Why Does Satan Hate You? Answer: You Are Forgiven, He Is Not.

Why does Satan hate you? Answer: You are forgiven, he is not. You will one day forget your fallen state; he is doomed to his fallen state forever.  Satan hates it that mortal beings like you can be forgiven (he cannot) and be like God in some way that we do not fully now understand. Psalms 85:2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Ezekiel 18:21.  But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

Confused? Have you ever been in a situation where Satan is all in the midst of it? Look like your prayers aren't working.  It appears that nothing is working, problems with spouse, family members, children, friends, co-workers or church members. Satan is the source of gossip and confusion. Do not allow Satan to whisper in your ear. Watch your thoughts, Satan sneaks into them.  If Satan is whispering to you, tell him to run back to his address! He has to obey you! Yes, that's right; he has to obey you.  Remember that when you speak the name of Jesus, Satan and all of his demons tremble, now that should tell you something, that our Father's name is powerful in all of heaven and earth. The devil can lead you to sin but he cannot make you sin, you can choose to take action or walk away.  God does not make you remember your sin, the devil does. Satan wants to see you fail, matter of fact, the devil will set up your failure for you. 

Don't entertain Satan's tactics. He is indeed a deadly force in the world, and he is a personal adversary to us all.  You see, sinners like to blame Satan for their sins. Adam, in the garden, blamed Eve for his sin of eating the forbidden fruit, and then Eve blamed Satan. Sure, Satan helped her, he will lead you to sin, but Satan didn’t make her, he didn’t put it in her mouth. No one person in this earth is immune from the attacks of Satan and his minions.

It is all very simple. Satan cannot have his office in heaven back, and he cannot stop Jesus from doing his work: Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. So, all Satan has left to do is to destroy people by tying them up so well in sin that they cannot reason and understand the Gospel. If he loses someone to Christ, he then attacks them to destroy their Christian victory.

Satan was created. Satan is not omniscient, knowing all things, like God Himself. Created beings do not have the ability to know things that are not revealed to them by some outside source. God is a self-contained source, so He knows all. This means that Satan does not know what you are thinking. God has reserved that for Himself:

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Satan will never know you as God knows you: 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Satan was never, and never will be, like God, but you will: 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as he is.

So, why does Satan hate you? Answer: You know more than he does regarding the deeper things of the Lord and his work.  John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Satan will never again be "with" the Lord, but you will.

How can Satan harm you? Satan can devour people. The fellowship between Satan and humans is never based on love, constructive activity, or on redemptive actions. It is all about hate, lust, and murder. Here is the great devourer: 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Pet. 5:8   Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. This was spoken to Christians! Our enemy also masquerades as an angel of light. We need to be aware that the enemy is deceitful and can work through people who act as though they are following Christ, and to all outward appearances it looks like they are, but by their false prophesies, preaching of a different gospel, and by the fruit of their actions we can discover that they are really demonized false apostles.

For many Christians, prayer is a thing we "ought" to do.  There was a time however; prayer was a thing that we "had" to do.  When you have to do a thing, there are no options.  We got to get back to the way we use to be with God. Sometimes God turn things upside down, so that we may cling to Him.  Those who bless God in their trials will be blessed by God through their trials.  Don't allow Satan to have the final say in your life or situation.  You have the right and authority to do that, you can easily reverse that and you can make sure that you have the final say in Satan's life when it comes to you.  Send the devil running back to his address. Let him know that any relationship with him is toxic and lethal; there is nothing good that comes from Satan. God will never leave us wanting, He will fulfill every need. There is NOTHING Satan can do for us.

Blessings

J.P. Olson

We Need Only to Remember That He Is and Will Always Be...UNLIMITED!

We Need Only to Remember That He Is and Will Always Be...UNLIMITED!

“If God were small enough to be understood, He would not be big enough to be worshiped.”  WAIT for and HOPE for and EXPECT the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 AMP)

“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 AMP).

I pretty much have never been into sports until I married my husband. He helps me understand the game of basketball and football. Some of the most exciting moments in sports are the touchdown or field goal that win the game, especially, when there’s no time left on the clock! That game-winning basket as the final buzzer sounds is unforgettable! The game-winning home run with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning is remarkable! I’ve come to find out that whatever the sport, there is nothing like a sudden victory when victory seemed out of reach! It makes the fans go ballistic! 

