Author Archive
God’s unchanging character in the midst of disaster…
by wbcimpact on Jan.15, 2010, under Devotional, Got Questions?
Tragedies such as the 2004 tsunami in Asia, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2008 cyclone in Myanmar, and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti cause many people to question God’s goodness. It is distressing that natural disasters are often termed “acts of God” while no “credit” is given to God for years, decades, or even centuries of peaceful weather. God created the whole universe and the laws of nature (Genesis 1:1). Most natural disasters are a result of these laws at work. Hurricanes, typhoons, and tornados are the results of divergent weather patterns colliding. Earthquakes are the result of the earth’s plate structure shifting. A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake.
The Bible proclaims that Jesus Christ holds all of nature together (Colossians 1:16-17). Could God prevent natural disasters? Absolutely! Does God sometimes influence the weather? Yes, as we see in Deuteronomy 11:17 and James 5:17. Numbers 16:30-34 shows us that God sometimes causes natural disasters as a judgment against sin. The book of Revelation describes many events which could definitely be described as natural disasters (Revelation chapters 6, 8, and 16). Is every natural disaster a punishment from God? Absolutely not.
In much the same way that God allows evil people to commit evil acts, God allows the earth to reflect the consequences sin has had on creation. Romans 8:19-21 tells us, “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” The fall of humanity into sin had effects on everything, including the world we inhabit. Everything in creation is subject to “frustration” and “decay.” Sin is the ultimate cause of natural disasters just as it is the cause of death, disease, and suffering.
We can understand why natural disasters occur. What we do not understand is why God allows them to occur. Why did God allow the tsunami to kill over 225,000 people in Asia? Why did God allow Hurricane Katrina to destroy the homes of thousands of people? For one thing, such events shake our confidence in this life and force us to think about eternity. Churches are usually filled after disasters as people realize how tenuous their lives really are and how life can be taken away in an instant. What we do know is this: God is good! Many amazing miracles occurred during the course of natural disasters that prevented even greater loss of life. Natural disasters cause millions of people to reevaluate their priorities in life. Hundreds of millions of dollars in aid is sent to help the people who are suffering. Christian ministries have the opportunity to help, minister, counsel, pray, and lead people to saving faith in Christ! God can, and does, bring great good out of terrible tragedies (Romans 8:28).
Got Questions? The Bible has Answers! We’ll find them for you!
www.GotQuestions.org
The Prevailing Interest in the End of the World
by wbcimpact on Nov.17, 2009, under Devotional
For a country who is trying really hard to forget God and convince everyone that He never existed in the first place, its interesting that it presents a marketing frenzy on a topic that begs the question. Why would it matter what happens to us if we died or the world suddenly ended? Everyone, no matter who, asks the question, “Isn’t there more than this?”. Of course there is! The question would not even come up if there was no God. There would be absolutely no basis for it whatsoever. But the fact that there is a God is exactly why His creation is asking how we got here and what our purpose is. What is it exactly that makes life worth living in a world that is obviously dieing and filled with corruption to its very core? The answer is easier than most would assume but its simplicity is what keeps some at bay. Could it really be that the Bible tells the story of the universe and that it is the truth! It’s an interesting trail to follow if you do the opposite of what the world tells you to do. First of all, assume that truth does exists and it is found in the one book it tries so desparately to misqoute and cover up. Then discover that God does exists and that He actually created everything that we see around us. Before long we discover that God tells the story of the universe and answers all the prevailing questions about who we are, why we are here, and what happened to the world. Most importantly, we learn exactly how it all ends. Amazing that the answer can be found so easily and yet remain so elusive to so many. Since several recent movies have been released the curiosity of a lot of people have raised about how the world will end, and when it will end. In fact, there is some degree of paranoia in places as people are stock piling much the same way as we saw before turn of this millennia. It’s understandable to see this as people who have no hope or understanding of God’s truth try to desparately prepare for something they know nothing about. I can only imagine what that may feel like. That fact along with what God’s Word tells about His Imminent return is cause for me to have a sense of urgency about getting the word out.
