Tactics of Satan

May 8, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Job 1:6-7, 1 Peter 1:8-9

We have just celebrated Easter – the death and resurrection of the Christ. Where do we learn important truths about this vital doctrine of the Christian faith? Satan casts doubt on the veracity of the resurrection and among some, even about the truth of the crucifixion. Is the Bible true, or is it not to be trusted?

Today many Christians struggle to model their convictions among people who do not acknowledge God’s love and mercy. Why? There are many answers to that question, but one stands out in my mind just now. People who claim to know and love God, must know and love God. There is a struggle for supremacy over the human mind; Satan against God. The war is waged in both big and little battles (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). We sometimes see this in the choices we make, or even in the choices we do not make, as we rush along in the busy-ness of our world. Authors write about fitting God into a 3-minute devotional each day. Is this enough for a God who invites us to be in communication with Him 24/7? (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Doesn’t our day belong to Him?

Furthermore, perhaps relationships are falling apart today because we are trying the same principle. Quality time not quantity! Quality time often means a frenetic busy-ness of its own, doing something together as couples, doing something together as parent and child, doing something together as friends. When can we dream dreams together? When can we enjoy silence together? When can we share about our faith and those precious things we are learning about God? How often is it all about doing, rather than being? The same problem exists as we attempt to appease our God. And Satan laughs.

Back to the Bible – the Old Testament. Here God repeats over and over again what He has done for His people. Review! What an important part of learning. Just to ensure we get it right we need times of meditation, times of being still and “knowing that I am God”, times of wonder and adoration., time to listen to the “still small voice” of God (1 Kings 19:12).

We need to be reminded that before we asked Jesus to cleanse us from our sins we were dead. DEAD! Death separates us from life, but God… He has a plan to bring people back to life. In so many words, we are resuscitated by the Holy Spirit – made aware of our need so that we can choose life. Who is doing the seeking? God the Holy Spirit. However, there are movements today who would refute this by telling us to develop the god within each of us. This is defined in our culture as being ‘spiritual’. God does not appeal to the god within us when He offers us a salvation purchased at the cost of Christ’s life.

We need to remember how separate we were in our sins, from the character of God, His holiness and purity, His love and His justice. If we do not remember, Satan laughs as he gains supremacy in our thinking and our language, in our behavior and our relationships! Let us not give Satan this opportunity!

Reflection:

When God made man in His image, didn’t He empower Adam to rule over His precious creation? (Genesis 1:26). Why would we believe that anymore than we believe that God said “Let there be Light and there was light”? (Genesis 1:3). What do you and I believe about God and why? Satan began with Eve: “Did God really say….” (Genesis 3:1) and he tempts us with those very same words.

Don’t we need God to guide us in the big and little decisions we will make each day? Who is in charge the rest of our day after a quick moment of devotion as we speed off into the workplace? Do we trust God’s warning to us about the evil One who seeks to devour us? Each day we face the temptation Satan throws at us to disbelieve, to distrust God’s Holy Word. Where do we get the power to discern what is truth and what is not true, if such a thing is possible in Scripture?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Creator God

December 27, 2021 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 6:1-3

Outside my window is the most beautiful tree. Its graceful shape and glorious fall colours stimulate my very soul to worship the Creator! In every season this tree represents the genius of God’s design and reminds me of the glory of His Sovereignty over all creation. Our minds, so limited by time and space, find it hard to understand anything outside those limits; mankind is just beginning to grasp the expanse of our universe yet the reality of other universes is also beginning to dawn in recent times. This raises a question: Where was Jesus before the world began?

In His high priestly prayer Jesus asks the Father to glorify Him “in His presence with the glory I had with You before the world began” (John 17:5). How often do we limit the person of the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the figure who walked our earth for 33 short years? Have you ever tried to imagine what His pre-incarnate glory was really like?

Isaiah had a glimpse of this glory. In fact, the whole earth, in his vision, was “full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). If we allow God to be God, we might just see Him outside of the part of creation we experience day to day. His presence not only fills the earth, a concept pretty hard for mere humans to understand, but also fills the universe, beyond what we can see.

