Do You Know That the Devil is Scheming Against You Daily?

Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:13 (NLT) This was the first thing I read this morning. One thing I have learned while reading the Bible is that the battle is real. Satan has been trying to keep God's people in bondage all throughout history. You read about his first spiritual attack in Genesis right in the beginning when He convinced Eve to take a bite of the forbidden fruit. You read about his next attack as you discover what happened to Abel, Adam and Eve's son. You see it unfolding as you read the history of King Saul and King David and it is well written about during the days that Jesus walked the earth. Do not fool yourself into believing the battle is still not going on. It is. Do not believe that Satan doesn't know the likes of you. He does. He has been roaming this earth for thousands of years. He has way more practice at this type of war than any human being could dream of having. We have one major event on our side, the resurrection of Christ. He conquered death. It is through Him that we can also win the battle. Another thing I have learned when reading snippets of scripture is that anytime you see the word 'therefore' at the beginning, it is important to see what was shared prior to the 'therefore'! With that being said, let us dive a little deeper into God's word this morning. 6:11: Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the word forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. This was the first thing I read this morning. One thing I have learned while reading the Bible is that the battle is real. Satan has been trying to keep God's people in bondage all throughout history. You read about his first spiritual attack in Genesis right in the beginning when He convinced Eve to take a bite of the forbidden fruit. You read about his next attack as you discover what happened to Abel, Adam and Eve's son. You see it unfolding as you read the history of King Saul and King David and it is well written about during the days that Jesus walked the earth. Do not fool yourself into believing the battle is still not going on. It is. Do not believe that Satan doesn't know the likes of you. He does. He has been roaming this earth for thousands of years. He has way more practice at this type of war than any human being could dream of having. We have one major event on our side, the resurrection of Christ. He conquered death. It is through Him that we can also win the battle.  Another thing I have learned when reading snippets of scripture is that anytime you see the word 'therefore' at the beginning, it is important to see what was shared prior to the 'therefore'! With that being said, let us dive a little deeper into God's word this morning. 6:11: Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the word forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
The battle is brought on by the devil. He schemes and plots and plans to deceive you in any way possible. He speaks to you and at you through others as well as straight to you. It is vital to your well being that you wear all your armor because without it, you are vulnerable. KNOW this as well, Satan never rests. He has attacked me in my dreams before and I have used scripture to defeat him. When you read the gospels you are shown that Jesus also used scripture to defeat Satan but here is a truly chilling thought, Satan quoted scripture to Jesus. One of Satan's greatest accomplishments has been to infiltrate the church. He is not afraid of the Word of God. He uses it himself. He has punishers use it to control people. I get why so many people want nothing to do with religion. For that matter, I want nothing to do with religion! It was the religious ones that plotted to kill Jesus so that they would not lose their power in the world. That my friends is another chilling thought. A church truly has no need to pass a basket at its service. They do that so that more people will be guilted into donating. In all honesty, God doesn't care much for flash. When a basket goes around everyone sees who is giving and often how much. I have always felt extremely uncomfortable when the basket part of the service begins. I imagine I am not alone in that feeling. I attended a church that never passes a basket. It took me a year before I finally learned how to give money to them. They had service to teach about the Word of God only. Sadly, many churches have service to use the Word of God to make a point that often even isn't the true message that God intended you to hear. This particular church that I attended for close to three years, had service and truly taught its members about the Lord. They drove home the point that it was important for you to build a relationship with Him and then share His Love and Truth with others. They also educated you about spiritual warfare. This fellowship had more than enough money to go on mission trips and to help those that needed help and they didn't do it by reciting verses in the Bible that suggest that you are to give money to God. People sought them out to donate money. This is what happens when you are a part of a true church family. Today I would encourage you to seek the Lord for yourself. While it is important to also find a church family, it is even more important that you spend time with the Lord by yourself. Begin by reading His Word. Ephesians is the first book that I studied and within its few chapters, you are taught a lot. If you have never picked up the bible, this would be a great place to start. After you read that book, it would be wise to learn who Jesus is. The four gospels share many of the similar stories but only the Gospel of John fully reveals the Lords love for His people in a way that none of the other Gospels do. Every day read a chapter and reflect on it. Every day seek the Lord and His will. They are both activities that will help you keep focused on the truth and not get pulled under by one of Satan's never ending schemes. Another thing that help is sharing the Lord with others. By encouraging someone else you will be strengthened yourself. Father today I pray that more and more of your children learn about the armor you have so graciously provided us all with. May they learn it exists and then begin using it daily. May the hands and feet of Jesus be as active as they can be, encouraging others to discover God's love for them as well as discovering who they are in Christ. In Jesus name I pray. Amen! Wendy, walks with God, Mom of Many © Wendy Glidden 2014

What Do You Really Know About the Thief?