The Bible has a lot to say about the end times. Nearly every book of the Bible contains prophecy regarding the end times. Taking all of these prophecies and organizing them can be difficult. Following is a very brief summary of what the Bible declares will happen in the end times.
Christ will remove all born-again believers from the earth in an event known as the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-54). At the judgment seat of Christ, these believers will be rewarded for good works and faithful service during their time on earth or will lose rewards, but not eternal life, for lack of service and obedience (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
The Antichrist (the beast) will come into power and will sign a covenant with Israel for seven years (Daniel 9:27). This seven-year period of time is known as the “tribulation.” During the tribulation, there will be terrible wars, famines, plagues, and natural disasters. God will be pouring out His wrath against sin, evil, and wickedness. The tribulation will include the appearance of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and the seven seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments.
About halfway through the seven years, the Antichrist will break the peace covenant with Israel and make war against it. The Antichrist will commit “the abomination of desolation” and set up an image of himself to be worshipped in the Jerusalem temple (Daniel 9:27; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10), which will have been rebuilt. The second half of the tribulation is known as “the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14) and “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).
At the end of the seven-year tribulation, the Antichrist will launch a final attack on Jerusalem, culminating in the battle of Armageddon. Jesus Christ will return, destroy the Antichrist and his armies, and cast them into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:11-21). Christ will then bind Satan in the Abyss for 1000 years and He will rule His earthly kingdom for this thousand-year period (Revelation 20:1-6).
At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released, defeated again, and then cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10) for eternity. Christ then judges all unbelievers (Revelation 20:10-15) at the great white throne judgment, casting them all into the lake of fire. Christ will then usher in a new heaven and new earth and the New Jerusalem—the eternal dwelling place of believers. There will be no more sin, sorrow, or death (Revelation 21–22). Of course included with this is God’s provision of Salvation to anyone who places their trust in what Jesus did on the cross. Since I have more than one page explaininig that in detail on this site I have opted to not go into again here. The point here is simply explain that God tells us the truth and that we do not need to be frigthened or panicked about any movie or event that occurs in the world today. God provides peace of mind as we look to Him for the answers and rest in the knowledge that He has witheld nothing from us that we need.
The Thanksgiving Proclamation
by wbcimpact on Nov.05, 2009, under Devotional, Random info...
It’s always interesting to read something of our past. Sometimes you learn things, sometimes you remember what you’ve forgotten, yet other times you simply observe how different the times are now. Thanksgiving hasn’t always been a holiday and its change from its original intent is interesting to me. It’s been reduced by the same country that declared it to little more than a time off from life to shop, spend time with families, and that has varying depths of meaning for the individuals who celebrate it. Without the understanding of its intent, it is easy to understand why its focus has so easily passed from God to us. In God’s Word we read what God intended for us, provided for us, and ultimately what’s in store for us in the future. It’s much more than a history book of stories but very much God’s truth to man of who He is. I wonder what if I did not live in a country where the founding fathers saw to it to set aside a day each year to give thanks to God. Would my life be any different? I suspect that it would be but I cannot help but think that the Psalmists’ declaration found throughout the Psalms: “O Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good…” is something that is to be a part of my life anyway. So as we lead up to Thanksgiving, maybe as wonderful as it is to be with family and friends, our attention should turn to the One who has given us hope and a future. So read this with interest as I have and maybe argueing when to put up the decorations and listening to music “at the right time” takes a back seat for just a moment as we turn from tradition to true reflection about something bigger than families getting together, music, and what day we will save a lot of money.
New York, 3 October 1789
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor–and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me `to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.’
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be — That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks — for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted — for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions–to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually — to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn [sic] kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord — To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease [sic] of science among them and us — and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
George Washington
So what’s with ghosts and hauntings anyway?
by wbcimpact on Sep.28, 2009, under Devotional, Parental Helps, Random info...
