- Apr 25, 2016
When some of us read in Scripture ”not to be ignorant of the enemy’s devices” they’re mostly patterned around the sin-nature that Adam and Eve passed on to us and insecurities that went along with it (those things that bring discomfort, disharmony and distress).
I’m going to bring a list of them to your attention to help you “watch and pray” like Jesus instructed us to do. Both of these are essentials in the Christian life. Many of us pray but not many watch. So you could be living for Jesus but leaving your lives open. Adam was told to watch over that Garden and he could enjoy it as long as he wanted to. But He did not remember God’s Words properly and calamity broke out on all Mankind. He was supposed to be on Guard against unwelcome guests. Instead of this, he paid attention to Eve and tolerated what was taking place.
This article will show you how we do the same thing often. We too, have a Garden to watch over, and that’s this life The Lord has given us. Some Christians think about the enemy too much and would do well to think about GOD More! The Lord is not telling us to think or obsess about our enemies but to watch. As long as we are in the world, we need to watch out for the following and if we don’t watch or pray, that is very silly indeed. Peter said to “draw near to God, resist the devil and he shall flee”. That is a good pattern for Christian living and absolutely vital when we encounter the tactics of our enemies. You can see what I mean here. Remember the emphasis Peter gave is to DRAW NEAR TO GOD first.
Resistance is important – we must – remember the Best Way!
Anxiety – that’s why Jesus said “be anxious for nothing……….” Anxiety is crippling, it can hinder your praying and moving in Faith and drain your energy and Peace.
Learn to relax and Rest in The Lord and not to lend your thoughts to worry and place
your Trust in a Loving Creator.
Depression – it has a paralizing effect on your spirit “Rejoice in The Lord Always” and don’t allow it an opportunity to creep in. I heard a prophecy in the 70’s that said “My Peace cannot rest on a troubled spirit” so you need to rest and trust in Him for this Peace to return.
Doubts – if you dwell on them, they will grow bigger. “There is Joy and Peace in Believing” entertain thoughts of Faith instead – every child of God can do this. It is resident in your spirit. You need to furnish your thoughts with His Living Words – they will bring Faith to you as you prayer-read His Word.
Judging – it will only cause you to reap judgement “no-one knows the thoughts of a person except Jesus” and He judges fairly because He is the Lover of our souls and our Advocate.
Condemnation – that too, has a paralizing effect on your spirit. “Jesus has been made unto to us righteousness, sanctification and redemption” so if you are redeemed, you are forgiven. "I am the righteousness of God for Christ has shed His Blood for Me”. You need to rest in that.
Confusion – is meant to confound you and make your faith shaky. “our God does not author confusion. He is a God of Peace” stay where the Peace is – best place is in His Presence.
Unforgiveness – is also crippling and brings spiritual blindness. Do what The Lord does “cancel their debts (offenses) and consider their misdeeds no more” You don’t have to feel nice about that person – it’s an act of will that God requires of us.
Unforgiveness brings judgement and hinders our prayers.
Dwelling on Things – to do this only magnifies them and then we can’t think freely and clearly. “whatever is lovely and true and trustworthy, think of these things and the God of Peace will be with you” it will become more tangible.
The News and Soapys – the News is meant to destroy your Faith in God’s Nature (a hidden agenda) and Soapys to shape and program your thinking (that’s the purpose of them). “whatever is just and pure and honorable, whatever is excellent and of a good report” entertain these things – you can’t do both. Worship includes our lifestyle, it is not limited to prayer.
Unhealthy Thoughts – give way to distressing thought patterns. Sometimes our enemies impose certain thoughts, hoping that we will dwell on them. Do not entertain them. To entertain them is to pay attention to and tolerate them – like the TV set. This gives them power – we virtually submit to them. We are told “not to be ignorant to these devices.
