Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

Today's scriptures are about overcoming the evil powers of the world. There's victory through the blood of the Lamb! Hallelujah! Some of you may be asking yourself, "victory over what?", and that's okay. I’ll tell you just as it’s written, in Christ we have overcome the world! That's a reason to shout, rejoice, and give Him praises! Nevertheless, as long as we're in the flesh, we're going to go through this Spiritual warfare. The enemy is working overtime, to persuade us to sin against God, and live wicked and evil lives. If we're not aware of the power we hold, through the blood of Christ, we'll spend a long miserable life fighting against good and evil. The enemy has turned things that were meant for good into evil, and has a way of twisting everything, so believers, especially the young in their Faith, are lead astray. He works even harder on more mature Christians, so never get to a point where you think you have it figured out, because the enemy is always one step ahead. That's why it's important to keep Jesus close at all times, by constantly praying, and studying His Word, because it holds all of the answers to a peaceful life. In my opinion, peace is the most valuable blessing we could have, but sin is the exact opposite of peace. Right before Jesus' death, He told His disciples: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27) You notice how He said "not as the world gives"? There are so many things the enemy offers that will seemingly give you peace, however his type of peace is always temporary, and usually include very negative side effects. I believe one of the most effective weapons the enemy uses, to keep us in bondage, is false peace. He gives us these great mirages of peace, but once we get all wrapped into this facade, we end up being hurt, and let down. These things come in the forms of drugs, alcohol, sex, infatuation, relationships, gluttony, etc. How many times have you been depressed or stressed and said, "I need a drink!", or "I want to go out and party!"? At the time, you're having a ball, dancing, talking, and feeling free! You become a person you didn't know you could be. It seems harmless, but that's how the enemy works. There are always repercussions like sickness, disease, drunk driving, and so many other things, which all could very well end up in death. Some people turn to infatuation, fornication, or adultery to mask their pain, in hopes of finding peace. However, we know all of the repercussions that come with those. Let's not forget the tool that the enemy uses the most, to pit people against each other, and that's the "Almighty Dollar", money, wealth, and prestige, makes people do strange things. There are people who will kill their own mother for it, but the bible does say “the love of money is the root of all evil”. Money gives us a false sense of hope and peace, but it could never fulfill us like the love of Jesus Christ. The enemy is strong, but Jesus is stronger and mightier than anything we could face on this earth. Just seek His strength, and He'll allow us to overcome all that keeps us in bondage. There's freedom in the Blood, but we have to seek out that freedom, and walk with Him all the days of our life. He'll fill us with so much peace, joy, and happiness that we won't ever want to leave His side. I could attest to the roadblocks we'll face when we're walking with God. As we grow, the attacks by the enemy become more frequent and sever, however, our strength and Faith gets even stronger, because God keeps showing up, and showing out. The one thing that we have to realize is that we're not strong enough to defeat the devil alone. You can see that just by looking around you. The enemy uses fear, addiction, fornication, greed, money, and anything else that could be used to tear you down, but you serve the Most High God! Paul taught us: Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-40) Know that Jesus died to give you freedom from all of this mess. When people see you, they should see this light about you, no matter what you're going through. This is made possible by the Christ in you. It’s written: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) I’m urging you please don't make it easy for him, because he preys on your weaknesses. The enemy is always lurking in dark places, however when you carry Jesus’ light within you, He’ll always brighten the dark spots of life. All you have to do is trust Him. If you don't know Him as Lord and Savior, then the devil has free reign over your life, and that can't be peaceful for you. No matter how much you try and seek out it, you'll never find it, because it could only be found in Christ Jesus. So say that prayer today, and if you need me to pray with you, please let me know, I'd be happy too. My favorite verse today is: 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)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455327&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!