Many that approach these subjects from non-biblical perspectives talk about the existence of ghosts and hauntings by the spirits of dead people who, for whatever reason, have not gone on to the “next stage.” These same people talk about three different kinds of hauntings: (1) residual hauntings (likened to video playbacks with no actual interaction with any spirits); (2) hauntings by human spirits, with those spirits being a combination of good and bad (but not evil), similar in nature to people we meet in life. Some may simply want to get a person’s attention, others may be pranksters, but in either case they do not truly harm people; and (3) interaction with non-human spirits or demons. These demons can sometimes masquerade as well-intentioned human spirits, but they are harmful and dangerous.
When reading material on ghosts and hauntings from such non-biblical sources, it should be remembered that just because an author may refer to the Bible or to Bible characters (such as Michael the archangel), it does not mean they approach the subject from a biblical perspective. When no authority is given for an author’s information, the reader has to ask himself, “How does he/she know this to be so? What is his/her authority?” For example, how does an author know that demons masquerade as well-intentioned human spirits? How does he know that it is good to ask advice from “spirit helpers,” while at the same time it is important not to “invite a spirit to manifest its presence” at a séance because it may be a demon? If demons can masquerade as well-intentioned human spirits, how can one tell whether his spirit helper is telling the truth about its identity or is truly a demon seeking to confuse and deceive? How can one be sure? Ultimately those who address such subjects from non-biblical sources must base their understanding on either their own thoughts, the thoughts of others, and/or the experiences of the past. But based upon their own words (that demons are deceiving and can imitate benevolent human spirits), experiences can be deceiving! Ultimately, if one is to have a right understanding on this subject, he must go to a source that has shown itself to be accurate 100% of the time—God’s Word, the Bible. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about such things.
1. The Bible never speaks of hauntings. Rather, when a person dies, the spirit of that person is goes to one of two places. If the person is a true believer (not one who merely knows about Jesus, but one who has established a living relationship with Christ through faith), his spirit is ushered into the presence of Christ in heaven (Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:8) and he will be reunited with his body (after it has been transformed into an immortal body at the time Christ “snatches” away his own from the coming judgment upon the earth at the time of the rapture [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18]). If one is not a believer in Christ and does not have his name written in the Lamb’s book of life, his spirit is put in a place of torment (Luke 16:23-24) called hell, to await his sentencing for his works in what is called the “great white throne judgment.”
At that time he is also reunited with his body and is cast into eternal torment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10-15). But whether a person is a believer or an unbeliever, there is no returning to our present world to communicate and interact with people, even for the purpose of warning people to flee from the judgment to come (Luke 16:27-31). There are only two recorded incidents in which a dead person interacts with the living. The first is when King Saul of Israel tried contacting the deceased prophet Samuel through a medium (or witch), contrary to God’s command. God allowed Samuel to be disturbed long enough to pronounce judgment upon Saul for his repeated disobedience (1 Samuel 28:6-19). The second incident is when Moses and Elijah interacted with Jesus when he was transfigured in Matthew 17:1-8.
2. Scripture speaks repeatedly of good and bad angels moving about unseen (Daniel 10:1-21), but also as interacting with living people at different times, even to the point of evil spirits actual possessing people (dwelling within them and controlling them (see Mark 5:1-20, for example). Good angels, on occasion, appear to people as well (Acts 5:17-20; 12:3-11). The four Gospels and the Book of Acts are filled with many incidents of demon possession and of good angels appearing and aiding believers. Angels, both good and bad, can cause unusual natural and supernatural phenomenon to occur (Job 1-2, Revelation 7:1; 8:5; 15:1; 16).
3. Scripture repeatedly shows that demons know things of which the people around them are apparently unaware (Acts 16:16-18; Luke 4:41). Because these evil angels have been around a long time, they would know facts that those living limited life spans would not. Because Satan has access to God’s throne at the present (Job 1-2), the demons may also be allowed to know some specific events that pertain to the future, but this is speculation.
4. Scripture speaks repeatedly of Satan being the father of lies and a deceiver (John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:9) and that he also can disguise himself as an angel of light. Likewise, those who follow him, whether human or otherwise, do the same (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
5. Satan and demons have great power (compared to humans) (again see Mark 5:1-20; Acts 19:13-16), even to the point where Michael the archangel trusts only in God’s power when dealing with Satan (Jude 1:9). But Satan’s power is nothing compared to God’s (Acts 19:11-12; Mark 5:1-20, etc.) and God is actually able to use Satan’s evil intent to bring about His good purposes (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 12:7).
