December '12
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"Submit yourselves.. to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you"
James 4:7 |
The Bible speaks often of the adversary we have - the devil (Deuteronomy 32:27, 1Peter 5:8, 2John 1:7) - who as an angel fell from heaven and now seeks to lead believers astray (Revelation 12:10). The Bible tells us his fate is sealed - ultimately he and his followers are overcome and will suffer - though for now a measure of influence has been allowed (2Corinthinans 4:4).
As believers we are not immune to temptations, pride and misdirection (Genesis 3) - however those who are committed to and remain in Christ are promised protection (John 17:15). Our authority as children of God and heirs with Christ means we have access to the power of God - a prayer away..and His strength helps us in our weakness (1Corinthians 6:17).
Daniel was a man who believed and trusted in the Lord our God (Daniel 6) and he was called to the kings service. He had a committed lifestyle of prayer and fasting and God gave him favour with the king and the ability to interpret dreams. This annoyed others who were jealous of his position and influence - and Daniel was thrown to the lions. He prayed and the Lord sent an angel to close the mouths of the lions - and he was saved.
Opposition can come in various forms and we may become disillusioned, distracted or discouraged (Proverbs 29:18) but the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Truth) can reveal to us the source of the problem (1Chronicles 28:9) & knowing who God is (www.whoisGod.me.uk) and what He has called us to can be a great help if times are tough.
Ask God to help you focus on Him in all your thoughts and ways - "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of God" Hebrews 12:2 ...... and in Christ's safe keeping.
As believers we are not immune to temptations, pride and misdirection (Genesis 3) - however those who are committed to and remain in Christ are promised protection (John 17:15). Our authority as children of God and heirs with Christ means we have access to the power of God - a prayer away..and His strength helps us in our weakness (1Corinthians 6:17).
Daniel was a man who believed and trusted in the Lord our God (Daniel 6) and he was called to the kings service. He had a committed lifestyle of prayer and fasting and God gave him favour with the king and the ability to interpret dreams. This annoyed others who were jealous of his position and influence - and Daniel was thrown to the lions. He prayed and the Lord sent an angel to close the mouths of the lions - and he was saved.
Opposition can come in various forms and we may become disillusioned, distracted or discouraged (Proverbs 29:18) but the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Truth) can reveal to us the source of the problem (1Chronicles 28:9) & knowing who God is (www.whoisGod.me.uk) and what He has called us to can be a great help if times are tough.
Ask God to help you focus on Him in all your thoughts and ways - "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of God" Hebrews 12:2 ...... and in Christ's safe keeping.
Below is a prayer Saint Patrick (apostle to Ireland) used:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
&
.....watch this space for a new website coming soon.....for more about who we are & going deeper in Christ.....
***now available*** a 'going deeper' resource: www.4freedom.org.uk
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
&
.....watch this space for a new website coming soon.....for more about who we are & going deeper in Christ.....
***now available*** a 'going deeper' resource: www.4freedom.org.uk
Welcome to Heart to the Lord.com
Here you will find help and information to encourage your Life with God*
I trust you will enjoy browsing and pray you will be inspired to "seek the Lord with all your heart"
Here you will find help and information to encourage your Life with God*
I trust you will enjoy browsing and pray you will be inspired to "seek the Lord with all your heart"