Paul clarifies this picture. “He who descended”…this Jesus who came to us as a baby in a manger, “is the very one who ascended higher than the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe” (Ephesians 4:10). This Jesus, God’s “Son, whom He appointed heir of all things,” is the One “through whom He made the universe” (Hebrews 1:2). According to the Bible God’s “Son is the radiance of God’s glory” and He sustains all things by His powerful Word” (Hebrews 1:3). This is the Creator God whom John identifies as the “Word” (John 1:1).

When we worship the Holy Baby in Mary’s arms, do we give ourselves time to contemplate the Majesty that prevailed on the day when God declared His creation “good”? (Genesis 1:31). According to the Biblical record that declaration covered everything – the separation of light and darkness, the sky, the seas and dry land producing vegetation like my tree, the universe with sun, moon and stars, the bewildering variety of birds and fish, all living creatures, the crowning glory of which was man, made in God’s own image! What a quotable quote: “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1:26)!

I like to imagine that the majesty of Creator God appeals to every one of mans’ senses, as well as to the delight of knowing that He calls us into fellowship with Himself. What an honour it is to be called the child of Almighty God! The whole purpose of Creation was to mingle with His creation…and so we read that God walked with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8). He brought the woman He created, to the man (Genesis 2:22). He also brought the animals to the man to see what he would name them (Genesis 2:19). He was and is personally engaged!

Reflection:

Creator, sustainer – our Creator God is an awesome God! Will we allow Him to be greater than our comprehension can see? It was Satan’s desire to be like God which caused his expulsion from heaven. We have been given the privilege of serving God, but even in heaven we will not be like the One who is eternal, since we are created beings. Neither we will ever know all things, or have all power. Even Satan has to operate through his demon host, since he, as a created being, can only be in one place at a time. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, children of God can celebrate Creator God as He takes us on a voyage of discovery day by day! Hallelujah!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Doing Battle

November 29, 2021 AdminLeave a comment

Hebrews 4

In both Old and New Testaments God makes reference to a battle of words. In a Messianic prophecy, speaking about the servant-Messiah, He revealed to Isaiah “He made My mouth like a sharpened sword”. Jesus Himself describes a battle over which He will be victor: “Repent! Otherwise I will soon come to you and fight against them with the sword of My mouth” (Revelation 2:16).

Most humans at some time or another have been wounded by words, whether intentioned or not. Some have referred to this as the pain of the soul, a problem that lasts far longer than physical scars. James describes the tongue as a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It is capable of corrupting the whole person, of setting the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell (3:6). Have you ever been burned by someone’s words?

If the power of the human tongue can do that much damage, then consider what the judgment of Christ’s tongue might look like! Jesus describes it as a two-edged sword (Revelation 2:12). In our scripture reading, the writer of Hebrews is talking about the consequences of unbelief, warning “Today, if you hear His voice [the words of the Gospel] do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7). God’s intention is to give His children peace and rest – the whole of this chapter is devoted to that.

However, Satan is very actively engaged in negating the words of God. From the very beginning, as we have noted many times before, he questioned whether or not God really did say certain things. Is God the Creator of peace and justice? Do His laws, decrees, words of wisdom and guidance mean anything to us today? Do we believe He is a perfect and just God, one who knows everything – our motives, our thoughts and deeds?

Why would He not be fair to His children? The greatest battle between good and evil was won at the cross, followed by the miraculous resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The cost of God’s perfect gift of salvation has been fully paid, but Satan still wants you to believe it can be earned. We have been given a full description of this event in words of Holy Scripture. How then is it possible for the wisdom of Satan, or of man to question what God has revealed? Isn’t this the battle of the ages?

Reflection:

Down through time we see the sword of truth “dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, judging the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The question becomes personal when we ask ourselves, what does God see in our hearts? Do we long for purity and truth, for justice and spiritual integrity? Does the church, or indeed do I bring glory to God by following in the steps of Jesus my Lord? Will I do battle against compromise and overt evil? Has my passion for God grown lukewarm?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Subtleties of Satan

October 3, 2021 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 26:26-28

Have you ever wrestled with a problem that just won’t go away? Sometimes we struggle with unforgiving thoughts, resentments, feeling that life just isn’t fair. Perhaps we are perplexed because we don’t understand what God is trying to teach us, or we are fearful about the future, unsure if we can fit in with God’s will. There are so many things that take our focus away from the Lord Jesus. Satan has no end of strategies.