6. God commands us to have nothing to do with anything that smacks of the occult, devil worship, or involvement with the spirit world through the use of mediums, séances, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot cards, channeling, etc. He considers all of these an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:9-12; Isaiah 8:19-20; Galatians 5:20; Revelation 21:8), and those who involve themselves in such things invite disaster (Acts 19:13-16).
7. The example set by Scripture in dealing with items that pertain to the occult (books, movies, music, jewelry, games dealing with the occult, and other occult objects) is to confess the involvement with such as sin and burn the items (Acts 19:18-19).
8. The main source of release from the power of Satan is through salvation through the believing of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:18; 26:16-18). And if one will not believe the Word of God, there is no other source of the truth they will believe, even if it came from one who rose from the dead (Luke 16:31). If one attempts to get rid of Satan and his evil angels’ involvement in his life without this, it is futile, as one merely leaves an empty dwelling place for even worse demons to return to in the future (Luke 11:24-26). But when a person comes to Christ for the forgiveness of their sin through His shed blood, the Holy Spirit comes to abide and remain until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). The other main weapon would be simple prayer in total dependence upon God, even as Michael the archangel exemplified in Jude 1:9.
In view of the multitude of passages dealing with involvement of the unseen demonic world with the present world—in contrast with the two recorded incidents involving interaction between the living and those who have died—and considering that the dead cannot visit the living without permission and that permission is not lightly given (Luke 16:27-31), it would seem best to understand ghosts, hauntings, spirit helpers, voices at séances, etc. (besides those which are the mere illusions created by charlatans) as the work of demons. Sometimes these demons may have no intent to conceal their nature, and at other times they may seek to deceive by appearing as human spirits in order to generate credibility for the lies they seek to spread and the confusion they seek to create.
Again, God states it is foolish to try to consult the dead on behalf of the living or to consult with those who say they have an inside track on the future when instead one can actually consult with the wisdom of the living God (Isaiah 8:19-20). And if God considered the occult practices of contacting the spirit world for wisdom or guidance for the future an abomination worthy of judgment in Moses’ time (Deuteronomy 18:9-12), then God who does not change considers it so today (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 1:12) and those who ignore this do so to their own hurt. In closing I will add a call of great caution to believers. In recent years, movies such as Harry Potter, Twilight, etc., including books that deal with a seemingly innocent content heavy in the occult, has caused many believers to bring this into their lives and homes. Not only does this do great harm in communicating with an unbelieving world that this activity is safe spiritually but it brings an invitation of demonic influence upon themselves and their family. This may sound harsh but consider that God had called us to stay away from anything that even suggests this stuff because of what we are inviting into our lives (Galations 5:20, Acts 19:13-16).
Where was God on September 11?
by wbcimpact on Sep.11, 2009, under Got Questions?
On September 11, 2001, God was exactly where He always is – in Heaven in total control of everything that happens in the universe. Why, then, would a good and loving God allow such a tragedy to happen? This is a more difficult question to answer. First, we must remember, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). It is impossible for finite human beings to understand the ways of an infinite God (Romans 11:33-35). Second, we must realize that God is not responsible for the wicked acts of evil men. The Bible tells us that humanity is desperately wicked and sinful (Romans 3:10-18, 23). God allows human beings to commit sin for His own reasons and to fulfill His own purposes. Sometimes we think we understand why God is doing something, only to find out later that it was for a different purpose than we originally thought.
God looks at things from an eternal perspective. We look at things from an earthly perspective. Why did God put man on earth, knowing that Adam and Eve would sin and therefore bring evil, death, and suffering on all mankind? Why didn’t He just create us all and leave us in Heaven where we would be perfect and without suffering? It must be remembered that the purpose for all creation and all creatures is to glorify God. God is glorified when His nature and attributes are on display. If there were no sin, God would have no opportunity to display His justice and wrath as He punishes sin. Nor would He have the opportunity to show His grace, His mercy, and His love to undeserving creatures. The ultimate display of God’s grace was at the Cross where Jesus died for our sins. Here was unselfishness and obedience displayed in His Son who knew no sin but was “made sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This was all to the “praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:14).
