Wednesday, Feb 04, 2009

TWG - February 4, 2009 - The Devil

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Now there was some excitement in my day! Back at work and loving it! In the morning I had a way too exciting counseling session! Bill and Jim were at church working on the entry way. Woah! It is looking good! Love it! Jayn and Opal stopped in to clean the kitchen! Awesome! Aaron and Rebecca came by to do some post-pre-marital counseling. That was a good time. In-between all that I spoke with Dr. John Gardin about men’s retreat. As usual, he’s off somewhere in the world having fun with Dana. And then I think I did some work too! I prepared for the Discovery class and spoke with Marcia about Awana and music. I think my sweet wife called once or twice. Wow, a lot happens when you go to work! Then last night I went to men’s meeting and as usual, if you missed it, you missed something great! I put a picture of Susan unscrewing my mom’s head at her house in Redding on the blog at http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com. Check it out. It’s cute.

Today is February 4, this is time with God, I’m Pastor Dennis - I’ve been waiting here for you. Welcome to our life transforming community. You are part of a devotional community where we put Christ first and our commitment is to spend time with each other and Time with God every day.

Today's Scripture reading is Joshua 15:1-19; Psalm 138; 2 Timothy 4
To Listen to Today’s Reading http://timewithgod.mypodcast.com

Today’s thought comes from 1 Timothy 3:6-7 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil

Let’s talk about the Devil! Who is the Devil? Some people believe the Devil exits and some do not. Some see him as an imaginary boogie man made up by superstitious folk to scare little kids into behaving. But the Bible is very clear on his existence. He is a real invisible enemy. The Devil is the title given to Lucifer an archangel who attempted to overthrow God. He failed and is now “fallen.” He is now the chief of demons, a dark angel who is a powerful, evil tempter of humankind. The word Devil means “accuser or slanderer.” His name fits him well. He not only accuses us before God, but he throws mental accusations directly at the mind. Among his many other names, a prominent one is Satan. The word Satan means “the adversary.” He is our enemy and antagonist. We must learn how to deal with this invisible enemy. I want to give you a few tips today. The first comes from Ephesians 4:27. “And do not give place to the Devil.” Some translate this verse, “Do not give the Devil an opportunity,” or “do not give the Devil a foothold.” The idea is that we must give no quarter to the enemy, not a square inch, not a fingernail nor a toehold. If we allow anger, bitterness, resentment, pride or hurt to fester it will provide a place for the Devil to work on us. He’ll set up shop and unpack his entire workshop of the cruelest implements of torture you can imagine. Every twisted emotion and doubt will be unleashed on you. If you give place to the Devil, there are two possible consequences you may face. The one; you may fall into the condemnation of the Devil. This comes about when you decide you’ve had enough and you are going to do your own thing. You know best and you are going to take matters into your own hands. Simply put this is rebellion against God. It is the danger of Pride and self importance. The second; you may fall into the snare of the Devil. That’s what happens when you act foolishly and sinfully. You fall right into the enemy’s trap. You have been suckered into sin and you will pay the price for it. People will wag their tongues and shake their heads at your shame. So deal with those issues immediately. Confess them and pray for forgiveness until you have flushed them out of your life! Then live at peace with God always. Stick with the love of Jesus and it will deliver you from temptation.

Dear Father in Heaven. Keep us from temptation. Deliver us from the Evil One. Help me not to give place to the Devil, not an opportunity, not even an inch. Here and now I confess my sins, any anger, resentment, pride or hurt I give to you.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Posted by Dennis Kreiss at 10:31 AM |   

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