-Are You Obeying God or Satan? / YOU MUST CHOOSE!-

-Sowing to the Spirit
-James 3:9-18( -Recommended reading)

In all our daily choices, we either "sow to the flesh" or "sow to the Spirit" (Gal. 6:8). With our actions and thoughts, we plant seeds that affect what kind of person we're growing into and the level of impact our lives will have for God.

"The flesh" is the part of us that wants to live and act independently of the Lord. As humans, all of us have to deal with the pull of this attitude; we don't lose it automatically when we're saved. However, the Holy Spirit frees us from slavery to the flesh. He begins to change us so we can turn from the deceptive lure of living for self and instead start to live according to the truth. The choices we make contribute to the process of transformation, and when they're in alignment with the Spirit's work, they plant good seed that results in even more new growth.

When you're sowing to the Spirit, you're accepting God's truth into your mind and heart. Then you'll begin to experience eternal life, which comes from truly knowing the Lord (John 17:3). The fruit of the Spirit grows naturally from these seeds of godly truth and influences every aspect of your life. When you feed your spirit with the things of God, you're going to become stronger, more Christlike, and more full of His life in your thoughts and actions.

Are you feeding your spirit and the wellspring of your life, or are you feeding the part of you that wants to act independently of God? Do your choices sow seeds that are building you up, making you different, and letting streams of living water flow from you to nourish others (John 7:37-39)?

--In Touch

-The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
Scripture: Galatians 6:7-10

Satan wants us to believe the lie that our actions have no natural results or consequences. But the truth is that you can't rebel against God and not reap the fruit of that choice later. You also can't obey God without eventually receiving the blessings. The choices you make are the seeds you plant, and they determine the kind of crop you're going to reap in the future.
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(I.) Every choice has a consequence. If we make wise, godly decisions, we can expect God to reward us for our faithfulness. If we make rash or sinful choices, we can anticipate negative consequences (Gal. 6:7-8). Although the principle uses agricultural terms, it applies to spiritual things and�by virtue of that fact�all of life.

II.) The Warning

A. Living as though rebellion against God has no consequences�in this life or the next�is humankind�s most common delusion. �Do not be deceived; God is not mocked� (Gal. 6:7).

B. Mocking the Lord includes laughing or sneering at His laws and being arrogant toward Him. Some people think that if they don�t believe in God, it doesn�t matter what the Bible says. But whether spiritual principles are accepted or denied, they apply to everyone (Num. 32:23; Ezek. 18:20).

(III.) Clarification of Terms

-Let�s define a few terms from Galatians 6:7-8:

A. Flesh�The part of us that wants independence from God. Although the Spirit dwells within each believer, a part of every person still wants to live independently from God. We call that the flesh (Gal. 5:17, 19-21), which the Lord heals and sanctifies as we follow Him.

B. Sow to the flesh�Yielding to harmful cravings and sinful desires. For instance, people might overemphasize their appearance, focus on becoming rich, or watch immoral movies.

C. Corruption�Decay, ruin, and destruction. Ultimately, sin leads to death (Rom. 6:23). Over time, rebellion against God destroys a person, just as a fatal disease slowly takes a life.

D.Sow to the Spirit. To do things that please the Lord. Obeying God increases the Spirit�s influence in your life.

E. Eternal�Long-lasting; high quality. When we plant godly seeds, we will reap quality things�such as peace, integrity, and healthy relationships�that have permanent value.

IV. The Promise

A. Those who continue sowing to the Spirit can expect God to reward them (Gal. 6:9). Paul encouraged believers to �be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord� (1 Cor. 15:58).

B. God doesn�t necessarily reward us materially here on earth. Despite his faithfulness, Paul experienced intense persecution and eventually was beheaded (2 Cor. 4:9-10, 11:23-28). However, in heaven, his reward will be greater than we can imagine.

C. The promise in Galatians 6:9 reminds me of those who faithfully serve God with little or no earthly recognition.

1. Imagine a pastor who leads a small church, earning a small salary and little appreciation. Yet, year after year, he continues to pastor his congregation faithfully.

2. Think about godly people who read the Bible, faithfully attend church, pray diligently, and always tithe their income. They might not be able to point to any great accomplishments in life, but they will be rewarded in heaven.

V. The Opportunity

A. Sowing to the Spirit is an act of faith, and as such, it is possible only during our time on earth. We must take advantage of the opportunity we have to serve God (Gal. 6:10).

B. All of us have the chance to sow into the lives of other people.

1. Seeds can be small acts, like telling someone God loves them, offering to pray for a sick person, or showing kindness to a stranger.

2. Sowing to the Spirit includes things such as talking to people about Jesus, giving books, or encouraging others to listen to radio or television broadcasts.

VI. Conclusion: I pray that you will make a decision today to sow seeds of love, patience, and truth. My friend, you will reap what you sow�there is no escaping this eternal principle. People need you to make an eternal difference in their lives. Take the time to plant seeds of righteousness, and you will reap a harvest of eternal rewards.

--In Touch~
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--(Galatians 5:22-25) NASB~

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

-The Fruit of Perseverance
-2 Corinthians 4:1-18 (recommeded reading)
--
The apostle Paul often wrote about perseverance. He urged believers not to tire of following Christ and doing good, even when persecuted. The reason was that in time, their faithfulness to plant seeds would produce an amazing harvest.

If anyone had a right to say that, it was Paul. He'd been beaten, stoned, whipped, and driven out of town. He'd survived riots, shipwrecks, illness, and abandonment. He had a thousand reasons to be disheartened and want to give up, yet he knew his obedience to God wasn't in vain.

Some might surmise, Well, it doesn't look as if he reaped much: he was persecuted, moved from prison to prison, and eventually executed. But if we assume that rewards come only in material terms, we miss a powerful truth.

Consider the awesome harvest that actually resulted from the apostle's faithfulness. For one thing, the gospel spread across the Roman Empire, and the early church grew far beyond the Jewish world. And the seeds Paul planted by writing his epistles resulted in billions of lives being radically changed. Any strength we draw from these letters is fruit of the hardships he endured. Yet when he urged believers never to tire of obeying the Lord, he didn't know the full extent of the impact his life would have. He just believed in the power of faith.

Do you realize how impactful your life is? Don't be deceived by Satan's lie that your suffering or obedience will amount to nothing. Here's the truth: Your faithfulness to God never goes to waste--it's making an eternal difference in someone's life, whether you know it or not.

--In Touch

Our Lord Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."

If you/we are following Christ, we will be persecuted by this world! Jesus said, "Great is your reward in heaven one day." Keep pressing on, for Jesus' sake!