Surely in Church our minds will be able to see Him, lifted up in worship. Communion, that holiest of ordinances, of course is one of those occasions. I have watched men handle the loaf of bread as tenderly as if it were the body of the Lord, prepared for burial; the reverence that is due Him may be seen, whether our thoughts would be worthy of examination.

It took me three days to ask God’s forgiveness for disrupting a communion service. Oh I doubt anyone but my immediate friend knew the struggle I was having, but the Lord knows everything. The little cup of wine was so cleverly devised that all we had to do was lift the cellophane off the wafer and then expose the tiny wine glass. I couldn’t get the wrapper off the wafer we were using in a COVID scenario; the problem just wouldn’t go away! I had used these before, but as I sat struggling, it never occurred to me that this was a battle against the Evil One.

Satan does not want us to celebrate Jesus. He sits at our elbow ready to turn our eyes away from the One who is Light and Life. On this particular Sunday where were my thoughts of reverence? Did I really need to use the wafer, to make me remember the dear body of my Lord, broken for me and my sins? Of course I am not forgetting the words of Jesus as He prepared His disciples for what was to come. “Take and eat; this is My body” (Matthew 26:26).

At that moment in time His words could not have held the same meaning for the men who listened, as they would have in future days and years to come. Two thousand years later what do Jesus’ words mean to you and to me today? As I celebrate the broken body of my Lord, is it in spirit and in truth, or has it become a ritual? The struggle I had that day was with something in my hand, but wasn’t it also with something in my mind? Where was the sadness about my Lord’s costly sacrifice? Where was the gladness for God’s free forgiveness of my sins? What was I thinking about God’s amazing grace, His unconditional love? Why was it so important to conform to tradition?

Thankfully the Holy Spirit brings to our minds opportunities that are lost, so that we can ask for God’s forgiveness. How precious it is to know “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9).

Reflection:

We need to be aware that issues of tradition might subtly distract us from the real goal of worship. Satan will use any ploy to dissuade us from tenderly recognizing the precious body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, broken and poured out for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28). Without His sacrifice there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). How lost I would be without Jesus! Lesson learned? Let us fix our eyes on Him, forgetting the apparent struggles at hand.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Millennial Reign

July 4, 2021 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 24-27

Seldom do we hear sermons on issues of eschatology, yet the millennial reign is a Biblical subject dealt with in both Old and New Testaments. What do we know about this subject? Why is it important?

Perhaps we should begin with Isaiah who clearly prophesied about the judgments of the tribulation period as well as the blessings of the Millennial reign, in chapters 24-27. From these chapters we understand that God’s judgment will fall, laying waste completely to all He created (Isaiah 24:1-3). By disobeying God’s laws the people have severed their covenant relationship with God, bringing a curse upon the whole earth (24:5-6). In that day God will punish even the “powers in the heavens” (24:21), probably a reference to fallen angels who will also be judged (1 Corinthians 6:3).

However, a small remnant of believers will survive (Isaiah 24:6b). In the midst of devastation and desolation they will still rejoice in the majesty of their God! (24:14-16a). Isaiah exalts “my God” (25:1) for His perfect faithfulness, planned long ago. The judgment falling is not a knee-jerk reaction to a rebellious people….God knew the end from the beginning, yet He created man in His own imagine, with the power of choice [volition].

Although Babylon is made a heap of rubble (Isaiah 25:2), strong believers from every nation, even the enemies who ruthlessly pursued God’s people, will honour the Lord (25:3). It is important to note that God, faithful to His promise, rescued all who believe on His name! Isaiah goes on to describe the Millennial reign as one of great blessing, feasting and celebration, as God wipes away the tears from all faces (25:6-8).

In that day God will be celebrated for His salvation – the only God who could be entirely trusted! He is the One who keeps His children in perfect peace (Isaiah 25:9, 26:3-4, 12). The Spirit of the Lord is finally appreciated, as the faithful yearn for Him day and night. He is the desire of their hearts (26:8-9).

