Prepping for Battle

By Devotional

Prepping for Battle

We know the Apostle Paul did much and suffered much for the sake of the gospel. In Ephesians, Paul directs His letter to the church at Ephesus, in hopes they may understand the weight of his imprisonment. The goal of chapter 6 of this letter is to shed light on the powers of spiritual warfare and the severity of its ability to knock us off track. Paul describes each piece of armor we should be using and what they do to protect us against the enemies of the gospel.

Ephesians 6: 10-20

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth badly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

 

Every day as you get up and face the world both inside and outside of the home, you must be prepped for battle. Just as we have love, truth and salvation from our Creator God, there is one who opposes everything our Father does. He goes by many names; The Devil, The Enemy, The Serpent, Lucifer, Satan and the Ruler of Darkness. He is a liar. He desires us to fail, entices us to believe his lies and to sin at every possible opportunity. His main goal is to make us stumble and try to pull us away from our Savior. He is relentlessly evil.

Lucifer was an angel who resided in heaven with God. He schemed wickedly in hopes to overthrow our Heavenly Father. In trying to do so, God thwarted his selfish plans, rejected Him and threw him out of heaven. Satan exists now as the prince of darkness, using evil to rule over the earth. The “angel” and “demon” you envision on your shoulders, they stem from real examples, God and Satan. When you feel the urge to sin, that is the voice of Satan whispering those vile lies to you in hopes that you will ignore the scriptures and follow his lead. Darkness is real just as our Jesus is real. As a believer, Satan will try everything in his power to throw you off track.

This passage in Ephesians gives us tangible insight of how to be prepped for battle against the forces of darkness. It is a scary thing to be met with the enemy unprepared, but with essential tools, we can combat any evil encounter.

There are five pieces of armor we need to have on at all times. Each piece of armor was important to Roman Soldiers in biblical times.

  1. Belt of Truth: Having scripture memorized, we will be ready to fight discerning truth from lies.
  2. Breastplate of Righteousness: This guards our hearts, where emotions live and helps up guard against the lies that try to make us stumble.
  3. Shield of Faith: This blocks the arrows of immorality that encourage us to be angry, lustful, prideful etc.
  4. Helmet of Salvation: Our minds remain protected from any doubt of our salvation.
  5. Sword of the Spirit: Knowing the truth of God’s words cut to the core of any evil scheme.

Remember your brothers and sisters in battle as we are always being fired at all day long. Pray for each other so that no one may stumble. As a Christian the fight will continue until our Lord returns and the battle will be over once He seeks the vengeance He so desires. Until then, we fight as God’s Army here on earth to protect His name and keep the forces of darkness at bay.

June 26, 2017
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Jonah’s Testimony

By Testimonies

The Testimony of Jonah

Our story today focuses on another powerful biblical human testimony, Jonah. God told Jonah to “arise and go to Nineveh.” The city of Nineveh was not a pleasant place. It is said to be the location of modern day Iraq. Not pleasant before, not pleasant now. We know Jonah feared whatever was currently taking place there because instead of being obedient to God’s command, he ran the opposite direction, optimistic God would change His mind. It says in the first chapter of Jonah he, “rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” (Jonah 1:3).

After getting on a boat to flee to Tarshish from Joppa, God caused a great storm to disrupt Jonah’s journey. If you are familiar with geography, think of the distance equivalent to that of modern day Israel to Spain. Quite the journey across the Mediterranean Sea.

Jonah 1:5

“Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep.”

Jonah fell asleep maybe hoping to be forgotten. After being woken up by the captain of the ship, Jonah recognizes the storm is God’s way of communicating responsible for the calamity befalling those onboard. He acknowledges his disobedience and it becomes apparent that God isn’t going to find someone else.

Jonah 1:15

“So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.”

Jonah was swallowed by a great fish and he stayed in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. Certainly this allowed Jonah time to think upon his actions. Eventually he felt exceedingly remorseful for dishonoring God. In chapter two he speaks beautiful words to God and ends with the proclamation, “Salvation belongs to the Lord!” (Jonah 2:10). God accepts Jonah’s cry of repentance and allows the fish to vomit Jonah up onto dry land.

God told Jonah a second time to go preach to the people of Nineveh and this time Jonah obeyed. After a long journey to walk there, Jonah told the people God would destroy them if they continued sinning. The people became afraid began fasting, asking God to forgive them. The people of Nineveh turned away from their evil deeds and God decided not to destroy the inhabitants of the city which exceeded 120,000.