-Defeating the Devil's Strategies

-Read | John 21:15-19 -(Recommended Reading)
---
All of us make tracks through the valley of failure. Then the key question is, What we will do next? Sadly, many believers who stumble give up a vibrant kingdom-serving life for a defeated existence. But failure can also be a chance for a new beginning of living in Christ's strength.

In pride, Peter thought his faith was the strongest of all the disciples' and swore that even if the others left Jesus, he never would (Mark 14:29). Yet when the time of testing came, he denied even knowing Christ--and did so three times (Matt. 26:69-75). Satan hoped the disciple would be so wounded by his own disloyalty that his faith would be undermined by shame, condemnation, and despair.

Likewise, when the Enemy sifts believers today, his goal is for us to become shelved and ineffective for God's kingdom. That's why he goes after our strengths, especially the areas in which we proudly consider ourselves invincible. But if we're willing, the Lord can use our failures to do spiritual housecleaning, as He did in Peter's life. After the resurrection, Jesus met with the disciple personally and restored him, preparing him to become a great leader in the early church. He made it clear that Peter's potential to serve was defined, not by failure, but by his unwavering love for Christ.

Peter laid down his pride, received the healing Jesus offered, and put on courage with the Holy Spirit's help. He then risked his life fearlessly to further the Gospel, and many came to Christ through his example. Failure was the catalyst that grew in him a stronger, more authentic faith.
--
--In Touch ~
-We press on, only with Jesus by our sides! Never give up! We're almost home.

-When It Comes to the Devil...How to Think

-BIBLE MEDITATION:
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21

-DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
There are two mistakes people make about the devil. One, they get into demonology--always studying, wondering, and talking about demons. Their focus rests on Satan rather than on the Lord Jesus. The Bible says we're to resist the devil; it doesn't say we're to chase him.

On the other hand, there are those who are flippant about the devil. They have nicknames for him and think he's a cartoon or fantasy.

The truth is, we have a powerful adversary, the devil. Peter likens him to a roaring lion! A mature Christian recognizes that he has an enemy. He respects the power of the enemy. Then he clings to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to overcome this great adversary.

-ACTION POINT:
Is the lion prowling around your life? Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and break free from his jaws of destruction.
Satan cannot stand in the presence of the Lord. "Resist the devil and he will flee." Are you resisting him or entertaining him by your life away from the Lord? The choice is yours. Jesus wants to set you free of Satan's powers.

--Strong in Grace
--By: Henry Morris III, D.Min.

"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1)

In the Old Testament, "grace" (used 69 times) is often applied in the sense of personal favors or physical blessings. "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11).
In the New Testament, however, the term (used 156 times) often seems to emphasize God's personal empowerment or the granting of His unique spiritual favor, as is clear in the wonderful passage Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Once the saving grace has been given, the believer is expected to use that grace with victory in mind--confidence that empowers our spiritual life and witness. We are to be "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

Hence, we are to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10) as we wrestle against the powers of darkness that battle us unceasingly. Although "[we] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [us]" (Philippians 4:13), we must remember that those "things" include the entire spectrum of poverty to wealth and from hunger to satisfaction. God's grace is strong enough to counter every worldly circumstance.

We must remember, however, that even the greatest heroes of the faith endured intense opposition, seasons of pain and privation, and occasionally were tortured to death (Hebrews 11:32-38). God's strong grace is sufficient. "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:1).

--ICR/ HMM III
[I like the way Adrian Rogers said it, "We must remember we aren't on a Cruise Ship, we are on a Battle Ship."
Jesus said,"Blessed are you when you are persecuted for My Name's sake, great is your reward in heaven."]

--That Old Serpent

"And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:2)
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This prophetic vision given to John leaves no doubt as to the identity of the serpent in the Garden of Eden. That "old serpent" (literally, "that primeval serpent") who deceived our first parents into rebelling against the word of God is none other than the Devil, or Satan, often viewed in Scripture as typified by a "great dragon" (Revelation 12:9), the fearsome animal of ancient times; probably the dinosaur.

His ultimate doom is sure�he will be bound a thousand years, then finally be "cast into the lake of fire . . . tormented day and night for ever and ever" (Revelation 20:10). At present, however, he is not bound, for "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). We must be sober and vigilant, "lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11).

His devices are manifold, but all are deceptive (he was the most "subtle" of all God's creatures, Genesis 3:1), malevolent, and designed to turn us away from the true Christ. "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3).

He is a great deceiver. He can appear as a fire-breathing dragon or a roaring lion, deceiving us into fearing and obeying him instead of God. He can also be "transformed into an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14), deceiving us into trusting the "feigned words" of his "false teachers" (2 Peter 2:3, 1) instead of the Holy Scriptures of the God of creation. Our recourse against his deceptions is to "put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).

--ICR/HMM

--The Two Hosts of Heaven

"Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left." (2 Chronicles 18:18)

This remarkable vision was granted to the prophet Micaiah, the only true prophet at the court of the evil King Ahab of Israel. Other Scriptures confirm that there really is a great host of angels at God's throne in heaven (Job 1:6; Daniel 7:10; Revelation 5:11; etc.). These are mighty angels, and they go forth at God's command (Psalm 103:20-21), especially in connection with their primary function as "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:14).

In addition to the angels, there is another "host of heaven"�the stars, which "cannot be numbered" (Jeremiah 33:22). Like the stars, the angels also are said to be "innumerable" (Hebrews 12:22). Both "hosts" are mentioned in Nehemiah 9:6. Angels are often associated with stars in the Bible, and are even likened to stars on a number of occasions.

However, a third of the angels "kept not their first estate" (Jude 6; Revelation 12:3-9). Although angels are not to be worshipped (Revelation 22:8-9), Satan, the "anointed cherub" (Ezekiel 28:14), desired to be "like the most High" (Isaiah 14:14) and led these now-fallen angels into a cosmic rebellion against their Creator which continues to this day. They have, in fact, become associated with both the sky-images of astrology and the corresponding graven images of paganism. Paul warned that such idol worship was, in reality, demon worship (1 Corinthians 10:20). It is this particular "host of heaven" which all devotees of false religions, ancient and modern, have really worshipped when they reject the true God of creation and put their faith in some aspect of the cosmos itself.

-- The faithful and obedient host of heaven worships God alone, and so should we.

--ICR/ HMM

---Enduring Satanic Attacks
---Ephesians 6:10-14 (recommended reading)~

Every believer faces temptation. Take a moment to recall a particularly enticing situation involving something that would displease God. Did you realize you were involved in a satanic battle?

