In the previous post, I told you of my opinion, you must hate something before you can have victory over it. I also mentioned Satan and how I have declared war against him. I have received a mixed response.
What is Satan's only real weapon? Isn't it deception? Tell me a better deception than making yourself imaginary or not really a factor. If Satan can get people to think it crazy to even have a discussion about him, hasn't he gained tremendous ground? Now my intention is not to shine the light on Satan, it is to smoke him out in the open.
When I was a kid I watched a movie called "The Invisible Man". I thought it would be cool to be invisible. You could do anything you wanted and be anywhere you wanted and no one could stop you. That is where Satan is in most people's (including Christian's) lives. He is the invisible man. He can do anything he wants to do in their life. Most people then blame God for all the problems he (Satan) has caused.
That fires me up. Would a loving God give someone cancer? Would a loving God allow disease, destruction, death? No, the answer is, it is not God that brings all of the bad things, it is Satan.
How do you defeat the "invisible man"? The Bible has the answer;
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Why would James talk about the devil if he was not real? He is alive and well. What he has to offer, as well as, what Jesus offers is found in John 10:10.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.
What a contrast, one side steals, kills, and destroys. The other side gives live and if YOU choose it can be an abundant life. You must choose sides. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Both are trying to enter your life. Jesus waits for an invitation. Satan, the thief, only needs to wait for an opening (sin).
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
Satan gains access in every one's life through sin (missing the mark). You and I must recognize it and learn to actively kick him out.
Choose life, start drawing near to Jesus. He is waiting on you. After telling you to submit to God, James 4:8 instructs you to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Notice who has to make the first move.
Do you want Satan out of your life? You have to make the first move, Jesus is waiting.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
You Must Learn to Hate
Wow, what a title for a Christian. Does God hate? Since we are to be imitators of God, we need to see God hating before we dive in. Read Proverbs 6:16-19
These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him. A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
Yes God does hate. Look closer and you will see Satan behind all of the things God hates. The Bible also states:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
So what does that have to do with you and me? I know Satan is real, he hates you and me, so why are we still trying to ignore or play nice with Satan?
I believe you can not defeat or gain victory over something you do not HATE. Until the body of Christ (the church) declares war on Satan and his schemes, we will continue to limp to heaven. I for one am sick of all the lies, deception, death, destruction brought about by Satan and I have declared war on him.
Some of you probably think that is a little "over-the-top", but you know what? I don't care. Satan is alive and well in most peoples lives because we have not taken our rightful authority over him. This is a great teaching on the believer's authority.
Read the book of Ephesians, as a small child, (concentrating on the first two chapters) and then try and tell yourself the body of Christ has no power. We have the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead living on the inside of us.
We have tremendous power at our command, we most learn to use it, or continue to take a "beating" from a defeated foe. Jesus has gained the victory, it is our job as believers to learn to walk in the victory.
These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him. A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.
Yes God does hate. Look closer and you will see Satan behind all of the things God hates. The Bible also states:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
So what does that have to do with you and me? I know Satan is real, he hates you and me, so why are we still trying to ignore or play nice with Satan?
I believe you can not defeat or gain victory over something you do not HATE. Until the body of Christ (the church) declares war on Satan and his schemes, we will continue to limp to heaven. I for one am sick of all the lies, deception, death, destruction brought about by Satan and I have declared war on him.
Some of you probably think that is a little "over-the-top", but you know what? I don't care. Satan is alive and well in most peoples lives because we have not taken our rightful authority over him. This is a great teaching on the believer's authority.
Read the book of Ephesians, as a small child, (concentrating on the first two chapters) and then try and tell yourself the body of Christ has no power. We have the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead living on the inside of us.
We have tremendous power at our command, we most learn to use it, or continue to take a "beating" from a defeated foe. Jesus has gained the victory, it is our job as believers to learn to walk in the victory.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The Power of Two
Did you know there is supernatural power in agreement with another? When you are in agreement with another person Jesus hears and God answers.
