. Therefore, much like an athlete I pretty much know I’ve got to train and be prepared.

But there are some days I just don’t want to work that hard. I just want to be left alone. But being that simplistic can get you into trouble. That frame of mind can get you killed in this game.

The Bible is full of references about those who be seduced, tricked, abducted, and persecuted for not being true to the word of God. God Himself expresses frustration at times about those who willingly forget (selective memory), or unwillingly choose not to remember who He is and to whom we belong. The consequences can be catastrophic.

So, what’s the answer when you’re not feeling it? What’s the answer to being lost in this world! What’s the answer when we ask why evil is the the world? It’s all about the fight between good and evil. What’s the defense for Satan’s temptations?

It really quite simple. Get into the Word. Get into the Word and strategize an offense and a defense of personal testimony. Armed in this fashion, like Jesus in the desert, the devil cannot win. You know better that me that when you’re determined, you cannot be distracted.

There are some qualities we all possess that arms us for this fight. Recognition, understanding, desire and discipline come to mind. Together they guarantee victory for God and humiliation for the devil. Sometimes it just takes a Will to win.

The Goodness Of God

God’s goodness toward us is more than we can comprehend. In fact, because of God’s goodness, we are alive today. No one is just saved or just healed it’s because of God’s goodness. When deliverance comes it’s because of God’s goodness.

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His Works.

Psalm 145:8-9

When a person isn’t saved it’s not because God hasn’t tried to reach out to them. The Lord is good to all.

Everywhere you read in God’s word you will find time and time again that God goes the extra mile. God is full of compassion, slow to anger, great in mercy. He’s good to all. His tender met its are all over.

According to Naham 1:7 in the Hebrew Bible The Lord is good a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him.

Most commentaries agree that David not only penned this Psalm but he sang this Psalm to himself on many occasions.

Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

Romans 11:22

In other words is a person won’t consider God’s goodness he or she will have to over-look all of God’s creation (There is a decision to be made) Say choice.

Let’s just look at a few areas that God’s goodness can be seen:Through salvation John 3:16-27 for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.

Tom and 2:4 says, Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Jesus told the woman at the week in John 4 that “if you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, give me a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.

God sent His only Son to give the world living water. (even to a prostitute).

God’s goodness can be seen through His creation.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

For you shall go out with Joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands

Isaiah 55

Think about that, All of creation applauds as you allow Jesus to take control of your circumstances.

God’s goodness can be seen through out eternity,.

In 2 Corinthians 1-4 it says, “it is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. In Revelation 21:1-4 it says Noe I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth has passed away. Also, there was no more sea. Then John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, and He heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be more death not sorrow, not crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Just remember Moses in Exodus 33 how he needed assurance; therefore, God showed Moses the burning bush. Remember what God said as He passed by Moses. “Grace and goodness.”

Gratitude Is A Powerful Catalyst For Happiness

Gratitude is an attitude and a way of living that had been shown to have many benefits in terms of health, happiness, satisfaction with life, and the way we relate to others.

It goes hand in hand with mindfulness in its focus on the present and appreciation for what we have now rather than wanting more and more.

It is only with Gratitude that life becomes rich

Feeling and expressing gratitude turns our mental focus on the positive, which compensated for our brain’s natural tendency to focus on threats, worries, and the negative aspects of life.

It’s really nice to wake up in the morning realizing that God has given you another day to live. Try to wake up each day and think of something your grateful for. It will change the perspective of the day,

Thank God for this goof life and forgiving us f we do not live it enough.

Thank God for giving you the strength to keep going. I sometimes wake up feeling not the greatest I could. Ask God to give you the strength to get through the day.

Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances; For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Don’t Leave Me Alone With My Thoughts

According to The Boston Globe people prefer Electric Shock to Time Alone.

What do you say to yourself when you have a few minutes alone? In this day and age it’s rare that we don’t have some stimuli to keep us company. Would you prefer electric shock instead of being alone? I know I sure wouldn’t.