The Devil is real. Scripture reveals that he leads an army of fallen angels and is prideful enough to think he can gain victory over God. By definition, a satanic attack is a deliberate assault upon an individual, which is designed to cause spiritual, physical, material, or emotional harm. Satan desires to thwart the Lord's purpose in believers' lives, to rob them of joy and peace, and ultimately to deny God the worship He receives through yielded followers.

As in any war, knowing the enemy's plan helps us prepare for the attack. 'First', be aware that the battlefield takes place in our minds. To walk in a godly manner with Christ, we must first be sure that our thoughts are in submission to His Spirit. This takes daily surrender and time in God's Word. 'Second', Satan tempts us during vulnerable moments. Be cautious when you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (This is often known as the H.A.L.T. warning). 'Third', he is deceptive; we won't recognize the trap as an evil scheme. Instead, it will seem good, and we'll likely wrestle with some sort of doubt.

As Christians, we should walk closely with Jesus. Satan desires to lure us into destructive actions that rob us of God's plan for a good, full life. Stay connected to the Savior: read the Word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. These are weapons we use against the Devil in spiritual war.

--IN TOUCH

-----Creeping in Unawares
-***Do not think you can not be tempted, even though you are a Christian. Remember the devil 'tempted' our Lord Jesus...(see Matthew Chapter 5). What you (we) do with that temptation is our primary concern. Call on the Lord Jesus to 'HELP' you!***

�For there are certain men crept in unawares . . . ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.� ---(Jude 1:4)

The special word chosen by the Holy Spirit is most helpful in understanding this warning. The Greek term translated �crept in unawares� is 'pareisduno', a uniquely compounded word meaning to �sink down in alongside.� What could be more descriptive? These kinds of sneaky people have been written about before, Jude says, and are prime examples of those who transpose the grace of God into uncontrolled lust.

Paul uses a similar word in his letter to Timothy to warn him about the ungodly men of the last days who �creep into houses� and undermine the lifestyles of �silly women� (2 Timothy 3:6-7). The imagery implies the subtlety and cleverness of these �ungodly men,� but there is a horrible consequence of this replacement of God�s grace with �lasciviousness.�

Jude lists the terrible judgment on the people of Israel who refused to believe the good report of Joshua and Caleb when the 12 spies returned from the land of Canaan. God �destroyed� those who embraced the fearful and faithless report of the 10 (Numbers 14). Even the angels who led the world of Noah into corruption (Genesis 6:1-4) were chained in �darkness� for their disobedience (2 Peter 2:4).

Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain, Balaam, and Korah (Core) are all given as 'examples by Jude of God�s stern judgment on those who knew better but chose to lead a rebellion against the righteous lifestyles or leadership of God�s people.' God does not take lightly the misuse of His instructions.
Even the �least� of the commandments are important (Matthew 5:19). After all, �thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name� (Psalm 138:2).
--ICR/HMM III

----THE SPIRIT OF LAWLESSNESS
---By: David Wilkerson
[May 19, 1931 � April 27, 2011]

-�For the mystery of iniquity doth already work�
---(2 Thessalonians 2:7).

The Greek word Paul uses for iniquity in this passage means, literally, �lawlessness.� Therefore, the mystery is one of lawlessness, meaning that multitudes are going to act without law or restraint.

Yet, this lawlessness is not simply a rebellion against the rule of man. It is not about rebelling against civil authority or committing robbery, rape or murder. These things do provoke God's wrath, but the mystery of lawlessness goes much deeper. It is an outright rejection of the truth that is in Christ, a casting aside of God's Holy Word and rebellion against the restraints of Scripture!

This spirit of lawlessness is rampant in our nation today. It is the force behind the legislation that seeks to banish God from our society and the same spirit that Satan used to deceive Eve when he told her, in so many words, �God is easy; He won�t punish you for disobeying. You can eat the fruit and indulge your lust and you won�t have to pay for it!�

Today Satan is using this same lie to convince masses of believers that they can indulge their sins without paying any penalty. It is a demonic scheme to pervert Christ�s gospel of grace and turn it into a message of
licentiousness. Tragically, many lukewarm Christians are succumbing to this spirit of lawlessness.

Paul says the Antichrist will rise to power because people will be blinded and deceived by their own sin: �After the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved� (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).

Satan will deceive masses of people by convincing them of a subtle but powerful lie, just as he convinced Eve: �God doesn't punish sin!�

Paul says this deception will come �with all deceivableness . . . because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved" (verse 10). He then adds, �For this [reason] God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie� (verse 11).

The apostle is saying, �Those who refuse to obey or respect God's Word will fall under a powerful delusion. At first they will wink at their sin and justify it. But soon they will actively seek out a message of easy grace. They will invent a grace that is far beyond what God intended. His grace never leads to license�it always leads to repentance.�~~~
[BEWARE! Satan knows his time is short! Don't play around with sin. "Be sure your sin will find you out."]

---Enduring Satanic Attacks
---Ephesians 6:10-14-[The Armor of God]-

-Every believer faces temptation. Take a moment to recall a particularly enticing situation involving something that would displease God. Did you realize you were involved in a satanic battle?

The Devil is real. Scripture reveals that he leads an army of fallen angels and is prideful enough to think he can gain victory over God. By definition, a satanic attack is a deliberate assault upon an individual, which is designed to cause spiritual, physical, material, or emotional harm. Satan desires to thwart the Lord's purpose in believers' lives, to rob them of joy and peace, and ultimately to deny God the worship He receives through yielded followers.

As in any war, knowing the enemy's plan helps us prepare for the attack. First, be aware that the battlefield takes place in our minds. To walk in a godly manner with Christ, we must first be sure that our thoughts are in submission to His Spirit. This takes daily surrender and time in God's Word. Second, Satan tempts us during vulnerable moments. Be cautious when you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (This is often known as the H.A.L.T. warning). Third, he is deceptive; we won't recognize the trap as an evil scheme. Instead, it will seem good, and we'll likely wrestle with some sort of doubt.

As Christians, we should walk closely with Jesus. Satan desires to lure us into destructive actions that rob us of God's plan for a good, full life. Stay connected to the Savior: read the Word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. These are weapons we use against the Devil in spiritual war.
--IN TOUCH~ / 'WHOM SHALL I FEAR (God of Angel Armies)' C.Tomlin~~
<http://youtu.be/GozKQlKuyuA>
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---God Came Near

--It all happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment. God became a man!
Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb. Jesus came, not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as one whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that first held him were un-manicured, calloused, and dirty. For thirty-three years he would feel everything you and I have ever felt. Weak and weary; and afraid of failure. His feelings got hurt.