"Again I say to you that if any two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathering together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:19,20)
Notice it is already done for them in heaven. The prayer is always answered in heaven. The believer needs to learn how to get it from heaven to earth. This is called faith. I believe faith is a verb and a noun. It requires action and effort, and it works better when there is more than one believer working in faith.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9,12)
Satan wants you to be a loner. He wants to get you puffed up with pride saying, "I don't need any one's help, all I need is God." Satan is likened to a lion, looking for the loner or the weakest in the herd. That is the one (loner) he will devour. This goes against what Jesus taught in Luke 10:1-20) where He appointed 70 disciples and sent them out in pairs.
As I am writing this, I am reminded, that it seems the hardest person for me to pray with is my wife. I think Satan knows how powerful those prayers are, so he really tries to hinder the prayers of a husband and wife. I have talked to many couples and I hear the same thing, praying out loud with their spouse is difficult for them.
Let's start seeing this as an attack, and start fighting back; grab a prayer partner and start taking back what Satan has stolen from you.
"Again I say to you that if any two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathering together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:19,20)
Notice it is already done for them in heaven. The prayer is always answered in heaven. The believer needs to learn how to get it from heaven to earth. This is called faith. I believe faith is a verb and a noun. It requires action and effort, and it works better when there is more than one believer working in faith.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9,12)
Satan wants you to be a loner. He wants to get you puffed up with pride saying, "I don't need any one's help, all I need is God." Satan is likened to a lion, looking for the loner or the weakest in the herd. That is the one (loner) he will devour. This goes against what Jesus taught in Luke 10:1-20) where He appointed 70 disciples and sent them out in pairs.
As I am writing this, I am reminded, that it seems the hardest person for me to pray with is my wife. I think Satan knows how powerful those prayers are, so he really tries to hinder the prayers of a husband and wife. I have talked to many couples and I hear the same thing, praying out loud with their spouse is difficult for them.
Let's start seeing this as an attack, and start fighting back; grab a prayer partner and start taking back what Satan has stolen from you.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Be an Imitator of God
"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." Luke 18:17
Jesus words seem hard for the "grown up" in me to understand but very easy for the "kid" in me. I believe Jesus is saying, "If I say it, believe it."
Seeing is not the best way to believe. Believing before you see (faith) is the only way to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
I think a "secret" to accomplishing this is to read the scriptures as a child. (This is easier with little children around) Think like a child or have child-like faith and the life of Jesus seems to open up before you. Don't worry about having to understand it. Your job is to read and believe.
With Jesus as your example, learn to walk as Jesus walked. Jesus watched His Father and did what He saw and heard.
Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. (John 5:19)
You must first humble yourself, admit you don't have it all figured out and start to follow in Jesus' footsteps, as a little child. Think about this:
If you were to come to a sign that read "mine field" and you had to walk through it, would you rather follow a map or the foot prints of someone who successfully made it through? Jesus has overcome the world, following His trail is the only way. In fact, Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
Starting today, find something in the Gospels Jesus did and imitate it. The scriptures will come alive to you as you begin to walk as Jesus walked.
Most Assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12)
Jesus words seem hard for the "grown up" in me to understand but very easy for the "kid" in me. I believe Jesus is saying, "If I say it, believe it."
Seeing is not the best way to believe. Believing before you see (faith) is the only way to please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
I think a "secret" to accomplishing this is to read the scriptures as a child. (This is easier with little children around) Think like a child or have child-like faith and the life of Jesus seems to open up before you. Don't worry about having to understand it. Your job is to read and believe.
With Jesus as your example, learn to walk as Jesus walked. Jesus watched His Father and did what He saw and heard.
Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. (John 5:19)
You must first humble yourself, admit you don't have it all figured out and start to follow in Jesus' footsteps, as a little child. Think about this:
If you were to come to a sign that read "mine field" and you had to walk through it, would you rather follow a map or the foot prints of someone who successfully made it through? Jesus has overcome the world, following His trail is the only way. In fact, Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)
Starting today, find something in the Gospels Jesus did and imitate it. The scriptures will come alive to you as you begin to walk as Jesus walked.
Most Assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Christian clothing to seek and save that which is lost
Why did Jesus come as a man? Wasn't it to seek and save that which is lost? Jesus completely defeated Satan at Calvary. He took back everything that was taken from Adam at the Fall.
