The More I Suffer, the Freer I Become: Joy in the Fire! [podcast]
Forged in the Fire!
Liberty and Blessing
through Suffering
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7
You have saving faith – and it’s on trial!!!! That alone is cause for celebration!!
“Adversity is the companion to every Christian on his way to paradise. The more difficult the path, the more joy for him who follows the LORD.” AW Tozer
Have you found more freedom through seasons of testing and trials?
“Your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest wounds.” unknown
Are you always seeking and in “the house of mourning” … or “feasting”?
Kingdom perspective: Ecclesiastes 7:2-5 What’s “better”?
“It is BETTER to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 3 Sorrow is BETTER than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 5 It is BETTER to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:2-5
Should the LORD’s children view suffering a curse or a blessing? Though God doesn’t author evil, He sure uses every trial, attack, and suffering to conform us to Christ’s holy image:
“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. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29
The LORD has predestinated that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” He didn’t say that He causes all these things but He does tell us that He works them all “together for good” to those who love Him – and those who truly love Him obey His command to deny self, take up the daily cross, and “be conformed to the image of his Son.“
“How much more crushing can you take? Until we know and truly understand, beyond head knowledge that we are less than nothing, we will not know that He is more than everything.” M.
Suffering for Christ’s disciples gives way to God’s blessings.
With this biblical truth in mind, that trusting and following Christ through suffering ultimately causes liberty in our lives, consider:
“For he that is dead is freed from sin.” Romans 6:7
“He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin.” 1 Peter 4:1
“The pressure in your life right now has a purpose. It’s not crushing you, it’s pushing what’s on the inside of you out. It shows you who you are.” unknown
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
As we walk the narrow road with our LORD Jesus, suffering for righteousness sake, He will do 4 things in our lives – “perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Have you ever prayed that the LORD would more deeply ground your life in Him? – Suffering will be included in His answer…. and so will PSSS… 1 Peter 5:10
WHAT is needed to be perfected, established, strengthened, and settled in the LORD? Answer: Suffering and continuing to worship, to trust, and serve God in it! (1 Peter 5:10)
The LORD is the Potter and we are His clay (Jeremiah 18:6). The purging, the stripping must occur in each of our lives. Even men like Joseph and Job had to be stripped.
“Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net. 7 Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment. 8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths. 9 He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head. 10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.” Job 19:6-10
In the divine economy, the dead and burial always happen in order to bring about the resurrection (Isaiah 37:31; John 12:23). Such a phenomenon can be observed throughout the Bible, God’s people, and into the future glorious kingdom reign of Christ (Revelation 21, etc.).
In Psalm 105 we see a recounting of the work of God beginning with Abraham and into the life of Joseph and the captivity of His people in Egypt. In verse 37 of this chapter we see the season of resurrection beginning, unfolding
Ps 105:37—- “He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.”
This was the beginning of the season of resurrection for God’s people after their death and buried in the land of Egypt.
Paul’s thorn was a blessing…..
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 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 12:7-10
On Paul’s thorn, FB Meyer writes:
“We do not know what this thorn, or stake, was-whether eye trouble, or imperfect utterance, or some deformity in appearance-but it was the source of much suffering and many temptations. At first Paul prayed for its removal, but as soon as he learned that its continuance was the condition of receiving additional grace, he not only accepted it, but even gloried in its presence.”
The more we suffer, the freer we become! With this in mind, perhaps we will cease shunning and despising the sufferings we endure in this brief life and cry out to our Father in Heaven to use them to conform us to Christ’s image.
Idolatry will Damn the Soul
Are you bowing to the idols of our day? Is the LORD truly first place in your life – your time and treasure (money)? Are the affections of your heart set upon the LORD and Savior today or upon your own needs, desires, and life?
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me … Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: 13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: 14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 20:3; 34:12-14
Dancing in the Fire with the Fourth Man!
Remember in Daniel 3 when the three Hebrew children were thrown into the fire for refusing to bow to any other but the Most High God?
