To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness
to light, and from the power of Satan unto God...
Acts 26:18a
Many years ago and shortly after I accepted Jesus (Yeshua) as my Messiah, Savior and Lord
to light, and from the power of Satan unto God...
Acts 26:18a
Many years ago and shortly after I accepted Jesus (Yeshua) as my Messiah, Savior and Lord
I came across a passage from the New Testament's book of the Acts of the early church. The moment I read it, I knew within my heart how Acts 26:15-20 was to become my calling in service to God. More than thirty years later, it still is.
Because of my background and life experiences, many of which were not good, the Lord has used my story, crimes and all, as something of a cautionary tale. Part of which is how the Devil is a real being. He is deceptive, powerful, and lethal. He is humanity's deadliest foe, whether people realize it or not.
In his role as the subtle serpent, he will use an array of temptations and enchantments to lure his prey. But his most often used weapon is his tongue. Think of it. What did this wicked serpent use to get Adam and Eve to sin and thereby bring death and decay into the world? He deceived them with his tongue. Nothing more.
The Devil did not use a pitchfork to force them to disregard the commandment of the Lord, not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The often-seen image of Satan holding a pitchfork is Hollywood nonsense. His hissing tongue is his weapon of choice. He uses it to bring destruction to all who will foolishly give heed to his words.
The Devil knows what the Word of God says is true. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21), and oh how eagerly he wishes to bring death upon us. In the Bible, Jesus proclaims Himself as the "Light of the World" (John 8:12), while it also declares the Devil to be the ruler of the darkness (Ephesians 6:11-12).
In my situation, as a young child and even into early adulthood, the Devil would come to me and whisper, "kill yourself." Many times, I almost did. And I didn't even know it was Satan who was talking. So subtle were his words. At times, I thought maybe it was God himself who wanted me dead because I was a bad person, and therefore He hated me, I reasoned.
Later on, because I was so vulnerable to Satan's dark suggestions, I ended up foolishly worshiping him while thinking I was one of his soldiers. It's something I doubt anyone would understand unless they've gone through similar circumstances.
Then, after being in prison for about ten years, I began to come around to finally acknowledging my sins, and renouncing my former allegiance to Satan. When I did this, Jesus was there. He stood ready to forgive me while wrapping His loving arms around me. He healed my mind, as well. I also began to see that much of what I experienced in my earlier years were nothing but a bunch of satanically inspired lies.
To think I had survived years of mental torment and didn't end up killing myself, was only by the grace of God. Today, I understand how the Devil had been deceiving me all along. He's doing the same to multitudes right now. Hence, what is now my calling from the Lord, to warn and teach people about the reality of the Devil, and how he so craftily beguiles the unsuspecting.
While at the same time, I also want to proclaim the love and mercy my heavenly Father has towards everyone. He will never turn away those who call on His great name.
Jesus saved me from going to an early grave. He will never reject anyone who comes to Him. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). That's my message.
D.B.
Because of my background and life experiences, many of which were not good, the Lord has used my story, crimes and all, as something of a cautionary tale. Part of which is how the Devil is a real being. He is deceptive, powerful, and lethal. He is humanity's deadliest foe, whether people realize it or not.
In his role as the subtle serpent, he will use an array of temptations and enchantments to lure his prey. But his most often used weapon is his tongue. Think of it. What did this wicked serpent use to get Adam and Eve to sin and thereby bring death and decay into the world? He deceived them with his tongue. Nothing more.
The Devil did not use a pitchfork to force them to disregard the commandment of the Lord, not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The often-seen image of Satan holding a pitchfork is Hollywood nonsense. His hissing tongue is his weapon of choice. He uses it to bring destruction to all who will foolishly give heed to his words.
The Devil knows what the Word of God says is true. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21), and oh how eagerly he wishes to bring death upon us. In the Bible, Jesus proclaims Himself as the "Light of the World" (John 8:12), while it also declares the Devil to be the ruler of the darkness (Ephesians 6:11-12).
In my situation, as a young child and even into early adulthood, the Devil would come to me and whisper, "kill yourself." Many times, I almost did. And I didn't even know it was Satan who was talking. So subtle were his words. At times, I thought maybe it was God himself who wanted me dead because I was a bad person, and therefore He hated me, I reasoned.
Later on, because I was so vulnerable to Satan's dark suggestions, I ended up foolishly worshiping him while thinking I was one of his soldiers. It's something I doubt anyone would understand unless they've gone through similar circumstances.
Then, after being in prison for about ten years, I began to come around to finally acknowledging my sins, and renouncing my former allegiance to Satan. When I did this, Jesus was there. He stood ready to forgive me while wrapping His loving arms around me. He healed my mind, as well. I also began to see that much of what I experienced in my earlier years were nothing but a bunch of satanically inspired lies.
To think I had survived years of mental torment and didn't end up killing myself, was only by the grace of God. Today, I understand how the Devil had been deceiving me all along. He's doing the same to multitudes right now. Hence, what is now my calling from the Lord, to warn and teach people about the reality of the Devil, and how he so craftily beguiles the unsuspecting.
While at the same time, I also want to proclaim the love and mercy my heavenly Father has towards everyone. He will never turn away those who call on His great name.
Jesus saved me from going to an early grave. He will never reject anyone who comes to Him. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). That's my message.
D.B.
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