What does that mean to you? It should mean that you do not have to walk in fear or condemnation while you are here on Earth. Jesus won the victory, we as believers must now walk it out.
I have SO much to say on this subject but my main point is, if you have declared Jesus Christ Lord of your life you are on the winning side. (If you can't declare Jesus Lord of your life go to Way of the Master and find out how.) It is time you learned how to walk as a winner.
The first step, is start imitating everything you see Jesus do in the Bible. He gave you an example to live by, so start living. Jesus said who the Son set free, is free indeed. Stop living to please man and start living to please God.
Jesus came so all men might have an abundant life in this world and the world to come. Your job as a follower of Jesus is to tell everyone the Father is drawing to Himself, about His Son Jesus. Why tell people about Christ whom the Father is not drawing? Do you think Jesus went door to door "begging" people to follow Him? Remember to always imitate Jesus (not man).
How will you know who God the Father is drawing? One way is to wear any item with our Christian logo, pray to God, ask Him to lead you and then wait for a question. This of course is not the best way, but in my experience, most believers are so caught up in this world they need some help hearing from God. One Drop of Blood helps you know who the Fathers is drawing.
When was the last time anyone asked you about Jesus? Why not try something different and watch God work. I guarantee you will be well pleased.
What does that mean to you? It should mean that you do not have to walk in fear or condemnation while you are here on Earth. Jesus won the victory, we as believers must now walk it out.
I have SO much to say on this subject but my main point is, if you have declared Jesus Christ Lord of your life you are on the winning side. (If you can't declare Jesus Lord of your life go to Way of the Master and find out how.) It is time you learned how to walk as a winner.
The first step, is start imitating everything you see Jesus do in the Bible. He gave you an example to live by, so start living. Jesus said who the Son set free, is free indeed. Stop living to please man and start living to please God.
Jesus came so all men might have an abundant life in this world and the world to come. Your job as a follower of Jesus is to tell everyone the Father is drawing to Himself, about His Son Jesus. Why tell people about Christ whom the Father is not drawing? Do you think Jesus went door to door "begging" people to follow Him? Remember to always imitate Jesus (not man).
How will you know who God the Father is drawing? One way is to wear any item with our Christian logo, pray to God, ask Him to lead you and then wait for a question. This of course is not the best way, but in my experience, most believers are so caught up in this world they need some help hearing from God. One Drop of Blood helps you know who the Fathers is drawing.
When was the last time anyone asked you about Jesus? Why not try something different and watch God work. I guarantee you will be well pleased.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Do you know the truth?
Nothing really about Christian clothing today but I did want to ask a question.
Do you know the truth? I know you have seen the shirts that say Jesus is the answer, but what does the Bible say?
How about John 14:6 where:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Jesus called Himself the truth. To know Jesus is not just knowing who He is or who He was. Knowing Jesus is all about a close, intimate, personal relationship, where He can and will know you by name.
Another wonderful promise in the Bible about the truth is found in John 8:31, 32. Jesus was talking to His followers.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
If you are not truly free today. Make it a goal to get to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus. He is and always will be, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Jesus can and will set you free.
Do you know the truth? I know you have seen the shirts that say Jesus is the answer, but what does the Bible say?
How about John 14:6 where:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Jesus called Himself the truth. To know Jesus is not just knowing who He is or who He was. Knowing Jesus is all about a close, intimate, personal relationship, where He can and will know you by name.
Another wonderful promise in the Bible about the truth is found in John 8:31, 32. Jesus was talking to His followers.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
If you are not truly free today. Make it a goal to get to know my Lord and Savior, Jesus. He is and always will be, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Jesus can and will set you free.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Christian Clothing with a Purpose
Before I get too deep in talking about why God wants to take back the clothing industry He created, I must first introduce you to my God.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He means what He says, and everything He said, some 2000 years ago, He meant.
God the Father is good all the time and is only good. I get so tired of hearing people (as well as insurance companies) calling a tornado or a hurricane, or any natural disaster, an "act of God". The world God created was perfect. Satan is the one who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.
The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter and leads us into all truth.