How can this possibly be! An opportunity for solitude and reflection and people would prefer to have an electric current run through their body rather then taking that time! Many spiritual leaders including Jesus advocate time alone. These leaders went to the mountains and farmland to get away from the crowds and be alone with their thoughts. How can it be we’ll do anything to a similar experience?

One of the reasons is probably die to what we say to ourselves once we enter that stillness. Instead of allowing our thoughts to uplift us and enlighten us, or use the time not to think at all, we allow the negative things we say to ourselves to empower us. Most people talk to themselves in such a negative way that they have to do it in their heads- they would probably never speak negatively out loud to another person!

When time alone is the opportunity to ruin your life, beat up on yourself for where you are or where you are not, and examine every wrong thing you have ever done, what sane Peter would want to be alone with that! An electric shock might be preferable to feeling as though you’ve been beaten down by the very person you thought you could trust – yourself.

Alone time is very important. The space between action and ongoing thoughts is where creative ideas are born. It’s where you may have a chance to see something about yourself you didn’t realize before. It’s where you may have your best brainstorm for how to get somewhere you want to go, or how to get out of some mess you are in. Without quiet time surrounded by constant stimulation- a lot is lost.

So If your thoughts are not the company you want to keep, what can you do? Here are some steps you can take to become better company for yourself

  • Choose to spend time alone. Take a walk without your iPod or cell phone. Walk the dogs at your local shelter if you do have one of your own. Drive without the radio on, do talk on your cell when driving. The more conscious choices you make to be by yourself, the more comfortable you will become with it.
  • Catch yourself in negative self-talk. Notice what you say. Become interested in it, “Hmmm… isn’t that interesting how hard I a. On myself right now. What’s that all about, I wonder?” Don’t judge it, but become aware of it,
  • Choose positive self-talk. Have sayings or quotes ready. (Try putting them in your bedroom, bathroom or other places your see them easily), say things like, ‘I am a calm and confident person,” “I enjoy my own company and find I use this time alone to be morphed creative.” “I get my best ah-hah moments when I’m by myself.” You may find the things you tell yourself and the choices you made are good for you.
  • Tell your mind you need answers to something. Ask your mind to work on problems while your alone. Practice pushing negative thoughts out, to make positive ideas or new creative brainstorms to enter.
  • Be excited about spending time alone. Tell yourself you look forward to it and that you’ll enjoy it

Practice make perfect and with some changes, and some time, you may find that you really can be your own best friend.

The City On A Hill

Jesus said “you are the light of the World. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” These words were directed to His disciples, yet became identified with an entire civilization and revealed the unique greatness of America. The foundation of American civilization must ultimately be traced back to Nazareth. The vision of America originate with the great commission, the charge he entrusted to his disciples, Conceived for the purpose of being the light of God and spreading to the ends of the earth. Even if mainstream American society has forgotten The reason for America’s existence, you don’t forget; Live as an all out disciple of Messiah. America needs that more than ever. In an age of darkness, light Smithtown all the more. And age of compromise and moral sliding, you must all the more live your life above reproach, as a light, a witness, as a city on a hill. As the darkness becomes darker. Strive to be the called, the sons and daughters of salt and light, keep praying and keep shining.

Recipe For Overcoming Challanges

Sometimes there is no logical solution to life’s challenges but faith. Fear says your situation is permanent. Logic says your solution is impossible. Facts say it doesn’t make sense. Science says follow logic and consider the facts. Math says it doesn’t add up. Time says it’s too late. Age says you’re too young or to old. Education says you’re not qualified. Experience says you’re a novice. People say it never been done before. The past says check your history. Scars say you’re about to get hurt again. Comfort says it is really not worth the trouble. The future says you don’t belong here. The pocket says I can’t afford it. But faith says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13). Don’t seek logical solutions to every life’s challenges. Sometimes you just have to believe. “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 6:7). Feed your faith and all the other negative voices will starve to deathM Face 2022 with faith in God and all your dreams will come true. Remember we are partners in this journey of life. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says “No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.