When thinking of September 11, we tend to forget the thousands of miracles that occurred on that day. Hundreds of people were able to flee the buildings just in the nick of time. A small handful of firemen and one civilian survived in a tiny space in a stairwell as the one of the towers collapsed around them. The passengers on Flight 93 defeating the terrorists was a miracle in and of itself. Yes, September 11 was a terrible day. Sin reared its ugly head and caused great devastation. However, God is still in control. His sovereignty is never to be doubted. Could God have prevented what happened on September 11? Of course He could, but He chose to allow the events to unfold exactly as they did. He prevented that day from being as bad as it could have been. Since September 11, how many lives have been changed for the better? How many people have placed their faith in Christ for salvation as a result of what happened? The words of Romans 8:28 should always be in our minds when we think of 9-11, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.”
-article from “Question of the Week” series from www.gotquestions.org ©2009 Got Questions Ministries (used by permission).
Temptation, the Devil, and You…
by wbcimpact on Sep.09, 2009, under Devotional
Have you ever seen the wind? No, I don’t mean the effects of the wind; I mean the actual wind itself. (Hint: your answer should be no- as it turns out, the wind happens to be invisible). Right, so I don’t meet many people who don’t ‘believe’ in the wind because they can’t see it. Yet these are the same people who don’t believe in the devil and demons simply because they’ve never ’seen’ them. I’ve never seen them, but you can bet I believe in them. The effects of Satan and his demons are more obvious to me than a tornado ripping through the center of town.
Don’t believe me? Turn on the nightly news or check foxnews.com. Murders? Yes. Suicides? Yes. Child abuse? Yes. And on and on. These aren’t random events or just a few instances of bad people being bad. Satan and his servants are alive and active on planet earth, and they would like nothing better than to have you (and the rest of the world) not believe in them. But you do need to believe in him, because He believes in his mission to destroy your life. In fact, you are on his hit list at this very moment.
Let me put it this way: if you had a stalker, would you want to know who it was and what he was up to? Duh! You do have a stalker, and his name is Satan. He commands an army of beings that are hot on your trail. They hate you and they have an awful plan for your life. Maybe that’s why God’s word gives us specific descriptions and defensive plans for dealing with them. Would you like to know what God has said about protecting yourself against the stalkers? (Hint: your answer should be yes - as it turns out, Satan and his demons are real).
First off, you need to know that Satan is a created being. He was created as the most powerful angel of all (Jude 1:9). He had the awesome privilege of hanging out with God and enjoying a special relationship with the King of all Kings. But then a little thing called pride crept in, and things went bad in a hurry. Here’s how the Bible describes it:
You were the perfection of wisdom and beauty. You were in Eden , the garden of God . Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone–red carnelian, chrysolite, white moonstone, beryl, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald–all beautifully crafted for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian. You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire.
You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. Your great wealth filled you with violence, and you sinned. So I banished you from the mountain of God . I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the stones of fire. Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings. (Ezekiel 28:12-17)
Think about it. Satan was the ultimate “all that” in heaven, but when it went to his head, God had to flex and fling him out of town…way out of town. So every day since that day, Satan has been on a mission to oppose God at every turn. Since he couldn’t destroy God, he has a one-track mind to destroy God’s purposes, plans, and people. He also has quite the volunteer staff as well. Thousands of angels were deceived by him, so when it all went down, they went down as well. What gets really scary is what happened after that.
It goes something like this. God made a perfect world with perfect people. Enter the snake in the Garden of Eden and just like that you have lying, lust, murder, and mayhem as a part of planet Earth. So God sent His one and only Son to the world, and Satan brings his best song and dance to tempt Jesus to sin. When that doesn’t work, he pulls off a masterful plan which ends up getting Christ killed. Oops, that plan didn’t work out so well (talking about Satan’s plan here not God’s, God’s plan always works!). When Jesus died on the cross, He opened the way to heaven for us and sealed the fate of the devil and his demons.