“And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.” Daniel 3:20-27
Notice that this passage reveals that “fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.” (v 23) For those looking on, this was bad news, right? It looked like these three men were done – dead! Remember, those who merely threw these three men into this raging fire died by just getting close to it!
Do you see the Gospel – death, burial, and resurrection – in this ordeal? After these three children of God were thrown in this violent fire to suffer (death), they “fell down” (burial), and then they were “loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt.” (resurrection) – “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither.” (Daniel 3:25-26)
Did you notice that “these men were bound” and “were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace“? The people witnessed the resurrection power of Christ, the fourth man – the Son of God! – “Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?… Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
These 3 men were bound going in and free coming out of that fiery trial! At the cost of their own lives, they trusted the LORD who joined them in the fire and set them free. The only thing the trying fire did was to loose their bands and make them free!
The Three “Yielded their Bodies”
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1
Laying down our lives always causes fruit that glorifies God – the fruit that only the LORD can produce. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego laid down their lives long before they were hurled into the limelight to be killed. They were already dead. – “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3)
“Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.” Daniel 3:28-30
As was the case with king Nebuchadnezzar and the whole kingdom of Babylon (the world), so has it been and is it when God brings victory in the lives of those who truly trust Him. It is a great witness when others – both saved and lost – see God bring you through sufferings with great joy! This is when people begin to say in their hearts, “Wow, I want what they have!” The supernatural work and grace of our God is clearly seen in His people when they are blessed to endure sufferings with great joy – a great smile – as they continue “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” In fact, following Christ, which includes suffering, helps us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and” to “run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The 3 Hebrew children of God were kidnapped and forsaken by their ruthless captors, but there was a fourth man in the midst of that trial, even the Son of God! Though all those around your forsake you, the LORD will stand with you, keep you, and “preserve” you to the end:
“At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:16-18
Our LORD has a plan to settle us, to mature, to establish, to bring His strength into our lives.
Notice that the breakthrough for these 3 Hebrew children of God came AFTER they suffered, not before. – “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, AFTER that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
4 Benefits of Suffering for Christ in 1 Peter 5:10:
- perfect (mature, equip),
- stablish,
- strengthen,
- settle you
I call this the PSSS “secret” – like when someone says to you: “pssss, hey. Come here, I have a secret to share with you.” PSSS = Perfect, Stablish, Strengthen, Settle you!
Joy in the Fire
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4
Suffering is the occasion for the LORD to purify and bring you “forth as gold.”
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
The Gospel key for you to ever remember and employ, is to continue to die down deep – to be dead and buried with Christ – and raised up by His divine power to please Him in abundant fruitfulness as you look for His soon return!
Learn to be grateful and verbalize your thanksgiving to the LORD! Get those hands up today and praise and thank the LORD for blessing you to suffer and for all that you have in Him who is your “exceeding great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) Praise Him today for the great mercy He has shown you! Ask Him to give you joy in the fire!
Remember that your Savior suffered immensely and yet is identified as the One who had more joy and gladness than any other (John 15:11; Hebrews 1:9). The Son of God came and lived sinlessly, suffered at the hands of wicked men, was crucified, buried, and raised again! He’s now reigning at the right hand of His Father in Heaven, making intercession for you to overcome all and to reign victoriously with Him forever!
All suffering and trials and tears will be for ever gone very soon, so enjoy them while you can! (Revelation 21:4; Hebrews 13:14).
The Blessing of Opposition | Persecution
For more on the blessing of suffering with Christ, study the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. | The Great Benefit of Suffering by F.B. Meyer | Bring it on Devil!
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Articles
Gospel Action in Mexico Part 37
UPDATE – DELIVERED FOOD TODAY; – I purchased numerous food items for Clara and her boys today. Traversing difficult terrain to deliver the goods God supplied through your faithful giving left me with a sidewall puncture. A sidewall puncture cannot be patched and replacement was quoted at $274. Settled for a used tire. In this challenge came opportunity.
