Keep an Eye on the Enemy

…in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
2 Corinthians 2:11

I know I've used the verse above recently in a devotion, if not more than once. Apparently God wants me to keep writing about it, so it must be important that we stay aware of Satan's schemes. I mentioned a few weeks ago a real-time strategy game I occasionally play on the computer and how having a good economy is essential to winning. (And, consequently, weakening the opponent's economy is a good strategic move. Same goes for removing the flesh so that sin has no resources to grow in us.) Well, probably the next most important thing in this game is to know what the opponent is up to.

In the game, it's very important for me to find ways to peer into my opponent's base as well as see what else is happening on the map. If I can see in his base, I can tell what kind of attack he is preparing and build the correct units to counter it. If I am watching the map as a whole, I can see when his attacks head toward my base and be prepared by the time they arrive. Some units just aren't good against others, but each unit has a unit that will defeat it fairly easily. If I've been building units that aren't good against the ones my opponent builds, when either of us attacks, I'll lose. But, if I see what he has and then build the best units to counter that, it'll be fairly easy for me to win.

We need to keep this strategy in mind as we fight spiritual battles. Not every attack or defense is good against everything the enemy brings us. Sometimes we need prayer, other times fasting. Sometimes fellowship is important and sometimes we need to fight when it's just us and God going against Satan. (This last one is tricky, because Satan wants us to fight alone often so we'll lose. Always be sharing your struggles with Christian brothers and sisters!) In order to know what to do, we need to see how Satan is attacking and what he has coming next. We also need to be tuned in to Holy Spirit, because there isn't a formula. When the enemy is attacking a family, maybe the family needs to band together in prayer. But if a child is sick, maybe the parents should fast. None of these attacks are exclusive of the others and neither are our counters. We just need to be using the best ones for the battles ahead.

Father in Heaven we praise your mighty name. You are worthy, you are holy, you are righteous. We bless your name and we worship you. Thank you, almighty Father, that you make us aware of Satan's schemes. Thank you that we don't walk blindly into battle but instead we have the Spirit of the only Living God leading the way. Thank you that victory is ours! Teach us how to fight. Teach us how to strategize. Lord, we don't want to be outwitted by the enemy. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Keep an eye on Satan's schemes so you don't end up unprepared to fight him.

credits from: http://prod.daily-devotionals.net/

Empowered To Sin No More

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

John 8:3-11

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. In the above story, He saves a woman who, according to law, was deserving of death. This is no different than the grace He offers to each and every one of us, too. The law sets a perfect standard and we all have fallen short of it, therefore deserving death. Jesus instead says “I don’t condemn you.” But, He goes on to say more, “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

When He says this, however, it’s not another command just like all the ones we’ve broken before. If that were the case, it would just be one more rule for us to break and one more way to fall short. Instead, it’s empowering. When Jesus said this to the woman in the story, He empowered her to leave her sin and live righteously. She may have felt trapped in her sin, but these words were freeing, not condemning.

So, are there areas of your life that Jesus has forgiven you but you haven’t taken His empowering to leave your sin? If so, do so today. Leave your sin behind. Walk in freedom and righteousness. Don’t just resolve to do better in the flesh, abide in His Spirit and in His Word each day. As you do, the temptations to return to sin will fail in comparison to the greatness of knowing Jesus.

Father God, thank you so much for sending Jesus. Thank you for this story in which we clearly see Jesus’ love for people. Thank you that Jesus did not condemn this woman because He loves her and that He does not condemn us either. Thank you also that you empowered her and you empower us to leave our sinful habits. Please help us to recognize this empowerment and walk away from those sins you have already forgiven. Teach us how to abide in you and your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Jesus empowers us to leave our sin.

credits from: http://prod.daily-devotionals.net/

Freedom Within You

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17

I encourage you to meditate on this verse today. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." Where is the Spirit of the Lord? The Spirit of the Lord is Holy Spirit, and Holy Spirit lives inside every one of us who relies on Jesus alone for our salvation. That means there is freedom inside of us! It's not something we have to keep searching for - it is within us. Psalm 139:7-10 says:

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

There is nowhere we can go without Holy Spirit. That means we have freedom within us ALL THE TIME! We are no longer bound by sin and destruction, but we are always free to live life to the fullest. We are free from all oppressions. We are free to enjoy the many blessings God bestows upon us!