To think of Jesus in such a light seems almost irreverent. There�s something about keeping him divine that keeps him distant and predictable. But don�t do it! For heaven�s sake, don�t! Let him be as human as he intended to be. Let him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out!
--God Came Near/ML / OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART, Paul Baloche
<http://youtu.be/Ry6bzm7K8K4>
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--God's Tests Will Build You Up~

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
--Hebrews 12:11

--You know how it goes. Just about the time you think you�ve got it together in life, the wheels start coming off as another challenge comes along. That�s just the way life is!

And the Christian life is no different. Just about the time we get comfortable in our Christian lives� just about the time we think we�ve arrived spiritually� God brings along another test to raise the bar a little bit higher.

Now, believe me, I know� sometimes it feels like all of life is a series of tests. Today, you may even be wondering how much more character-building you can stand! But trust God�s heart on this. He tests you because He loves you. He tests you because He wants to stretch your faith and to build you up�not because He wants to beat you down or wear you out.

Think about the process of weight-lifting. It�s a physiological reality that you have to tear your muscles down in order to build them back up to make them stronger. That�s why you�re always sore after a work-out. And it�s the same process in the Christian life!

If you�re going through a test today, remember what today�s verse says. There are very few things as discouraging in the Christian life as thinking that God is out to get you� that He somehow isn�t on your side. Which is exactly what the devil wants you to think when you�re going through a test or trial!

Today, I want to encourage you to recognize the lie of Satan that says that God is letting you be tested because He doesn�t care about you. Then believe the promise that God will use your trials to produce something good in you� if He hasn�t done so already.

And finally, claim a verse like James 1:12, which says, �Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.�

---GOD'S TESTS WILL BUILD YOU UP.<http://youtu.be/7PIVaadNe2w>
--PP/JG

--THE REAL ENEMY ~~
---Read | 2 Timothy 2:3

--There is a spiritual war being waged throughout the entire world. We as believers must recognize that our enemy is very real, but through Christ, we have the power to fight effectively.

--The Scriptures reveal that Satan and a whole empire of evil spirits oppose God and His kingdom. However, the enemies are fallen angels; while we shouldn't underestimate their abilities, we must not be deceived into thinking of their power as greater than it actually is. Fallen angels are no match for God. When the Lord rebuked demonic forces that were causing torment, they were forced to obey. Jesus gave His disciples authority over these spirits (Luke 10:17-20), and He gives the same to His followers today. First John 4:4 says that through the Holy Spirit, we have already overcome the enemy, because �greater is He who is in [the believer] than he who is in the world.� But if we fail to take up our position in Christ, we will feel overwhelmed and defeated.

Though Satan cannot have our souls, he will try to disable us. When we give in to temptation, he may say, �You�re a weak, unworthy sinner who will never be able to really serve God.� If we believe such accusations, we run the double risk of ceasing to listen to the voice of Truth and forgetting our real identity in Christ.

Instead, we can resist the devil (James 4:7) and say to him, �I reject that! It came from you, and I rebuke you in Jesus� name. What�s more, I take that thought captive to Christ� (2 Corinthians 10:5). We have this authority!
--IN TOUCH~~

--THE REAL WAR
--Read | 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

--The enemy�s primary strategy against the believer is deception. We learn from 2 Corinthians 11:14 that Satan often �disguises himself as an angel of light.� In fact, Jesus called him �the father of lies� (John 8:44). Thus, our best weapon is the truth, which sets us free from deception�s bondage (v. 32).

It is hard to avoid deception when you are not aware of the adversary�s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). One of his oldest deceptions, which goes back to Adam and Eve, is the temptation to doubt what the Lord has said. To do so means to doubt God�s heart and character, which is similar to a soldier on the front line setting down his weapon as the enemy approaches�mistrusting God sets you up to be knocked down repeatedly by the evil one. If you listen to this voice of doubt, you give Satan a foothold. That will weaken you so that he can gear up to bring about further destruction.

Another scheme of the devil is to distract the believer. A distraction is anything that drags you away from what is most important at the moment and makes you so busy that you lose focus. Satan doesn�t use just blatantly sinful or superficial things to divert us from abiding in Christ�he will even use good things to subtly build up a wall of �noise� around you so that you gradually stop listening to God�s voice.

-Ask the Lord to reveal any area in your life where you may be susceptible to deception. He will give you power to claim the truth and walk in freedom.
--IN TOUCH~~

--Ready to Face Trials and Temptations~~

�There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.� -
---(1 Corinthians 10:13) ~

--Winston Churchill was speaking to the House of Commons one day when he gave this advice, �We must always be ready to meet at our average moment, the thing that any possible enemy could hurl against us at his selected moment.�

Satan could hurl a deadly temptation at you at any given moment. The phone could ring with terrible news about a friend. A police officer could knock on your door to inform you of a tragedy in your family.

Trials can come with such a force that they blow you off course. Temptation can strike at your backside and almost give you whiplash!

It is not God�s will that you have a vacancy of temptation or trials but that you have victory in temptation and trials.

Are you ready at this moment to meet what the devil may throw at you or what God may allow to come your way? Get ready by spending time in His precious word today. ~~
--Adrian Rogers~~

-People, every day when we wake up, get up and go about our day, the devil is trying to 'trip-us-up' to SIN. His greatest joy is 'wearing down the saints,' God's people.
Please read: (Daniel 7:25) = "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.'"

Look around you, look at the News, read the Newspaper, it's all over the internet. Our governing officials have turned against the One true God, Jehovah. Surely you must see this!

---Mortify Your Fleshly Members
�Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.�
----(Colossians 3:5)

--This imperative command is very important for the twice-born. (Born-again= John 3:3,5).
It is nothing less than an active execution of passionate, evil deeds born from the lusts of the flesh. �For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live� (Romans 8:13). The list that follows is unyielding.

**Fornication (porneia) includes all deviant and extramarital sex (Leviticus 18:6-23; Romans 1:26-28).

**Uncleanness (akatharsia) references that which is �dirty; foul, wanton, or lewd� (Ephesians 4:17-19).

**Inordinate affection (pathos) is a word used only of homosexuality (Romans 1:26; 1 Thessalonians 4:5).
**Evil desire (epithumia) describes evil cravings (1 Peter 4:3; Jude 1:17-19).

**Covetousness (pleonexia) is simply greediness that is idolatry (2 Peter 2:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:5).

This evil behavior will surely bring the �wrath of God . . . against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness� (Romans 1:18). That judgment will be carried out on such people because of an impenitent heart that is �treasuring up� the �righteous judgment of God� (Romans 2:5-6).

The most startling fact of this behavior is that those who willfully participate in it know �the judgment of God� and that �they which commit such things are worthy of death.� Not only does this behavior signify a rebellious heart but also an open desire to �have pleasure in them� (Romans 1:32).

�Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience� (Ephesians 5:6).
--ICR/HMM
----------
--HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN~~

--There is always room for personal improvement, but our efforts can take us only so far. In fact, there's just one thing that can transform us into a masterpiece--a relationship with Jesus Christ.

But the Bible tells us that "God is love" (1 John 4:8). In fact, He loves us so much that He sent His son to reconcile us to Himself. On the Cross, Jesus defeated sin and then rose from the grave triumphing over death (Col. 1:19-22).

By choosing to live in a relationship with Jesus Christ, we're no longer slaves to the way of life that ends in spiritual death--eternal separation from God and His lovingkindness. Through Him alone, we can experience freedom and joy. But to be saved, we must confess from our heart that Jesus is Lord, believing that He rose from the dead and is alive today (Romans 10:9-10)

You can have eternal life now by asking Jesus to become your Savior. Pray a prayer like this or use your own words:

'Lord Jesus, I believe You died so that I might be accepted as a child of God. Please forgive me, help me turn from my sins, ans show me how to follow You each and every day. Thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life. Amen'~~
----
You may call 1-800-980-0020 or visit <www.intouch.org> to receive our free resource, "Now that You Believe: Beginning Your New Relationship with Jesus."

--Our Adversary the Devil is Real!

--BIBLE MEDITATION:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the rulers of the darkness of this world.”
--(Ephesians 6:12).

--DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
--There is a ruthless, cruel underworld system that wars against you. The crime bosses are but amateurs compared to this syndicate, ruled by the Master of Deception. He’s called the “destroyer,” “liar,” “accuser,” “tempter,” and “prince.” Satan is indescribably wicked, brilliantly stupid, and hideously beautiful. If he can’t convince you that he does not exist, then he tries to spread the lie that he is only in hell. He is not in hell. Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, but he is not there yet!

Be warned . . . Satan comes against you to obsess, depress, and possess. But, be encouraged . . . Jesus has purchased your victory by His blood!

--ACTION POINT:
Satan is portrayed as a roaring lion in 1 Peter 5:8. Put on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18) and claim the victory that only faith in King Jesus can achieve.
--Adrian Rogers~

-"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith."
--(1 Peter 5:8)

--WHAT KIND OF MAN WAS JUDAS?

--I�ve often wondered: what kind of man was Judas? Who were his friends? I�ve pictured him as estranged from the other apostles. Friendless. Distant. Yet I wonder if that�s true. Perhaps he was just the opposite. Maybe he was robust and jovial. There�s one thing we know for sure: He had no relationship with the Master.

-Judas had seen Jesus, but he did not know him. He had a religion but no relationship. As Satan worked his way around the table in the Upper Room, he needed a man who�d seen Jesus but who did not know him.

We learn this timeless lesson from the betrayer. Satan�s best tools of destruction are not from outside the church; they are from within the church. Judas bore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ.

--Let�s make it our goal to know Jesus�..deeply! A personal relationship is required to KNOW who Jesus is. Jesus said, "I and My Father are One." They are inseparable.
Judas never took time to 'know' Jesus. He betrayed Him, because he never knew Jesus was/is the true Messiah. The Messiah has come! And He's coming back. Let's Thank Him, for all He's Done! "Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!"

-*From/ God is With You Every Day/ML*
/ 'For All You've Done' / Hillsong ~~
--<https://youtu.be/fxH9FbqSRrE>

--PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD~

--As Christians we are fighting spiritual battles every day.
---Be sure to put on the Full-Armor of God.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be
able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers,
against the world forces of this darkness,
against the spiritual forces of wickedness
in the heavenly places.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Stand firm therefore, Having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and
having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;

Take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

-With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

Pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me
in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
--(Ephesians 6:10-20 NASB)

--"Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
--Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love." --(EPH. 6:23-24 NASB)
--GOD IS LOVE. 'Your Love Never Fails' / Jesus Culture
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRtFi2Mw-c8>

--Are you Obeying Jesus or Satan? CHOOSE TODAY!

--You must Choose....Do you want to follow Jesus or Satan?
CHOOSE JESUS AND LIVE FOREVER! Otherwise you will stay separated from Jehovah God eternally! Please, don't forsake the Lord Jesus! Jesus will break every chain! EVERY CHAIN!

--There's an Army Rising Up, to Break Every Chain!
There's Power in the Name of Jesus! JESUS IS LORD! Hell can not stand against the sacrificial Lamb of God.
Call on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS6Aka94rbI>
--------

--The Devil Never Rests

�And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.� (Job 1:7)

This remarkable scene in heaven provides us a striking picture of Satanic activity. The devil, in his opposition to God and His program of salvation, evidently never rests. He is not omnipresent, like God, because he is a finite (though very powerful and brilliant) created being. To accomplish his goal, therefore, he is never at rest, but keeps going from place to place and working deception after deception, bringing everyone he can under his influence.

Therefore, God urgently warns us: �Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour� (1 Peter 5:8).

The same is true of the demonic spirits who have followed the devil in his rebellion against God. They never rest until they can take possession of some person�s body and mind and then control that person�s behavior. �When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out� (Matthew 12:43-44).

This restlessness that characterizes the devil and his demons often also manifests itself in the unsaved, and this will be the ultimate state of those who yield to the pressures of these evil spirits. �They have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name� (Revelation 14:11).

True rest of soul is found only in Christ, with His forgiveness, cleansing, and guidance: �Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls� (Matthew 11:28-29).

--ICR/ HMM

---MINISTERS OF DECEPTION~~

�For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.�
--- (2 Timothy 4:3)--

Did you know Satan has put his ministers all across America? On Sunday, people will come down and sit in a service, and the man in the pulpit will look like a minister, but he will be a minister of Satan.

Isn�t that frightening? You need to understand that Satan is not against religion. He�s always wanted to be 'like' God. His temptation to you is not to be ungodly, but to try to be like God, but in Satan�s way. Satan is the master of deception.

-Matthew 24:24 says, 'if it were possible, he would deceive the very elect.' That�s the reason we have to be discerners of truth.

This Sunday, don�t just sit and soak in the service. Test the message against the Word of God and apply it to your life.
--Adrian Rogers~~
[There are many false teachers and false preachers in the pulpits. If you do not understand the Word of God accurately, you may be deceived. If what is being taught does not line up with the Holy Bible, or even add to it, pray for the Lord to show you His truth. Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ]

--ON ASSIGNMENT IN THE FIELD~~

-"We are therefore Christ�s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us."
--(2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV)--

--We are Christ�s ambassadors, representatives on His behalf. We have been deployed to be advocates for Him, helping people understand His perspective and His purposes. In whatever spheres of influence God has given you&#8213;your family, your workplace, your classroom, your friends, your neighborhood&#8213;you are an ambassador. That means every time you hear someone say, �Why would God . . .?� or �I don�t understand Christians,� God is inviting you to stand up for Him. We often think it would be good if our community and our nation were more Christ-centered, and we pray that God would raise up someone to make an appeal on His behalf. The truth is that He already has. And it is us.

