Tag: overcome
Job’s Friends
Scripture reading for August 20: Job 16:1-2 “Then Job answered and said: “I have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all. Shall windy words have and end? Or what provokes you that you answer?” Job 16:20-21 “My friends scorn me; my eye pours out tears to God that He would argue the case of a man with God, as as a son of man does with his neighbor.”
Revelation 12:10-11 “And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of the testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
As we walk with God through times of sickness, often our friends and even our family think that they are encouraging us with their blunt analysis of our condition and the reasons behind it. Job’s friends were no different. They suggested that Job was hiding some unknown sin and God was punishing him. One suggested that he was even getting far less than he deserved. Friends like this became for Job (and us!) miserable comforters. They test our faith and become tools of the accuser, Satan. Job longed for one like a “Son of Man” to intervene for him and plead his case. His longing was answered by God in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ.
John, in Revelation 12, saw that the accuser of the brothers had been cast down to earth. Those trusting in God and His Mediator, Jesus Christ, had an advocate Who would defend them. They overcame the accuser and his accusations by pleading the shed blood of Jesus and testified to their faith in God’s mercy through Him. They stood firm in their faith against all accusations, even becoming martyrs for their stand of faith.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending one like a “son of man” in Your Son Jesus to be our advocate for us in heaven. We love You and have committed to a stand of faith, even unto death. Amen!
Satan, Thrown Down to Earth
Scripture reading for December 16: Revelation 12
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:7-11
By faith in God’s Word, we know that events on earth are tied to events in heaven. There is an invisible world that is more real than the physical world we can see and touch. John got to observe the war that was taking place in heaven. Michael, the Archangel assigned to Israel, was fighting against the dragon known as Satan. That great dragon was thrown down out of heaven to the earth in defeat and shame. He was noted to be the deceiver of the whole world and his fallen angels, now demons, who had rebelled with him were thrown down too. Those unsaved left on earth at that time would experience great woe because of the devil’s wrath against God and those made in His image.
But there was a great declaration of victory coming from a loud voice in heaven. The announcement that Satan had been thrown down and would no longer bring accusation against God’s people was great news. The loud voice declared the kingdom and power and salvation of Christ was now ushered in. Those who had suffered under Satan’s accusations and deception but had trusted in Christ’s shed blood and maintained their testimony of faith were overcomers! Even those who had been martyred for their faith were now alive and rejoicing at heaven’s victory through Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:12)
Have you experienced this war between Satan and those made in God’s image? How does any human being participate in this victory? Have you trusted in the ‘blood of the Lamb’ and stated that publicly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing victory for Your people through the shed blood of Your own Son. We believe on Jesus, the Christ, and by faith enter that kingdom and receive His power through the infilling of the Holy Spirit to become witnesses who willingly give that others may know. Amen.
False Teachers are Dangerous!
Scripture reading for November 17: 2 Peter 2
“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”” 2 Peter 2:19-22
Peter was concerned for the spiritual welfare of the church. False teachers and teaching had spread that advocated a new ‘freedom’ to live in sensuality while still claiming to love Jesus. These teachers were themselves now ‘slaves of corruption’ after once having a salvation experience and being delivered and washed from sins. True freedom comes from repentance and washing clean from sin and it’s shame.
Peter stated that it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and then turn away from following Him. Peter did not believe in the ‘once saved, always saved’ false teaching that these teachers promoted. He plainly stated that what overcomes a person and enslaves him brings bondage that can lead to great loss. He used two examples of the current culture to illustrate the danger. The first was a dog returning to his own vomit. That is really a disgusting picture! The second was a female hog that was washed but then returns to the mud wallow to roll around in the filth again! Peter’s illustrated letter was God breathed to get our attention!
Have you ever been enticed or taken in by a false teacher or an enticing teaching? Why would it be worse to have known the way of righteousness and then turn back? Does it shock you that God would use such graphic and worldly illustrations to describe those turning back to the world?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that Your love for us sent Your Son to identify with all our weaknesses and yet live free from sin. Thank You for Your mercy that brings understanding and correction through illustrations we can understand and see with our mind’s eye. Correct me vividly! Amen.
Victorious testimony
Scripture reading for December 16th: Job 8-11, Revelation 12
Key Scriptures: Revelation 12:7-11 “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
John had a ring-side seat to a war in heaven–of all places! Angels were fighting one another with Michael, Israel’s chief angel, fighting against the ancient serpent, Satan. Satan was the deceiver of the whole world and the accuser of God’s people. He lost the conflict and was cast out of heaven and down to earth along with his other rebellious angels. A loud voice in heaven made a declaration of victory: God’s salvation and kingdom had come and Christ was in authority. All Christ’s brothers (and sisters) now conquer the accuser, Satan, through the blood of Christ Jesus–the Lamb of God and by the word of their testimony of faith in Him. Victory is assured, even in their death through martyrdom!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the victory won for us who believe in You on the cross of Calvary and Your own blood. Help me to faithfully declare my testimony of faith in You and Your shed blood with the lost that they also might conquer their fallen adversary and know eternal life and Your steadfast love.
Job 10:12 “You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.”
We Overcome by Faith!
Scripture reading for November 24th: 1st John 5
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st John 5:2-5 “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God, over-comes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”
John’s desire was that the churches he served would be over-comers. Love is the only pathway to overcoming the world, flesh, and the devil. We do this by faith in God’s Word and commands. Our faith brings loving obedience and perseverance in trials. We obtain the victory here through faith and ultimately the victory of eternal life in God’s presence! Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith!
Observations for over-comers: Faith motivated by God’s conquering love brings over-coming victory to those who believe in Jesus Christ as God’s Son. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your Presence, O Lord.” (Psalm 89:14-15)
Mountain-moving faith!