Today when I opened up the encouraging word sent to me from K-Love, this is what I found:

The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
~ John 10:10, NLT

The thief goes by many names. No matter what you decide to call him, the fact remains,he exists and he indeed is here to steal, kill, and destroy. With thousands of years of experience under his belt, he makes quite a formidable foe!

One of his best tricks through out time has been to make people forget about him! I imagine this is due to the fact that a thief does not want to be seen! Things work out better for them that way!

Satan, the father of lies, the thief, the serpent, the devil, it truly matters not what you call him, is always on the prowl. He is sneaky. He is shrewd. He is all but silent and he is most assuredly deadly. He is on a mission to put out the light inside all of us. You simply cannot allow this to happen to you.

How do you recognize when you are under a spiritual attack? That is a great question. The closer you get to God, the better the relationship you have with him, the easier you will begin to see the truth. You will quickly recognize an attack for exactly what it is and you will be able to rest in the Lord. I know this is true because I have tangled with Satan just as you have. You may not even realize that is what was going on at the time. I know I didn't for decades. It's only been in my persistent seeking that I discovered amazing truths about my own journey in life thanks to what God showed me as He had me unfold my life onto paper. Through my books, I pull back the curtain and reveal Satan working his magic in my life throughout my personal story.

We live in a fallen world. Bad stuff is bound to happen to all of us. We must keep our focus on the truth and not on how we feel. Satan loves feelings. He can use them against you. Just look all the way back in history to Cain. He became jealous of his brother. Satan used that 'feeling' and took advantage of the situation. I can only imagine what he whispered into Cain's ear. I truly don't believe Cain intended to kill his brother. It is my belief that he acted out on his emotions and dealt a fatal blow. Once done, it could not be taken back. Next I imagine Satan comforted Cain with lies. After all, he is the father of lies. I believe this is what happened mainly because of the way Cain answered God when God asked him where his brother Abel was. All too often I have witnessed this same bravado defensive stance from my own children and embarrassingly enough, through my own story!

My heart goes out to Cain. He was used by Satan big time. I believe all of us are used by him. He's just that good at what he does. This is why we must recognize him for who he is. A very shrewd opponent.

This year I have published two books. They are my first two volumes of my personal story and it takes you from the beginning of my story all the way through my twenty third year. You wouldn't think much could happen to a girl in her first two decades of her life, but that is where you would be wrong!

All who have elected to take a look at this true life series have also taken the time to send me a note so this has been a most rewarding experience. As you will learn by reading my story, I am now doing what God and I talked about me doing as a child.

For those who would like to check it out for themselves, I am offering a FREE view at the first three chapters in both volume I & II! If you love them, buy the books and if you don't find my story captivating and encouraging, you are out not one dime!

I priced each e-book at only $3.99 and print for only $7.99 because I don't want cost to become an issue ever! God called me forth to share my story and He has led me along the way. The first weekend I released my second volume I offered a FREE download of each volume. In 72 hours, I gave away 200 books on Amazon!

I am blessed to have been given all the desires of my heart. You'll clearly see what those are when you read the book! Without further delay, here is the link to get your free download or to buy the books in either Kindle or Print! Happy Reading.

http://www.Amazon.com/author/wendyglidden

I am happy to announce that volume III will be on the shelves before the end of March 2014! It is going to be called: Angels, Answers, Signs and Wonders! Followed shortly behind by Volume IV: In the Midst of Spiritual Warfare. I pray you find my story strengthens your faith.

** Update: Volume III is available in both print and electronic formats. It is my goal to still have Volume IV out before the end of 2014. I have certainly learned a lot about the subject in the last couple of years ~ it's the amazing triumphs I am looking forward to sharing! Don't forget to like me on facebook for an encouraging word! http://www.facebook.com/youareworthytoo

 Be blessed and be a blessing <3

Wendy, walks with God,
Mom of Many

© Wendy Glidden, 2014