Please Read 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Are you at war? The Bible says that no one who is at war (or serves as a soldier of Christ) gets entangled with the affairs of this life. What a mission for the soldier of Christ. This world is filled with alluring entanglements. The soldier of God has to really love Jesus to keep himself free from them and available to serve his master.

Our commanding officer is also our best friend. (John 15:12-17) What a different relationship from those who serve human and demonic authorities. Our commander has also went through the fire for us. He laid down his life for us (his friends) so that we may live eternally. It was as if he said, “I would rather die than to live without you.” What a friend! (John 15:14-14) When we reflect on the love Jesus has for us it behooves one to be a good soldier of our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39) Love is eternal. This fleeting world with it's glamor and glitter is not. It's all one big fake magic show that is soon about to end.

THE SHOW

Every day you and I wake up to the magic show. We don't have to turn on our TVs to see it. We're living in it. This world system is ran by Satan the great magician and his fellow magicians the demons. Jesus called Satan the prince of this world. (Revelation 12:9 John 14:30 Ephesians 2:1-3) He possesses and gives human entities power to do false miracles (magic). (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Revelation 13:1-2 12:9) Satan uses every form of falsehood to influence and manipulate human beings 24/7, everyday of the year. People don't realize just how much they are being influenced and are a part of the magic show. The Devil likes it that way. Part of the mission for the true soldier of Christ is not to be a willing participant in Satan's show, but to expose it and help others get out. (Ephesians 5:11 John 8:31-32 John 3:16 1 John 2:17)

Those who truly believe in Jesus are of particular interest to the Devil. (Revelation 12:17) Not only because they are God's ground forces on the earth working against the Devil's kingdom. Not only because they have something he will never have: eternal life. (John 3:16) But the Devil is interested in Christians too because if he can get any of them to become a willing participant in his magic show after they have received an accurate knowledge of the truth, they will suffer a special kind of doom. (Hebrews 10:26-27 Hebrews 6:4-6) The same fate he will eventually suffer. (Revelation 20:10)

THE END

How will the movie end for us individually? Remember, Satan is a trickster. He is not called, “that old serpent,” for nothing. (Revelation 12:9) Has his magic show bewitched us? Have we gotten entangled, even being strangled by the cares and affairs of this life? (Luke 8:14) Remember, it is written that is something a good soldier is not supposed to do. The good news is we can change if this is the case. Yes, we can press the reset button, or change the channel on our lives. We don't have to be an actor/actress in the Devil's show. We can play our part (though small) in God's show, by being in the world, but not being of it, and reflecting the glory of God seen in Jesus Christ.

Please Read 1 John 2:15-17

Please Read Matthew 8:16 12:22-23 Luke 4:33-37

Long before lies were taught about evil spirits in movies Jesus made known the truth about demons. With a simple word he commanded them to come out of people and healed them. That's right, they actually live in people, making their lives miserable. There's many weird speculations about who demons are and where they come from. But the only record in the Bible of spirits becoming evil (other than Satan the Devil) and where they came from is in Genesis chapter 6 where the sons of God (angels) came down to earth and had sexual relations with women. They took wives for themselves, any of whom they chose, and even had children by them. (Genesis 6:1-4 Jude 1:6) These children of fallen angels (demons) became the world's legendary bad dudes of old.

Our world has been plagued by the presence of great evil for millenniums. Mankind invited evil into our world in the beginning, in the garden of Eden when he sinned. (Romans 5:12) In the same way people today invite the harmful affects of evil spirits into their lives by toying with sin. Those who obey God and hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ are protected. They cannot be possessed or controlled by demons. Jesus protects them and covers their sins. They are born again, born of the Holy Spirit. It is impossible for them to willfully live in sin because God's seed is in them. (1 John 3:9 5:18-19) That means since evil and sin has no hold on them by God's grace neither does Satan, and they will never die. (John 3:16) For the wages of sin is death the Bible says. (Romans 6:23) But the free gift from God is eternal life through Jesus our Lord. That's why he is also called Savior. Jesus saves his followers from the harmful affects of this demon possessed world. Even death itself is conquered through him (Jesus Christ). (1 Corinthians 15:49-58) Jesus has made us more than conquerors indeed. (Romans 8:37-39)