Worldly Temptations – only bring grief later when we find ourselves in debt OR make us spiritually empty and unequipped to handle situations when they come up. This is another reason why we are told “not to be conformed to this world” and to “set our minds on Heavenly things (not so much) the earthly things” because they will weigh us down so we cannot “run the race that is set before us”. At the end of it there is a Prize. We live on this earth and there is a balance of what we should and should not. Try this: whatever you buy and engage in that you can freely do with thanksgiving is the best way to know the difference.
Unloving Attitudes and Behavior – God’s River flows through the Law of Love. “by this we can know we are (truly) His child”. Did Jesus not say to “be like your Heavenly Father?” How dare we bring discomfort to others and pray for The Lord to bless us. Try to “learn what pleases The Lord” and “be gracious with each-other”.
Lending our Ears to Gossip – the world has this attitude but so do Christians often. Neither should we quickly shut someone up who is genuinely confiding in us, but monitor this and direct them to The Lord. Be a peacemaker and offer prayer for that person as well. If you know the other person, maybe you can bring calmness and clarity by reminding them of something good about that person and assuring them that things will improve. Quickly shutting someone up (if they are disturbed or distressed) only causes further damage and You are causing more disunity because that person who Jesus died for feels alienated from you.
Weekly Magazines – from your local store are full of gossip and do not make for Christian reading.
“If anyone be in Christ, he/she is a New Creation – those old things should pass away and all things (habits and interests) become New” They give you a different blueprint for living than The Lord intends for you. So you should refrain from them. Learn to fashion yourself after God and wear His Image – that’s the Best in life.
Medical Prognosis – practitioners are often good at diagnosing what’s wrong so you can deal with it – preferably with natural things or prayer He has ordained. Sickness can be distressing and sometimes medical drugs can cause more problems (many do). Now when a practitioner tells you what outcome you can expect - after diagnosis is made or treatment given - you should not take a negative prognosis to heart. That can be very damaging and is definitely not God’s Will for you. But rather, you should not take that on board but go to Prayer and Press into God
because HE is your Healer and Deliverance from whatever. Do not be at the mercy of what you hear. That is a Bad Report. We are instructed in scripture to go with the Good Report. Let me explain this: the medical profession offers you a report of gloom but God’s Word promises you Health, Peace and Joy! "I know the plans I have for you, not for evil but to give you HOPE and a Future” look for that and go with the GOOD REPORT. If something needs to be dealt with – do it Naturally. Nutritional Deficiencies could be the cause or Lifestyle Corrections need to be made. Stress Management could be a must. A Natural Health professional is more equipped to tell you
than the Medicos are. Maybe you're deficient in certain levels of nutrients that cause you to cope less with stress. You should at least know how stress can affect your levels too and how to fortify yourself nutritionally.
Lying Symptoms - A year ago, I woke up one day and experienced acute pain in my left leg and could not stand with that foot to walk to the other room, in fact it caved in on me 3 times. It went lame – a scarey experience, literally crippling. Perplexed by this (nothing to account for it) I managed to get myself on the sofa where I lay down and rested. I looked to The Lord and said to myself “ I live on my own, I cannot have this. You do not want this and I do not accept it. I will walk!” After a while in The Lord’s presence, I got up and was fine for the rest of the day and it did not return since. We must put up resistance instead of accepting what “comes our way” much as to say “you’re uninvited, get out of here!” I literally refused to accept it.
Now sickness is a work of the devil, scripture says and it also gives us the perfect recipe for resistance. Peter said to “Draw near to God, resist the devil and he shall flee!’’ Don’t forget the first part, we must draw near to God, then resist that symptom whatever before it takes up residence, so to speak – yes nip it in the bud, right there and then.
As God’s beloved children, we need to Clothe ourselves in Truth – that’s how The Lord works when we take a step of faith and apply it. He does’nt require great leaps of faith, just a simple step in the right direction.
Wrong Company - some people can really drag you down and weaken your spirit – they're always talking about their problems, making depressing or worldly conversation. This is not good for you.