Which brings us to today. As Christians we are God’s children and the objects of His eternal love, which means that Satan hates us with the intensity of a thousand white-hot hells, which is why he stalks us. Pure and simple, he is out to kill us. That’s what Jesus believed anyway:
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. (John 10:10)
The “thief” referred to here is Satan. He wants to steal your joy, your purpose, even your very life. He does this primarily through temptation and accusation. He tempts you to do selfish, self-destructing things by making them look good. He accuses you of past sins that are forgiven so that you won’t trust God or forgive others (it’s tough to let things go when you feel so guilty yourself). Bottom line: the devil and his demonic army are systematized and organized, so don’t minimize their super-sized power. You, in your own strength, are no match for even the weakest of demons - let alone Satan himself. He and his servants have been dealing with folks like us for at least 4000 years. If he could deceive thousands of angels who lived in the very presence of God, do you think he could trip us up once in a while?
Nobody knows Satan better than God, which is why it would be a pretty smart thing to listen to His advice about how to deal with the stalker.
First, make sure you are protected:
A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Next, don’t give in to temptation:
Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Through the power of God, the protection of His armor, and the persistent resistance to temptation on your part, you stand a chance at surviving…
But don’t think your stalker believes that for a minute. Satan and his demons are fallen angels who exist to destroy the plans of God and the people of God. In order to defend ourselves, we must put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) and resist the devil (James 4:7) in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Concerned. The Apostle Paul tells us to “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, New Living Translation ). Christians who do not take Satan and his demons seriously oftentimes become the catch of the day. It is critical that you pay very close attention to how the devil is attacking you. Sometimes it is through discouragement and disappointment, other times it comes through relationships. More often than not, it starts with a bad attitude that eventually leads to disastrous actions and consequences. I’m not saying that you should suspect a demon behind every negative situation, but I am suggesting that you take the reality of Satan and his demons seriously enough to be on guard and protect yourself. In the words of C.S. Lewis:
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors…”
So now that you know you are being “stalked”, what are you going to do about it? Let me throw out several options. First, it is of vital importance that you stay incredibly solid in your Bible study. The only thing that Satan and his demons hate more than God is His Word. Satan will tell you it is boring, irrelevant, and that you have time for it later in life. That is a lot like a lion convincing you that your rifle is boring, irrelevant, and that you have plenty of time to defend yourself later. The Bible contains the very words and thoughts of God, so read it - memorize it - and apply it to your life. That’s what Jesus did when Satan tempted him, so what makes you think you don’t need to? As well, remember to pray. If you are constantly communicating with God, Satan has no room to communicate with you.
So here’s your test. How many verses can you quote from memory? How many minutes a day to read Scripture? How many minutes a day do you pray? If you’re like the average Christian, you know five verses, you read Scripture less than 10 minutes a week, and you pray even less. If you’re like the average Christian, you might want to reconsider being that way and get serious about your relationship with the Living God.
Texting….
by wbcimpact on Sep.09, 2009, under Crazy Stuff
The average teen sent or received more than 35,000 text messages in 2008—163 times the number of messages sent or received by the average 65-year-old.
[blog.nielsen.com, 8/28/09 stats]
Who has cell phones?
51 percent of 12-year-olds
53 percent of 13-year-olds
72 percent of 14-year-olds
79 percent of 15 year-olds
85 percent of 16-year-olds
84 percent of 17-year-olds
Source: Pew Research Center, numbers from early 2008
How teens use their cell phones
94 percent call their friends
76 percent text message
38 percent text message daily
Source: Pew Research Center
71 percent of 17-year-old cell phone owners say they talk to their friends daily on the cell phone. Only 38 percent say they talk face-to-face with their friends daily.
Source: Pew Research Center, Teens and Parents Project, survey taken early 2008
In an average week, teens send 440 text messages - 110 of them while in school
Source: Common Sense Media
45 percent of teens say their cell phone is the key to their social life. 47 percent say it would destroy or hurt their social life if they could no longer text on their cell phone.
42 percent of teens say they can text while blindfolded.