Please Read Luke 10:17-20

Jesus also made it known that he gives mere human beings the power to command evil spirits to come out of people in his name. (Mark 16:17-18) The name of Jesus has authority. He is the son of the living Almighty God. The demons know this and shudder. (James 2:19 Matthew 8:28-34 Mark 1:22-24 ) Hence when a person becomes a true servant of Christ he/she too is given authority by Jesus over evil spirits. This doesn't mean the demons won't bother us. On the contrary they will take a special interest in you because you belong to Christ their enemy. (2 Timothy 3:12-13 Ephesians 6:12 Revelation 12:17) You too are now their enemy. But you have the upper hand in the battle because you have Christ. As long as your faith remains in him they cannot handle you. But they will keep trying you, coming through their human minions. They hope we will get fed up with persecutions and trials and just give up. They don't mind if you're a phony Christian; always professing God with your mouth, but living contrary to the faith. That kind of person has no authority over them. But a true Christian, woe! Remember, Jesus gave us authority over demons and over all the power of the enemy (Satan). That's a lot of power! Don't let it go to our heads Jesus said. Just be glad for what it means; your names are written in heaven. You have the kingdom of God and eternal life! Something your spiritual enemies wish they had never thrown away.

Please Read Jude 1:6 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

Please Read Matthew 10:22

I get a little sad when I hear people say they expect respect from others. I especially am saddened when professing believers say this and even demand respect. I feel sorry for them because I know if their view never changes they cannot serve Christ. Jesus said that EVERYONE will hate his disciples because of him. So how could a true follower of Jesus expect or demand to be respected by all? That's not realistic thinking. Jesus also said the one who endures (or accepts) persecution to the end is the one who will be saved. Hence, can we accept being disrespected for the name of Christ? (Acts 5:40-42)

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO BE BLESSED

Please Read Matthew 5:10-12

You and I have a choice: Do we want to be respected by people, or be blessed by almighty God? We can't have both. Jesus said, “Blessed are you,” when people insult you, when they ridicule you, when they lie on you, and say all kinds of evil against you for his name. That is not respecting you. But you are so awesomely blessed because this is how the world treated every prophet before you. (Hebrews 11:36-40) You're in great company. The kingdom of heaven is yours. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad when this happens to you Jesus says. This reminds me of something the apostle Paul said regarding his hardships and persecutions for the faith. He said that he took pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in all persecutions for Christ. He said, 'because when I am weak then I am really strong because Christ's power is resting upon me.' (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Paul learned not to focus on the persecution but on what it means: “I'm blessed! When I am weak I am really strong. Because the power of Christ is mightily with me.”

HOVERING

Please Read 1 Peter 4:14

To be taunted, abused, ridiculed, defamed, spoken evil of because of your belief in Jesus is a true blessing from God. He says you're happy if this happens to you because it is evidence that his spirit is resting upon you. Sometimes we forget that. Imagine the spirit of almighty God Himself, permanently fixed, immovable, stationed, upon YOU. God's presence is with you always! That is your true blessed state if you are persecuted for being a Christian. See why God says you are happy? Who can penetrate the presence and protection of almighty God? No one! You can say, “Though I am persecuted I enjoy communion with the king of the universe himself! His angel is stationed, encamped round about me like a fortress to protect me.” (Psalms 34:7) “I may be hated by most but I'm loved by those who matter the most.” So I ask you: Do you really want, expect, even demand the respect of puny humans? Or would you rather have the blessed approval of almighty God?

Ever had someone sneak up on you and suddenly scare you? You probably had a good laugh. Did it make you any less of a person because they tricked you? No. So if after reading this article you find that Discontentment has snuck up on you and it scares you, please don't feel like less than a human being. We can't see everything. We don't have vision like God. But we do have extra spiritual eyes. We have the Holy Spirit and the word of God that exposes everything. (Hebrews 4:12-13) If after doing some heartfelt soul searching you find that Discontentment has snuck up on you thank God for revealing it to you. Confess it, repent, and keep it moving. (Proverbs 28:13)

MY CHILDHOOD

How often have we heard someone say or said ourselves, “If I had been raised this way or that way,” or, “If my childhood had gone like this or that I would be better off?” Might this person be Discontented? Yes, especially if this is a pestering thought. Anyone annoyed by such thoughts is not happy or satisfied with themselves or their circumstances. Some of us see the deceptive trick the Devil has played on someone who feels this way. And remember, it doesn't make us any less of a person if that trick has been played on us. Discontentment is a tricky dude. He sneaks up on us all at one time or another.

