Enemies of God

          I was reading from Psalm 144 the other day. It is a powerful chapter and I highly recommend that you go back and study it for yourself. But as I was reading there something intriguing that stood out to me. In verse six David says "your enemies" which suggests that God has enemies. This was a concept that I had never really considered before. Of course we always refer to Satan as the enemy of God, but this verse suggests that Satan is not the only enemy of God. We as humans typically consider our enemies to be other humans. But what human being could pose a threat to God? After all, verse three says "What are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them?" God loves all humans equally and desires salvation for each and every one. It's not humans who are the enemies of God, but rather it is the power of Satan working through humans. An enemy is defined as "one who feels hatred toward, intends injury to, or opposes the interests of another; something destructive or injurious in its effects." Satan feels hatred towards God and all of His followers, he is opposed to the interest of God to save people through the blood of Jesus, and he intends to put a stop to God's plan. Satan seeks to accomplish his task through something destructive, something that will be disastrous in its effects. These tools of Satan are the enemies of God.

Lies. Pride. Gossip. Jealousy. Greed. Doubt. Fear. Bitterness. Apathy.

          Satan lies to God's people and strives to convince them that his ways are better than God's ways because they will never live up to the expectations of God. The lies of Satan ultimately lead to a life of defeat outside the will of God. Satan uses pride to keep people from stepping out and surrendering to the call of God, and as a result many will never see the Kingdom of God. Gossip is a tool used by Satan to break up churches and tear apart families. Jealousy is used to put family against family, friends against friends, and neighbors against neighbors. Greed leads to selfish thoughts and desires. Satan uses the power of greed to draw people slowly away from the purpose God designed them to fulfill. Doubt and Fear are used to keep believers from taking that leap of boldness and truly shining the light of God into the darkness of those already under Satan's power. Bitterness causes divisions, and a house divided will not stand. Last but certainly not least, apathy is a powerful tool used by Satan to convince believers that there is a such thing as good enough when it comes to serving Christ. This a lie as well because it's impossible to give God all that He deserves. When we as Christians become apathetic we are not only keeping ourselves from fully experiencing the work of God, but we are also keeping others from Him as well. And in the process, we are giving Satan an upper hand.
          Granted, Satan doesn't have a chance when it comes to challenging God. I've read the end of the book, and I know that God wins in the end. But it's not a happily ever after for all involved in this story of life. Not everyone wins in the end. We've all been influenced by the tools of Satan at one time or another in our life. Take a look at you're life right now... Are you under the power of God, or under the power of one of His enemies? When judgement day comes will you find that you're on the winning team, or the losing team? It's even possible that you're on God's team, but you keep lending a helping hand to Satan and the powers working under him. Which is it? Examine your heart and determine the answer. Pray. Seek God. Ask for Forgiveness. If a change needs to be made, then make it. Time is running out and God has a place for you on his team. He has a position available that only you can fill, so take up your cross and follow Him.

Broken & Beautiful

This is a study I did last year, but I came across it the other day and it spoke to my heart once again. It's short, sweet, and to the point - but it speaks truth that words can't explain. Like many of my studies, it begins with a question... Why does God find broken people beautiful? It's one of those things that I've always known to be true, but I've often wondered why it's true. Why does a perfect God love imperfect people? It doesn't seem like there could be an answer to that type of question, but God's Word says to ask and it will be given to you, and on this particular day He gave four answers to my one question.

1. When they are broken, He is near. (Psalm 34:18)
2. He desires their broken spirit & delights in their sacrifice. (Psalm 51:16-17)
3. Broken people are looking for a Savior. (Psalm 69:20)
4. Brokenness comes to pass and beauty follows. (Ecclesiastes 3:10-11)

Take time to look up the scripture attached with each answer, ponder them in your heart, and let God speak to you personally. Listen to this song as well and allow the words to minister to you.

"We all fall short. We all have sinned. But when you let God's Grace break in, it's beautiful. Come as you are. Surrender your heart. Broken and Beautiful."