My last post has been misunderstood, it seems. As the majority of my readers are Christians, I posted it for their benefit; for them to read about and learn how the enemy - Satan - can attack. But the post was read by others who are not Christians and misinterpreted. Thus is the life of a Christian; to be misunderstood and questioned because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
So, to set the record straight and clear up the misunderstanding - in print and for all to see - I did not say I was under attack by a person. I said I was under attack by the enemy, who is Satan, the lord of lies and the enemy of my Heavenly Father.
I stand firm in my convictions. I stand firm in my faith. The devil - my enemy - who uses other humans as pawns in his spiritual chess game with God, has already been checkmated. He lost the game when Jesus died on the cross for everyone's sins.
Friends, stay firm in your faith. Plant your feet and put on your armour. I am, and I'm also taking comfort in the Beautitudes in Matthew 5, which speak of being persecuted (misunderstood, etc) -
The Beatitudes
He said:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
I am blessed and I am rejoicing.
Paula xo
Showing posts with label spiritual attack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual attack. Show all posts
Monday, 31 October 2011
Sunday, 30 October 2011
I'm Under Attack...
I'm hopping mad right now and I'm praying for God to keep me from myself. Why am I so mad? It's because I was asked to take all of my daughter's photos off this blog. It's not an unreasonable request in this day and age given all the sick-minded people that are in the world. What I am mad about is that I was not just asked. I was the last to know that my daughter's father wanted this done. So, that's why I know I'm under [spiritual (1)] attack. And that's why I'm writing this post ... to show the enemy [see explanation post here (1)] that while I feel down about this situation, I am not out. I will rise up like the princess warrior that I am.
The enemy will use any means necessary to bring a woman down. He loathes women, and he especially hates women whose lives are God-centred, who are able to show love, grace and forgiveness, and who feel comfortable in themselves ... as a woman. He despises us. But, he has already lost the battle.
Pastor Frei Haverkamp from Hillsong Germany spoke at church this morning about keeping it simple; the message of the gospel. The truth, life and hope that comes from believing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and to give us eternal life.
Pastor Frei gave us three points -
1. God is good and the devil is bad. Such a simple statement but a very deep and true one. The enemy is 100% bad. He knows NO good. On the other hand, God is 100% good and knows NO bad. Problems, sickness, etc do not come from God. Like my current situation - it is not from God; it has the enemy's signature all over it. We must not make a gray situation out of something that is so obviously black and white. Good versus bad is white versus black. I'm certainly heeding this advice today and I'm pulling rank on my situation as a single mum. No-one who the enemy sends will be allowed to come into our fortress again.
"Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:16-17 NIV
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”" - Psalm 92:12-15 NIV
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."" - John 10:10-11 NIV
2. Always focus on the answer and not the problem. Jesus is our Saviour, Provider, Redeemer, Shepherd, Comforter, and more. We mustn't give our problems a name, ie betrayal and attack; we must just remember God's name. In my situation, God is greater than all of it and greater than every person involved.
3. I'm alive for more than just myself. God wants to bless you to be a blessing to others. God has blessed me with a wonderful and beautiful daughter, amazing friends and a loving family. I AM truly blessed. He chose ME to raise my daughter; He put me in this situation because He knew that I am the best person to raise my daughter. And if that means doing it alone, then I am more than happy to, and capable to.
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
Pastor Frei reminded us today that we live in two overlapping realities - the Kingdom of God, which is started but not finished, and the fallen and broken world, full of our tainted human tendencies and inadequacies. Having to live in both creates tension; tension like I'm feeling today.
Today's situation has only served to make me more determined to run the race that has been set out before me. It's only made me feel more secure in my standing as a child of the Most High God. It's made me realise that I am to be cautious about who I trust. It's made me thankful for my life, "fruit growers" and all.
(1) Postscript - please see my subsequent post titled Understanding a Spiritual Attack. (Post edited 31/10/11, 10:20am)
The enemy will use any means necessary to bring a woman down. He loathes women, and he especially hates women whose lives are God-centred, who are able to show love, grace and forgiveness, and who feel comfortable in themselves ... as a woman. He despises us. But, he has already lost the battle.
Pastor Frei Haverkamp from Hillsong Germany spoke at church this morning about keeping it simple; the message of the gospel. The truth, life and hope that comes from believing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and to give us eternal life.
Pastor Frei gave us three points -
1. God is good and the devil is bad. Such a simple statement but a very deep and true one. The enemy is 100% bad. He knows NO good. On the other hand, God is 100% good and knows NO bad. Problems, sickness, etc do not come from God. Like my current situation - it is not from God; it has the enemy's signature all over it. We must not make a gray situation out of something that is so obviously black and white. Good versus bad is white versus black. I'm certainly heeding this advice today and I'm pulling rank on my situation as a single mum. No-one who the enemy sends will be allowed to come into our fortress again.
"Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:16-17 NIV
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”" - Psalm 92:12-15 NIV
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."" - John 10:10-11 NIV
2. Always focus on the answer and not the problem. Jesus is our Saviour, Provider, Redeemer, Shepherd, Comforter, and more. We mustn't give our problems a name, ie betrayal and attack; we must just remember God's name. In my situation, God is greater than all of it and greater than every person involved.
3. I'm alive for more than just myself. God wants to bless you to be a blessing to others. God has blessed me with a wonderful and beautiful daughter, amazing friends and a loving family. I AM truly blessed. He chose ME to raise my daughter; He put me in this situation because He knew that I am the best person to raise my daughter. And if that means doing it alone, then I am more than happy to, and capable to.
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
Pastor Frei reminded us today that we live in two overlapping realities - the Kingdom of God, which is started but not finished, and the fallen and broken world, full of our tainted human tendencies and inadequacies. Having to live in both creates tension; tension like I'm feeling today.
Today's situation has only served to make me more determined to run the race that has been set out before me. It's only made me feel more secure in my standing as a child of the Most High God. It's made me realise that I am to be cautious about who I trust. It's made me thankful for my life, "fruit growers" and all.
(1) Postscript - please see my subsequent post titled Understanding a Spiritual Attack. (Post edited 31/10/11, 10:20am)
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