When “the bottom seems to fall out” and the storms of life assail us, [1] it gives “Spirit filled” Christians the opportunity to display the “Fruit of the Spirit,” (which is Christ likeness – Galatians 5:22, 23), before a lost and dying world and to carnal Christians.
Fellow Christian – You may be the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read, and your life is under scrutiny every day. What do others learn from you? Do they see an accurate picture of your God? Would you like to be like Jesus and want for others to see Christ living out His life through your life (Galatians 2:20; 4:19)? If so, please read the link below for more information. [2]
This Fruit consists of love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22, 23). “Agape” love is produced by God the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians who are rightly related to Him (Galatians 5:22, 23), and who aren’t grieving or quenching Him (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). It must be directed toward the right objects, at the right time, and for the right reasons. It must not be misdirected toward the present, diabolical world system (1 John 2:15-17). This love seeks the highest well being of another person (i.e., what God would want for them). It’s what God did for us sinners (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
Spiritual fruit will begin to be evident in a believer’s life after he or she is saved (John 15:1-8) by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). This fruit could be seen in Christlike character (2 Peter 1:5-8; Galatians 5:22, 23), a life characterized by good works (Colossians 1:10), a faithful witness (1 Corinthians 16:15), a pair of lips that praise God (Hebrews 13:15), and through generous giving of one’s money (Romans 15:28; Philippians 4:17). – Dr. Charles Ryrie, So Great Salvation, p. 50
Children’s Song – “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine… Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine… Don’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine… Shine around the neighborhood, I’m gonna let it shine… Let it shine ’til Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. [3]
Confession. If, as a Christian, you’ve allowed your light to grow dim or out through sin (acts of lawlessness), confess your known sin(s) to God the Father and to others (if you’ve offended them), and then claim God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; James 5:16). Then get back in the race that He has set before you (Hebrews 12:1, 2).
Help. We’re here to assist those who need the comfort that God alone can give (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) and share additional information with those who are teachable, willing to change, and who want want to grow spiritually. We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
Christians have three spiritual enemies: The devil, the present world system, and their own sinful nature. Believe it or not, we are our own worst enemy. Some teach that the Christian loses his sin nature when he gets saved. Not true. “If we say that we have no sin [nature], we deceive ourselves, and the truth [regarding the sin nature] is not in us” (1 John 1:8).
The Apostle Paul tells us about the struggle he had with his sinful nature (Romans 7:15-25). When it got in a fight with his new nature from God (2 Peter 1:3, 4), his sin nature always won. While his new nature wanted to do what was right, he ended up doing what was sinful.
But when he learned how to “walk by means of the Spirit” and let Him fight his sin nature, he would gain the victory over the “works of the flesh” which are perversions of good things (Romans 8:1; ff; Galatians 5:16-25).
William Barclay points out that “Immorality, impurity, licentiousness are perversions of the sexual instinct which is in itself a lovely thing and part of love. Idolatry is a perversion of worship and was an aid to worship. Sorcery is a perversion of the use of the healing drugs in medicine. Envy, jealousy, and strife are perversions of the noble ambition and desire to do well which can spur to greatness. Enmity and anger are the perversion of that righteous indignation without which the passion for good cannot exist. Dissension and the party spirit are a perversion of the devotion to the principle which can produce the martyr. Drunkenness and carousing are the perversion of the happy joy of social fellowship and of the things which men can happily and legitimately enjoy. Beauty is turned to ugliness. Sin takes the raw material of potential goodness and turns it into the material of evil.” [1]
When we, as Christians, yield ourselves to God the Holy Spirit and He takes charge of our lives (Romans 6:11-14; 12:1, 2), He not only kills our sinful lusts / desires, but He also produces in us the “Fruit of the Spirit” which is Christlikeness: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22, 23). These qualities need to be demonstrated at the right time, toward the right objects, and for the right reasons (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Example: It’s possible for a “Spirit filled” believer (Ephesians 5:18) to misdirect “agape” love toward the world system rather than back toward God and His children (1 John 2:15-17; 3:16, 17).
