Along with joy and happiness, this life can hold many trials and unhappiness. It’s up to each individual to decide what to focus on. We need to remember that all blessings come from God, but all evil comes from wicked Satanic forces. God created a world of beauty and peace filled with blessings and hope. Genesis chapter 1 isn’t an allegory or a myth. It is truth. God created everything in 6 literal days. The ultimate creation was Adam. Evolution didn’t make you the unique and special person you are.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27).

When God saw that Adam needed a companion, He took Eve from Adam and told them to be fruitful and multiply. In this passage of Scripture, we can see that gender is not a choice and that since God created male and female, marriage is only valid between a man and a woman.

We don’t know how long Adam and Eve had been living in the Garden of Eden when Eve was distracted from God’s truth and chatted with Satan. Big mistake! That evil being convinced her that God was wicked and only told them not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil because He didn’t want them to be as gods. God had specifically told Adam to eat of every tree in the Garden except for the forbidden fruit.

“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:17).

This command was given to Adam prior to God creating Eve, so Adam should have been clearer when directing Eve in God’s truth. Eve listened to Satan and ate the forbidden fruit. Adam also disregarded God’s commandments and sinned. Did Adam and Eve drop dead immediately? Not in body, but in soul. That’s when sin and death entered creation and mankind was separated from God. There had been enough food on all the trees in the Garden of Eden for Adam and Eve to eat and be satisfied. Still, the wickedness of Satan convinced them that God was a liar and the forbidden fruit was good to eat.

You might think that event didn’t set a precedent, but it did. For some reason, Satan’s lies look more appealing than God’s truth, even though history should show us that sin never brings happiness, joy, or peace. Look around at the ways of the world. God created a man and a woman, and their marriage was forever. What do we see in the world today? Men and women living together without the blessing of a God-ordained marriage. Unwanted children come from such unions, and there is no real love and trust in such a relationship. Men living with men, and woman living with women as if they are married in God’s eyes. AIDS is a result of such relationships.

There is sickness and evil all around, and life can get overwhelming. Are you discouraged by the way your life is going? Are you facing trials and worries? Maybe your children are rebellious and living lives opposed to God. That is heartbreaking and worrisome. Do you blame God because of the sinful way your children live? Look at your own life. Have you been an example of Godly ways for your children to admire?

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Too many parents have the attitude of “do as I say, not as I do.” If you tell your children to stay away from drugs and alcohol but live the example of drunkenness, don’t blame God if your children follow your example. Are you in a God-ordained one man/one woman marriage, or are you giving your children the example of “living together”? If you aren’t following God’s truth, you can’t blame Him for the results of your choices. God gave us the freedom to choose to follow His ways, or go the way of Satan’s lies. If we choose to follow Satan’s lies, then we cannot blame God for the results of our sin.

God has given us Scripture to guide us in His ways, but if we listen to Satan’s voice and follow worldly ways, we have to accept the results of our sin.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

A wage is something you work for, but a gift is something that is freely given. We have fragile bodies that were created to work a certain way. Then Satan whispers to you, drink that alcohol because you will have more friends and be the life of the party. Do you listen to Satan or to God?

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:13).

So, you harken to Satan’s lies and drink until you are seeing double and decide to drive home. An accident happens, and people are killed. Do you blame God for the results of the accident, or do you see that it was your choice to drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs? Maybe you hadn’t been drinking, and the accident just happened, or there was some negligence on your part. It can be discouraging to face life knowing that maybe you should have been more cautious and alert. My brother was killed in an automobile accident. It was truly an accident. It was very rainy, and an animal ran across the highway. The young driver skidded off the road, and three young boys died that night. The driver survived, but the horror of that night still haunts him after more than 60 years.

The point is, we cannot blame God for troubles. Wickedness is from Satan. Death entered creation when Adam disregarded God’s command and ate the forbidden fruit. To this day, many people choose to disregard His Commandments and live a life of sin. There are many things in life that we can’t control that cause pain and suffering. Remember, we live in a fallen world, and all evil is from Satan. It’s heartbreaking to see a baby born with birth defects, and it’s easy to blame God. On the other hand, we must question whether or not the mother took drugs – prescription or illegal. I know of a baby who was born premature and addicted to cocaine because the mother was addicted to cocaine. Do we blame God, or do we blame Satan? I blame Satan.