Please Read Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 says that God has made the good time as well as the bad time. And no one can straighten what he has made crooked. So if we really believe what God's word says we will accept the good with the bad. That includes our childhood. If we believe God we will stop blaming our parents, our past circumstances, etcetera, for who we are today. Even if our parents sucked at raising us Jesus tells us to forgive them. (Matthew 6:14-15) We are now adults, and have way more control over our own lives. Changing for the better is a good thing. It is often hard but it's worth it. Our human nature though finds it a lot easier to blame others for what we don't like about ourselves. It's much easier to mope in self-pity. If this is how we feel deep down inside Discontentment has snuck up on us. God's word encourages us to deal with our feelings. Believing and following God will nullify all feelings of Discontentment and self-pity. (1 Timothy 6:8)

SHAKE IT OFF

Please Read Proverbs 28:13

The first step to overcoming any wrong thinking is to admit it. We must be honest with God and with ourselves by confessing any feelings of resentment we have towards our parents or anything else. Maybe you didn't have a normal childhood. Maybe there are things you wished you could have done as a child you never got to do. Be honest before God and tell Him how this made you feel. Then please follow His counsel and let it go. We can never change the past. But you can play a big part right now in choosing for yourself how life will be now and in the future. That doesn't mean it will be easy. But it can be done. Positive change is better than allowing resentment to secretly build up in our hearts and destroy us. (1 Peter 5:8-9) Self-pity is a trap of the Devil. Instead, if we delight ourselves in the Lord he WILL give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalms 37:4) Believe God. Don't believe feelings of Discontentment and resentment.

If you've noticed that Discontentment has snuck up on you and it scares you, good. It should scare you. But you can shake it off through confession and believing what the Bible says. Follow God's word not your heart. (Jeremiah 17:9) The human heart is the most treacherous thing of all. If you really want proof that negative things in one's childhood can turn out super good read what the Bible says in John chapter 9 about a man who was born blind, and how this brought glory to God. You are a unique human being. There is no one else on earth created exactly like you. Thank God for creating you and embrace who you are. With God's help make the changes that need to be made for His glory. Changes that will make you better not bitter.

Please Read Colossians 3:17 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The words above just don't seem like enough to tell God how grateful we are for His goodness. But they're all we have. “Thank You Lord,” should roll off our lips constantly. There is so much that God does, has done, and will do for us. We are blessed! It's interesting how it doesn't look that way here on earth sometimes. But looks have been known to be deceiving. No matter what you do, how much wealth you attain, or whatever you become in this world, it all means nothing in the eternal scheme of things if it's not rooted in God. (Mark 8:36)

SET FOR ETERNAL LIFE

Besides having our daily needs met God has given us eternal life. John 3:16 says that anyone who believes in His son Jesus Christ has eternal life. On the other hand every Jesus hater will perish. This life is so short. Can you imagine being shocked after waking up from your worldly dream, only to find out there really is hell to pay for being a God hater? We don't have that problem. We live in Christ and he lives in us. (John 15:5-7) Our future is set forever! We continue to live just as God continues to live. (John 11:25-26) That in itself is enough reason to say, “Thank You Lord!”

Please Read James 3:2

Ever said something you wish you could take back? Hopefully we all have. Why do I say this? Because James 3:2 says we all offend others in what we say and do. If anyone doesn’t they’re perfect. And we know there are no perfect people. Don’t beat yourself up too much for a slip of the tongue. If you can apologize to those you have offended. We can always apologize to God; confessing our sins to Him. (Proverbs 28:13) He knows we fall short and gives us His grace freely. (Romans 3:23-24) No one can go without saying something wrong, it is impossible. Though we should strive to have excellent speech we all have a slip of the tongue now and then.

I think the person most widely known for slipping with his tongue in the Bible is Peter. And I think it’s very unfair. Peter said some of the most profound things in the Bible too. But they don’t get as much publicity. For example, Peter was the first among the disciples to openly acknowledge that Jesus is the Messiah. (Matthew 16:13-20) Peter also was the one who stood before the leaders of the early church and explained to them that God does not show partiality. He is not just the God of the Jews. He is the the God of every person in every nation that fears Him, and lives righteously. (Acts 10:34-35) Peter said and did so many wonderful things. These don’t seem to get the same coverage as Peter’s blunders. Our fallen sinful nature loves to harp on the shortcomings of others. Many so-called religious people today will wish they were like Peter. They don’t even come close to the Man Of God he was. Yet they find fault with him.