Truth be told, it can be real nerve-wracking when you're behind and time is running out! But it's an awesome moment when a hero pulls out an unexpected victory...at the last minute! And the longer we walk with God, the more we come to appreciate Him as the God of the last-second victory, or the God of the eleventh hour, as I've called Him so often. The Bible reveals many names by which God wants us to know Him. One that has meant so much to so many for so long is “Jehovah-Jireh”. It means, "The Lord will provide or the Lord will see to my provision."

You may be facing a need or situation right now where that is literally your only hope - that the Lord will provide. Maybe it's a job, a friend, or much needed finances; maybe it’s the house, the healing, the breakthrough or soundness of mind you need. Well, if that’s the case, today you need to be reminded that we have a rock-solid promise in Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (NIV). Understand that this Scripture lets us know that God's supply has nothing to do with what's happening in the economy, in the news, at work, or in what your limited resources can or can’t do! It's all about His Unlimited "Glorious Riches in Christ Jesus" account in Heaven, which transcends every limitation earth can provide!

We Need NOT Attempt to Understand God or His Ways or His Timing, or His Supply. Which is why you should never fret over your LITTLE, when you serve such a BIG God!  We should believe God for the supernatural, knowing that our Father who art in heaven still perform miracles today, we should stretch our faith and trust Him for what we know is impossible for man but what is possible for God, for nothing is impossible for Him. He is Jehovah - Jireh our Provider. The God that we worship in spirit and truth.

We Need Only to Remember That He Is and Will Always Be...UNLIMITED!

At Tthe End Of The Day We Are All Simply Beggars Telling Other Beggars Where We Found Bread.

Time to be about our Father's business. After we hear the Word of God, we should then take up the work of God. If you honor God, you won't have to seek His blessings. His blessing will seek you. The apostle Paul told the Ephesians elders that they too could never take a vacation from shepherding God's people (Acts 20). Caring for God's people includes feeding them spiritually, leading them gently, and warning them firmly.

I was thinking; you know at the end of the day we are all simply beggars telling other beggars where we found bread. Lord, thank you for your Word. It is truly the Bread of Life. Several years ago I heard a pastor speak on a related topic. “Our Lord Helps Beggars”.

"If you’re a beggar, you’re like the people in the subway station standing there with a cup, calling out for help. Or, to put that in the words of the Bible, calling out: Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me". 

“Now, in the subway stations, many just pass by those beggars. Some pretend not to see them. Some don’t care. Some are skeptical of them. Some are too busy to help. Some are late and in too much of a rush. But for us who are beggars before God, there is one who stops. The Son of David; the Good Samaritan; the Good Shepherd. The Son of God Himself.  The promised Messiah. And He doesn’t just throw a coin or two into our cups; He pours into our hearts His forgiveness, life, and salvation. He takes us out of the subway station and puts us in His mansion. He feeds us, dresses us, cleans us, and binds us up. He does everything for us beggars, all that we need”.

Once He does, that doesn’t mean we’re no longer beggars – we still are before God. For everything we have is His, though given to us. So how silly if we were to then go out and start bragging! I did this. I built this. I earned this. I achieved this. No, we are beggars. Always receiving, always receiving from our God and Savior what we need. 

“Our Lord helps beggars. God helps us not because we deserve it, not because of who WE are, but because of who HE is. God helps those who cannot help themselves. As beggars, all that we have from God is pure gift; completely undeserved grace”.

At the end of the day we are all simply beggars telling other beggars where we found bread. Lord, thank you for your Word. It is truly the Bread of Life.

When You're In Need Of A Miracle; God Can Meet You Anywhere, Simply Because He Is Everywhere

When You’re In Need of a Miracle, Just Do What the Master Says! “But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you to.” (John 2:5 TLB) Do you need a miracle? Then reread the story of Jesus turning water into wine. And while you’re at it, keep in mind what Mary said to the servants at the wedding reception: “…Whatever He says to you, DO IT.” (AMP). However, that means you must do it…EVEN THOUGH…

1. YOU’RE NOT IN THE RIGHT PLACE: They were at a wedding, not a church, when Jesus performed this miracle. “Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee…” (John 2:1 MSG).  Believe it or not, but some of our greatest blessings will occur at “other places” than where we’re used to, accustomed to, or expect. The problem is, we simply have to learn how to be sensitive and obedient to a move of God in unfamiliar places. We expect to come to church and hear testimonies of the goodness of God. But do you know God works miracles outside of the four walls of the church?