We allhave a sinful nature that is like “The Trojan Horse.” It can cause havoc in our lives. If you’d like to learn more about it, click on the link below. [1]
We’re here to help unbelievers learn about the true and living God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who can deliver us from the “Lake of Fire” and take us to heaven (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; John 3:16, 18), [2] and to assist Christians mature in the faith (2 Peter 3:18). If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
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Nothing, absolutely nothing, is too hard for God. He is omnipotent (Revelation 1:8) and omniscient (Isaiah 46:10). With every problem that we face here on earth, there is a solution to it. Christians are free to ask God for the wisdom they need to resolve a seemingly impossible matter. However, notice some specific conditions (James 1:5-8). Contrast God’s wisdom with worldly wisdom (James 3:13-18)
Our God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20). Do you honestly believe this? If not, why?
Helpers. God also may use spiritually maturing fellow believers, who have gone through similar situations, to help us find the answers we need to solve our problems (See 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Through “agape” love we (Christians) can/should serve one another (Galatians 5:13; See 1 Corinthians 13).
Promise.“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Examples. Consider Abraham’s painful test regarding offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22), the Jews at the Red Sea (Exodus 14), Jethro’s advice to Moses who was overextending himself (Genesis 18:13-27), Daniel and his friend’s dietary dilemma (Daniel 1), Esther and Haman’s threat to annihilate the Jews (Esther 4 ff ), and the believers in the “Hall of Faith.” Many were delivered; others weren’t. But they still brought glory to God (Hebrews 11).
Christ’s Work. God was glorified through the death of Christ for our sins and His bodily resurrection from the dead (John 17:4, 5). It demonstrated God’s love for sinful humanity (John 3:16). How are you glorifying God by making Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31).
“God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me.”
Don Moen
Doubting God? Remember – God loves to show Himself strong on the behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). Is your heart right with God or are there things that need to be confessed to Him (1 John 1:9)? Are you doubting God and His promises to you (2 Peter 1:4). How many of them do you know and claim? [1] Do you know that doing something while doubting is sin (Romans 14:23).
On Being Thankful.[2] Have you thanked God for allowing you to be put in a situation that seems to have no solution (1 Thessalonians 5:18), for everything apart from sin (Ephesians 5:20), and for all men (1 Timothy 2:1)?
God’s Eyes. Keep this in mind – “… the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
The Red Sea Rules [3]
#1: Realize that God means for you to be where you are.
#2: Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief.
#3: Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.
#4: Pray!
#5: Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work.
#6: When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith.
#7: Envision God’s enveloping presence.
#8: Trust God to deliver in His own unique way.
#9: View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future.
#10: Don’t forget to praise Him.
Song
“Got any rivers you think are impossible? Got any mountains you can not tunnel thorough? God specializes in things thought impossible And He can do what no other God can do.”
Oscar C. Eliason
Gospel. [3] Maybe you have a bigger problem than you realize – perhaps you’re not a Christian yet. If so, you need to know that Christ died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). To be delivered from eternal condemnation in hell, you must place your faith and trust in Him alone to save you (Acts 16:31). We are NOT saved by our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).
Action Steps. In light of what you have read, what specific things do you need to do today? The Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Think you have problems? Consider his suffering (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). Why did he say he was willing to endure what he did (2 Timothy 2:10)? What hardships are you willing to endure for the benefit of others, especially fellow Christians (Galatians 6:10)? “Hereby know we love, because He [Christ] laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16).
Help. If you have questions and/or comments, we can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We’re here to assist those who are teachable, willing to change, and grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). Help us reach others by SHARING this with those in your circle of influence. To receive future articles as they come out, click on the notification Bell or Follow.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14
“Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, or to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble.” They can be used to build others up or bludgeon them down. All too often we are careless with our words.
James, the Lord’s half brother wrote, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19, 20).
The Apostle Paul pointed out that Christians ought to “speak the truth in [agape] love” (Ephesians 4:15). Sometimes the truth is very painful. Being told by your Doctor that you have a terminal illness is painful but it could help you and me “get our lives in order.” “You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.” For what would you be willing to die? “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Then what and where?
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God [a Christian] may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
Within its pages we find our “Rules for Living” and everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). God is the One who determines what is right and wrong. When everyone does what is right in his/her own eyes, chaos and disaster happens (Judges 21:25; Genesis 6:5).
When a spiritually maturing Christian, who is rightly related to God (1 John 1:9; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18), sees another Christian engaged in a trespass (usually a bad attitude) that could lead to sin (an act of lawlessness – 1 John 3:4) and possibly to a premature, physical death (Acts 5:1 ff; 1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16), the maturingbeliever who truly loves the other person should try to restore the one who is headed in the wrong direction by pointing out to the individual the danger that he/she faces as a result of sinful behavior (Galatians 6:1; Romans 8:6). Sin has consequences; often very painful ones.
