Caught Off-Guard?

Have you ever been blind-sided, hit by something you didn’t expect? Falsely accused? Past suddenly brought up? Somebody says something about you that is cutting or harsh or simply unnecessary? You know what I’m talking about. Most of us have been in just such a situation a time or two. Seems when you least expect it, it hits you the hardest and fastest!

It happens much the same way in the spiritual realm. Satan and his demonic forces are constantly looking for an opportunity to catch you off-guard—to blind-side your faith—to shake you up and to create a sense of spiritual fright within you.

Notice what the Scripture says: “One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them” (Job 1:6 NLT). The Accuser, Satan, presents himself before God attempting to wreak havoc upon the life of anyone he possibly can—seeking out someone to blind-side—to catch off-guard.

With this in mind, we must always be on-guard—always prepared for whatever he may throw our way. Paul entreats us to: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Peter warns us to: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Even James addresses the issue by encouraging each of us to: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

These warnings are a loud alarm for God’s people to be constantly aware of the ongoing tactics and activity of the evil one attempting to disrupt and destroy anyone and anything he can. Paul takes and additional step forward encouraging all believers to: “put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil” (Ephesians 6:13).

Notice there is no “if” the enemy strikes; it is “when” the enemy strikes. War and conflict with the evil one is inevitable for the true follower of Jesus Christ.

Paul encourages our constant preparedness by using phrases like: “Be strong in the Lord…stand your ground…be fully prepared…stay alert and be persistent” (vv. 10-18). In addition, he sounds a stark reminder that: “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (v. 12).

We have no excuse for being caught off-guard by the devil and his evil ways. God has given ample warnings, declarations of preparedness as well as made provision for the equipment necessary to combat the enemy and to carry us through to victory.

Notice an important aspect revealed in Hebrews 11:7 about being obedient to God. The Scripture tells us: “It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before.”

Noah encountered something that had never happened before. God warned him and in obedience, he responded and by so doing, his entire family was saved from the wrath that doomed the rest of humanity.

The warning cry detailing the acts and nature of the evil one has been sounded. We have no reason to fear or dread what he may attempt to inflict upon us. Rather, we simply place our trust in the Lord and obey His instructions to prevent our lives from being blind-sided by him.

Scripture Reading: A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I thank You that You are always here for me. I thank You that You have given me warnings to be aware and to be prepared. I pray my spiritual eyes will always be in tune with my surroundings, prepared to encounter and defeat the enemy wherever he may decide to strike. Thank You, Lord, for Your love and goodness, Your mercy and grace. Thank You for the armor that You have provided and clarity of direction to fend off the evil one. I thank You for the victory that is mine through my Lord Jesus Christ. I love and praise You in all things…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Is My Attitude As It Should Be?

I have heard people say they were treated better by the people in the bar in their past than they are treated by many Christians in the church today! Maybe you feel that same way? Maybe “church-people” have created discouragement, grief, pain and hurt in your life?

Maybe what began as a great adventure with the Lord suddenly went sour as these individuals began to preach their judgment and condemnation into your life? Maybe you have dropped completely out of church because of “church-people”? Sadly, if that is you, you are a part of a large group of individuals who have experienced similar treatment.

As a pastor, I feel your pain because through the years I have experienced very similar treatment myself. What causes this? What can we do to alleviate it? How can we turn this stigma around? It begins with each of us asking ourselves a simple question: Is my attitude as it should be?

Am I the person Christ has called me to be? Am I displaying Christ and His love and mercy to those around me? Do I have a forgiving spirit just as Christ has for me or do I justify my unforgiving spirit or my lack of restoring others by blaming others for hurting me too badly?

Paul challenged the church to understand it has a responsibility to restore people back to Christ and back into the fellowship when he said: “God has given us this task of reconciling people to him” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NLT).

He continued by further challenging our consideration of this by pointing out how each of us has been reconciled back to God through God’s own actions regardless of our depth of our sin, when he wrote: “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them” (v. 19).

It bothers me to hear Christians claim they just can’t forgive this person or that person because they hurt me or my family too badly. What if Jesus were to confront these and say, “Your continual sinning prevents me from being able to forgive you any longer?” He certainly has more right to do so than we do to continue in unforgiveness and in a spirit of rejection of others because they have hurt us.

Paul challenged the Philippian church with some thought-provoking questions: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?” (Philippians 2:1).

