Psalm 91

“1  The one who lives in the shelter of the Most High, who rests in the shadow of the Almighty,

2  will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge, my fortress, and my God in whom I trust!”

3  He will surely deliver you from the hunter’s snare and from the destructive plague.

4  With his feathers he will cover you, under his wings you will find safety. His truth is your shield and armor.

5  You need not fear terror that stalks in the night, the arrow that flies in the day,

6  plague that strikes in the darkness, or calamity that destroys at noon.

7  If a thousand fall at your side or ten thousand at your right hand, it will not overcome you.

8  Only observe it with your eyes, and you will see how the wicked are paid back.

9  “LORD, you are my refuge!” Because you chose the Most High as your dwelling place,

10  no evil will fall upon you, and no affliction will approach your tent,

11  for he will command his angels to protect you in all your ways.

12  With their hands they will lift you up so you will not trip over a stone.

13  You will stomp on lions and snakes; you will trample young lions and serpents.

The LORD Speaks

14  Because he has focused his love on me, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name.

15  When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him in his distress. I will deliver him, and I will honor him.

16  I will satisfy him with long life; I will show him my deliverance.” (Psalm chapter 91 ISV)

When we read each of these verses they tell us just how blessed we are for having God as our refuge. Meditating on these verses makes us feel good inside. We know we are loved by our Father and protected. It’s amazing!

Some of us while reading Psalm 91:11-12 may remember this is the same passage the Devil twisted while tempting Jesus:

“The devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” Matthew 4:5-6 NLT

Basically, ‘If you’re really the son of God and if the scriptures are really true then jump, because nothing will ever harm you.’ Satan was using the scriptures to appeal to any pride in Jesus, and he does the same to us. The Devil has no new tricks, they’re just repackaged. But notice how Jesus answered his tricky dare:

“Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.'” Matthew 4:7 NLT

What a perfect answer. Jesus knew that though we enjoy God’s awesome protection we shouldn’t willfully put ourselves in dangerous situations. That would not be making God our refuge. The awesome promises we read about in Psalm 91 apply only to those who make God their refuge, not to daredevils.

One of God’s amazing promises is protection from plagues. But could we really expect such protection while engaging in activities or pleasures that cause plagues? Come on really. Has the Devil hoodwinked us into putting God to the test and then expecting Him to protect us?

GOOD NEWS

The good news is if we have been fooled into living life recklessly we can repent because Jesus paid the price:

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past.” Romans 3:23-25 NLT

“Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.” Hebrews 9:14 NLT

All of us mess up guys. But the truly blessed people repent. They receive forgiveness for ALL their sins, and experience God’s awesome protection we read about in Psalms 91. But if God shows us certain lifestyles and habits are not pleasing to Him and we continue to persist in them anyway, what then can we expect?

“Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies.” Hebrews 10:26-27 NLT

Don’t let Satan bamboozle you into thinking you can do whatever you want and nothing bad will happen to you because you have God’s protection. If we live wildly Psalm 91 doesn’t apply to us. He tried that trick on Jesus and it didn’t work. And it doesn’t have to work on you and me either.

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“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” Matthew 25:1-13 NLT

For a moment imagine that you are one of those foolish bridesmaids. Imagine begging the master to get in but Jesus says to you, “I don’t know you.” Horrifying isn’t it? This will be the fate of many. Jesus warns us to be ready so it won’t be you and me.

How often do we see the attitude of the foolish bridesmaids? Ten of them were going to meet the bridegroom to be in his wedding. Five were foolish not to bring enough oil for their lamps. They didn’t prepare. And their lack of preparation cost them dearly. It showed the way they really felt about this grand occasion. Being bestowed with the honor of being in the bridegroom’s wedding wasn’t important to them. If it was they would have prepared themselves and planned ahead like the five wise bridesmaids. These were determined not to miss this occasion for nothing in the world. So they made sure they were ready. But the foolish ones were not and found themselves on the outside.