Do you recognize your freedom in the Spirit each day? Walk in His goodness and mercy. Don't voluntarily submit to the arrest of Satan; resist the devil on the grounds of already having been freed! He will flee from you. You are free. Forever.

Father God, thank you that you sent Jesus to this earth to bring us freedom. Thank you for freedom. Please forgive us for when we have taken our freedom for granted. We want to experience life to the fullest in your freedom. Please teach us to walk in this freedom and live according to your Spirit each and every day. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, and the Spirit of the Lord is within you.

credits from: http://prod.daily-devotionals.net/

Not to be Served, but to Serve

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

Jesus speaks the above words to His disciples after they have been quarreling amongst themselves about who is the greatest. Two of them had asked if they could sit at Jesus' right and left in Heaven; they were seeking to be great. But He rebukes them instead saying they should not be desiring greatness. He gives Himself as an example, saying that if He didn't come to be served then no one should expect that - particularly not His followers. And I think it's because that desire for greatness is selfish and therefore rooted in the flesh. It does not spring from a godly heart. Jesus knows that desire will never be completely satisfied, so He cautions His disciples because He loves them and wants the best for them.

I think the same is true for us. As I was meditating in church this morning, Holy Spirit was prompting me with a corollary to Jesus' words: "I did not send you to be served, but to serve, and to give your life for my kingdom." I did not sense that "give your life" meant that the sole purpose was to die a physical death, but rather to have a life completely dedicated to His kingdom. It does imply a different death, however - death to our flesh. "give your life" means giving up personal desires and setting aside worldly aspirations in order to do the kingdom work the Father has set.

Where do you stand today? Are you expecting to be served in this world? In what ways are you striving to serve and give of yourself for His kingdom?

Hallelujah, God. Thank you that you sent Jesus not to be served, but to serve. Thank you that Jesus gave his life as a ransom for all of us. His blood has paid the price for our sins; for this we thank you and worship you. Holy Spirit, please help us to change any improper expectations we have about being served. Let us seek to serve and not expect to be served. Help us to see where we can give more of our lives for the Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen!

Jesus didn't come to be served, so you shouldn't expect to be either.


from : http://prod.daily-devotionals.net/

JESUS is Our Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a BROTHER

Do you know the relationship between your two eyes? They blink together, move together, cry together, see things together and sleep together even though they never see each other.

FRIENDSHIP should be like that. Life' s so empty without friends!

JESUS is our friend who sticks closer than a BROTHER. :D

Luke 11:13

If you know how to give good gifts to your CHILDREN,

then how much more will your FATHER in heaven

give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask him.

My Verse for Today

God is our REFUGE and STRENGTH;
a very present HELP in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Pastor's Shoes

Hi guys, I just want to share this short poem for all the Pastor Priest, Rabbi and an Imam. You do all deserve the blessings of God.

Have you ever walked in our Pastor's shoes,
And gone where his feet ave trod?
Have you ever thought of what he means to us,
And on your knees, given thanks to God?

Have you ever told him thank you.
For being there when time are tough,
For comforting words and fervent prayers
When trials come and the storms of life are rough?

He answers our calls on the middle of the night.
And tells us not to worry, for he will be there.
He gives up his comfort of quit rest
And comes with prayers of comfort to share.

Have you ever thought to say thank you Pastor,
For preaching God's word to help us understand,
For all the times he has asked for things
That will lend us a helping hand?

When you pray, put him at the top of the list
And ask the Lord to sorround him with loving care,
To give him strength and walk with him,
To help him with the burdens that he must bear.

Have you ever walked in our Pastor's shoes,
And gone where his feet have trod?
Have you ever thought of what he means to us,
And on your knees, given thanks to God?

credits from HGFF (Holy Ground Family Fellowship)

Tips to achieve HAPPINESS

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pill you down.

3. Keep learning. Never let your brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop," The devi'ls name is Depression.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in the store by you distinctive laughter.

6. The tears happen, endure, grieve and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. Be alive while you are alive, don't put out a mailbox on the highway of death and just wait in residence for your mail.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music,[lants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips.

10. Tell the people you love, that you love them, at every opportunity. And always remember LIFE is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Today, may there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. "I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

God bless us all people! :)

credits from HGFF (Holy Ground Family Fellowship)

Alphabet of FAITH

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thank HIM
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there will be good times and bad times, but...
Zion waits in glory where none are ever sad.