How Addictive Is Sin?
“Sin will take you/me farther than we want to go.
Sin will keep you/me longer than we want to stay.
Sin will cost you/me more than we want to pay.”
Original source unknown. [1]
Unsaved people love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil (John 3:19). They need to know and believe that we genuinely love and care about them and their eternal destiny. We can/should share with them what God says about us in our sinful condition. [2]
“For God [the Father] so loved the [sinful people of the] world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting [eternal] life.” [3] “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God,”…“He who believes in the Son has everlasting [eternal] life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:16, 18, 36).
Hope. Yes, there is hope for any and all sinners who place their faith and trust in Christ alone Who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. This is the Gospel (Good News). [2]
Note these words: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you weresanctified, but you werejustified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; See also Revelation 21:8). Yes, God can change anyone’s life and turn ashes into something beautiful (Isaiah 61:3).
There is one sin, the sin of unbelief in Christ as personal Savior, through the message of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4;John 16:8-11) that will cause a person to be eternally separated from God in the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46).
A Christian, who has God’s (agape) love in his/her heart (2 Corinthians 5:14), wouldn’t want anyone, including his/her worst enemy, to go there. Consider the Apostle Paul’s desire for his fellow Jews (Romans 9:1-5).
Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem because most of the Jews rejected Him as their Messiah (Matthew 23:37; John 1:11). The weeping ProphetJeremiah wanted his people, the Jews, to avoid the disaster that was going to come on them if they didn’t believe and turn back to God. The ApostlePaul wept as he warned Christians about false teachers who were telling sinners that they were fine when they weren’t (Philippians 3:18; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Acts 20:31).
Everyone will spend eternity either with God or with the devil and his angels/demons in the Lake of Fire (John 14:1-3; Matthew25:41, 46). Some believers will enjoy heaven more than others (1 Corinthians 3:11-15); some unbelievers will suffer more in the Lake of Fire than others (Matthew 10:15; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 20:11-15).
God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, left heaven to come down to earth to glorify God by making the Godhead known to mankind (John 1:1-18; John 17:4). This involved His being born of the virgin, Mary (Matthew 1:23), living a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), dying as a Substitute for our sins…and rising from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4), so He could save any and all who place their faith and trust in Him alone, apart from their good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9;Titus 3:5).
Questions. How do you honesty think God would evaluate the words that come out of your mouth? Would they please Him (2 Corinthians 5:9), or grieve Him (Ephesians 4:30)?
Before we speak, let our words pass through three gates:
It is True? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?
Help. We’re here to offer assistance to those who are teachable, willing to change, and then grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). We’ve been through some “raging rivers” and on “rugged mountain paths.” But we’ve been comforted by God through His Word and some of His choice servants, and so we want to extend God’s comfort to you if you long for it (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Ask about “Barnabas Notes.”
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Sticker Shock. I’m quite sure that you don’t need to be told that the prices of goods and services have risen dramatically over the last several months and years. People all over the world are in panic mode, fearful of the future. What about you? Are you at “peace with God” (Romans 5:1)? Do you enjoy the “peace of God” (Philippians 4:6, 7)? If not, would you like to have this kind of peace?