THE WEDDING FEAST OF THE LAMB

“And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.” Revelation 19:9 NLT

Do we recognize the importance of what we have been invited to; the wedding feast of the Lamb in heaven? Do we know how blessed we are because of this? Or are we like the five foolish bridesmaids? They wanted to be a part of the wedding (who wouldn’t want to live in heaven forever) but they did not care to make the proper preparations. They were nonchalant. Imagine you have a wedding, and on your wedding day your best man or bridesmaid arrives in filthy clothe. On top of that they are drunk, loud and boisterous. What would you think of that person? Do you know that we can look the same way to God? We have been invited to the greatest ceremony ever; the wedding feast or marriage of the Lamb. And the bridegroom is Jesus Christ Himself. We the church (every believer) are His bride. We’ve been individually and collectively invited to live with Him and rule with Jesus forever! Is not that the ultimate experience for us? Shouldn’t we want to be ready?

“Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: “Praise the LORD! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.” Revelation 19:6-9 NLT

Though we know we can never earn salvation because it is a free gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9), there are still things God wants us to do:

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:12-16 NIV

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV

“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. “Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” Luke 12:35-40 NLT

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“Then the Pharisees met together to plot how to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested.” Matthew 22:15 NLT

Jesus was often asked tricky questions by His adversaries. They didn’t care to hear the truth about God. They were only trying to entice Him to say something that could get Him arrested, and killed. People treat us the same way today; on our jobs, at our schools, etcetera. Some of these even claim that God is their Father just as they did to Jesus:

“Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there’s no room in your hearts for my message. I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.” “Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father.” They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.” Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me!” John 8:37‭-‬45 NLT

There is so much to learn in the passage above. One thing we see is that the children of the Devil cannot understand the truth. It is impossible for them:

“But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 NLT

When people ask you tricky questions to find fault with what you’re saying it’s only natural for them to embellish what you’ve just said as well. Expect it. But once you know that this is going on how should you and I respond?

“Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.” Proverbs 26:4 NLT

We are not obliged to answer every question asked of us. Jesus didn’t. We are obligated to help those who are seeking the truth. In so doing when we learn that certain individuals have no interest at all in God’s word except to debate it, or to slyly get us to question our own beliefs, all we have to do is obey God who says:

“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.” Matthew 7:6 NLT

“But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, contentions, and arguments about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:9 MEV

“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.” 2 Timothy 2:23 NLT

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“Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:20 NLT

Ever wondered why so many things keep happening that can cause you to lose it? Human anger takes us out of God’s will. We can’t live in anger and live for God too. Someone is intentionally trying to make us mad. And I’m not talking about the humans who bring drama your way. Many of them are not even aware of what they are doing or that they’re being used. A ridicule here, a problem over there, unfair treatment over here, etcetera, all are designed to get you to snap. Satan and his angels are responsible for this. (Revelation 12:9) They are the orchestrators of chaos and use people like puppets to attack us. They desire to control you and me too. One of the ways they strive to do this is by getting us angry.

“And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26‭-‬27 NLT

Yes, human anger opens the door for Satan to come in and control us. Would you invite the Devil into your house? Of course not. But when we decide to live in anger we are inviting him and his demons into our homes, our lives, and our bodies too. Yes, a person can become possessed by a demonic spirit of anger. Ever heard someone say, “I don’t know what happened, I just snapped,” after committing a horrible act? They were taken over by anger. God says whatever we are angry about is not that important. He encourages us to get over it the same day. In fact God says not to let the sun go down while you are still angry. Hence we won’t be giving the Devil an opportunity to go to work in our lives.

Imagine you’re playing a video game. The object of the game is to win, right? But when you let anger control your heart you are losing in life. There will be serious consequences to face. You can’t just press a button like in a video game and start all over again once the damage is done. Like two men who were arguing at a street intersection when one of them got out of his car threatening the other man who then grabbed his gun and shot the fella, killing him. There’s no way to rewind or take it back. There’s only terrible consequences you must face because of a lack of self-control. The person who does not learn how to control his/her temper will become their own worse enemy. Conflicts and bad things happen to all of us. But the person who knows how to respond correctly always has the upper hand:

“A gentle answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 GW

OVERCOMING ANGER

If you have a hard time keeping your temper confess this to God. That is the first step to overcoming anger or any sin.

“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 NLT

Don’t act like the problem doesn’t exist. Come clean with God in prayer and He will show you mercy. He will forgive you. He will also give you strength to overcome anger. Ask for His help constantly. He will answer your prayers. Change is a process. So don’t give up. Keep seeking the Lord’s help to avoid anger no matter how many times you mess up. God will forgive you and help you overcome it if you do not give up.

