Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. -- Proverbs 3:5-6

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. -- John 4:12

No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. -- John 4:12

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. -- Proverbs 3:5-6

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. -- John 14:27

Lord, bless our friends today we pray,
Wherever they may be;
And help them as they go their way,
To keep their trust in Thee.

Lord, hear each prayer they raise to Thee,
And dry each falling tear;
And hover o'er them constantly,
For treasured friends are dear.

Surround them with Thy mercy,
Lord, Protect them by Thy power;
And let them feel Thy presence,
Lord, In every lonely hour.

Stand by them when the road is steep,
And no one seems to care;
Thy arm of love around them keep,
And whisper You are there.

And give them strength to bear the cross,
As through this vale they go;
And stand by them in every loss,
That they meet here below.

And when at last the hour shall be,
That life's short journey ends;
O, let them lean the more on Thee,
And comfort these, our friends.

And open heaven's gate, dear Lord,
And let them enter there;
For heaven will be heaven,
Lord, Because our friends are there.

There are two primary errors when it comes to spiritual warfare: over-emphasis and under-emphasis. Some blame every sin, every conflict, and every problem on demons that need to be cast out. Others completely ignore the spiritual realm and the fact that the Bible instructs us that our battle is against spiritual powers. The key to successful spiritual warfare is finding the Biblical balance. Jesus sometimes cast demons out of people, and sometimes healed people with no mention of the demonic. The Apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage war against the sin in themselves (Romans 6), and to wage war against the evil one (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Ephesians 6:10-12 declares, “A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms." This text teaches us some crucial truths: (1) We can only be strong in the Lord’s power, (2) It is God’s armor that protects us, (3) Our battle is against spiritual forces of evil in the world.

(1) A powerful example of this is Michael the archangel in Jude verse 9. Michael, likely the most powerful of all of God’s angels, did not rebuke Satan in his own power, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Revelation 12:7-8 records that in the end times, Michael will defeat Satan. Still, when it came to his conflict with Satan, Michael rebuked Satan in God’s name and authority, not his own. It is only through our relationship with Jesus Christ that we, as Christians, have any authority over Satan and his demons. It is only in His Name that our rebuke has any power.

(2) Ephesians 6:13-18 gives us a description of the spiritual armor God gives us. We are to stand firm with (a) the belt of truth, (b) the breastplate of righteousness, (c) the gospel of peace, (d) the shield of faith, (e) the helmet of salvation, (f) the sword of the Spirit, and (g) by praying in the Spirit. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent for us in our spiritual warfare? We are to speak the truth against Satan’s lies. We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the Gospel no matter how much resistance we receive. We are not to waver in our faith, no matter how strongly we are attacked. Our ultimate defense is the assurance we have of our salvation, and the fact that spiritual forces cannot take that away. Our offensive weapon is to be the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. We are to follow Jesus’ example in recognizing that some spiritual victories are only possible through prayer.

(3) Jesus is our ultimate example for spiritual warfare. Observe how Jesus handled direct attacks from Satan: "Then Jesus was led out into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted there by the Devil. For forty days and forty nights he ate nothing and became very hungry. Then the Devil came and said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, change these stones into loaves of bread.' But Jesus told him, 'No! The Scriptures say, "People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God."' Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, 'If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, "He orders his angels to protect you. And they will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone."' Jesus responded, 'The Scriptures also say, "Do not test the Lord your God."' Next the Devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. 'I will give it all to you,' he said, 'if you will only kneel down and worship me.' 'Get out of here, Satan,' Jesus told him. 'For the Scriptures say, "You must worship the Lord your God; serve only him."' Then the Devil went away, and angels came and cared for Jesus" (Matthew 4:1-11). The best way to combat Satan is the way Jesus showed us, and that was to quote Scripture because the devil cannot handle the sword of the Spirit, the Word of the Living God.

The ultimate example of how not to engage in spiritual warfare is the seven sons of Sceva: "A team of Jews who were traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus. The incantation they used was this: 'I command you by Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!' Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But when they tried it on a man possessed by an evil spirit, the spirit replied, 'I know Jesus, and I know Paul. But who are you?' And he leaped on them and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and badly injured." (Acts 19:13-16). What was the problem? The seven sons of Sceva were using Jesus’ Name. That is not enough. The seven sons of Sceva did not have a relationship with Jesus; therefore, their words were void of any power or authority. The seven sons of Sceva were relying on a methodology. They were not relying on Jesus, and were not employing the Word of God in their spiritual warfare. As a result, they received a humiliating beating. May we learn from their bad example and conduct spiritual warfare as the Bible describes.