So when there is anything stolen, if anything dies or is destroyed, let's start giving credit where credit is due. Satan is the "thing" behind all the death, disease, and destruction. If it is bad from now on, let's call it an "act of Satan".
I know that didn't have much to do with Christian clothing but I had to get that off my chest.
Now, God is God and I know when He decides to do something, it gets done. With that in mind, He has given me a unique logo for a specific purpose; to empower the church to fulfill the Great Commission. (Again, you can check us out Christian T-Shirts or Christian Polo Shirts)
We will give God all the glory and at the same time help believers seek and save that which is lost.
In my opinion, all clothing companies need to be Christian clothing companies, giving all honor and glory to God. Right now I see the clothing industry as a loud mouth giant screaming insults to my God. (I am not talking about the people in the clothing industry) I am talking about the demon behind all the fleshy, trashy looking clothes they (clothing industry) are giving us to put on our children.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
One more thing you need to know about me, I love Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and Savior. I hate Satan and everything he does and everything he stands for.
Until next time, start thinking about the clothes you wear. Why not wear Christian clothing? Let's quit being just hearers of the word and start doing something. Remember Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and the gates of hell will not prevail against Him or His church.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. He means what He says, and everything He said, some 2000 years ago, He meant.
God the Father is good all the time and is only good. I get so tired of hearing people (as well as insurance companies) calling a tornado or a hurricane, or any natural disaster, an "act of God". The world God created was perfect. Satan is the one who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.
The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter and leads us into all truth.
So when there is anything stolen, if anything dies or is destroyed, let's start giving credit where credit is due. Satan is the "thing" behind all the death, disease, and destruction. If it is bad from now on, let's call it an "act of Satan".
I know that didn't have much to do with Christian clothing but I had to get that off my chest.
Now, God is God and I know when He decides to do something, it gets done. With that in mind, He has given me a unique logo for a specific purpose; to empower the church to fulfill the Great Commission. (Again, you can check us out Christian T-Shirts or Christian Polo Shirts)
We will give God all the glory and at the same time help believers seek and save that which is lost.
In my opinion, all clothing companies need to be Christian clothing companies, giving all honor and glory to God. Right now I see the clothing industry as a loud mouth giant screaming insults to my God. (I am not talking about the people in the clothing industry) I am talking about the demon behind all the fleshy, trashy looking clothes they (clothing industry) are giving us to put on our children.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
One more thing you need to know about me, I love Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and Savior. I hate Satan and everything he does and everything he stands for.
Until next time, start thinking about the clothes you wear. Why not wear Christian clothing? Let's quit being just hearers of the word and start doing something. Remember Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and the gates of hell will not prevail against Him or His church.
Friday, September 21, 2007
God Created the First Clothes
Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. Genesis 3:21
The above verse clearly shows God was the inventor/creator of the clothing industry. I have been challenged to consider everything I do as having a positive or a negative influence. (Not much wiggle room for people who see grey in everything.)
As an introduction, my name is Greg Ryan and I have been given a gift from God. A unique logo that instead of shouting, "I am saved." It whispers, "Do you know Jesus?" I have determined to give my testimony through this medium as a way to help seek and save that which is lost.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11
There is little or no real computer skills here and I know Nothing about the clothing industry.
(I need to fix my header but don't yet know how.)
So God has me here, in my weakness (God has assured me through His word He will be strong.)
You can check out the logo at http://www.wearchristianclothing.com/
My next post will explain (I hope) why God has me here.
The above verse clearly shows God was the inventor/creator of the clothing industry. I have been challenged to consider everything I do as having a positive or a negative influence. (Not much wiggle room for people who see grey in everything.)
As an introduction, my name is Greg Ryan and I have been given a gift from God. A unique logo that instead of shouting, "I am saved." It whispers, "Do you know Jesus?" I have determined to give my testimony through this medium as a way to help seek and save that which is lost.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11
There is little or no real computer skills here and I know Nothing about the clothing industry.
(I need to fix my header but don't yet know how.)
So God has me here, in my weakness (God has assured me through His word He will be strong.)
You can check out the logo at http://www.wearchristianclothing.com/
My next post will explain (I hope) why God has me here.
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