Several other prophets refer to the Millennial reign of Christ. Zechariah has a lot to say. Regarding the location we learn that the Lord will dwell in Jerusalem (8:3) where all nations will worship the King (14:16). As Jesus’ feet stand on the Mount of Olives it will be split into two parts (14:4). Isaiah adds – there will be no more war as the nations flow into Jerusalem to worship the Lord (2:2-4). He goes on to tell us that nature will flourish showing the glory and majesty of God, while healing takes place (35:1-10). Amos tells us this will be a time of restoration and rebuilding (9:11-25).

Where is Satan during this 1000 year reign? He is bound, sealed in a pit (Revelation 20:1-10). Powerless! Jesus will reign with an iron sceptre (Psalm 2:9, Revelation 2:27, 12:5, 19:15). Who will reign with Him? Those who were beheaded, who did not accept the mark of the beast during the tribulation period, will come to life and reign with Him (Revelation 10:4). The rest of those who are dead in Christ will come to life after this 1000 year period ends (Revelation 20:1-15).. Then we will enjoy the place Jesus has gone to prepare for us (John 14:3). At some time after this God will create a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-27).

Reflection:

We have no idea of God’s exact time line. We have been encouraged to be watchful and vigilant, waiting the Lord Jesus’ return at any time. The joy of seeing Him will surpass anything we have ever known. Our Saviour! Redeemer! and Friend! Will we perhaps be those who reign with Him? That will not be something to covet, since it does involve tremendous suffering beforehand. This is why we must search the scriptures, as the Bereans did, to see if these things are true. Our anticipation of Jesus’ return may be tested. Are we ready?

by Marilyn daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Morning Star

October 18, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

Read: Rev. 22:16 2 Peter 1:19 Isaiah 14:12-15

Question: “Why are both Jesus and Satan referred to as the ‘Morning Star’?”

In my recent morning reading Isaiah refers to Satan “the morning star, son of the dawn.” (14:12) The verses following describe the power Satan held in his heavenly experience. Created the most beautiful of all angels, Satan was given great privileges. These he abdicated when he chose to aspire to God’s greatness, indeed to become greater than God (Isaiah 14:13).

This ambition was frustrated by the hand of God which brought him low “…you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit” (Isaiah 14:15). Seventy-two disciples of Jesus were reporting back with great joy. They had been sent by Jesus to do His work and had seen demons submit to them in the Holy name of Jesus! He confirmed His authority to give them the power to overcome ever effort of Satan to separate man from God. Jesus, Himself testified “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven” (Luke 10:18). Satan may have been a bright morning star, but he is only a poor imitation of the one true bright morning star, Jesus Christ, the Light of the whole world (John 1:3-5).

Ezekiel makes reference to the incredible privileges Satan enjoyed. “You were the model of perfection…full of wisdom and perfect in beauty! ….Every precious stone adorned you….You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount with God. You were blameless from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:12-15).

It is interesting to note that the idea of the “morning star” is not the only concept that is applied to both Jesus and Satan. In Revelation 5:5, Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. In 1 Peter 5:8, Satan is compared to a lion, seeking someone to devour. The point is this, both Jesus and Satan, to a certain extent, bear some similarity to lions. Jesus is similar to a lion in that He is the King, He is royal and majestic. Satan is similar to a lion in that he seeks to devour other creatures. That is where the similarities between Jesus, Satan, and lions end, however. Jesus and Satan are like lions in very different ways.

The Morning Star is the precursor of a new day. As this term describes our Lord Jesus Christ, we see Him on the verge of a new day – “That day” so often refers in scripture to His return. But first let us consider the source of His brightness. It is the essence of His Being, as God. John 9:6 reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. Satan, as a created being, is one of many angels whose light simply reflects the glory of God. Jesus, on the other hand, as God Incarnate, is the bright and morning star, exclusively. His light is self-existent. Satan could never be more than a poor imitation of that celestial light.

The Bible ends with the glorious words of Christ Jesus Himself “I am the root and the offspring of David and the Bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:15). What a thrilling revelation, with the promise of things to come, when we will live in His light for all eternity!

Reflection:

How do Satan’s aspirations differ from that of mankind in general today?

Differentiate, if you can, between the essence of light and the reflection of light.

To which does the title Morning Star truly belong?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net