Please Read Proverbs 20:9 1 John 1:8-10

No one can honestly say, “I am pure and without sin.” That includes sinning with the words that come out of our mouths. If we say we are sinless we are deceiving ourselves and making God out to be a liar. The truth is not in us. God’s word is not in our hearts. But if we confess our sins (that includes what comes out of our mouths) God is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins. Let’s not pretend we never say anything wrong. Let’s go before the throne of grace and receive mercy from God. Words are very important to Him. If they were not Jesus wouldn’t have said that on Judgment Day people will have to give an account for every useless word that came out of their mouths. (Matthew 12:36-37) Let’s get ahead of the game so to speak. Let’s repent and ask God’s mercy when we have a slip of the tongue. And if we can apologize to others we’ve offended.

Please Read 2 Peter 3:3-7

Everyone is moving like nothing is going on. “All things are happening like they always have since the beginning of time,” they say. “Y'all been saying for years, 'Jesus is coming.' ” Where Is he?” They deliberately forget that God destroyed the world with a flood years ago. And He has appointed the present system to be destroyed by fire on the day of judgment.

Please Read 1 John 2:15-17

God tells us not to love the world. And anyone who loves the world doesn't have love for the Father. Then God describes to us what everything in the world is:

1. The lust of the flesh.

2. The lust of the eyes.

3. The pride of life.

All these come not from the Father but from the world. And they will pass away too. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. They have eternal life with God.

LUST OF THE FLESH

Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh as sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, witchcraft, idolatry, hatred, jealousy, discord, fits of anger, selfish ambition, factions, dissensions, drunkennes, envy, orgies, etcetera. Whoever has these as their lifestyle will not inherit the kingdom of God.

LUST OF THE EYES

Some think they're good because they don't commit adultery. But Jesus said anyone who looks at a woman (or man) lustfully has already committed adultery with her/him in their heart. (Matthew 5:27-29) But “lust of the eyes” means way more than this. Coveting with our eyes what is forbidden has many forms.

PRIDE OF LIFE

'I got this, I own that, I'm great for this, I got money,' etcetera. Sounds like the lyrics to one of the latest rap songs. It's also the pride of life. The Bible says pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) The spirit of, 'I'm somebody important; I'm somebody because of this achievement, or that endowment,' has caused many to fall to their destruction. Those who think they're better than everybody else for any reason will not inherit God's kingdom. (Luke 18:9-14)

God breaks down the heart of the world into three components: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. We must fight these like the plagues they are. All who stay away from them and do the will of God will live forever in the kingdom of their Father.

Please Read 2 Timothy 2:2

Timothy was told by his mentor the apostle Paul to teach God's word only to faithful, reliable men, who in turn would be able to teach others. This lines up with what is said at Proverbs 9:7-9 which says not to correct or instruct wicked men or mockers. That doing so brings abuse and insults to oneself. Instruct wise men and they will love you it says. Teach the wise and they will become more wise. This also lines up with what Jesus said at Matthew 13:11-12. There we read the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are given to some and not to others. And whoever has will be given more until he has an abundance. And those who do not have even what they have will be taken away from them. So it is clear that the gospel message is not for everybody. But if we have the privilege of sharing God's message with someone on a regular basis 2 Timothy 2:2 behooves us to ask God these questions, “Are we entrusting your word to the right person? Is this person reliable, faithful? Can they be trusted to pass on your sacred secrets to others?

Jesus said at Matthew 7:6 'Do not give what is sacred to dogs or cast your pearls before swine. If you do they will trample them under their feet then turn and tear you to pieces.' Yeah, Jesus said there are certain people we are not to teach the word. And if we ignore his advice we're putting ourselves in danger. People who trample God's words under their feet; who show no appreciation for His precious words, yet pretend they want to learn are dangerous.

Some folks will ask you question after foolish question after foolish question. And no matter how many times you give them solid answers from the scriptures here comes another foolish question. (Titus 3:9-11) What's interesting is they don't believe the answers you've already given them. So why are they still asking you questions? Is it because they really want to learn about God? Or are they slyly trying to teach you? Questions draw people in and keep conversations going. Are these minions employing on us the same evil tactic the Devil used on Eve in the Garden of Eden? (Genesis 3:1-5) You know, ask a controversial question to get the unsuspecting believer talking. Then throw in a statement in an attempt to cause doubt and trip up their faith. It's a smooth technique. But it only works on those who don't obey what God says at 2 Timothy 2:2, Proverbs 9:7-9, and Matthew 7:6. Those who obey God won't be harmed. What awesome power there is in obedience!