The irony of Jonah’s story is all the while we read it, we shake our heads in disbelief of how in his “stupidity” he ignores God, yet we are all the same. We all run away from God. Sometimes in obvious ways, God says, “Become a Missionary,” or “DON’T DO THAT,” you say, “It’s too scary,” “I’m not smart enough” or my personal favorite, “I know what I’m doing.” Certainly if we knew what we were doing, God wouldn’t be telling us to do things differently. Sometimes His voice is more subtle, “Pray for that woman,” “Invite your neighbor to church,” “Buy that homeless man food.” We ignore the voice of God far too frequently. We fear others may perceive us as weird, dumb or even completely reject us. Ultimately you have to ask yourself, “Who’s opinion is important?” We will all stand before God once day and answer for every single thing we did or didn’t do. Don’t dwell on missed opportunities from the past, use those disobedient experiences as motivation to listen and act the next time God tosses you a line. Ask for those opportunities and He will deliver. Imagine God in front of you in those moments and ignore the confused stares or weird looks from those around you. You might even be surprised at the positive responses you receive from people when approaching them as God’s hands and feet. His voice will give you courage and His words will come to mind.

Luke 12:11-12

“Do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

With a willing heart, say yes to God and let Him use you in might ways.

June 26, 2017
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Paul’s Testimony

By Testimonies

The Testimony of Paul

It is a common spiritual emotion to feel inadequate, the feeling we as Christians get, that we will never be good enough to be used by God. Although this is a natural human feeling, it is not biblical or from God our Father in any way. It is important for us to recognize those thoughts and feelings when they surface, but it is even more important to note if we are willing and obedient, God can use anyone to accomplish anything. There are many extraordinary examples of ordinary people in the bible God used for mighty Kingdom works. I bet these people never thought themselves worthy of grace or even cared to have it, but God cares for the path of every sinner.

Saul of Tarsus

One of the most notorious of all Christian haters was a man we know by the name of Saul. In Acts 9, we are introduced to Saul, a ruthless Pharisee and a malicious persecutor of Christians. His task was to seek out those following Jesus Christ, put them on trial in hopes to convict them of Christ following and be sentenced to death. Think of him in modern day terms as what we would call, a terrorist. Hopefully this gives you a clear image to describe the magnitude of how vile he was.

Acts 9: 1-2

“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”

Saul did not fear religious leaders. He sought out the support of the High Priest to be granted permission to seek followers of Jesus, so they could be brought back to Jerusalem to face the ultimate penalty for it, death.

God knew that Saul was doing everything in his own human power to thwart His righteous plans. God could have let Satan continue to influence Saul’s actions, but instead of condemning him, He saved then used him.

Acts 9: 3-9

“Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “SAUL, SAUL, WHY ARE YOU PERSECUTING ME?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I AM JESUS, WHOM YOU ARE PERSECUTING. BUT RISE AND ENTER THE CITY, AND YOU WILL BE TOLD WHAT YOU ARE TO DO.”

After this miraculous event, God gave Saul specific instructions. Saul was led by his men since the light from heaven had caused him temporary blindness. It wasn’t until finding Annias, the man God told Saul to go to, that his sight was restored. The Lord also tells Saul part of this life change is the sufferings he is set to endure for the Lord’s namesake. At once, we see how Saul has changed.

Acts 9:20-22

“And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon his name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.”

Before Saul’s blinding conversion on the road to Damascus, he wasn’t worried about God having the final say in his life. Saul was doing what he thought profitable, condemning to death all who believed in Christ, yet we see how God had mercy on him. Saul was given a new name after his conversion, Paul. This man went on to do much and suffer much for the sake of His and Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Paul wrote 13 of the 27 New Testament books and they are filled with boldness, conviction and unwavering passion for His life’s purpose and challenging others to live with that same intensity for Christ.

It reminds me that no matter the decisions I have made that may have strayed me from the hand of God, I was never out of His reach. It also reminds me of the excitement and obvious change others should see in my life because of my faith in Christ and decision to follow Him. I pray that after learning Paul’s story, you feel encouraged to stop fighting God. Regardless of the sins you have committed, God has already provided you with a way out. Your excuses are futile and they cannot measure up to the love Jesus has already bestowed upon you. You have two choices; reject Him or proclaim Him. Either way, God has already won the battle over your sins by dying on the cross.

June 26, 2017
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Lindsey’s Testimony

By Testimonies

The Testimony of Lindsey Berger

The most powerful story you can share is your own. I can tell you story after story about the many hero’s of the bible, how they triumphed and failed, but there is something very empowering in how God shapes us through our testimony. People have argued for centuries about the interpretations of biblical stories, but no one can argue with your own life story. You experienced it, you have been changed by it, you have the responsibility to share it.

My name is Lindsey and like many people, I grew up in the church. My siblings and I were involved in children’s church, AWANA’s and the youth group. At home my dad led us in evening family devotionals and both my parents stressed the importance of scripture memorization. I was very lucky to have godly parents whom both love the LORD. Their example helped me understand the importance in following Him. God’s ultimate plan for me was to become His child and at the age of six, I stood in our kitchen and told my mother and father I wanted to accept Jesus. I remember praying a prayer of salvation and being very excited to become saved. My mind was flooded with questions, but I knew for certain Jesus was MY Savior. I continued to live happily as a little girl, but a few short years later life radically changed.