The idea is to provoke a positive response from his hearers after a time of reflection and from that he continues: “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose” (v. 2).

He encourages us to recognize that out of a tender and compassionate heart will flow agreement among the brothers, love for one another, and singleness in work, mind and purpose. He then challenges the church to adhere to these principles of living: “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (vv. 3-4).

Finally, he tells you exactly how your attitude must be as a follower of Christ: “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (v. 5). What was the displayed attitude of Christ? What kind of example did He leave for us?

“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (vv.6-8).

That’s pretty tough! Does God really expect such a servant’s heart out of me? Does God really expect that I would deny myself and my own selfish ambitions and desires and seek the good of others? I am in a leadership role; I am a paid staff member; I carry a great deal of prestige in the community…is that still for me?

I suppose it depends upon the pedestal you have placed yourself upon. Is it above or below that of Christ? Is your heart, mind, soul and attitude reflective of Christ or of your own desires?

Only you can answer the opening question about your attitude and whether it is as it should be or not. But remember, one day you will answer to the Lord Jesus Christ for your decision and actions that follow!

The church has a responsibility to bring positive change to our society by filling it with the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. If we harbor ill-will or unforgiving spirits or prevent people from finding a relationship with Jesus and with the local fellowship, we are failures in our mission. Certainly something to stop and think about!

The Rise and Fall of the Power-Seeker

Throughout history, man has fought his way to greatness—be it by enslavement of others, conquering others, lording over others, demanding the respect of others—simply climbing up on their self-made pedestal or stage or slinking behind a pulpit and from there inciting others to bow down their hearts offering honor and high praise for their magnificent position of power and prestige.

Power-seekers and dominating figures have dotted history since the earliest of times. Sadly, the same mindset infiltrated the very early church, even before its birth, and progressively worsened at times, even going so far as destroying lives and entire civilizations of people who refused to convert to their falsified doctrines and beliefs.

The same power-mindset resides in many “Christian” circles today, and I use that term loosely as I am not certain many of these truly carry identifying characteristics of Christlikeness. Their distortion of God’s Word, whether it be through adding to it by modern “words of prophecy” or deletions made because one simply doesn’t agree with certain passages or Biblical doctrines, has become much too prevalent and widespread. 

Lying and deceiving God’s people by errant words and thoughts, by the promotion of the idea that “all you need is love” while leaving out the truth of the cross, the sinfulness of all humanity and the mercy and grace of God that makes salvation possible; these are all deceptive means that have filtered in and taken the hearts and minds of God’s people captive and continue leading them astray.

A growing trend encircles the idea that the anointing of God trumps having an in-depth knowledge and understanding of God’s Word gained through being a true student of the Word. The anointing of God falls upon the man or woman of God who has filled their heart and life with the Words of God; the anointing of the Spirit of God is the empowerment behind those embedded words that brings them to life through the Spirit-filled preaching and delivery of God’s Word by the Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered person of the Word.

I find many have traded in or given second-place to God’s Word, choosing rather to preach out of the book of another. It is the truth of the Word of God that brings change to the sin-sick heart of humanity. No other will ever do and no other book should ever be allowed to trump the truth of the Words of God.

Power-seekers have become wealthy off of their lies and deceit while leading those seeking to know God down a path of defeat. What has become of the once humble settings where the fire of the Word was ruled? What has changed?

Why have we allowed our centers of worship to become centers of entertainment and show? People can get that anywhere…but what they can’t get just anywhere is the life-changing Words of truth that people so desperately need in today’s chaotic world! It is the responsibility and obligation of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ to proclaim and pronounce that truth.

Jesus walked along with His disciples one day intimately sharing the horrendous acts that were about to be perpetrated against Him leading up to and including His crucifixion. Two of His close disciples, who remind me a great deal of many of the power-seekers in churches today, replied to Him, Oh yeah, hey Jesus by the way, after all that’s over, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left” (Mark 10:37 NLT).

Totally oblivious to what Jesus had been teaching them, to what He was truly all about, to what following Him was all about—all that concerned them was a place of prominence! Hey look at me! Hey listen to me!

Jesus shockingly to them replied: “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” (v. 38). To which they quickly, without thinking, responded, Oh yeah, we got it! We can handle it! We got this!

When power-seeking goes to the head, power-seekers are born who have no clue what they’re doing or what their true destiny has for them. They see bright lights and people falling down in worship before them, guilty of turning people from the worship of God to their own pedestal of worship. To these, the eventual fall will come hard.