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“Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.” Psalms 146:3 NLT

“Do not trust in princes, or in human beings, who cannot deliver!” Psalms 146:3 NET

“Do not trust influential people, mortals who cannot help you.” Psalms 146:3 GW

Boy, how God’s thinking is so opposite of of this world’s. The world believes you should befriend as many influential people as possible. The more powerful friends you have the more they can do for you. So basically you’re just using people to get them to do what you want. But many ignore the fact that the powerful and influential of this world are even more greedy and ruthless than they are. If they help you it will always be to their advantage, not yours. So are they really helping you? No. They are using you just like you’re trying to use them. Of course there are very few exceptions to the rule; people of influence who care, and truly have your interest at heart. But they are so few. Generally, the rich only look out for themselves. Just like the wonna bees who are trying to leech off of them to get ahead. Even if they do give you a break, you will suffer in the end. Sometimes greatly.

TRUSTING PRINCES

Let me tell you the story of Those Who Trusted In The Great Prince. Once upon a time there was a great prince. There was no prince like him. He spoke charismatically. He walked with charisma. He was tall dark and handsome. No one was as smooth as this prince. The prince knew how to excite the crowds with great speeches; promising them change, and better things to come. The crowds were won over by the prince and spread his message of a bright new future to the masses. They were all sold. Then one day the prince made laws that went against his own people. He also broke many of his key promises. The people became sad, miserable, and depressed. Anger, fear, uncertainty, and discontent spread throughout the kingdom. Crime, poverty, and wars soared sky high. But the prince and his influential friends were living large. They amassed great wealth on the backs of their poor subjects. Sounds familiar? That’s because this same story keeps playing out around the world again and again? Then why do people keep putting their trust in princes and nobles?

WHOM TO TRUST

No matter how disappointed, swindled, or bamboozled people become, they keep putting their trust in man. It’s like a child trying to stick a square peg through a round hole until it fits. But it never does. Trusting in man is the only alternative people have to trusting in God. People either trust God, or they trust themselves.

“This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:5 NLT

Most people don’t trust God. Even many who claim to believe in Him. Hence, as God says, they’re under a curse. How sad, since He is the only one we can truly put our trust in. Those who take the time to get to know Him come to see just how real He is. There is nothing and no one else more real. Learn what it means to trust in God. He will never disappoint, swindle, or bamboozle us.

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“For it brings favor if, mindful of God’s will, someone endures grief from suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if you sin and are punished, and you endure it? But when you do what is good and suffer, if you endure it, this brings favor with God. For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps. He did not commit sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth; when He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He was suffering, He did not threaten but entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:19‭-‬23 HCSB

How many people these days say, “I’m blessed and highly favored,” by the Lord? According to God’s word at 1 Peter 2:19-23 that means they are enduring injustices, and unfair treatment, without complaining, threatening, or cursing those who abuse and mistreat them. They do this because they are conscious of God’s will. They put God’s feelings ahead of their own. Just as Christ suffered for them they are willing to suffer for Him. God says this brings His favor. So I guess all those people who claim to be blessed and highly favored are meek, patient, humble people, who live in submission to God. Naaaaah, not all of them. Many are just quoting an affirmation like a nursery rhyme that makes them feel good. Telling yourself you’re blessed even if you’re not sounds good. But God says truly blessed and highly favored people are those who are enduring trials patiently, following Christ’s example. Being conscious of God’s will to the point of denying self is a fight, and a requirement to be one of Jesus’ followers:

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 NIV

This teaching goes contrary to our sinful nature. But oh how blessed and truly highly favored we are for being willing to suffer for our God who suffered so much for us.

WHO DOES GOD LIVE WITH?

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15 KJV

God: the High and Holy One, lives with those who are humble and contrite. That would mean they have His favor. These have their sins washed away in the blood of Jesus, and God lives with them. Wow! They have the Holy Spirit literally living inside of them. What a great mystery this is:

“This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” Colossians 1:26‭-‬27 NLT

That’s right, Jesus Christ Himself lives in us! WE have accepted His sacrifice for our sins, and they are ALL FORGIVEN! We belong to eternity just as He does, and will share in His glory. What greater gift can anyone have? Scripture often says that God’s favor is with the humble and contrite. But He opposes the proud:

“In the same way you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 GNT

THIS ALSO BRINGS FAVOR

“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” Ecclesiastes. 28:27 NIV

“When you give to the poor, it is like lending to the Lord, and the Lord will pay you back.” Proverbs 19:17 GNT

Givers are freed

from the sin of greed

Even in tough times

God provides their needs

God assures us that givers have His favor. They will always be taken care of. To go against our selfish sinful nature, and have a big generous heart, is true evidence of being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. Did you know that the whole world will be judged by whether or not they gave to others? (Matthew 25:31-46) This shows how important it is to be a giver, and that only these have God’s favor:

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6‭-‬7 ESV

So the next time someone says, “I’m blessed and highly favored,” by God, I hope they are a cheerful giver too. Otherwise they have no idea of what they are saying.