As Followers of Jesus Christ, we must recognize Satan is real and note as a believer he has no authority over you. When we are saved from the perils of darkness, out of the Enemy’s control, Satan cringes in terror. Before we are saved, we live in sin often oblivious to Satans schemes, but after salvation through faith in Christ, Satan begins to fear. He does everything in his power to pull us off the path of righteousness and convince us to love the path of wickedness. If we are not ready, we will start following his army, even if we are saved and have good intentions. The way of the world is wicked and easily entices us. Around the age of 9, I began to feel unsettled in my heart. I was being bullied at school by a few girls I had considered good friends with for several years. I would pretend their words didn’t bother me, but my parents noticed a significant change. I started lashing out in fits of anger and being hostile towards them. I threatened them and desired to harm myself. Inside I knew something was going on, but I didn’t know how to stop it. Although I was saved from the dominion of darkness, there was still a fight waging against my soul. I could tangibly feel that war swirling inside of me. Satan was furious and wanted me to give up My Jesus.

The bullying didn’t stop, these “ friends” of mine spoke ugly words about my appearance leading me to harm myself in the less noticeable way I thought. I developed an eating disorder called Anorexia. Most young girls who develop this eating disorder are between the ages of 15-24. I was 11. Many of them die from the disorder or struggle with it in some way mentally their whole lives. I would refuse to eat for days on end, sometimes just a bite here or there. I was required to sit with the school nurse everyday during lunch so she could monitor my eating. My parents sought counsel for me from a professional. As I think back to everyone who did what they could to help me, I can recall one distinct constant, kindness. My mothers patience, my teachers love, the nurse’s encouragement, the counselor who helped me conquer many fears, I am thankful  God showed himself in all those women and thankful He never gave up on me. He also showed up in a profound way through the one man I loved most, my father.

One particular session with my counselor closed with advice she gave my parents. She told them about a movie on airing on tv that night she recommended we watch. My parents sat with me that night and we all watched together. The story followed two friends both who developed eating disorders, one willingly got help while she watched her friend who refused help die. It terrified me. My Heavenly Father gave my earthly father the most stern, harsh, but loving words I think I could ever remember. He told me I had only two options; either get better or die. I couldn’t bear what I was doing to my family any longer. My loving fathers stern words pierced me deep and I began a path to change. I recovered and fully regained my health after a two year battle with the disorder. Although I am grateful God spared me and granted full recovery to my health, I sadly coasted through much of my teen life, giving God recognition here and there, but not fully understanding the weight of what it meant to live for Him.

After college, I moved away from my family and started my first job in a city about 45 minutes from home. The year started off fine, but shortly afterward I was miserable. One thing after another plagued my life; a sexual harassment claim i had to file against a teacher I worked with, broken relationships and suppressed emotions from my childhood were finally catching up with me. I felt empty, worthless and very angry with God. I refused church, I refused the bible and I refused wisdom from others. Months passed and the anger I was harboring spewed out onto those around me. I hated everything. One Saturday morning, I was sitting at the desk in my room of my apartment I shared with three other non-believers. Alone, I began mulling over things I hated. The list seemed endless when without warning I began to cry. I wept silently for several minutes before I understood why. God was telling me it was time to surrender. I ran from God for so long because I was convinced I was too far gone to be loved by Him. His words filled my mind and I realized, I was loved just as much when I wanted nothing to do with Him. Even when my feelings of anger and hate were directed at Him, His unfailing love never changed. God never gave up on me. My strength and love for Jesus was renewed and I desired to live for Him in a way I never had before.

My life is not perfect. I still have days in which my strength in the Lord is stronger than others.

BUT…

I don’t wish to imagine the current state of my life without Jesus. I am exceedingly thankful for His love on the cross and His personal love I get to encounter with Him as my friend. The love of Jesus can melt even the hardest hearts and wash clean the darkest and dirtiest of sins. There is no life without Him and eternity is a long time to be separated from love beyond measure.

My Life Verse,

Isaiah 40: 28-31

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not fait or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to Him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

 If you are already a believer, I would encourage you to do two things. 1). Ask Him for a life verse. Its a powerful thing to have the Lord give you a specific word you can cling to in your life. 2). Write your testimony. I am thankful for the ability to refer back to my experience to continually rejoice in how the Lord has shaped me. It also gives me clarity and confidence in my own life to connect with someone going through the same thing or allow God to use my story as a way to speak truth into another life.

Maybe you are like I was and your anger or bitterness has kept you far away from God. Don’t allow the enemy to deceive you any longer with guilt that you will never be good enough to love. Jesus loves you just as you are; dirty, broken and empty. He desires for you to surrender all you are by taking the weight of your burdens so you can walk closer than a brother with Him. It’s time for a new start and that time is now.

June 26, 2017
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Why Deaf 316

By Belief

Why Deaf 316?

Deaf 316 Ministries is named after the Bible scripture in John 3:16.

“For God so loved the whole world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

June 26, 2017
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Mission Statement

By Belief

Mission Statement

To provide the global deaf community with the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ through signed videoed devotionals, sermons, Christian books and other Bible resources in American Sign Language.

June 26, 2017
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