Threats. “Right now, there are at least nineteen existential threats that are currently hanging over our collective heads like a giant boulder teetering on the edge of a cliff on the San Andreas faultline. Crazily enough, none of these threats include Covid, transgendered bathroom rights, or man-made climate change. However, for the sake of argument, here are said nineteen existential threats to both our nation and the world: (1) Nuclear war with Russia, China, North Korea, (2) Dirty bombs detonated in major cities, (3) EMP attack by the aforementioned, (4) The collapse of the U.S. Dollar, (5) A serious bioengineered pandemic, (6) A massive cyber attack, etc. For more, click on link below. [1]
Blame. It’s not hard for us to blame others for all the problems were facing. Whom would you blame? The Republicans and Donald Trump, the Democrats and Joe Biden, the Big Corporations, your parents, your boss, or perhaps others? What role do you personally play and what are you doing to change things that you don’t like? [2]
First things first. “An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates [3] “Not my brother, not my sister, but it’s me, O Lord, Standin’ in the need of prayer;…Not the preacher, not the deacon, but it’s me, O Lord, Standin’ in the need of prayer;…Not my father, not my mother, …Not the stranger, not my neighbor, but it’s me, O Lord, Standin’ in the need of prayer;” – African-American spiritual song. These dear people understood and believed what God had to say about all of us, regardless of our skin color. (Romans 3:10-23; 6:23; 5:8)
The Problem. American NFL player, Benjamin Watson pointed out that the problem in the world today involves sin, not one’s skin color. He’s right. [4] Candace Owens provides “A Short History of Slavery.” [5] Sadly, it will exist even during the Seven Years of the Coming Tribulation which seems to be “just around the corner” when “The Man of Sin – Antichrist” is ruling over the whole world (Revelation 18:13). [6]
God’s Will. It involves both His determinative will which cannot be altered, and His desirous will which we may or may not carry out because of the limited freedom that we have been given. (7) He desires that all of humanity be saved (1 Timothy 2:1-4). How does someone do this? (8)
Help. We’re here to offer assistance to those who are teachable, willing to change, and then grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). We’ve been through many “raging rivers” and on “rugged mountain paths.” But we’ve been comforted by God through His Word and His people, and so we want to extend God’s comfort to you if you long for it (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).
Are you all knotted up inside and full of fear, worry, and cares? Would you like to have and enjoy a tranquil, happy, and stable life instead? If you would, read on. (Maybe you know someone who could benefit from this information. If so, please pass this on to them. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)
The Lord Jesus Christ, the God-man, came to save sinners like you and me (Luke 19:10) and to give those of us who would believe in/on Him eternal life and abundant life (John 10:10). He wants every true Christian to enjoy a life of tranquility, happiness, and stability. (See 1 Timothy 2:1-4; John 15:11) The Apostle Paul told the early Christians how they and we can have this kind of life.
“Be anxious for nothing [stop worrying], but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7). [1]
We need to know and claim the unconditional promises that have been given to us as Christians if we are to enter into this type of rest (Hebrews 4:1 ff). [2] Consider the words to this beloved song: “Trust [God and His promises] and obey, for there is no other way to be happen in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” [3]
Before we can have and enjoy the “peace of God,” we must gain “peace with God” which comes to us automatically when we place our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the dead on the third day. (See Romans 5:1). If you’ve never done this before now, why not now? [4] We are NOT saved by our good works or by our faith plus our good works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5).
Note: We are saved by one act of faith in Christ through the Gospel, but we are to continue to live our lives in an attitude of faith (Romans 1:16, 17; Galatians 3:11). Are you living with doubts & fears or by faith?
Do you know and are you claiming the unconditional promises that have been given to us as Christians so you can enter into this type of rest (Hebrews 4:2 ff)? If not, why not? [2]
We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change and grow (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 43:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
Speaking at his son’s commencement exercise at the Cardigan Mountain School, Chief Justice John Roberts said hardships in life were both inevitable and important for building character, so he would abstain from wishing them good luck in the future.
He said, “From time to time in the years to come, I hope you will be treated unfairly, so that you will come to know the value of justice. I hope that you will suffer betrayal, because that will teach you the importance of loyalty.
“Sorry to say, but I hope you will be lonely from time to time, so that you don’t take friends for granted. I wish you bad luck, again from time to time, so you will be conscious of the role of chance in life, and understand that your success is not completely deserved, and that the failure of others is not completely, deserved, either.
“And when you lose, as you will from time to time, I hope every now and then your opponent will gloat over your failure. It is a way for you to understand the importance of sportsmanship. I hope you will be ignored, so you know the importance of listening to others. And I hope you will have just enough pain to learn compassion.
“Whether I wish these things or not, they are going to happen, and whether you benefit from them or not will depend upon your ability to see the message in your misfortunes,” he said. [1]
When God Wants To Make A Man
When God wants to drill a man, And thrill a man, And skill a man, When God wants to mold a man To play the noblest part; When He yearns with all His heart To create so great and bold a man That all the world shall be amazed, Watch His methods, watch His ways!
How He ruthlessly perfects Whom He royally elects! How He hammers him and hurts him, And with mighty blows converts him Into trial shapes of clay which Only God understands; While his tortured heart is crying And he lifts beseeching hands!
How He bends but never breaks When his good He undertakes; How He uses whom He chooses, And with every purpose fuses him; By every act induces him To try His splendor out— God knows what He’s about.