God used the punctured tire for me to meet a wayward man. Jose has spent time in the USA and has family there. His wife is presently in Colorado; he expressed strain on his family. Jose received God’s Word preached to him and the JESUS tract and said “You know what?, my wife is also a Christian.” Wow. So, his beloved wife is praying for him to be saved and God answered her prayer in part by connecting me with him. This opportunity is because of your support for this ministry. Can we please pray for Jose and his family?
I am continuing to learn to assert Romans 8:28-29 into everything.
— 28 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. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Can anyone relate?
Mark is encouraging me in helping more people, one person/family at a time. Your prayers and giving are more than important, it is essential.
I found out Clara was in need again and was moved upon by the LORD to get her and her 3 sons some food. Her whole monthly money needed to sustain her, and her boys is about $350. The house she rents is $120 per month. I will leave it there.
It is amazing how much further our contributions go in Mexico, how much more it’s multiplied. A little bit of money and ministry here goes a long way to bless and expand Christ’s kingdom! …and to give hope to the hopeless.
We continue to pray for a few more saints to assert themselves into this opportunity. God is able, amen! All I can do is let these things be known. I am blessed by your support as I am encouraged by the fruitfulness of Mission Mexico both in the reach of the spiritual needs and the physical needs of God’s children. You are responding to Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6:19-21
—19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Clara’s Cry Video was featured recently. Click here.
Please lift a prayer in Jesus’ name for the fruitfulness and supply of our LORD’s work here with Mission Mexico. God be praised. Multitudes being reached daily with Jesus Christ’s bless-ed Gospel – spoken to them and given in print in the JESUS tract in Spanish.
BELOVED ANTONIO came by again tonight to get something to eat. I warmly received and welcomed him. Had him sit down and rest with fresh water to drink while his delicious meal was cooking. When he left I broke down while hugging him and letting him know you are lifting him in prayer and that God loves him. I played the Spanish Bible audio of Scripture to him while I was cooking so the Word would be planted in his heart…. WHO wants to cry out with me to our LORD for this young man? WHO wants to seek God for a complete change in his precious life? Salvation and good employment/work, etc. Let it not be that he could ever say that “No man cared for my soul.” – “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul” (Psalms 142:4). Jesus is coming saints. Let us pour out His love to the hurting. Jesus Christ died for this beloved young man! Mission Mexico is rolling! “WE are labourers TOGETHER with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). This is what it’s all about dear saints. Jump in. God will bless.
“The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” Psalms 145:14
Beloved brother in Christ, Cesar, spent the last 14 days with his beloved mother before she passed. Mark and I went to visit Cesar the day after his mother passed. Mark and I agreed that Cesar was ministering to us. We went to comfort him and he ministered to us! Whew! You are invited to lift our beloved brother Cesar in prayer.
Oh and Cesar took about 50-60 JESUS tracts to distribute.
The plans are to be spending more time fellowshipping with Cesar again soon.
Months ago, I handed Cesar a JESUS tract and we begin to talk and he shared that he is a born again disciple of Jesus. Yesterday, with tears in his eyes, Cesar shared his testimony of Jesus’ salvation of his life 24 years ago. This is a beloved brother in our LORD Jesus for certain. Unpretentious.
As is so often the case, we gave this man a JESUS tract and spoke the Word to him. A few moments later here he is hungrily reading about His Maker and King, and Savior Jesus.
Saints we are supporting a missionary in the Philippines and am thanking the LORD for your prayers and supply to our LORD’s Gospel work …..
Anyone wish to pause and lift this man to our LORD in prayer? When ministered to, Victor asked questions. He is searching. God is able.
Thank you for praying for the beautiful people of this country. More Mission Mexico coverage here.
Remember brother Justin (from Australia) whom God miraculously saved here in Mexico? He is very grateful that you are lifting him in prayer. Praying for Christ’s saints is an essential (Colossians 4:12). Today Justin sent this:
“I was reading the book of Jo
hn and the woman at the well last night, contemplating how some plant seeds to be harvested by others (John 4). Just being grateful to serve the Lord without needing to see results. Bless you. You certainty planted some seeds with me. I’ll check out Titus! Thank you brother. I am working out my salvation with fear and trembling, for sure, and I wouldn’t be doing it so much harder now without your support.” Justin B.