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Mankind doesn’t know, they have not a clue, that they are living in an age decided by God. That’s right. We’re living in a period of time, among two stocks of people. There are really only two races of human beings on earth, not the many we’ve been taught. Jesus said this using a parable:

“He presented another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while people were sleeping, his enemy came, sowed weeds among the wheat, and left. When the plants sprouted and produced grain, then the weeds also appeared. The landowner’s slaves came to him and said, ‘Master, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from? ’ “ ‘An enemy did this! ’ he told them. “ ‘So, do you want us to go and gather them up? ’ the slaves asked him. “ ‘No,’ he said. ‘When you gather up the weeds, you might also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At harvest time I’ll tell the reapers: Gather the weeds first and tie them in bundles to burn them, but store the wheat in my barn.’ ” Matthew 13:24‭-‬30 HCSB

JESUS EXPLAINS THE PARABLE

“Then He dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached Him and said, “Explain the parable of the weeds in the field to us.” He replied: “The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world; and the good seed—these are the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.  Therefore, just as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather from His kingdom everything that causes sin and those guilty of lawlessness. They will throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Anyone who has ears should listen!” Matthew 13:36‭-‬43 HCSB

Jesus said everyone in the world is either wheat; a son of the kingdom (sons of God), or weeds; sons of the evil one, the Devil. There’s really only 2 kinds of people on earth. These will coexist until harvest time, which is the end of this age. If we believe the word of God we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free. (John 8:31-32) Understanding this truth helps us comprehend how people can be so cold, and do the most horrific things. Jesus told the truth about that too. When speaking to some religious leaders (wolves in sheep’s covering) who were breathing murder against Him, Jesus said:

“You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars.” John 8:44 HCSB

You know how folks say, “We’re all God’s children?” According to Jesus words that is a lie. Jesus Himself said that Satan has children on earth too y’all.

Understanding this truth makes it easier to understand this passage:

“And a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.” Matthew 10:36 HCSB

There are some in the same physical family who are not from the same stock spiritually. Some are of God, and others are from the Devil. Physical blood ties do not trump spiritual lineage. This explains why some brothers, sisters, mother’s, father’s, husbands, wives, etcetera, hate each other so much. (Proverbs 28:27) They’re from opposing spiritual families. To further prove this God told a woman who was going to have twin sons, “I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.” (Romans 9:13 HCSB) God knew who both of these sons were before they even came from their mother’s womb. One He hated, the other He loved. One was from Him, the other belonged to the Devil. Though they both had the same human parents, and were twins, they were not the same. This shouldn’t be too hard to believe; look at Cain and Abel. They too had the same parents and we know what happened there:

“Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.” 1John 3:12 NIV

There it is. The Bible clearly says that Cain, “belonged to the evil one,” and throughout scripture we read that Abel belonged to God. (Hebrews 11:4 ) Some human families do have spiritual brothers and sisters within them, others do not.

HOW IT ALL ENDS

Remember in the parable of the wheat and the weeds the man who sowed the good seed in his field (Jesus) was asked, ‘Where did all these weeds come from? Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ Then Jesus said, ‘No. Because while uprooting the weeds you might pull up the wheat also. Wait until harvest time (the end of the age). Then the angels will be given the command to uproot all the weeds, and burn them. That is those who practice lawlessness, and cause sin.’ Only God fully knows who’s who. We don’t. Weeds can look like wheat, and wheat sometimes look like weeds. We can easily mistake the two. Sometimes we think someone is a believer who is not. And sometimes we think someone isn’t a believer who is. Let’s just do our part and pray for everyone, even our enemies. Some of them are wheat; our brothers and sisters. They just don’t know it yet. Or they do know but they’ve fallen down, and will get back up again.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43‭-‬48 NLT

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“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” Proverbs 29:2 NLT

Rulers affect the people they rule over. God says they do. They can help make their lives better or miserable. For the greater majority of Solomon’s reign he was a good king. Israel enjoyed 40 years of peace and no war while he was king. Just think of how many lives were spared because of 40 years of no wars. But how many throughout history have suffered under the hand of selfish rulers?