If they are like that, you should cut their company to a minimum and stay with the company of those who are not draining your energy (it has to affect your faith somehow). And also, know the balance of whose company to keep in the world – there is nothing wrong with having a friend who is not a Christian. The problem is when someone's lifestyle whatever is tempting you. Scripture does say “you are children of light” and “what fellowship has light with darkness”. I do not endorse the theory of some Pastors who encourage you to shun everyone's company in the world and keep Christian company only. He is their Creator and if you're young, you need to choose your company wisely!
Compromised Relationships - these are the Last Days, the Coming of The Lord is closer than we think. “He will Come to repay each one, according to their works” yet there are some Christians who convince themselves that it's “alright” to live defacto – just like the world, they find no need for marriage, saying "The Lord does'nt mind".
Some of them consider themselves quite spiritual in the things of God and if you had a conversation with them – no way would you guess they are not committed to marriage. There is definitely some form of delusion involved often but each new day there is an opportunity to Repent and time is fast running out. If you're living in the flesh “He will say to you, depart from Me, I do not know you!” EXACTLY the same applies to those who break the bond of marriage to go and marry someone else – if you want to be Christian, who do you think you're kidding? There are better living people in the world. If that is an indictment, it is meant to be. Jesus' last words in Revelations says “outside are those who do these things along with everyone who practices evil”. You will know then, if you really loved Jesus or not. “why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not the things I SAY?”
Prayerlessness and Neglecting Devotions
Seven days without prayer does make one weak. This is true. Prayerlessness will weaken your spirit like nothing else! And it is not natural for a child of God – there is something wrong. Lack of Prayer and Devotions cause spiritual lack. You will always be looking to someone else for prayer and strength OR wishing you had the same relationship someone else has with Jesus.
You can, it’s found in cultivating His Presence and finding the most enjoyable way of feeding on His Words. They will become Life to you. Especially when you apply them – that way they stay with you for life!
Then you will be “like the tree planted beside still waters” and “the garden whose waters fail not”.
The “knowledge of The Lord will become pleasant to your soul” for during those times you will become acquainted with Him and see facets of His Nature – instead of like strangers (the One you hear about once a week maybe).
He will become your God instead of someone elses! Often our lives are spiritually poor when we fail to be personal with Him weeks, months or years after we found Him. That’s why the apostle Paul counsels us this way “as you have received The Lord, so (continue to) walk in Him” – remember? That is to keep relating with Him personally……don’t allow the simplicity and vitality to slip away.
Continue to cultivate His Presence – keep nurchuring your spirit with His Words.
JESUS says to You “I am close to the door of your heart. Invite Me in (once again) and we shall sup and fellowship together”. He really is a Treasure – find this TRUE!
Identifying and Resisting the Enemys Tactics, The Best Way to Do this.
- Mar 16, 2016
It's true, is it not, that the Age that we're living in is so restless and stressful? It's a busy life, hectic for some_ running here and dashing there, concerned that we make it in time for this and that. An endless array of people with busy schedules and commitments and I wonder how those who are engaged in some types of work can keep up with an endless stream of appointments throughout the day and socially in the evening?
A Day and Age where time itself is going so fast it is flying pass many of us who cannot seem to keep up with the pace of life because a month or a year seems to be going by 3 times more quickly than they have before.
Look at this year_ we only just celebrated New Year "yesterday" so to speak
and already we are in spring/autumn. Is'nt that crazy?
I mean to say, that would have been years ago when a year used to
take it's time to go by and the pace of life was more relaxed.
This in itself is stressful for many of us. And there's the saying "Look after Nb 1" that can be a good thing for those who tend to keep putting others before themselves and a not such a good thing around those who put themselves before others anyway and maybe practice it to extremes - showing little or no sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others in society and even in their family or workplace.