UPDATE ON BROTHER JUSTIN B.
Thank you for lifting in prayer our brother Justin B. (Australian) here in Mexico. He was saved just a few months ago here. Here’s the latest from our brother. Please pray the Word for him. John 15; Colossians 4:12.
“I am good, brother. I am back in the slipstream of the Word. Felt like I had to experience the desert of doubt to come out with more clarity. Though, ultimately, trust in God is not necessarily clear. Getting confident in God with that “cloud of unknowing.”
“Daily brother. It’s my clarion call/prayer now. Diminish me but increase my faith. Purify my heart, Lord, so I may glorify Your name. Thank you for showing me the way and keeping faith in me, brother.” Justin B.
Do we recall how Jesus told Peter: “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:31-32).
Here’s the post where the account of Jesus saving Justin is contained.
This is beloved David (pictured above) who received extensive ministry of God’s love and Word. Please lift up David, Daniel, and Justin. Colossians 4:12.
Omar was invited to have you pray for him. He readily agreed and is glad to know you are lifting him to our LORD in prayer. Jesus told us He desires to save Omar (1 Timothy 2:4).
“My Dear Brother, I will continue to lift Clara and those precious children in prayer; for I know firsthand the hardship of raising 3 little ones alone in this selfish world. I am thankful to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for sending strangers into my life during my time of despair and brokenness. Thank you brother for being a good steward with the gifts that the people of God send into the Lord’s Ministry. May the Lord God bless and keep you all the days of your life.” Jacquie
Support Mission Mexico here. Takes seconds.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
Mission Mexico – See more here.
Download. Read. Print out your supply of the JESUS tract – English and Spanish.
Abiding
Seeking the Will of God [podcast]
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
Maturity in Christ is seen in those who unrelentingly seek His face! 1 Chronicles 16:11
YOU are either going to clearly prove you love God by perpetually flooding your heart and mind with the Word, prayer, and praises of our LORD Jesus Christ…. or you absolutely will fall away (Luke 8:13; 1 Timothy 4:1-2, etc.).
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalms 27:4
“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.” Psalms 27:8
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3
Notice that those not seeking the LORD today, are forsaking Him.
“if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14
YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive my sins afresh. I have had other gods before You and so have committed the sin of idolatry and spiritual adultery. Please wash me afresh with Your blood dear LORD Jesus. Create in me a clean heart, an heart of flesh and remove the stony places. Please help me to sense Your leading and impressions. You are my Great Shepherd and I am Your sheep. Fill me with Your Holy Ghost dear LORD and please use me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Apostasy
Beware of the Manipulating Monsters: Spiritual Identity Theft [podcast]
Instead of fostering a deeper love for CHRIST in their hearers, local churches have diverted that loyalty, the faith of their hearers to themselves (1 Corinthians 29-2:5). This is “the spirit of antichrist” at work (1 John 2:18; 4:1-3). Anti in “antichrist” means “in place of” and the vast majority of local churches seek to replace Christ with themselves – to intercept the heart affections of their audience from loving Jesus Christ supremely – to rob Him of His glory for their own self-serving agenda! Beware! This was Paul’s warning of Colossians 1-2. Christ alone is the Supreme Creator, Sustainer, Reconciler, Redeemer, and Savior! Pour prayerfully over Colossians 1 and 2 this week beloved of God.
“…do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
You cannot and won’t please everyone and such should not be your goal. Please God beloved and in NON-essentials, make your own decisions – void of the undue, unwarranted interference of others! (Read Romans 14.) Some people are operating in witchcraft and don’t realize it. They haven’t repented and learned how to mind their own business. And, so many live under the witchcraft of pleasing family and friends and the whims of others. If that’s you, you are not yet free but you can be. Seek the LORD in special prayer. Repent afresh and ask God to strip off every trace of witchcraft and control over your life. Ask Him to establish your life in His love and truth and all fear shall be vanquished from your life! See 1 John 4:16-18.