**THINK ABOUT IT
Do you willingly accept your role as Christ�s ambassador? It can be an intimidating assignment, but the Holy Spirit has promised to empower you with everything you need to represent Him well.

**PRAYER**
"Heavenly Father, prepare me to respond to You as if I truly believed You were making Your appeal through my life. Let me be transformed by Your Holy Spirit so that others who watch and see me know that I am a representative for You. Teach me what needs to change in my life in order to be more Christ-centered instead of me-centered. Show me ways I can serve those around me. Thank You for the people You have placed in my life to teach me. In Jesus� name, amen."

-Blessings,
-Pastor Allen Jackson
--Intend Ministries
~~~~~~--/ "Lead Me Lord" / Gary Valenciano
--<https://youtu.be/fAk0uN3LnI4>
-------

----JESUS IS LORD, SAVIOR, REDEEMER, AND SOON COMING KING above all other kings!
("If we confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, He will cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and (we), you will be saved." --(1 John Chapter 1 Verse 9)

When Jesus went to Heaven, He gave the enemy of our souls, Satan, control over this world. BUT Jesus is returning soon to gather us, His people to live with Him forever. He gives each of us the choice, to follow Him, or the devil.
PLEASE COME TO JESUS and LIVE FOREVER. He is our gentle Savior and when you repent, He will forgive you. (See Matthew Chapter 10 verses 32 thru 33). "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.
"But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. --
---'PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOR'~~ / Don Moen ~/<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R33AJ2eHWng>
---------

--THE DEVIL IS REAL/ SATAN IS ALIVE TODAY SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR~~ 'RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU'
---(JAMES Chapter 4 verse 7 / SUBMIT TO GOD!)

----THE SIN OF THE DEVIL~~
�Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.� ---(Exodus 18:11)--

This is the first mention in the Bible of the sin of pride, and it appropriately refers to the primeval sin of the �gods��that is, the supposed deities of the heathen.

Led by Lucifer, a great host of the created angels had rebelled against their Creator, seeking also to be �gods� like Him. Lucifer, later to be called Satan (i.e., �adversary�), thought he could become the highest of all. �O Lucifer . . . thou hast said in thine heart, I will . . . exalt my throne above the stars of God: . . . I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell� (Isaiah 14:12-15).

Satan�s sin�and that of the other self-proclaimed �gods��was that of �being lifted up with pride . . . the condemnation of the devil� (1 Timothy 3:6). But they shall all, with him, eventually �be brought down to hell� and the �everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels� (Matthew 25:41).

This was also the sin of Adam and Eve, for Satan had seduced them with the promise �ye shall be as gods� (Genesis 3:5).

It is also the sin of all humanists and evolutionary pantheists, from Adam�s day to our day, for they seek to do away with God and make �gods� out of �corruptible man.� They have �worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator� (Romans 1:23, 25).

-- But �pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall� (Proverbs 16:18). Our Lord of creation is �above all gods,� even in that �thing wherein they dealt proudly.� The sin of pride was the very first sin and is still the most difficult sin to overcome, but �God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble� (1 Peter 5:5). ---ICR/HMM --"This is Amazing Grace" / By: Phil Wickham~ /<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgsbaBIaoVc>
------

--THE DEVIL IS REAL! / JEHOVAH GOD IS KING!
[Choose for yourselves today who you will serve, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." --(JOSHUA 24:15)~~]

--WATCH OUT!
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world."
---(1 Peter 5:8-9)--

--I grew up in warm southern cities, so when I moved north, it took me a while to learn how to drive safely during the long, snowy months. During my first hard winter, I ended up stranded in a snowdrift three times! But after several years of practice, I began to feel comfortable driving in wintry conditions. In fact, I felt a little too comfortable. I stopped being as vigilant. And that�s when I hit a patch of black ice and skidded into a telephone pole on the side of the road!

Thankfully, no one was hurt, but I learned something important that day. I realized how dangerous it can be to feel comfortable. Instead of being watchful, I had gone on �autopilot.�

We need to practice that same kind of vigilance in our spiritual lives. Peter warns believers not to glide thoughtlessly through life, but to �be alert� (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is actively trying to destroy us, and so we too need to be active, resisting temptation and standing firm in our faith (v. 9). That�s not something we have to do on our own though. God promises to be with us in our sufferings and, ultimately, to make us �strong, firm and steadfast� (v. 10). By His power, we learn to remain watchful and alert in resisting evil and following Him.

"Father God, keep me from growing lazy or too comfortable in my spiritual life. Help me to remain watchful and alert so that I can resist temptation! In Jesus Name, Amen.~"
--ODB/AP
[ --- Friends, today we hear many people say, "Oh, I don't believe in the devil." They are seriously opening a door for him to enter into their lives. Jesus came and died specifically to defeat the devil. Jesus died on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins. When Jesus said, "It is finished", He was saying to the Father, that He had come to conquer death, by dying on the Cross, yet rose from the grave. Jesus is ALIVE right now! He is with us in Spirit and Truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." -(John 14:6)
There is no other way to come to the Father. Because He is holy, righteous, and just, Jesus came to Earth to pave the Way for us to approach the Father, through Him. Please, if you have not yet asked Jesus to come into your life, confess your sins, repent and ask the Lord Jesus to come into your life. Tomorrow may be too late. We sincerely see the signs of the times all around us. "No one knows the day or hour the Son of Man will return." --(Matthew 24:42, 43, 44).

"That if you confess with you mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved:
"For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." --(Romans 10:9-10) ]

--NO MORE RUNNING!

--"In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry."
----(Jonah 2:2)--


----On July 18, 1983, a US Air Force captain disappeared from Albuquerque, New Mexico, without a trace. Thirty-five years later, authorities found him in California. The New York Times reports that, �depressed about his job,� he�d simply run away.

Thirty-five years on the run! Half a lifetime spent looking over his shoulder! I have to imagine that anxiety and paranoia were this man�s constant companions.

But I have to admit, I also know a bit about being �on the run.� No, I�ve never abruptly fled something in my life . . . physically. But at times I know there�s something God wants me to do, something I need to face or confess. I don�t want to do it. And so, in my own way, I run too.

The prophet Jonah is infamous for literally running from God�s assignment to preach to the city of Nineveh (see Jonah 1:1-3). But, of course, he couldn�t outrun God. You�ve probably heard what happened (vv. 4,17): A storm. A fish. A swallowing. And, in the belly of the beast, a reckoning, in which Jonah faced what he�d done and cried to God for help (2:2).

Jonah wasn�t a perfect prophet. But I take comfort in his remarkable story, because, even despite Jonah�s stubbornness, God never let go of him. The Lord still answered the man�s desperate prayer, graciously restoring His reluctant servant (v. 2)�just as He does with us.

--By:ODB/AH
[Friend, sometimes we think something we have done against the Lord's Word is alright. We may think, "Everybody else is doing it." No, Our Lord Jesus is omnipotent =(all powerful) ; Omniscient= (knowing all things); Omnipresent=(In all places at the same time.) Immutable = (Unchangeable); Veracity=(complete honesty and truth.) Because He is Holy and Just, He can not stand in the presence of SIN. Please, if you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord, and Savior, do so now. He could come at any moment. "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For whoever will call on the Name of the Lord Jesus will be saved." --(Romans 10 verses 9,10,13) You may say a prayer something like this, or in your own words. "Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I need you to help me. Please come into my life and help me to live for You. I will not be ashamed of You and Your Word. Thank You, Lord Jesus. I accept Your free gift of eternal life now." Amen~ (I would suggest reading the book of JOHN in the Bible, asking the Lord to open your eyes to understand His Word. He never turns away a sincere seeking.) ].

----WHERE DO UNBELIEVERS GO WHEN THEY DIE?
--PTV/RJ~

---"In Hades [the rich man] lifted up his eyes, being in torment."
----(�Luke 16:23) -- / Please Note**/ This is not a parable. IT IS A TRUE STORY!