Source: The Wireless Association and Harris Interactive, “Teenagers: A Generation Unplugged,” Sept. 12, 2008
Being the Parent God Wants You to Be…
by wbcimpact on Sep.09, 2009, under Parental Helps
Parenting can be a difficult and challenging venture, but at the same time can be the most rewarding and fulfilling thing we ever do. The Bible has a great deal to say about the way we can successfully raise our children to be men and women of God. The first thing we must do is teach them the truth about God’s Word.
Along with loving God and being a godly example by committing ourselves to His commands, we need to heed the command of Deuteronomy 6:7-9 regarding teaching our children to do the same. This passage emphasizes the ongoing nature of such instruction. It should be done at all times—at home, on the road, at night, and in the morning. Biblical truth should be the foundation of our homes. By following the principles of these commands, we teach our children that worshiping God should be constant, not reserved for Sunday mornings or nightly prayers.
Although our children learn a great deal through direct teaching, they learn much more by watching us. This is why we must be careful in everything we do. We must first acknowledge our God-given roles. Husbands and wives are to be mutually respectful and submissive to each other (Ephesians 5:21). At the same time, God has established a line of authority to keep order. “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3). We know that Christ is not inferior to God, just as a wife is not inferior to her husband. God recognizes, however, that without submission to authority, there is no order. The husband’s responsibility as the head of the household is to love his wife as he loves his own body, in the same sacrificial way that Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25-29).
In response to this loving leadership, it is not difficult for the wife to submit to her husband’s authority (Ephesians 5:24; Colossians 3:18). Her primary responsibility is to love and respect her husband, live in wisdom and purity, and take care of the home (Titus 2:4-5). Women are naturally more nurturing than men because they were designed to be the primary caretakers of their children.
Discipline and instruction are integral parts of parenting. Proverbs 13:24 says, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Children who grow up in undisciplined households feel unwanted and unworthy. They lack direction and self-control, and as they get older they rebel and have little or no respect for any kind of authority, including God’s. “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18). At the same time, discipline must be balanced with love, or children may grow up resentful, discouraged, and rebellious (Colossians 3:21). God recognizes that discipline is painful when it is happening (Hebrews 12:11), but if followed by loving instruction, it is remarkably beneficial to the child. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
It is important to involve children in the church family and ministry when they are young. Regularly attend a Bible-believing church (Hebrews 10:25), allow them to see you studying the Word, and also study it with them. Discuss with them the world around them as they see it, and teach them about the glory of God through everyday life. Being a good parent is all about raising children who will follow your example in obeying and worshipping the Lord.
Avoid the popular trap….
by wbcimpact on Aug.21, 2009, under Devotional
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men or God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10)
Most teenagers are involved in an enormous conspiracy. A secret mission engulfs their minds. They think about it during the day and dream about it at night. It is the quiet quest for acceptance, the secret search for significance, otherwise known as the popularity conspiracy.
Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with being popular. As a matter of fact, for much of Jesus’ ministry He was the most popular person in Palestine. Matthew 15:30 tell us that “Great crowds came to him…”
Being popular is not the problem. Being absorbed by it is. When Christian teens become consumed with popularity, their spiritual walk can be poisoned with sin.
They mutate from being God-pleasers into people-pleasers. They stop seeing themselves through the eyes of God and start measuring themselves by the mirrors of the crowds.
In the dusty pages of the Old Testament lurked a man consumed by popularity. His name was Absalom. His father was the famous King David. Deep down in the secret chambers of Absalom’s heart he seethed with jealousy for his dad’s national popularity. So he devised a plan to seize the reigns of recognition from his unknowing father. He stood at the city gates and waited for people to come to the city who desired to gain an audience with the King. When Absalom met these people he would befriend them, listen to their problems and then say ” If only I were appointed judge of the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or a case, should come to me and I would see that he gets justice” (II Samuel 15:4) As a result of his popularity quest “he stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (II Samuel 15:6). In other words, his conspiracy worked… for awhile anyway.