Have faith! God bless us all!

credits form Holy Ground Family Fellowship (HGFF)

Thank you Lord

A newly arrived soul in Heaven was met by St. Peter. The saint toured the soul around Heaven. Both of them walked side by side inside a large workroom filled with angels.

St. Peter stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all the petitions to God said in prayer are received." The soul looked at the section, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets from all the people of the world.

They walked again until they reached the second section, and St. Peter told the soul, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are packed and delivered to the persons who asked for them down on earth."

The soul saw how busy it was. There were so many angels working in that room, since so many blessings were being packed and delivered to earth."

The soul saw how busy it was. There were so many angels working in that room, since so many blessing were being packed and delivered to Earth.

Finally at the farthest corner of the room, the soul stopped at the last section. To the surprise of the soul, only one angel stayed there idly, doing nothing . "This is the Acknowledging Section," St. Peter told the soul. "How is it that, there is no work here?" "That's the sad thing," St. Peter answered. "After the people received the blessings they asked for, very few send their acknowledgments". "How does one acknowledge God's blessing?" "Simple," St. Peter answered. "Just say, Thank you, Lord."

Indeed, a simple THANK YOU could give happiness to our God for we are acknowledging HIM for what he has done. Thank Him everyday and forever.

Thank you Lord, for giving me a chance to share this message with others and also, for giving me so many wonderful people to share this with.

In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

credits from HGFF (Holy Ground Family Fellowship )

The 45 lessons you ought to know

Hi guys, I want to share this video for you to know the 45 lessons that we are entitled to know. Learn from it.





Have a nice and blessed day buddies. :)

Forgiveness

May the peace of God be with us forever. Learn to forgive and forget. Spend time to watch this video. Its really nice and inspiring.




Hope you like it! God bless us all buddies. :)

A worth of sacrifice

I really cried while watching this video. Just like God, he offered his only begotten child just for us to be saved. It is worthy to thank HIM.

God bless us all buddies.

My favorite verses

Philippians 4:19
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 1:16
"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him".

Colossians 3:23
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"

Colossians 3:15
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

2 Corinthians 9:11
"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God".

Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose".

Romans 8:39
"Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned;struck down, but not destroyed".

Acts 27:25
"So keep up your courage men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me".

Acts 16:31
"They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved---you and your household".

John 1:3-5
"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light that shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it."

These Are The Ties That Bond

No one is ever born into this world alone but, the Lord our God connected us as one family.

Everyone has shared the bond of a family that no one can separate. My family better known as my loved ones. They were the ones who were the first to see me grow over the years. Your family, they're usually the first to help heal your hurts.

They are usually the ones who would put up with you despite your faults right to the very end, and no matter how many times you go astray (get lost) they always accept you into the bond again. I think of my family. No matter how many hateful things we did to one another or hateful words we shared when affliction came upon our lives we were the first and last ones there.

This reminds me of Jesus, my personal savior and eternal friend.But the only thing about Him is he'll be there to the end. I thank God for He just made our bond grow tight for the many disagreements that we have. I can't count on how many times we went our distance, but some were down the line, God always caused us reunite.

These are the ties that bond, and this is the bond that holds the family together. These are the ties that make every families endurance last forever.

A Family Is Like...

This is a poem describing family morals, preservation, and the importance of keeping ties. The truth about families, the "Ups and Downs" each family experiences, and a description of the importance of a families longevity.

A Family Is Like

A family is like a circle,
The connection never ends.
And even if at times
It breaks in time it always mends.

A family is like the stars
Somehow there always,
There families are those;
Who help, who support
And always care.

A family is like a book,
The endings never clear
But through the pages
Their love is always near.

A family is many things,
With endless words,
That show who they are
And what they do ,
How they teach you.
So you know but don't be weary,
If it's broken or if through time
Its been so worn.

Families are like that--
They're split up and
Always torn, but even
If this happens your family
Will always be there.
Help define just who you are
And will be apart of you
ETERNALLY.

This is the truth...

I have something to share that you must know. This is the truth. Another encouraging video that you need to watch and know the truth.



Indeed, this is the truth. Despite of all the things that is happening right now, let us all be still and know HE is our God. All we have to do is believe and have faith in HIM. God bless us all!

Inspirational poem

I want to share this video to you guys. My best friend shared it to me and its really nice...



enjoy and learn from it... :D

Father's Love Letter

I wanna share this to you guys. Its the love letter of our Father for us!
Spend time to watch. You are entitled to know about this.