In summary, what are the keys to success in spiritual warfare? First, we rely on God’s power, not our own. Second, we rebuke in Jesus’ Name, not our own. Third, we protect ourselves with the full armor of God. Fourth, we wage warfare with the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God. Last, we remember that while we wage spiritual warfare against Satan and his demons, not every sin or problem is a demon that needs to be rebuked. “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

A discussion of sin is very important to anyone who has a belief in God. If you accept the existence of a Creator, your next major concern is pleasing Him. Consider...an Omniscient, Omnipotent Being is responsible for your existence. Your continued well-being is totally dependent upon His whim. Is it not in your best interest to determine what He desires of you, what is acceptable and unacceptable to Him?

Sin, put as simply as possible, is that which is unacceptable to God. It is what angers God. It is what separates man from God, and from the possibility of ultimate happiness. Since the Bible is the word of God, it is logical to go to it to find out about sin. This is an important initial point. If you want to know what sin is, and what things are sinful, you must go to God to find out...NOT MAN.

Many do not believe that dressing immodestly is sin. Others go so far as to think there is nothing sinful about lying, getting drunk, gambling, or cursing. Abortion, Homosexuality, Racism, etc., you can always find someone who will deny such things are sinful. But it is not important what man may think about such things. The question must be, "What does the Bible say about sin?" It is only in asking this question that we can know what God considers sinful. And it is only in knowing what God considers sinful that we can ensure we are pleasing to Him.

TOP 10 SIGNS YOU MAY NOT BE READING YOUR BIBLE ENOUGH

--10 The Preacher announces the sermon is from Galatians ... and you check the table of contents.

--9 You think Abraham, Isaac and Jacob may have had a few hit songs during the 60's.

--8 You open to the Gospel of Luke and a WWII Savings Bond falls out.

--7 Your favorite Old Testament patriarch is Hercules.

--6 A small family of woodchucks has taken up residence in Psalms.

--5 You become frustrated because Charlton Heston isn't listed in either the concordance or the table of contents.

--4 Catching the kids reading the Song of Solomon, you demand: "Who gave you this stuff?"

--3 You think the minor prophets worked in the quarries.

--2 You keep falling for it every time when pastor tells you to turn to First Condominiums.

And the No. 1 sign you may not be reading your Bible enough:

1) The kids keep asking too many questions about your usual bedtime story: "Jonah the Shepherd Boy and His Ark of Many Colors."

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. -- Hebrews 13:8

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.

She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Proverbs 4:7-13

And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. --John 3:23

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself -- Galatians 5:14

For with God nothing shall be impossible. -- Luke 1:37

For we walk by faith, not by sight. -- Corinthians 5:7

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. -- Hebrews 11:1

Let brotherly love continue. -- Hebrews 13:1

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies;

who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalms 103:1-5

"Bless The Wings (That Bring You Back)"

by the Moody Blues


Like the rose that blooms in the wintertime
As it reaches up through the snow
The more life keeps apart
The more love will grow
Like the seed that grows in the darkness
As it reaches up to the sun
I will always reach out for you
'Cos you are the one

I bless the wings that bring you back to me
Back across the shore
If I could touch you now my darling
And love you just once more
If I could hold you, hold you, hold you,
I know you'd understand,
I know you'd understand.

As I cross the bridge by the waterfall
As I make my way by the stars
There's a shadow walking beside me
Here in my heart
Like the restless wind in the tree tops
Like a whispered voice in my ear
I will always be there for you
I'll always be here

I bless the wings that bring you back to me
Back across the shore
If I could touch you now my darling
And love you just once more
If I could hold you, hold you, hold you,
I know you'd understand,
I know you'd understand.

In a far off wonderland
That flashes past my eyes
The kiss of inspiration that was mine
The dust of many centuries
Has blown across this land
But love will not be scattered by the sand

Like the sunrise over the mountainside
Like the bird that has to be free
There's a part of you that will always be
Part of me
Like the seed that grows in the darkness
I will always reach out for you
'Cos you are the one

I bless the wings that bring you back to me
Back across the shore
If I could touch you now my darling
And love you just once more
If I could hold you, hold you, hold you,
I know you'd understand,
I know you'd understand,
I know you'd understand,
I know you'd understand.

And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep.

Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store.

Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

Deuteronomy 28:2-6

Proverbs 17:9, “He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

Proverbs 18:24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 27:6, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”