SOLOMON

“Some time later two prostitutes came to the king to have an argument settled. “Please, my Lord,” one of them began, “this woman and I live in the same house. I gave birth to a baby while she was with me in the house. Three days later this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there were only two of us in the house. “But her baby died during the night when she rolled over on it. Then she got up in the night and took my son from beside me while I was asleep. She laid her dead child in my arms and took mine to sleep beside her. And in the morning when I tried to nurse my son, he was dead! But when I looked more closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn’t my son at all.” Then the other woman interrupted, “It certainly was your son, and the living child is mine.” “No,” the first woman said, “the living child is mine, and the dead one is yours.” And so they argued back and forth before the king. Then the king said, “Let’s get the facts straight. Both of you claim the living child is yours, and each says that the dead one belongs to the other. All right, bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought to the king. Then he said, “Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other!” Then the woman who was the real mother of the living child, and who loved him very much, cried out, “Oh no, my Lord! Give her the child—please do not kill him!” But the other woman said, “All right, he will be neither yours nor mine; divide him between us!” Then the king said, “Do not kill the child, but give him to the woman who wants him to live, for she is his mother!” When all Israel heard the king’s decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice.” 1 Kings 3:16‭-‬28 NLT

Can wisdom like this be found in kings today? While I do believe there are many smart kings and queens those possessing godly wisdom is another matter. Having godly wisdom is far better than being smart.

JESUS

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Jesus is King Of Kings and Lord Of Lords. So why don’t people vote for or choose him? Well, Jesus’ kingdom (government) is not a part of this world, and people can’t see him. Folks claim to believe in only what they can see. Also this king makes you see yourself. Though invisible to the naked eye Jesus shows people their sins and the need to repent. Human beings don’t like that. So they choose human kings who make a bunch of false promises that appeal to the flesh. These kings tell people what they want to hear much like false prophets do. And people love false prophets. True ones they can’t stand. Jesus is the prophet of all prophets and so much more.

“‘Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”   “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:36‭-‬37 NIV

From the above text we see that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world but, “from another place,” heaven. We also see that Jesus was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. Only those on the side of the truth can listen to him. They are and always have been a minority. I know, many have claimed through the centuries and do today to be Christians, but it’s just a claim. Only a few truly obey Jesus as their Lord, as their king. Jesus himself testified to this fact:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. MANY will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21‭-‬23 NIV

Wow! How horribly disappointed so “MANY” will be. The works they thought they were doing in Jesus’ name they depended on so much could not save them. They allowed themselves to be fooled by Satan. They truly didn’t know Jesus at all. Had they honestly studied the scriptures they would have come to know him. They also would have been given understanding of the text that says:

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 NLT

Jesus words show that on Judgment Day MANY will think God owes them salvation because of all the good things they think they did in Jesus’ name. They really didn’t know Jesus as Lord, and he doesn’t know them either. So MANY use the name of Jesus and their good deeds to give the appearance of being righteous:

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

It seems like after living this way for so long and refusing to repent they begin to believe their own lies.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Do we know Jesus? Do we believe scripture when it says the good things we do were planned for us by God long ago? So how could any of us ever boast? Instead we can only thank God for His mercy, for choosing to use us in his service? Are we really getting to know Jesus as our Lord, as our king?

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“Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49 NIV

It’s interesting what God says the sins of Sodom were compared to what others say. They usually focus on just one thing.

“Now the people of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord.” Genesis 13:13 NIV

A righteous man named Lot and his family lived in Sodom. What affect do you think Lot’s environment had on him? The same affect this world has on you if you’re righteous:

“For that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.” 2Peter 2:8 NIV

No, Lot did not mirror the wickedness around him. He was strong in the Lord. But that doesn’t mean that nothing bothered him. He was tormented in his soul by what he saw and heard. If you feel tormented by the wickedness you see and hear around you just like Lot, you’re in a good place. I know, it doesn’t feel good, buy you are in a good place spirityally.