~~~~What happens to unbelievers when they die? Just as believers have a current destination (the third Heaven) and a future destination (the New Heaven and Earth), so there is a temporary and eternal destination for the unsaved. The unsaved immediately go to a place called Hades. **Luke 16:23-24 says, �In Hades [the rich man] lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, �Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.�� Hades is the temporary waiting place of the unsaved dead. It is a place of torment that begins the moment an unbeliever dies. That is where the unbelievers go right now, but that is not their final destination.

Their final destination is the Lake of Fire. In Revelation 20:12-15, John said, �I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone�s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.� The Lake of Fire is a place of forever suffering.

When an unbeliever dies, he goes immediately to this terrible place called Hades. The common experience in both the temporary location, Hades, and the ultimate place for the unsaved, the Lake of Fire, is physical pain. Notice in Luke 16:24, the rich man says he is in agony because of the flames. Right now, those who die without Christ are in Hades awaiting their final judgment, the Great White Throne Judgment. And at that judgment Hades will be emptied and all the unsaved who have ever lived will stand before God. And because their names are not written in the Lamb�s Book of Life, they will be judged by their deeds. That is a choice they made in this life. On that day, every unbeliever will see that his works do not meet the standard of perfect righteousness that God requires and understand why he has been sentenced to the Lake of Fire.

**Here is the basic truth everyone needs to understand: when we die we immediately begin experiencing God�s blessing or God�s judgment. While it is true that at some future day believers will change location from the third Heaven to the New Heaven, and unbelievers will also change location from Hades into the Lake of Fire, a change of location is not the same as a change of eternal destiny. Heaven and Hell are eternal choices. If you wait until you die to choose your destination, you will have waited one second too long. Hell and Heaven are forever choices.
~~~~~~~~~~
--SURRENDER TO THE CHRIST REVEALED IN THE WORD OF GOD ~~

--We are in grave danger today because we have ignored the Word of Almighty God, and we see the consequences everywhere. But if you will turn to Jesus Christ and live under the authority of Scripture, you can help change the world. God calls you to turn away from sin and to receive Jesus Christ by faith as your Lord and Savior. You can do that right now, wherever you are. You'll begin a relationship with God, and He promises that you will be forgiven and become a brand-new person. ~~

--START BY SIMPLY TALKING TO GOD.
You can pray a prayer like this (or in your own words):
"Lord God, I am a sinner. I'm sorry for my sin. I want to turn from my sin. Please forgive me. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son;
I believe He died on the Cross for my sin and You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord
from this day forward, forevermore. Lord, I put my trust in You and surrender my life to You. Please come into my life and fill me
with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name. Amen.~"

**DO IT RIGHT NOW:
Then contact us, and we will send information to help you with your walk with Christ.

**VISIT US ONLINE:
Tell us about your decision or ask more questions at PeaceWithGod.net ~ For Spanish, visit PazConDios.net
Sign up for a free weekly email devotional at billygraham.org/subscriptions. Find a personal discipleship coach at
KnowJesus.net ~
**WRITE TO US~
Christian Guidance Department
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
1 Billy Graham Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28201-0001 USA

**EMAIL US:
help@bgea.org (in Canada, info@bgea.ca)

**CALL US:
Toll-free, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. , Eastern Time, at 1-877-247-2426

--THE DOORWAY TO YOUR HEART ~~

--"If people's thinking is controlled by the sinful self,
there is death. But if their thinking is controlled by
the Spirit, there is life and peace."
--(Romans 8:6)--

~~~YOUR HEART is a fertile greenhouse ready to produce good fruit. Your mind is the doorway to your heart--the strategic place where you determine which seeds are sown and which seeds are discarded. The Holy Spirit is ready to help you manage and filter the thoughts that try to enter. He can help you guard your heart.

He stands with you on the threshold. A thought approaches, a questionable thought. Do you throw open the door and let it enter? Of course not. You "fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). You don't leave the door unguarded. You stand equipped with handcuffs and leg irons, ready to capture any thought not fit to enter. We use the Word of God to cast down every thought from the devil. Say it out loud, "It is written....." "It is written thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." "It is written, "God's love cast out fear because fear has torment."
Tell Jesus, "You are my One desire. Help me Lord to walk on the strait and narrow path with You, my Lord, Savior, and King above all kings. Call on Jesus, He will help you. ~~

Grace For the Moment/ML~~ //--"One Desire" // Eileen Walker (with Tommy Walker Ministries) ~~<https://youtu.be/ae18UIt1tjU>
~~~~~~~~~

----We Are On This Earth to Give Almighty God All Glory~~

---"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You"--[PSALM 63:1]

~~~Today the Holy Spirit convicts us to earnestly seek after God. As we cling to Him, in power and love God holds us up with His strong right hand. By the leading of the Spirit, may we draw close to the Maker of all good things.

While it can be good to earnestly seek something of earthly value, there's a more important kind of seeking that we must consider.