Note: Anything that is not specifically named as a sin in the Bible, is a NON-essential and that means that God gives YOU the liberty to conduct yourself as you see fit. Read and get to know Romans 14. | Learning to Mind Our Own Business
Those who insidiously seek to position themselves, to maneuver things to manipulate you, are fully arrogant and that’s why they believe THEY know better than God and you concerning your life, your decisions, your ministry, your direction, etc.. Beware. These are the very enemies of Christ. Like snakes in the grass, people like this are insidiously operating in witchcraft and as sure for hell as if they were already there (Galatians 5:19-21). Beware.
Untold scores of men, all of which had a calling from God, have allowed wicked manipulators to derail, destroy, and waste their lives. Beware.
Beware of those with an agenda….. an agenda that is not God’s agenda/will. With Jesus our LORD, the true disciple declares to God – “NOT my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42). All of the unsaved are under the control of Satan, the enemy of all souls.
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:1-2
Most if not all of us have realized that there are lots of manipulators around us who vie for the control of our lives, who attempt to push their agenda, their personal will on us. Solidifying our identity in Christ, becoming increasingly rooted and grounded in Him, is essential to be kept from such witchcraft. The aim, the stated will of God, is to root and ground every one of His saints ever more deeply into Christ. Pour prayerfully, meticulously over Colossians 1 and 2 beloved, and ask the LORD to root your heart and life deeper into Christ in whom alone you are “complete.” Ask the Father that your constitution, your innermost identity would be Christ and Christ alone! (Read Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 1 Corinthians 2:2, etc.)
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14
If your life is not all about CHRIST, you are in trouble. Stop. Re-turn afresh to the LORD. Declare JESUS CHRIST as the LORD, Savior, Master, First Love of your life in this world! Do it with force! Memorize Galatians 6:14.
Satan is behind every attempt to derail God’s people from walking in His perfect will. Spiritual warfare. In light of the desire to get God’s Word into the hearts of the people, Paul requests prayer to be “delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.”
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3
Escaping the Witchcraft, the Manipulation
ANY person participating in the work of Satan is a child of the devil. Satan’s work is “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). Any questions? Any activity, operation, or plan to steal the freedom or money or anything from another, is the work of Satan himself. So is to killing or destroying people or property unjustly.
May the LORD continue to increase His discernment in us – in order to see the enemy working through people from afar. Once we’ve allowed them in, they are within striking distance, right? Yes. See Matthew 7:6.
“And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.” Ecclesiastes 7:26
Did you see that? Did you see in Ecclesiastes 7:26 how those who obey God will escape the seduction and the clutches of manipulating people?
A careful reading, study, and meditation upon the words of this verse above, will yield important truths concerning spiritual warfare and overcoming through Christ.
“Witchcraft” is a soul damning sin – which means that any person operating in this sin is outside of Christ and as sure for hell as if they were already there (Galatians 5:19-21). Eternal security/once saved always saved is a lie from hell.
Any person who seeks to usurp authority over another person (his will and decisions, etc.) is operating by his own agenda and not the LORD’s. Such a person is rebellious and self-willed and therefore seeks to exert their witchcraft over the lives, the decisions, the will of others.
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26
Remember how manipulating Delilah was as she sought to manipulate and derail Samson? Read Judges 16.
There are many examples of manipulation in the Word of God, beginning in the Garden of Eden.
In the Scripture below, notice the interaction with Paul and the false prophet, Elymas. All interference of the Gospel is from Satan. Below is but one example. This man sought to exercise control over Paul and the deputy and how the LORD judged him:
Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus
Act 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Act 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
Act 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Act 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
Act 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Act 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
Act 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Act 13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Act 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Support | STORE | Podcasts | Prophetic or Pathetic? | Witchcraft | Prayer | Jezebel Exposed | Manhood | Beware of the Witches and Warlocks in the Church [podcast] | Are You Under a Spirit of Witchcraft? [podcast] | Jezebel The Depths of Satan | Biblical Prescription for Deliverance
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