Power-seekers come in many forms and fashion in today’s church. You may find them in the pulpit, on the deacon or elder board, teaching classes or simply sitting in the pew. Anyone who would place themselves or be placed into a position of authority can easily succumb to the struggle for power. Churches have been torn to pieces by these people and they don’t care as long as they can continue to exert their authority.

In the world, greatness is measured by power. In God’s kingdom, greatness is measured by humility. Consider what Jesus said: “But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant” (Luke 22:26).

The church needs servant-leaders today—those who will lead with the humbleness of a slave and the heart of Christ. May God grant you the ability to recognize your worth in His kingdom as you seek to serve Him and those He has sent you to lead.

Scripture Reading: “The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4 NLT)

Prayer: Father in heaven, forgive me if I have stood in the way of Your kingdom moving forward in power and grace. Forgive me if I have allowed power and the seeking after power to hinder me from being the servant You have called me to be. I pray that my heart and my life reflect Jesus and my servanthood to Him. I pray that my motives be pure and godly. I pray that I will do nothing out of ambition for what I can get but always seeking to enrich the kingdom of God. Lord, I love You and praise You in all things. I ask You to lead me to where You would have me to always be. I give myself completely over to You…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

It All Looks So Good…It Can’t Really Be That Bad?

How often do you find yourself struggling with choices and decisions that your conscience is yelling out against but your own inner man intensely desires to have it? A battle ensues between a conscience that has been touched by the Word of God and an inner man that continues to struggle defiantly against the good that conscience attempts to direct it to follow.

The inner man whispers to the mind: “It all looks so good…it can’t really be that bad!” While the heart is forcefully objecting: “Stay Away!” What do you do? Who do you listen to? How do you overcome this struggle that seems to goes on and on inside?

You know what I’m talking about! You’ve been there before and maybe you are struggling right now with something in your life that your heart is telling you to run away from? You have tried and tried to overcome. Yet, the battle only gets bigger when you fight against it so you finally throw up your hands and give in. Then, you find yourself struggling with the feelings of loss, feelings of regret, feelings of defeat.

An encouraging lesson can be learned from Jesus. Hebrews 4:15 tells us: “This High Priest [Jesus] of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (NLT). Matthew 4 tells us: “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil” (v. 1).

After going without food for forty days, Satan came and began to torment him with promises that looked so good in His frail condition. He offered Him the world! From a human perspective, it all looked SOOO good there’s no way it could really be bad…or could it?

What was the real motive of Satan? What were his intentions in and through these times of testing? Simply put, to bring failure…but even worse, to bring utter defeat. Your strength from the testings of Jesus comes from recognizing the responses of Jesus.

Certainly, Jesus was filled with wisdom and could’ve attempted to talk His way out. He could’ve attempted human reason. He could’ve even used His own power as the Son of God. But He didn’t! Every response came directly from the Word of God.

Jesus understood the power of the Word of God to defeat the influences of evil and deceit. He relied fully upon God’s Words to defeat the enemy and His temptations. The story ends in defeat for Satan as the Scripture records: “Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus” (v. 11). Luke 1:37 assures us: “the word of God will never fail.”

Your struggles are overcome by trusting and adhering to the promises of God found in His Word. Hebrews 2:18 tells us: “Since he himself [Jesus] has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Jesus stands ready to help us in our times of struggles, out times of trials and testings. He has been there and understands the heavy influence these can have upon our lives.

James instructs us to: “humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Peter writes a word of warning: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

James instructs us to humbly approach God as the ultimate Source of our deliverance from the evil one. Then, we are able to stand against and resist him and he will run away and leave us alone.

Peter warns us to be constantly aware of Satan’s intent to destroy us in any way he can gain access. He re-enforces the words of James by telling us to stand firm against the enemy as we stand strong trusting in God and His abilities.

While the things you are struggling with may not appear to be so bad, be so careful because appearances can be so deceptive. Paul admonishes you to: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT).

Scripture Reading: “O LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” (Psalm 25:1-5 NLT)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I thank You for always being my hope and my help. I thank You that You care for me enough to direct me away from that which may appear humanly good but is deceptively bad and wrong for me. I pray You will forgive me where I have failed You and help me to follow Your Word, Your direction and Your leading. Help me to stand strong in the faith and to learn to stand against and to resist Satan and his attacks against me. I love You and praise You in all things. In Jesus’ name I pray these things…AMEN!