In desperation, struggling in a desert, King David wrote, "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you" [Psalm 63:1 /text]. As David cried out to Him, God drew close to the weary King, David's deep spiritual thirst for God could only be satisfied in His presence. ~~

[**Let's remember to pray for each other during these difficult times. Please hold up our leaders, President Donald Trump, Vice-President Mike Pence and other governing officials in your prayers. Thank You. May God Bless America. And all other Nations, for His glory. \o/ ]

Enjoy the songs by Tommy Walker and his group, as we give glory to Jehovah YHWH, Yahweh, our Covenant-keeping God. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
---[Live From Home/ Tommy Walker Ministries// 'Various Songs'] <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQ0zavybpI&t=439s>
~~~~~~~~~

--ARE YOU OBEYING GOD OR SATAN?
-[Please Read/ Romans 1:16-32]

--The Ugliness of Ungodliness ~~

---"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."
---(Romans 1:18)

--"...friendship with the world is hostility (enmity) toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
---(JAMES 4:4)--

---The ugliness of ungodliness stands in stark contrast to the "beauty of holiness." This latter expression appears four times in the Old Testament. Picture a person who has experienced God's promises to "beautify the meek with salvation" (Psalm 149:4). Also picture those who with "beautiful feet" bring "good tidings" and publish peace and salvation (Isaiah 52:7). But many folks today reject the beauty of holiness and instead choose the ugliness of ungodliness!

Before the ugliness of ungodliness distorted God's "very good" creation, Satan our enemy was "perfect in beauty" (Ezekiel 28:12). His heart was lifted up because of his beauty, and God judged him by casting him out of Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15). Being now on the earth, Satan introduced ungodliness to humanity. Adam and Even fell for his suggestions, and the carnal nature with its iron grip took possession of the human race. Now all people are naturally selfish and in need of salvation.

But thanks be to God, He calls mankind back to Himself. He has revealed Himself through His Word, His people, and His Creation, "so that they are without excuse". Yet alas, how few respond! And verses 21-32 of today's Bible reading have become all too true. Vast numbers of people are steeped in ungodliness, which is ugly indeed! Their end will also be ugly unless they repent, for "they which commit such things are worthy of death". But, let us be completely different by the grace of God. Let us show the world by our words, our actions, and our appearance what the beauty of holiness looks like. ~~

-"Lord Jesus, we all are sinners in need of Your grace. Please forgive us when we fall. Help us Lord, to keep our eyes on You and your Word, in Christ's Name.~amen"

--BSW/DM~

--PRIDE IS SPIRITUAL CANCER~~

--"In the pride of your heart you say, I am a god."
--[Ezekiel 28:2] --

----WE'RE NOT GOD~~

--In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis recommended asking ourselves some questions to find out if we're proud: "How much do I dislike it when other people snub me, or refuse to take any notice of me,...or patronize me, or show off?" Lewis saw pride as a vice of the "utmost evil" and the chief cause of misery in homes and nations. He called it a "spiritual cancer" that eats up the very possibility of love, contentment, and even common sense.

Pride has been a problem throughout the ages. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God warned the leader of the powerful coastal city of Tyre against his pride. He said the king's pride would result in his downfall: "Because you think you are....as wise as a god, I am going to bring foreigners against you" (Ezekiel 28:6-7). Then he would know he wasn't a god, but a mortal. (v.9).

In contrast to pride is humility, which Lewis named as a virtue we receive through knowing God. Lewis said that as we get in touch with Him, we become "delightedly humble," feeling relieved to be rid of the silly nonsense about our own dignity that previously made us restless and unhappy.

The more we worship God, the more we'll know Him and the more we can humble ourselves before Him. May we be those who love and serve with joy and humility. ~

--"Almighty God, help me to revel in my identity as one You created, knowing You are great and mighty and yet You love me. I praise You and bless you for Who you are, the great 'I AM'. ~

--ODB/ABP~

---CLEAN YOUR MIND ~~

--"But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds."
---[Colossians 3:8-9]

-Once the intense drives of the fleshly appetites have been "executed," we who have been created after God "in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24) must cleanse the passions of the intellect as well.

The action required is that we must "put away from" or "throw away" these ideas that are begun in the mind. These notions are sinful and harmful to everyone.

**Anger / is an agitation of the soul that generates an impulse, a desire, that produces a violent emotion.

**Wrath / as the word suggests, is intellectual heat, a boiling up that produces a fierce indignation.

**Malice / is the ill will that creates a desire to injure, even eliminating shame at breaking laws.

**Blasphemy // one of the few words directly transliterated from the Greek, means any slander or speech that is injurious to another's good name.

**Filthy communication // is any kind of foul speaking or low and obscene speech.

**Lying // is any deliberately false information .

---We are to put off the old man, that nature and behavior that was bound up in the flesh (Ephesians 4:22), and put on the new man "who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him" (Colossians 3:10).
Our salvation brings with it both a new heart and a new mind. With one, we are able to "put to death" the deeds of the flesh. With the other, we are to put on "the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" (Romans 13:14).
--ICR/HMM

[Yes, if we repent and turn around and follow Jesus' steps, He will help us stay on the strait and narrow path to eternal life. This is a daily choice as the enemy of our soul is out to steal and to kill and to destroy. ~~ [1 John 1:9]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

---TIMELY RESOLUTION ~~

--"Settle matters quickly with your adversary." --
--[Matthew 5:25]

---THE UNRESOLVED hurt between Simon and Geoffrey had persisted for years, and Simon attempts to reenter the relationship had been resisted. Upon hearing the news of the death of Geoffrey's mother, Simon traveled "up country" in Kenya to attend her funeral service. . Simon reflected on their encounter: "I had no expectations at all in terms of how the whole thing would turn out, [but] after the service, we opened up and had a fruitful talk. We hugged, shared, the moment, prayed together and planned to meet again." If only Simon and Geoffrey had been about to reconcile earlier, so much ongoing pain could have been avoided.

The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:21-26 help to put unresolved relational tensions in perspective. The anger that can lead to such rifts is a serious matter (v.22). Furthermore, getting things in order relationally is a fitting prelude to worshipping God (vv. 23-24). The wise words of Jesus to "settle matters quickly with your adversary (v. 25) remind us that the sooner we do what we can to work toward reconciliation the better for all.

Relationships are risky; they demand work--in our families, in the work place, in educational settings, and among people who share our faith in Christ. But as those who represent Him, the :Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), may we find ourselves going out of our way to extend our hearts and hands to those with whom we have unresolved conflict.

--"Father, You know where the relational fissures are in my life. Forgive me for my slowness to attempt resolution. Give me the strength to take the next steps."

--ODB/AJ~