The shopping centers is a classic place for them to display their behavior often, walking directly in front of you to take your turn or get "what they want". Oh, and the drivers who show no consideration whatsoever to other people driving.......lane hopping to where they want to get to; hugging bumpers to get you out the way; always wanting to be the car in front; those who so rudely cut in front of you, only to make a left turn shortly after; not to mention those who make outlandish attempts in busy traffic......the road was made for them, was'nt it?
Some people like to show their impatience and discourtesy in car parks by grabbing your park before your eyes; beeping or crowding you when you're reversing etc And the one that really concerns me is those who walk directly across the back of your car when reversing.......especially those with little children and toddlers.
To me, that demonstrates little care and regard for their children's safety - highly irresponsible but half of them have not given any thought to that. More often than not, they take it for granted they are not in a "blind spot''...... yes it is so dangerous!
Those are just a few things that most of us encounter on a regular basis.
And I hope it made some of you feel a bit better to read some of those things.
I mean to say, things have got so hectic and selfish that an elderly person or someone who is not well thinks twice often before going out.
That is not fair is it? We need to show kindness towards others. A little
consideration goes a long way. It could even make someone happier on the inside.
As a matter of fact, people are surprised sometimes when I mention to them how concerns like those mentioned here were addressed prophetically 2,000 Yrs ago. Often, you will hear someone commenting on the way things are.
While I am not into religious churchy living, I do have time for Jesus and find His words to be true in so many things He said and a few of His followers who wrote part of the Bible. Yes, some of it relates very closely to our Day!
"In the Last Days there will be Stressful Times. Some will be lovers of self, lovers of pleasure and money. Some will be ungodly, reckless and conceited. Many will break contracts........Children will be disobedient to parents". Describes our surroundings well, don't you think? Even cars and aircraft and computers were mentioned in the bible too, so it is not a book of fairy tales.
Many of us are recognizing a need for spiritual things now - that we don't just have a body, mind and emotions but we do have a spirit, and there's something missing until that need is met. There are Scientists and Neuroscientists acknowledging this and saying that it is vital to our health to meet those needs.
It's important what direction our 'quest' or search for life takes us in because there's so many unstable schools of thought out there - religious and New-Age!
I encourage you to find for yourself that real "Living" is to be found with JESUS.
He is the one who has gifted me with research, poems like Helen Steiner Rice,
inspirational writings and website creation (multiple websites). I would not promote
Him as a Santa - that is not right to me but walking close to Him is to experience
His Graces if we don't limit Him. Christian ethics has been a strength for me
through the years and I've found Him to have a measuring rod for certain experiences
I've had, He has caused me to know gladness in place of sadness.
Most of us live at a busy pace from day to day with people around us rushing here and rushing there - even on the home scene many times.
Also, noise has become part of day to day living for most of us, from unwanted machinery, aircraft and traffic to TVs and Sound Systems - welcome and unwelcome. Whatever it is, it all adds up to noise pollution, collectively speaking.
We have become so restless for some reason - we have our tablets and laptops on
for hours and we take our smart-phones and MP3 players with us everywhere we go.
Many of us can't keep our mobiles out of use when dining out and our MP3 player is on when we walk from A to B - even if we go for leisure walks.
"Hey.........wait a minute" is not silence a good companion sometimes? Have we lost it's value somewhere along the way? Too much silence can be maddening if you're in isolation, that's true but may I suggest to you that it is sane for most of us. A missing link. It can bring calmness to our mind and emotions; composure and restfulness to our inner recesses; order into a hectic day; solutions in given situations.
Things pertaining to our spirit is a missing link also because in the silence comes inspiration and time for our Creator to speak to us in the quietness of Nature or gentle voice within. So may I put it to you that quietness is not a bad thing but
should be sought after on a daily basis.
Think of quietness for your mind and spirit in terms of what it is like for your body after you bath or shower and when you go to bed after a hard days work - is'nt that restful?