Are you on a secret quest for popularity? Are you like Absolom, longing to hear the applause of others? The popularity conspiracy is a dead end. It ended in the premature death of young Absalom. It will end in disillusionment for you.
Those who bow at the altar of popularity will discover that their commitment to Christ has to take a back seat to their quest to be the best in the eyes of their friends. Their fire for souls will be quenched by the sea of self-absorption.
Don’t buy the lie. The popularity conspiracy is a waste. Be a God-pleaser. Seek his applause alone.
Questions:
- How important is it for us to be liked by others?
- How do I compromise my faith in my quest to be popular?
- What can I do to avoid the “popularity conspiracy?”
Questions that matter most…
by wbcimpact on Jul.01, 2009, under Devotional
A while back, I was reading a friend’s blog when I came across an interesting thought concerning all the quizzes that seem to float around on Facebook at any given moment. Of course, for the most part, they have amusing value to them, but most are certainly shallow at best and ridiculously off course to our real character at worst. What caught my attention was that my friend gave a list of questions that they would want to know about someone. The style of clothes, culinary taste, and humorous quirks about a particular person has it’s place, but what this list entails is much more valuable and seems to really define someone at thier core. I’ve always had fun with quizzes and even participated to a point but is my quircky tendencies really all God wants me to communicate about myself? The answer of course is no. Our unique individualalities are fun and amusing for sure, even harmless to a point, but in the reality of our lives, isn’t our relationshipto the living Creator of more significance? Doesn’t the world long for and search for anyone who can define for them the true meaning of life and the significance of a life spent with an intimate God? With our tabloid mindset and voyeuristic tendencies, I am reminded by my friend of the opportunity we have as believers to not only ask the right questions, but willingly answer them as well. We have a responsibility to draw in the spiritual and focus on the truth of the gospel. It’s so easy to do but often is overlooked. The conviction I felt was that I so often put my faith in a box like so many different areas of my life. What God wants from me is a full commitment and one that is unashamed to declare the God I have given my life over to. My character then does not center on the uniqueness of my personality but the foundational truth that my life has been affected so dramatically by God’s grace and mercy that I cannot keep my mouth shut about HIM! Afterall, religion is empty, but relationship is fulfilling.
So these questions zero in on what our relationship to God really is like, and helps present a picture of ourselves as we really are. For the believer whose life is centered on a growing relationship with Christ these questions are easily answered. However, for the one whose relationship is lacking in passion or non-existent, these questions convict on level that can be hard to take. In either case, to honestly answer these questions can bring us to point that is spiritually healthy. Evaluation is a good thing but only if it causes us to seek God more intensely. It’s one thing to realize we need to grow more in relationship with our Redeemer it’s another thing altogether to actually do it. On a positive note, to look back on what God has done in our lives can be incredibly encouraging. Sometimes we forget just how big a part God has played in our lives and the reminder is as refreshing a cool drink on a hot day. As you ponder these questions as I have, take note of not only your answer but the actual question itself. Our initial reaction to certain questions can reveal a lot about us, and sometimes that realization can be hard to swallow…and thanks to my dear friend Shalomseeker for bringing me out of my comfortable faith, especially when it hurts to do so.
1. When did you come to believe in Jesus? Tell your story! (as long or as short as you like) 
2. What difference has #1 made in your life?
3. What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?
4. Tell about a time God answered a specific prayer in your life. How did that affect/change you?
5. Do you remember a time that God made a Scripture passage especially clear to you? Tell!
6. Who has influenced you in your spiritual walk (family, friends, mentor, pastor, authors, etc.)? In what ways?
7. Sometimes we get to share His story with others. Is there a particular story that you want to tell about that?
8. Is there something in your history that you would change if given a chance to?
9. What’s a vice in your life? Any virtues? ;-D
10. What’s your favorite way to worship God?
11. If you could possess one (real) talent or gift that you haven’t already been given, what would it be and why?
12. What is an important lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?
13. What things are you really passionate about? What sets you ablaze?
14. What do you love or appreciate about God?
15. Where have you been especially effective in serving God? (This isn’t prideful; if you’ve been effective, it’s because of His Spirit in you, so really it brings glory to HIM.)