THESE ARE THE LAST DAYS

Jesus said the last days right before his coming would be just like it was in Lot’s day:

“It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. Luke 17:28‭-‬30 NIV

Remember that God said Sodom’s sins was her arrogance, she was overfed (greedy), had no concern, and didn’t help the poor and needy. Does that not characterize the world we live in today? Jesus said in Lot’s day the people of Sodom were buying and selling, eating and drinking, building and planting. It was all commerce and pleasure and business as usual. The problem was these were the only things they were selfishly consumed with. Their hearts were callous. They had no mercy, no love. Is that not the same kind of world we live in today? We’re definitely in the time Jesus foretold would mark his second coming. He will surely come. But for the world it won’t be pretty.

“Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” Revelation 16:15 NLT

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:1‭-‬5 NLT

We are in modern day Sodom indeed. We are in the last days. What happened to Sodom is about to happen to the entire world. And there are a few Lots who live in Sodom today. If your heart aches at the evil all around you, it’s OK. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re in a good place. Just fight not to become overwhelmed and overly saddened by it. God will sustain us during these times just as he sustained Lot. Do what Jesus says; bless those who curse you, pray for and do good to them that persecute you. Continue to shine God’s light in your hearts by imitating Jesus. Don’t let anyone or any bad experience take that (your light) away from you. Jesus will fully and eternally reward all who are faithful to the end. All the chaos going on today that’s designed to distract us still doesn’t change the fact that Jesus is coming soon:

“So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” Luke 21:28 NLT

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“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” Revelation 12:9‭, ‬12 NIV

The biggest bullies in the world are not the kids at school who tease other children causing them much grief. It’s not those governments throughout history who imposed their will on others and committed cold blooded murder. It’s not the boss at work who yells at you constantly. What if I told you that all of these bullies are controlled by even bigger ones? What if I told you that the biggest bullies in the world are spirits, wicked angels? These fallen beings are ancient spirits who have the upper hand on fallen man. They use and abuse people to destroy one another. Ever wondered how can people commit such horrible, inhumane, atrocities? Terrible deeds that defy human comprehension? Answer: it’s not all human. Such behavior is inspired by demons. Harassing mankind and playing with them like toys is what demons do. But that’s not their main occupation. They follow their leader who’s job is:

“Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” Revelation 12:17 NIV

That’s who they are really interested in: “those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” They attempt to get these to cave in under pressure, and hope they don’t realize the power given them by God through Jesus Christ. We’ll talk more about that in a second. When life situations cause you to feel hurt, frightened, threatened, forced to do something especially opposed to your faith, you’re being harassed by demons. Human beings are like pawns on a chessboard. Evil spirits work through them to attack, “those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” Yes people grit their teeth at you in anger, make mean faces, hurl terrible threats and insults, at times even cause us physical pain, but it’s all inspired by wicked spirits. Many people that persecute us don’t even have a clue of what they are doing, or that they’re being controlled.

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” Luke 23:33‭-‬34 NIV

God says that your and my fight is not with people used by demons to persecute us. Our flight is with the evil wicked spirits themselves?

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12 KJV

It’s hard to remember this when your boss is yelling at you, or when someone is making outright or subtle threats, or physically attacking you. But we must remember because it’s the truth. And our master says it is the truth that sets us free. (John 8:32) That’s our weapon, yes, the truth.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 KJV

Jesus Christ himself is the truth, and he is our only defense against demonic attacks. Following his teachings is the only way to defeat Satan and his demons. The battle will be tough, but all who follow Jesus to the end will win:

“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22 NIV

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24‭-‬27 NIV

Following Jesus’ teachings is the way to win this fight we have been appointed to. Satan has been allowed temporary rule of this world. We are God’s elect promoting the kingdom of heaven (God’s world) right in the Devil’s backyard. Do you really think our work will be just like a walk in the park on a sunny day? No. Your adversaries will throw everything at you including the kitchen sink. But don’t fret, Jesus has given us authority over the demons and all of Satan’s power. Yes, because of him we can win.

“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17‭-‬20 NIV

Believe what Jesus says in Luke 10:17-20, not your feelings when under attack. He has truly given us authority over all the power of the enemy Satan. Learn from studying the Bible and applying Jesus’ teachings how to use that authority. Learn how to spiritually fight back and kick some butt when bullied.