—Author Unknown [2]
Do you feel like God couldn’t possibly use you? Remember:
~ Noah was a drunk
~ Abraham was too old
~ Isaac was a daydreamer
~ Jacob was a liar
~ Leah was ugly
~ Joseph was abused
~ Moses had a stuttering problem
~ Gideon was afraid
~ Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
~ Rahab was a prostitute
~ Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
~ David was an adulterer and a murderer
~ Elijah was suicidal
~ Isaiah preached naked
~ Jonah ran from God
~ Naomi was a widow
~ Job went bankrupt
~ John the Baptist ate bugs
~ Peter denied Christ
~ The disciples fell asleep while praying
~ Martha worried about everything
~ The Samaritan woman was divorced (more than once)
~ Zacchaeus was too small
~ Paul was too religious
~ Timothy had an ulcer
~ Lazarus was dead! [3]
F.A.T.F.R.E.E. Christians: Faithful, Available, Teachable, Flexible, Resilient, Evangelistic, and Enthusiastic. Take the test yourself. [4]
Salvation
If you aren’t absolutely sure of your personal relationship with God, and that you will go to heaven the moment you die, please let us help you make sure of this matter. [5] We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2,15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.
However “the man who comes to a right belief about God is relieved of ten thousand temporal problems, for he sees at once that these have to do with matters which at the most cannot concern him for very long [if he is a true Christian]…” – A. W. Tozer. “Our problems, as Christians, didn’t come to stay, but to pass.”
If you’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the dead, then it’s important for you to learn how to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). This is but one of eight ways to communicate with God.
The spirit belongs to the mind and is the rational part of our being (Ephesians 4:23). The soul relates to one’s emotions and is the last part of the believer that will be saved (1 Peter 1:9). The truths about God must come from the Scriptures, not from a distorted mind. We worship God when we focus our attention on His attributes. He is good, righteous, omniscient, omnipotent, truth, holy, and love.
If you or someone you know would like to read a helpful article entitled, “Problem Solving In Light Of Who God Is,” contact us. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17).
Please SHARE this with others so we can help you help them.
Recently I had a man, who lives in another state, whom I had led to the Lord for salvation several years ago, call me to tell me about a frightening experience he had. In the middle of the night he felt like he was being attacked mentally by the devil or demons. He wanted to know what the Scriptures have to say about such things. I pointed out to him from the Bible that while Christians can’t be “demon possessed” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; John 14:23; 1 John 4:4 ) they can be “demon oppressed”(1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:10-17; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Acts 10:38).Maybe you, or someone you know, has had such an experience yourself. If so, read on. God’s Word offers hope.
Thoughts. This is where the devil or demons usually attack Christians (Ephesians 6:10-17; See 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 2:11). Thankfully they need permission from God to tempt us (Luke 22:31; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:13). It might be for us to be bitter toward God and blameHim or someone else because of a bad experience we’ve had in life (Hebrews 12:14, 15), or they might tempt us to have an unforgiving spirit toward someone who has hurt us deeply, whether it be physically, emotionally, or mentally (2 Corinthians 2:10, 11).
Language. The devil or demons also can tempt believers to engage in filthy speech (Ephesians 4:27-29). “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45; See James 3:10; Ephesians 4:15).
Personalize. Has someone hurt you very badly? Are you looking for an opportunity to take vengeance on him/her? If so, this bad attitude will eat you up and hurt you far more than the person whom you want to hurt. Maturing, spiritual Christians can/should help such believers so they don’t let the trespass become a sin (Galatians 6:1-4; See Ephesians 2:1). “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘VengeanceisMine, I will repay,’ says the Lord”(Romans 12:19). Do you really believe that God will do this for you in His time and in His way?
Tools. Here is a strange question. Have you ever given thanks for the person who hurt you (1 Timothy 2:1) or considered that God may want to use him/her as a hammer, chisel, saw, or sandpaper to help conform you into Christ’s image (Romans 8:29; 12:1, 2)? If you’re a Christian, do you have and are you displaying the “Fruit of the Spirt” toward that individual? (Read Galatians 5:22, 23.) How might the Lord Himself act and/or react if He were standing in your place (Philippians 2:5 ff)? Are you suffering for doing what is right or for something wrong (1 Peter 2:19 ff; 4:12 ff; Philippians 1:29)? Is confession in order (1 John 1:9; James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13)?
