The Enemy Frustrated

 

The Enemy Frustrated So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. — 2 Kings 19:32 King Sennacherib never attacked the city. He boasted loudly, but he couldn’t carry out his threats. The Lord can stop the enemies of His people in their tracks. Even when the lion has the lamb between its jaws, the Great Shepherd can snatch it away. Our moments of greatest danger provide an opportunity for God to display His power and wisdom. In this story, the terrifying enemy never even reached the city he wanted to destroy. He couldn’t shoot a single arrow, build a siege ramp, or launch any attack. Perhaps in our lives, too, the Lord will prevent our enemies from harming us. He can change their plans or make them fail so completely that they abandon their schemes. Let’s trust in the Lord and follow His path. He will care for us and fill us with awe as we witness His perfect deliverance. Let’s not fear the enemy until he actually arrives, and even then, let’s trust in the Lord. By Charles H. Spurgeon.

 

Attitude Checkup!

 

Attitude Checkup! In the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 This Bible verse is difficult to read! What an awful list. It describes the moral decay that will happen in end times. Are there certain words that stand out to you? Ungrateful is one that sticks in my mind. And unappeasable: it describes an attitude I’ve encountered when handling customer service. Social media seems to be a huge breeding ground for the wrong kind of attitudes.   As difficult as those verses in I Timothy are, it’s a good list for doing a self-checkup. Am I slipping in any of those areas? Do I need to clean up my behavior at all? If so, let’s ask Jesus to help transform us into what He wants us to be.

 

Secure in God!

 

Secure in God! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:17-18 Paul was nearing the end of his life and ministry. He knew what it was like to be alone. He owned nothing, he was nothing. He was a prisoner of the cruel and ruthless Romans. And yet, it was in this severe extremity that Paul learned something to share with the rest of us: that the LORD was at his side! And furthermore: even from Paul's stark prison cell the gospel was declared to the world, the Kingdom of God was growing, and Satan had no power. Every step of the way, Paul was covered by God's grace. Paul had no fear of evil's fury, because he was SECURE in God; from here all the way into eternity. What is your situation? Do you fear the dark storm that's brewing? Do you see the threat of evil looming? These are the times we live in, to be sure. We can learn from those who have experienced the worst, and how they found God to be absolutely faithful. When we're stripped of everything we depended on, every safety net we've constructed, every relationship we thought we could count on: in the barren wilderness is where we discover that our greatest treasure is Jesus our Savior. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that... when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand stand firm. - Pray in the Spirit at all times and with all perseverance. Ephesians 6:10-18

 

Sweetness of the Storm

 

Sweetness of the Storm I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way. 1 Corinthians 1:4-5 God may not give us an easy journey to the Promised Land, but He will give us a safe one. —Bonar Storms have been known to uncover treasures hidden in the sandy beaches. And storms of the soul have driven some to discover the rich treasures of the love of God in Christ. Is it Raining, Little Flower? Is it raining, little flower? Be glad of rain; Too much sun would wither thee; ’Twill shine again. The clouds are very black, ’tis true; But just behind them shines the blue. Art thou weary, tender heart? Be glad of pain: In sorrow sweetest virtues grow, As flowers in rain. God watches, and thou wilt have sun, When clouds their perfect work have done. —Lucy Larcom

 

OVERCOMING

 

OVERCOMING Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Isaiah 58:8 The LORD Jesus comes alongside us as our helper; even more, He comes to dwell within us—to be the life in our blood, the fire in our thoughts, the faith within us from start to finish. He becomes not only the reward for victory but the very strength that secures the victory. He is the Captain and the Overcomer in our lives. If you’ve received any help that has relieved you in a troubled moment, it has come from Him. Jesus lifts our eyes to Himself, freeing us from apathy, discontent, and fear. Through the Holy Spirit, He is always our helper in this heavenly competition and HE will be our great reward in the ages to come. If our life is hidden with Him, we will face the same trials Christ did, but they won’t overwhelm us. Once we take Him fully as the strength of our life and our all-in-all, we’ll be able to lay aside everything that hinders us day by day. I have overcome, Overcome for you; You shall overcome, Overcome through Me. By A.B. Simpson