Please Read 2 John 1:9-11

God says anyone who does not continue in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. Whoever does follow his teaching has both the Father and the son. People who come to you with a different doctrine are to be shunned. We shouldn’t welcome them at all. God says don’t let them into your house or even say a greeting to them. Anyone who does is a sharer in their evil deeds. Let’s examine this for a moment.

To some this seems very harsh. But not when it comes to what’s important to them. To illustrate; let’s say you’re a parent. For many years you teach your children a set of values, things you know will help them make it through life. Then some unscrupulous person(s) comes along and bewitches your children with fancy words and promises. They turn your children completely against everything you taught them. They even turn them against you their parent. How would that make you feel? Now you know how God feels at 2 John 1:9-11.

When someone turns folks away from Christ by teaching false doctrines they are helping them go to hell. This is serious. Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him. (John 14:6) Hence our loving Father warns us to completely shun those who would dissuade us from him, and not to listen to any of their rhetoric. Sometimes this gets tricky because many proclaiming to follow Jesus are the very ones spreading untruth. They are being used by the Devil to enslave and kill people. When you really think about it, is avoiding these false teachers too harsh?

DON’T GREET THEM

Again, if you knew of individuals that messed up your children’s minds so bad that they threw away everything you taught them, and they now hate even you, would you have a nice warm greeting for them? Of course not. So God is not unreasonable when he says not to even greet those who’s business is to get us to believe anything other than the true doctrine of Christ. These people are instrumental in damning many souls forever. There are no warm welcoming greetings or feelings for such people by God or his servants. Anyone who welcomes these soul assassins are sharers in their evil work God says.

How much is your soul worth to you? Is it worth a new car? A big house? A great paying Job? The woman or man of your dreams? The best foods this world has to offer? Wearing the finest clothes? Maybe your soul is worth the latest smart phone, or the latest computer. Maybe you’re a real high roller and your soul is worth all the above and then some. I just have to ask you this question, ‘What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a person trade for their soul?’ (Mark 8:36-37)

Please Read Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus knew the value of his soul. He had a purpose in this life. He wasn’t about to let the Devil deter him from his mission. Towards the end of Jesus’ temptation by the Devil Satan finally gets to the point. He offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory, if he would do just one act of worship to him. That’s what he wanted all along; worship. How many wish they had that same offer today? Many. But Jesus knew his soul was worth far more than all the kingdoms of this world and their fleeting glory. Jesus basically told Satan to buzz off, and that he would worship only God. He later went on to fulfill his earthly mission and now sits at the right hand of God. Jesus now holds all power and authority (Matthew 28:18) and will one day destroy Satan once and for all. Amen!

What will we do for fame and fortune? Some seeking these pledged their allegiance to the evil one, and now wish they hadn’t. They didn’t know that one act of worship would result in more acts, and many sadistic rituals. They live in fear that if they try to leave their cults there’s only one way out; a painful death. Lets pray for those who have been seduced by the Devil. Some of you know who they are. Some of them are considered the movers and shakers of this world. You see a number of them on TV daily, hear them in popular music, etcetera. While hating the evil they do we should also pity and pray for them. They are headed straight for hell if they do not repent. And I wouldn’t wish hell on my worse enemy. These people are slaves; prisoners of darkness. They have been taken captive by the evil one to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:25-26) They may smile for TV cameras and photo ops but they hardly enjoy life and the fancy trinkets they’ve acquired for doing the Devil’s bidding. Many now know it wasn’t worth it. They need our prayers.

Please Read 1 John 2:15-17 2 Peter 1:10-11

Don’t be a sucker. Hold out like Jesus did for the real kingdom; for the eternal prize. Whatever you are offered in this world, if it involves giving up faith, that involves giving up your soul, and is of the Devil. If we have slipped in this area (and all have slipped) we can get back up through confession and repentance to God. (Proverbs 28:13) We can also confess our sins to one another. Praying for one another during these moments is powerful and effective. (James 5:16) Don’t be fooled into thinking God won’t forgive you. He will forgive all who repent. (Proverbs 28:13) He is rich in mercy, and loves lavishing it on people. Don’t fall for the okie-doke. Like Jesus tell Satan to buzz off! Serve only God. The reward is eternally and tremendously great!