As hard as it may be for you to grasp, but God is saving souls behind prison walls, He’s giving job opportunities to those with no degree, He’s healing in the hospice, He’s providing shelter for those who last night slept under the bridge, He’s feeding those who just spent their last dollar. God is not restrained, restricted, limited or held captive, hostage or in bondage by our menial expectations of Him or His ability. Do you know that you don’t have to be in church, at the altar, or listening to gospel in order to experience a move of God? Understand that your limited location can’t limit a limitless God! He can heal at the gas station, provide while you’re in the beauty salon, make a way while you’re stuck in traffic, pay a bill while you’re applying for unemployment. Your God Is Able! 

So the next time you need a miracle from God, call on Him, no matter where you are! He can hear you from the basketball court; in the hospital; at the Medicaid/Medicare office; at the mechanic shop; waiting for the bus; standing in line at the supermarket; waiting for customer service at the bank; or even sitting on a swing in the park! He Hears You, He Sees You, And He Will Indeed Meet Your Every Need…No Matter the Address Your Need Shows Up At! Think about it: If He can show up and help the three Hebrew boys in a fire; Jonah in the belly of a fish; a bleeding woman in a crowd; and a paralytic coming down through the roof, surely He can show up anywhere you are, don’t you think? 

When You’re In Need of a Miracle, Just Do What the Master Says!  It may seem odd to you because it's an unfamiliar place, thing or suggestion; but Christ wasn't making a suggestion, he was telling them what to do: He made a statement; turning water into wine seemed impossible to the people at the wedding in Cana; “But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you to.” (John 2:5 TLB). "Whatever He says to you, Do It." 

They had a problem, they had run out of wine at the wedding, their focus was on the problem , they needed a miracle. Miracles begin when we focus on God’s power, instead of our problems!  God can meet you ANYWHERE simply because He’s EVERYWHERE! 

Blessings

J.P. Olson

Why David Was A Man After God's Own Heart. Which of These Areas Need Your Greatest Attention For Improvement?

Why David was a “Man After God’s Own Heart” Have you had a hard time letting go of your past and accepting God’s grace in your life?  Read below why David was a"Man After God's Own Heart.  Acts 13:22 says, “After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.‘”

Nevertheless, for David’s sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong. For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not failed to keep any of the LORD’s commands all the days of his life—except in the case of Uriah the Hittite. 1 Kings 15:4-5 NIV  (Emphasis mine)

Do you see that?  After David’s life had ended, God’s word still records him as a man following after God’s own heart…except in the case of the fall with Bathsheba.

What’s my point?  How does that impact your life?

That one “except” in your life….that one moment…that one season…that period of indiscretion…does not disqualify you from being a man (or woman) after God’s own heart.  I know too many people who have disqualified themselves from God’s call on their life because of their past mistakes, but I’m not sure God has disqualified them. Bottom line:  Your actions don’t determine your standing with God; your heart does. Actions indicate a heart’s direction, so if there is repetitive, unrepentant sin in your life, one would have to question your heart, but if your heart desires to be like Christ and give Him glory with your life, don’t beat yourself up for your exceptions.  Keep in mind, people can say about you whatever they choose to, but no one knows your heart (other than God) like you do.

An often-confusing term concerning the Biblical character of David is the term “man after God’s own heart”. Have you ever wondered what that really means? What does that kind of heart even look like? There is one verse from the writings of David that I believe perhaps best captures the meaning behind this phrase.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

(Psalms 16:2)

That’s it. Pretty simple, huh?

But, it’s really not that simple.

David recognized that the only good in him was the God in him. Great godly leaders and people are willing to step aside from their own need for ego building and self-confidence and humble themselves before an almighty God.

 

Next time someone asks you why David was called “a man after God’s own heart”, point him or her to Psalm 16:2. It’s an attitude of heart…of recognition…of worship.

The following words describe the heart of David as seen in his own writings:

David had an attitude of heart and God recognized all of these attributes of David.

