living the Word

Satan’s Mission

Dr. Mike Life in Christ

 

“…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 ESV

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What is Satan’s Mission?

Jesus stated that Satan was a liar and murderer from the beginning of human history. That his mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 8:44, 10:10)

Satan’s chief tactic hasn’t changed over time. He uses deception, doubt, and pride to turn your heart and eyes away from God.

He is an artist at twisting the truth. He makes promises built upon human pride. He questions God’s intentions by bringing Him down to a human level. He loves to cause disunity. Rebellion and enslavement are his tools.

How do we eradicate him from our lives? We can’t. He roams around seeking someone to devour. But what we can do is make his influence ineffective. We resist his advances. We walk in the authority of Jesus Christ who has already defeated Satan.

Like Jesus before us, we need to know scripture and the Truth it represents.

When confronted by Satan’s craftiness, we need to resist by turning to God.

We don’t flirt with Satan’s lies. We don’t negotiate with Satan’s deceptions. We don’t even argue with him. Instead we resist; protected by the armor of God.

The Bible teaches us that when we resist, Satan flees. Satan can’t handle those who don’t play along with him.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married

Form or Substance

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-20 ESV

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Ever wonder why a package is larger than the item inside?

We recently purchased an item from my favorite online store. When the box arrived, I questioned whether it was for me. I didn’t recall ordering anything that large. Upon opening the box, I recognized the item. My new computer mouse. The item was less than 10% the size of the box!

Previously with one of my former employers, I recall arguing who to hire as our new receptionist. The owner wanted the young, very attractive lady who modeled on the side. I wanted the excellent communicator who had a history of getting things done in a timely manner. I lost the battle, but eventually won the war when he discovered she couldn’t spell correctly and kept transferring the phone calls incorrectly. We eventually hired the person who had more substance than form.

Likewise, we notice in the political arena how politicians emphasize all show, but fall far short from deliverables. Again, more form than substance.

Chapter two of the 2nd Book of Peter highlights how Christians can determine false teachers from authentic Christ-followers. We will know them by their fruit. The emphasis is on character. In this case, form takes a second seat to substance.

Therefore, don’t get over excited by the package. First recognize what is inside. If the heart, mind, and soul shouts with godly character, than accept the substance with the form. Otherwise, beware.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married

Spirit and Truth

Dr. Mike Life in Christ ,

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24 ESV

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How does one worship in spirit and truth? For spirit is a matter of the heart and mind. Truth pertains to honesty and transparency within reality. How does that translate into practical, everyday means?

Most Church services have a time for worship. A time typically surrounded with the sound of song and music. For many church-goers, this is worship.

Yet is this what Jesus meant when he informed the Samaritan woman that we are to worship in spirit and truth?

Worship is much more than a twenty minute session of song and music. In fact, for some it may not even be a time of worship. If one’s heart and mind is not focused on God but on “enjoying the moment,” is that worship? If one is preoccupied with what others are doing, is that worship? Does worship require song and music?

The fact is worship is our offering to God. It is aligning our spirit with his. It is being honest with oneself in relationship with the living God. It is positioning oneself in total awe and reverence at the feet of the God of Creation.

The means we worship God is as variable as the personalities, talents, and gifts found in the Body of Christ.

Yes we can worship God through song and music. But we can also worship God in silence and stillness. We can also worship God in our work, hobbies, and recreational pursuits. We can worship God in our service for others. We worship God whenever we show him our gratefulness and thankfulness.

When we are open, honest, and real with him we place ourselves in a vulnerable position showing our trust in him. Whenever we acknowledge him during the day we are worshiping him.

Whenever you place your heart into his hands you are worshiping Him. Whenever you speak the truth, you are worshiping him. Whenever you offer him praise and thanks, you are worshiping him. The time or place doesn’t matter. What matters is the motive of your heart and mind plus your word and deed. When you direct your all for HIS glory, not yours or anyone else’s, you are worshiping HIM.

So the next time you speak, think, work, and play, stop and ask yourself, how can I worship God with this activity?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married