Our only hope is in Jesus. No matter what troubles you face, or choices you’ve made, if you’ve placed your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, you can be assured He will never leave you nor forsake you.

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Moses had led the Israelites through 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. That must have been very discouraging, but the wandering was caused because of their lack of faith and trust in God, and a choice was made to disobey Him. Now the time had come for them to enter into the promised land, and Moses was near to death. He spoke to the Israelites and encouraged them to trust God and to follow Him. Heed those words in your own life. Turn from sin that causes a separation between you and God.

If you have accepted Christ for your salvation but only see evil and discouragement in your life, it might be helpful to look at the choices you’ve made. Have you always followed God’s path, or have you deviated to follow the way of the world? The Holy Spirit will never lead you to do anything that is opposed to Scripture. Follow His guidance. “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Is what you are going through the wages of sin that you’ve earned? Remember that, as the Scripture says, we earn the wages of sin, but if you have given your life to Christ, your sins are all forgiven.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

You may still have to pay the price for living life opposed to God, but He will never leave you. Christians have the blessed hope of eternity with God. Instead of being discouraged over the wages of sin you’ve earned, draw hope and joy from the gift of God.

As we draw nearer to the end of time, we will see wickedness growing stronger as more and more people reject God’s truth. Even Christians are listening to Satan’s evil whisper rather than standing firm on Scripture.

“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (Acts 8:22).

God is always willing to forgive the truly repentant person who humbly goes before Him in prayer.

“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).

Once you’ve recognized the sin in your life, confess it to God and ask Him to forgive you. Then turn away from it. The blood that Jesus shed for you doesn’t give you a license to continue sinning. Remember, no matter how discouraged you may be by life’s circumstances, there is always hope in Jesus. God can, and will, take everything you turn over to Him and make it work for good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Never allow life to defeat you, but keep your eyes and heart upon Jesus.

Discouragement comes from living a worldly life, but hope comes from living for Christ.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com
ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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The Weapons Of Spiritual Warfare

How do angels fight? Have you ever wondered about that? They’re created beings and are immortal so arrows won’t affect them. Some angels rebelled against their Creator and this rebellion is the root cause of the evil in the world today. God doesn’t turn a blind eye to rebellious angels or to rebellious people. Though angels exist in a different dimension than the one we occupy they can cross into ours. Daniel saw an angel who told him that he had just done battle with the prince of Persia and would do battle with the prince of Greece.

These princes are what Paul in the New Testament calls “principalities” and are an evil power that influences nations. When we read of the horrors that happen at the hands of Kim Jong-un you can be sure that he is under the influence of the evil power of the prince of North Korea. Still I wonder, how do angels fight. When Daniel describes the angelic being he saw, no weapon was mentioned. The weapons used must be of a different sort than we’re familiar with. They must be spiritual in nature. The same is true for Christians. Our real battle is spiritual and must be fought with spiritual weapons. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. Guns, tanks, and fighter jets won’t help in this battle.

 The influence of the demonic dimension can be felt and demons are sometimes seen in the physical realm in which we live. We must do everything we can to fight against this evil force and that means to arm yourself spiritually. Spiritual warfare needs spiritual weapons. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13. Just as we need weapons to protect and defend ourselves in the physical world, we need weapons to defend and protect ourselves in spiritual warfare. God hasn’t left us defenseless but you must learn to use the weapons available for this fight. An army that isn’t familiar with the weapons of war cannot win. Christian soldiers need to become familiar the each piece of the armor and learn how to use it properly.

 “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” Ephesians 6:14. The first instruction is to stand. In a battle a soldier must be alert but if he kicks back and gets lazy the enemy has the advantage. So, Christian, stand and stay alert. Be sure your loins are girt with truth. A girt, or belt, will hold the weapons in place so be sure your weapons cling to truth. Don’t be confused by propaganda spewed by the enemy. The only truth that’s real is God’s truth and if you dilute that you have no truth. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” John 14:6.

If you put man’s ideas above God’s truth then you’ve compromised your battle gear. Without truth what can you believe? Do you believe one plus one is two? Can someone convince you it’s three? You need to be as certain of God’s truth as you are of basic math. Next you need to guard your heart by putting on the breastplate of righteousness. Not your own righteousness, which is nothing more than filthy rags, but Christ’s righteousness. How do we learn to use this breastplate of righteousness? As with every item listed in this armor of God, truth and righteousness are found in God’s word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16. Study God’s word and mold your life to fit His truth. Don’t pick and choose the parts of Scripture you agree with, but correct your ideas to agree with God’s truth.