Torture. Christians who have an unforgiving spirit or bitterness in their heart can be afflicted by the torturers (Matthew 18:21-35). This could involve demonic oppression and torment (Examples: King Saul who wanted to kill David – 1 Samuel 16:14, 23; 19:9; Satanically ensnared Christians – 2 Timothy 2:24-26). Keep this in mind. No one has ever wronged us to the same degree that we have wronged and sinned against God. “Sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). God wants His children to “… be kind to one another, tenderhearted, [graciously] forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32; 1:7; See Luke 23:34; 1 Corinthians 2:8). Are you doing this? If not, why?
Forgiveness. Let’s back up some. At the time of our salvation we are judicially forgiven once for all (Ephesians 1:7; See Romans 8:1). But we need family forgiveness when we sin as God’s children so we can get back in fellowship with Him (1 John 1:5-10). When God forgives us He doesn’t remember our sins against us (Ezekiel 33:16), but He doesn’t forget what we did because He is omniscient (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24; Psalm 139). He will usually allow us to be tempted again in the same area to give us another opportunity to display either our love for Him or for our love of the pleasure we derive from engaging in a particular sin (1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 2:15-17; Hebrews 11:25; James 1:12). We have a choice to make – to sin and grieve God (Ephesians 4:30) or to gain victory and please God (2 Corinthians 5:9). There is a “sin unto [a premature, physical] death” that defiant Christians can commit (1 Corinthians 11:30; James 5:19, 20; 1 John 5:16; Proverbs 29:1).
Carnality. The Christians in the church at Corinth were told to disassociate themselves from the “Christian man” who had been committing incest with his mother and to “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh” (1 Corinthians 5:1-8; See Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Timothy 1:20). Apparently, after they did this, he repented (changed his mind) and confessed his sins to God and to the church (2 Corinthians 2:1-11; 1 John 1:9; James 5:16). Once he did this, the Apostle Paul admonished them to forgive him and take him back into their fellowship. If they refused to do this, he warned them about the devil’s attempt to take advantage of them and cause them to be “demonically oppressed” (2 Corinthians 2:1-11). Are you Satanically oppressed or ensnared right now (2 Timothy 2:24-26)?
Attacks. When Satan, or more likely a demon, attacks our minds with any of these particular temptations: to have an unforgiving spirit, to be bitter, disappointed, discouraged, or to act cowardly, we must put on the whole armor of God and focus our attention on the “helmet of salvation” to overcome them (Ephesians 6:17). We need to think about all the spiritual blessings we have in our “salvation package” (Ephesians 1:3 ff).
Biblical Meditation.“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, …noble, … just, … pure, …lovely, … of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Are you doing this? If not, with God’s help why not start now?
Song. “O soul are you weary and troubled? / No light in the darkness you see? / There’s light for a look at the Savior / And life more abundant and free / Turn you eyes upon Jesus / Look full in His wonderful face / And the things of earth will grow strangely dim / In the light of His glory and grace.” – Helen Lemmel
Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change if necessary (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If you’d like to get new articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Please SHARE this with others.
Life is filled with hardships. Far too many Christians* are nervous wrecks when they should be enjoying their “new life in Christ”, and the “peace of God which surpasses all understanding.” We’ve been told to “count it all joy when [we] fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of [our] faith produces patience” (James 1:2). This can lead us to spiritual maturity.
It’s possible for us to have perfect peace in the midst of life’s stormsif we know His promises that are addressed to us, as Christians, and ifwe claim them by faith. (Notice: Many of the promises in the Bible were given to the Jews, not to the Church.)
“God will keep His promises whether you believe them or not.”
May we suggest that you memorize these with a friend? Teach them to your children, grandchildren.
Topic: God’s Presence
“‘…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” Matthew 28:20b
Topic: Heaven
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3
Topic: Prayer
“If you abide [feel at ease] in Me, and My words abide [feel at ease] in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7
Topic: God’s Plan
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Topic: God’s Love
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38, 39
Topic: Temptation
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Topic: Work
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Topic: God’s Grace
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9a
Topic: Security
“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Topic: God’s Power
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Topic: God’s Peace
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 7
Topic: God’s Provision
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Topic: Rewards
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10
Topic: Contentment
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
Topic: Heaven
“And God will wipe every tear from their eyes; there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved.
*You can become a Christian by believingon the Lord Jesus Christwho died for your sins…and rose again bodily from the grave on the third day. Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Ephesians 2:8, 9
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