This morning’s blog will be the conclusion of yesterday’s teaching.
I want everyone to realize that God’s promises are still true. They haven’t lost their power and they aren’t being withheld because we aren’t worthy to receive them. That’s just not the case.
Let’s continue…
But it’s not a given – the promises of God are true, but we have to appropriate them.
We all have electricity in our houses. But if we don’t know to turn on the switch we will sit in the cold and the dark. It’s that simple. Christ paid the bill, the power is flowing, we have to release that power.
2nd reason: There is a very real devil who is working against us. He wants to destroy us and he will if we don’t fight back.
“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV
When satan came and tempted Jesus, He resisted the devil’s attacks by using Scripture. We must follow His example.
“7 God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.8 Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. 9 But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith.” I Peter 5:7-9 CEV
3rd reason: We get rebellious and want to do things are own way. Just like a child who is told not to touch the stove because its hot – if the child reaches up to touch the stove, ignoring the father’s advice, and gets burned that’s not the father’s fault. He didn’t allow it or cause it. It was an act of our will.
“16 Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things.”. James 3:16 CEV
4th reason: We get tired of fighting and give up. Seeing God’s promises come to pass is not for the faint of heart. The Apostle Paul says it’s a spiritual battle. Don’t be moved away from God’s word, therein is our victory!
“Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. 13 That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.” Ephesians 6:12-13 ERV
Never, ever, are we alone. The Father has promised to never leave us or abandon us. We might get weary and want to give up but if we ask, God will give us all the strength we need.
“Christ gives me the strength to face anything” Philippians 4:13 CEV
God will not force His protection and blessings on us. We have to believe and receive His promises. There’s nothing the devil wants more than to defeat us and make others think God’s word doesn’t work. If he can deceive, he can defeat.
God’s word has stood the test of time, the very gates of hell cannot prevail against it. When we stand on God’s word, we will be unshakable and immovable!