Think Spot

Think Spot 20th August 2012

The Battle is the Lord's!

Recently I have been in contact with several Christians who are struggling in their witnessing as the devil attacks them bringing fear doubts and seeming defeat when they close in on his territory. It reminded me when preaching several years ago, when I had an unbelievable attack from the enemy which I have never forgotten. I had been preaching one morning in my church, where I was pastor. I was speaking about Moses leading Israel across the River Jordan and about to take Jericho and I had made the point that the devil doesn't give up even one inch of ground easily. Jericho would not be taken by Israel apart from God intervening and working with them. During the evening service as I began my address I felt very uneasy. I was made to think the Lord was not with me in the pulpit. He had deserted me. What made me think like this you ask ? Well for starters, our organist appeared to be asleep (actually he was meditating) and people looked so bored to tears. I stopped in mid flow in my preaching on the conversion of Rahab the harlot and said “There is no point in proceeding with this service God cannot be with us I do not sense His presence.” I closed the service ten minutes before the average normal time. This was one occasion when the last thing I wanted to do now, following the service , was to go and shake hands with people at the door. Nevertheless I made the effort. One dear old godly lady came to the church door and whispered in my ear, “Jim, God was with us this evening. Think back to what you preached about this morning.. You said The devil doesn't give up one inch of his territory easily, that is what he was attempting to do this evening.” I was so thankful for this wise woman's words of encouragement and I have never repeated that response when not feeling God's presence again. The devil is powerful, thankfully not all powerful and is a real threat to us. However we need to be clothed in the armour God has given to us which we read about in Ephesians 6:10-18; “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might that we might stand in the evil day”We need to get into the habit of clothing ourselves spiritually through prayer as we put on our ordinary clothing each day. Remember Put on the whole armour of God.” Sanctified common sense tells us to be prepared for each day especially if we intend to witness bravely for Christ which is our daily mission. We have a glorious gospel to share and it is powerful. Romans 1:16; makes that very clear! God also promises that His word will not return to Him void.” So preach it brother and sister!!” Remember God is always working through His marvellous message of amazing grace. The truth will set people free. “Be always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor 16). We are on the winning side never forget it my dear friends. The battle was won at Calvary and we walk in the knowledge of that great truth. Read the last few verses in Isaiah 53 and see the prophesied promised result from Christ's sacrifice and righteous life. The Holy Spirit working in and through us is no match for the devil. The Holy Spirit wins every time. May I encourage you to read Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyon to see how Christian struggled with the evil one and how he overcome him. See also in Matthew 4 how Jesus defeated the devil in the wilderness through His Word which truly is more powerful than any two edged sword. Have a good day of victory.

Joys Prayer

Gracious God and loving Heavenly Father, how we need to be so aware of the strength of the enemy ,our own weakness and the all surpassing power of God which can defeat the devil. Lord strengthen us afresh each day and give us such a confidence in yourself that we be not frightened by the enemy and believe we shall succeed through You. In the past we have succeeded and we remember your presence with us then, how precious You were to us and how immediately you were with us wherever we went. You never left us you were, for us, a very present help in time of trouble. Thank you Lord we love you; The clouds may have been low, heavy and exceedingly dark but by faith we could see You in full control and sovereign over all. Thank you Lord. In Jesus Name Amen Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file

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