Scripture reading for January 25th: Matthew 17
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Matthew 17:18-21 “Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Jesus demonstrated the power of faith to his unbelieving disciples when He cast out the demon from the boy with severe seizures. They had tried, but had failed and Jesus had severely rebuked them, calling them an ‘unbelieving and perverse generation’. When they questioned Him as to why, He clearly told them it was a lack of faith! Jesus was hard on them because He had given them authority to cast out demons when He called them to preach. (Mark 3:14-15) They had failed to use what was given to them to advance the kingdom of heaven and spoil Satan’s hold on the lost and hurting. This walk of faith is essential for over-comers in these last days.
Observation for over-comers: All it takes, according to our Lord Jesus, is faith the size of a mustard seed and we can move mountains! “You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. . .It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” (Psalm 18:28-29,32)
Jesus speaks plainly to His Bride!
Scripture reading for December 3rd: Revelation 3
Not many people love to be corrected. Yet the Bible teaches that “the Lord disciplines those He loves and punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” (Hebrews 12:6) In “this prophecy received by John from Jesus Christ, the Lord gives strong words to His Bride, the Church. We all would be wise to listen and heed what He has to say!
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: . . “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of My God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”” (Revelation 3:1-3)
Jesus knew the true condition of the hearts of those in this church. They had reputations and an image that they were trusting in, but they had been and were asleep and dead spiritually! Jesus told them plainly, not to condemn them but to warn them to repent! A change of mind was needed and a return to the original Gospel message and passion of trusting in Christ would put them back on track! Failure to respond would bring great disappointment when Christ returned. They would not be ready and their inheritance would be in jeopardy.
But there were a few in Sardis that were not asleep or dead! “They will walk with Me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before My Father and His angels.” (Revelation 3:4-5) Spiritual ears are required to hear the loving words of Jesus!
To He who has an ear!
Scripture reading for December 2nd: Revelation 2
John was told to write down what he heard and saw and to send letters to the seven churches of Asia. Jesus, Himself, dictated the letters to each church. The letters generally contain a personal revelation of Jesus, commendation for good works, corrections needed along with warnings, and promises to those who would overcome.
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds. . . .” (Revelation 2:1-2) Jesus introduced Himself as the One holding all the messengers (angels or possibly pastors) in His hand. He also walked among the churches and knew about the light that was coming from their “lampstand.” He knew their deeds that were inspired by faith and commended them for them.
“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolatians which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.” (Revelation 2:4-7) Jesus also had honest correction. This church had left its first love–a love of Christ that sparked obedience and acts of love to others. Repentance was required. Only the humble have ears that will hear and heed! Overcomers will be rewarded!
Glorious saints!
Scripture reading for December 27th: Revelation 10-13
When we look at the world we live in and the formidable troubles that face all mankind, it is easy to become fearful and worry. Demonic forces are everywhere and it appears that they are winning. Pornography is prevalent everywhere. Terrorism and bloodshed are daily news for those who anxiously watch. Economic troubles, famines, and earthquakes are regular fare. Nations are uneasy with wars, rumors of war, nuclear weapons, rockets, and armies in readiness. Into this setting Christ, the Lamb slain, leads His followers and calls them to be overcomers!
John sees a repeat of the nativity story with a cosmic setting. This sign appearing in heaven showed a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This woman was pregnant and and in pain as she was about to give birth. (Revelation 12:1-2) John then saw another sign. There appeared a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on the heads. The dragon’s tail had swept a third of the stars from the sky and flung them to earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman to devour her child the moment it was born. (Revelation 12:3-4)
The woman gave birth to a male child, who will rule all the nations! The child was snatched up to God and His throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place God prepared for them. Then there was war in heaven between Michael the Archangel and his forces and the dragon and his angels. The dragon was hurled down to earth with his angels with him. The identity of the dragon was the “ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan”. (Revelation 12:7-9)
A loud voice from heaven announced the coming of the kingdom of God and the hurling down of the accuser of the brothers. The brothers “overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11) The heavens were rejoicing! All who dwelt there were encouraged to rejoice! Those on the earth, however, would have woe because the devil was enraged. He knew his time was short! (Revelation 12:12) No matter what might happen to saints on earth, the best is yet to come! Rejoice and tell someone the good news!
The Song of Moses!
Scripture reading for December 24th: Revelation 15:1-8
Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt about 1500 years before Christ. After ten plagues that brought judgment on the gods of Egypt and those that followed them, the Egyptian army and Pharaoh decided to attack the unarmed Israelites as they faced the Red Sea. God, through Moses, opened the Red Sea and delivered His people. When they were safely on the other side and the Egyptian army was crossing, Moses held up his rod and the sea drowned all those in pursuit. Moses and Miriam led the people in a song of worship to God for His amazing deliverance! (Exodus 14-15)(Exodus 15:11)
“And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are Your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, King of the Ages. who will not fear You, O Lord, and bring glory to Your Name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed.”” (Revelation 15:2-4)
John saw a company of people who had been victorious over the beast and had not taken his mark. These had been given harps by God and were singing the song of Moses. They had overcome by faith, many having been martyred for their refusal to accept his mark. They sang this song now to God and to the Lamb, worshiping Him for His justice and righteousness in judging the beast and those who refused to repent. God alone was holy and worthy of worship!
As they worshiped, the tabernacle of the Testimony was opened and the seven angels with the seven bowls of the wrath of God appeared. The heavenly temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and His power! As these faithful servants worshiped, God ordered the final seven plagues to be poured on the earth. God’s plan to eliminate evil and rebellion would take place suddenly and swiftly. Patient endurance had paid a big reward for those now in heaven. The worst was ahead for those in rebellion on earth!