And let us run with patience
the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1
I must always remember that Satan wants me "out of the race"…
the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1
I must always remember that Satan wants me "out of the race"…
My human enemies, whom I do pray for, want this for me as well. After all, for more than thirty years now I have, I am pleased to say, been a thorn in the devil's side. But at such times as this I need to remind myself to always stand in the authority that Messiah Jesus has given me, and to all those who belong to him.
As the infernal schemer that he is, the devil will use every means possible, including other people, to sidetrack, discourage and tempt me to quit serving my heavenly Father, or to at least have me sidelined by trials and distractions so that I cannot function as a victorious Christian should.
Frankly, because I seem to encounter opposition from different sources, I find I have to encourage myself in the Lord on a daily basis. I am certain that if not for this and for the Holy Spirit's power to uphold me, I could very well slip into a mindset of discouragement and despair. But for me, failure is not an option, nor is it for any child of God.
As a follower of the Lord, I find I must actively engage my mind with what the Scriptures declare as truth. Such as "Greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). And "We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us" (Romans 8:37)!
While another favorite of mine is Revelation 12:11. "And they (the disciples of Christ), overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus), and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
D.B.
Note: The parentheses in the last paragraph are mine.
As the infernal schemer that he is, the devil will use every means possible, including other people, to sidetrack, discourage and tempt me to quit serving my heavenly Father, or to at least have me sidelined by trials and distractions so that I cannot function as a victorious Christian should.
Frankly, because I seem to encounter opposition from different sources, I find I have to encourage myself in the Lord on a daily basis. I am certain that if not for this and for the Holy Spirit's power to uphold me, I could very well slip into a mindset of discouragement and despair. But for me, failure is not an option, nor is it for any child of God.
As a follower of the Lord, I find I must actively engage my mind with what the Scriptures declare as truth. Such as "Greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). And "We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us" (Romans 8:37)!
While another favorite of mine is Revelation 12:11. "And they (the disciples of Christ), overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb (Jesus), and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
D.B.
Note: The parentheses in the last paragraph are mine.