Friends, your body, mind and spirit needs more of those quiet-times where you can find a restfulness - at least on a weekly basis 3 or 4 times. When you have discovered it's merits, you will not look back - you need to make time for this. Perceived opportunities don't always present themselves but when you look for them or make way for them, it's amazing how much time you can have for this area in your life. With tranquility comes equilibrium - you will find yourself restored and experiencing better health.
It is a stressful Age we're living in - Jesus said it would not be easy in this Day.
May I suggest to run to your Creator instead of away from Him, because there is also
a prophetic promise in the Bible that "When hard times break out on the Earth, His Light
(Joy, Peace and Purpose) shall rise on those who walk with Him". Many are experiencing this in their personal lives. He did not want so many different religions any more than you or me - it can stifle the very life of God in our lives.
In addition to one's own worries or situations, we often have the added weight of
others' stress and disappointments from family and friends. Especially with those
who don't know when to stop talking about them - maybe repeatedly. You feel like you're
playing the part of a counselor sometimes - not that they want your advice.
It is a good thing these days, to make certain boundaries with friends, that you
don't mind being a confidant occasionally and you like to enjoy your friendship with them. Otherwise, the best of friendships can get taxing.
A Better Friendship
The last time that you spoke to me
to get things off your chest
when you forgot them afterwards
I was not feeling at my best.
I'd like to have some lighter times
for laughter and for fun
some peaceful relaxation
like when our friendship begun.
We're living in a world of stress
you know that would be less
if we value each other's company
in ways that make us free.
Enjoying certain activities
not just sitting down
we could enjoy a walk in a park
with nature all around.
There's something about activities
they make us forget our cares.
So does placing them on the shoulders
of our Mighty God upstairs.
Janet Vargas ©
Why are most of us restless? I think it's partly the effect of stress and partly
an attempt to throw it off. Could it also be a part of running away from God for some
because how is it that we have to keep ourselves amused or busy most of the
day and evening? Maybe it is because someone or something is too much for us
and we are running away from the seriousness of it?. Whatever it is that motivates
us to be so restless, we need to stop still sometime - at least once a day -
otherwise, you are taxing your mind and body in some way and your spirit is
not being fed. You know that most people who are restless don't even
know that they are? I hope these insights are helpful to you.
Please find some ways you can have pleasant quiet-times.
Life to your body, life to your mind, life to your spirit, dear friends.
A Favorite Bible Verse that Inspires Me!
Phil 4:8 is my favorite verse: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise think about these things." Because that is the best pattern for thinking....it speaks about having a Christ awareness .....appreciation of nature... the qualities and giftings in others.....it speaks of renewing your mind consistently.....loving His Words of Life..... having right attitudes and healthy thoughts and company.....being creative .......and having a desire for progress.
Peace to you who read this Post!
- Mar 8, 2016
Updated: Oct 17, 2023
You have heard the saying “Thinking outside the Square?”
So much is Introspective in Christianity these days –
in sermons, songs and books! Even Televangelists often
encourage you to be self-centered. It was not meant to be that way.
We are called to be the opposite actually – Free from
hang-ups, bondage and self.
We tend to look inward a lot in our Christian lives often.
The following website helps us to think outside
our little square in a positive way.
Many Christians are lacking in JOY because they don’t think
outside of themselves. Most sermons are centered on us
in some way, so they are partly responsible for that.
The emphasis has been wrong. We are encouraged to
keep attending “services” stand up, sit down and all the rest
of it – having to be spectators for the most part…..we are not
encouraged to function at all.
Jesus said to Follow Me, Abide in Me and to Reach Out
to others. That is the true essence of His Calling.
If we are not doing these three things, we are missing it.
Most churches are busy taking Tithes and Offerings from us
for the preacher’s pocket, the building fund or upkeep of the building etc
and there is very little left (once we pay our rent etc) to give
to those in need. But that was the True Concept in New Testament Giving.
We need to return to the Pattern – it’s the New Living Way He has Planned, not
a repeat of the Laws of Israel (that’s a separate covenant).
You really must go to
HAPPY WAYS TO GIVE