Thoughts for another day

Aug. 19, 2011

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 2:11. so that satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes. (New Living Translation)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Deep down I've always believed that satan works against us in and through the people we reckon as a threat or our enemies.  People come to you and tell you of the troubles created by 'so-called' men and women of God.  Through experience, I've known that the domain of 'ministry' and 'men/women of God' is a highly complex territory and each person who does a small thing for the Lord automatically feels that he/she has been anointed by God to do His work and thus is a 'servant' of God, bearing his authority.   More often than not, we realize that these are the men and women, who're used of satan so cleverly that we hardly see satan's hand in it; rather we rant and rave considering them our personal enemies. 

I've seen anointed people (for Ministry) blocked and shut up by these denizens of satan's realm thereby silencing the power and spread of God's Kingdom in the mistaken belief that they're better than the person they've striven to silence!  But, we forget that God gives Ministry and He moves us forward for His work.  Paul effectively brings out this thought in Romans 9, where we're enlightened on the concept of God's choice.  Yes, God chooses for He knows those He chooses; doesn't He rebut Jeremiah, when he says, 'I am too young?' Jer. 1:6, 7.

As mature Christians, we must see the hand of satan in the difficulties God places before us.  When your wife is always criticizing you about your passion for God while not earning enough for the home, despite not being in need, know it's not she, but the evil one using her.  When the priest or pastor in your parish always sidelines you in not giving an opportunity, you know where it comes from.  Pray for them so they can be God's vessels and carry His message.  On the other hand, when you refuse to forgive feeling you've been grossly hurt by someone thinking it's just impossible to forgive, know that satan is pouring lies in your mind; just look at the Cross and Jesus on it praying for His enemies saying, 'Father forgive them for they know not what to do.'  Whenever you face any injustice, look up and say, 'Father forgive…'  My friend, such is the like that God loves and if you're chosen by Him and can understand the schemes of the evil one, you will soon be exalted by God even further in your mission.