 What good is a soldier without proper shoes? When out on the battlefield you must be prepared to march so make sure you’re prepared. “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” Ephesians 6:15. The Gospel of peace. Jesus paid a huge price for that Gospel and we need to share it. Isaiah prophesied of this Gospel “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” Isaiah 52:7.

You won’t be able to share the Gospel of peace if you aren’t prepared. Study. That’s how you prepare. People all over the world have questions about Jesus, but if you aren’t certain of what you believe then how can you answer questions from other people?  “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”  1 Peter 3:15. Whether you preach the Gospel of peace in Zion or in your own neighborhood, be prepared. A soldier’s shoes need to be cared for and comfortable. If you aren’t comfortable with the Gospel of Peace then get comfortable with it by studying. Then spread the Good News.

 Is your faith in place? “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16. Having faith in something means that you know it to be true and trust it. The fiery darts of the wicked are thoughts of doubt that Satan plants in our minds to break our faith. If a loved one is ill and you pray for healing but God’s answer is to take that person Home, do you doubt God’s existence or question His love? You might go to school and are being taught the lie of evolution and you begin to doubt the truth found in God’s word. Satan has just hit you with a fiery dart. Solid faith will shield you from those darts of doubt. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews11:1. The shield of faith will protect you from doubt and protect you in times of testing.

 Salvation is a free gift but it cost Jesus a huge price. He left Heaven to die on the cross to save sinners from eternal death. When we accept Christ’s shed blood as the sacrifice for salvation we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and salvation cannot be lost. Our salvation should never be taken for granted nor should it be doubted. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17.

A helmet covers the head. That’s where the brain is located and where thoughts originate. If you listen to the fiery darts from the wicked one you may begin to doubt your salvation and weaken your position in the battle. Keep that helmet of salvation securely in place and keep your thoughts on Jesus. Take your thoughts captive and gain victory over temptation and don’t yield to sin. When you’re tempted to sin, remember the price Jesus paid for your salvation and choose to follow Him rather than the way of the wicked. Every piece of this armor is for protection and defense.

Only one piece is for active use against the enemy and that’s the sword of the Spirit. Every word of the Bible in the original language is inspired by the Holy Spirit. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

Don’t stray from the truth of Scripture. If you begin to re-interpret God’s word or “modernize” it to fit current sinful attitudes then you’ll have a dull sword that’s unfit for battle. The word of God is God’s truth. Study God’s word and let the Holy Spirit guide all your thoughts, words, and actions. Keep that sword in your hand and be ready to fight.

 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:18-20. In battle it’s important to communicate with the leader. A Christian’s Commander in Chief is Jesus Christ. Prayer keeps us in touch with Him and helps us to follow Him more obediently. Paul also asked prayer for himself. He didn’t ask that his battle scars be healed or that he could live more comfortably, but asked them to pray that he be more bold in his witness for Christ. “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:3-4. If you have your armor in place and in good working condition then you can march boldly through doors which Christ has opened, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. Pray for open doors and boldness.

 Think about the young David who found King Saul and his army hiding in the rocks and hills rather than fighting the giant Goliath. Saul’s army had the weapons of war but were afraid to use them. These men who should have been ready to fight were afraid and their weapons were useless. Goliath hurled curses against God Almighty and David couldn’t put up with that. He refused the carnal armor offered to him, but went to face Goliath armed with a slingshot and the armor of God.

David won that battle. We can win our battles too if we put on the armor of God. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

Many people say that Paul was being guarded by Roman soldiers when he described the armor of  God. This may be true, but are we supposed to conform our life to a pagan guard? Jesus is our example. The prophet Isaiah described the coming Messiah. “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal as a cloke.” Isaiah 59:17.

Follow Jesus and conform to His ways. No compromise and no wavering but be determined to follow our Leader. Christian soldiers, be armed for battle. Remember that soldiers are stronger when they troop together and the same is true for Christians. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25. We need each other and joining with fellow Christians will help fight this spiritual battle. Fellowship needs to be more than a Sunday morning gathering.

The armor needs to be kept in good working order…the sword won’t sharpen itself. We’re told to put the armor on, but nowhere are we told to take it off. Keep your spiritual weapons ready for fighting spiritual warfare.

 God bless you all,

 Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

              

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

 

All original scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed.

 

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