Humble – Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Psalm 62:9

Reverent – I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3

Respectful – Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. Psalm 31:9

Trusting – The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Loving – I love you, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1

Devoted – You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. Psalm 4:7

Recognition – I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. Psalm 9:1

Faithful – Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

Obedient – Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Psalm 119:34

Repentant – For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Psalm 25:11

David’s example is a great road map for how we are to live our life.

Which of these areas need your greatest attention for improvement? Focus your life from this day forward on being like Christ and being found faithful.

Stop. Which Way Are You Going? Are You Following God's Path or Your Own Path? Then Why Do We Ask God For Direction?

STOP. Which way are you going? Are you following God's path or your own path?  Then why do we ask God for direction? God will never lead you wrong. Sometimes we take matters into our own hand and disregard God's direction and we find ourselves going in circles. Place your plans and desires before God. Pray about them and trust God to give them to you if and when they're right for you. Stay connected to God and you will stay directed by God.  We all need a beam of light on our dark path.  Sometimes only the step we're on, or the very next one ahead is all the light God will give us.  God gives just the amount of light we need for the exact moment we need it. If God changes your heart, be willing to change your plans. 

Serving means submitting to God and giving up your desires/plans.  When you learn to trust God, you are able to be at ease with life.  God is strategically orchestrating your steps. At those times we walk in surrender to faith, one step at a time, fully trusting that the light God sheds is absolutely sufficient.  By God's Words we can see where we're going; they throw a beam of light on our dark path. Rest in knowing that nothing happens unless it moves you toward your destiny.  God not only sees where you are, He sees where you can be. You need to be willing to move and you need to be moving if you want God to show you which way to go; whether it affects your plans or not.

Why not ask the God of light to show you where to take your next step? Those so called "coincidences" are really God speaking to you and giving you direction.  Don't overlook God's confirmations and His flashes of light to bring vision to your path, whether it's through people, places or things and what some may call "God Moments".

Trust God. He knows. You asked for direction, receive it as an answer. There is a quote that says: "God will wreck your plans when He sees that your plans are about to wreck you."  

J.P. Olson

People Have Watched You Survive After All That You Have Been Through and Wonder Why:

 

People have watched you survive after all that you’ve been through and wonder why you‘re still here and standing. Why you haven’t lost your mind. How you’re able to fall, get up and still have joy. Make sure you tell them that it’s Jesus. In the midst of the storm people were expecting you to fall apart.  If God is with you, it doesn't matter if you're in the furnace or out of the furnace. Sometimes, God will deliver you from the fire. Sometimes, God will make you fireproof. Fireproof doesn't mean the fire will never come; it means when the fire comes that you will be able to withstand it.

No matter how bad it may become, remember your God is always good and will always bring about good on your behalf: You survived when people were expecting you to break and fall apart.

Remember This: Fiery Trials Work For You, Not Against You! Think about it: Where did God prove His faithfulness to Daniel? In the Lion’s Den. Likewise, think about this: Where did the Lord reveal Himself to the three Hebrew boys? In a fire that was heated seven times over! “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. Sometimes God will bring you through the fire and sometimes God will make you Fireproof.

John bowed, Jonah worshiped, Daniel trusted, the three Hebrew Boys maintained their resolve, But I Reiterate, HE IS STILL THE SAME GOD…YOUR GOD! So whether He takes you out, or leaves you in, you ought to serve Him with gladness anyhow, because He’s already promised to never leave you or forsake you.

Father I ask for strength and courage for today. Whatever may come our way today, we ask that You go before us and pave the way. Just as You were with Moses, I ask You to be with us today. Give us the wisdom and knowledge we need for this day. I pray that each one of us will be sensitive to the promptings and leading of the Holy Spirit, as we surrender to Him and allow Him to do a work in us and then do a work through us. Help us to be a blessing to whomever we come in contact with today and I pray the Light of Christ will shine so brightly in our lives, that somebody, somewhere might see Jesus in us! Father, get Yourself the glory out of this day and every day, in Jesus Name.

Today I challenge you to Believe: There is No problem He cannot solve, No question He cannot answer, No disease He cannot heal, No demon He cannot cast out, No enemy He cannot defeat, No difficulty He cannot overcome, No need He cannot meet, No bondage He cannot break and NO mountain He cannot move. Never sell yourself short of things you have been through, you could be playing a key role in someone’s life as you inspire them with your story.