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Have you ever woken up from a dream and wondered if it was a message from God or just your imagination? In this enlightening episode, we explore how God has spoken through dreams throughout the Bible and how He continues to do so today. Learn practical ways to determine if your dreams are divine messages, expanding your understanding of how God communicates with His people.

In this continuing study I take a look at the Rapture Doctrine. Is this a Pre-Trib, as taught in most main stream Churches are do Christians go through the Tribulation Period? I compare Thessalonians to Matthew 24 along with Revelation. I venture into Paul's writings to explore what he has to say, along with what Yahweh says in Ezekiel.  In this Part 54 I continue our study in this Matthew 24 verse 43 I do a quick recap on what we have learned about this so called pre-trib rapture doctrine I go back to Matthew 24 verse 3 to the 3 questions that His disciples asked Him Take note that there is NOT ONE VERSE that we covered so far that describes a Pre-Trib Rapture! 43  But know this = or ‘you do know this' that if the good man of the house = or the householder, or master of the family, had known in what watch the thief would come = whether at the first, second, third, or fourth watch; for the night was divided into four watches; watch = ‘foo-lak-ay''; the act of keeping watch; watch guards; the place of keeping guard; also the time of a watch. Ezekiel 3:17-22 Eze 3:17  Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.  Eze 3:18  When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Eze 3:19  Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.  Eze 3:20  Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Eze 3:21  Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.  Eze 3:22  And the hand of Yahweh was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee. he would have watched = in every watch either in person, or by employing others, or both: and would not have suffered his house to be broken up = (dee-or-oos-so). Someone that digs through the tile roof or under the dirt floor (other words dirt in the poorer houses).44  Therefore = on this account. Greek. dia touto.be = become. In such an hour as ye think not. = The words are important as showing that even the signs which were to be as the budding of the fig-tree at the approach of summer were intended only to rouse the faithful to watchfulness, not to enable men to fix the times and the seasons which the Father hath set in His own power. I also do a quick study on the Hour of Temptation Rev. 3:8-12; 2 Peter 2:1-9; Isa. 65:11-16, 62:1-12; Mark 13:9-11; Matthew 25:1-13  Don't end up like those in Hosea 4:6 ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God (Elohim), I will also forget thy children.' But, be like those in 2Timothy 2:15 ‘Study to shew thyself approved unto God (Yahweh), a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.'Have any questions? Feel free to email me at keitner@netzero.net

God's Word and God's Works go hand in hand for truth discovery and building a connection with Him

Are you a busy mom who feels like she is battling each day to balance "all the things" while simultaneously drowning in worry? Today's conversation is for you! Welcome my friend, writer, speaker and creator of the Dawn App, Angie Gibbons to the show today! Angie's ministry is dedicated to helping Christian moms trade stress and worry for peace, shift their mindset from performance to relationship and connect with God in a deeper way. Just what we all need, right? This conversation is filled with encouragement and practical steps to help you stop the crazy, silence the performance mindset, breathe deeply and connect with God today. Be encouraged as Angie and I discuss: How balance is a verb, not a noun Laying down that performance lens when we spend time with God 4 Ways to Reset When You Are Worried Making Space for What Fills Your Soul How to truly simplify Connect with Angie Gibbons at gatheratdawn.com and on Instagram To download the Dawn App, click HERE! Connect with Somer on Instagram, Facebook and get weekly updates from her in the Ahavah Community HERE! FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS: We've normalized and made busyness a big joke that we feel like this is the way it's supposed to be and there's no other way to be and we're missing out on the full embodiment of who God made us to be.    All of the busyness and all the running around makes it so that none of our relationships are as fulfilling as they are supposed to be.   We are trying to get to a place where we are balancing rather than balanced - it's a verb, not a noun.   If we see balance as a place of arrival then we are always failing    Those of us who have grown up in the church, we have this voice in our head that says: you are supposed to be selfless to a fault, you are basically supposed to kill yourself on this altar and bleed yourself dry.   When we feel like we've got to achieve a certain balance, it becomes all about us.   Shift your mindset rather than try to stop your mindset   4 Steps to Reset When You Are Worried:   Stop and name the “big worry” Invite God into the process of solving the worry Hand worry over to God Ask God to help you release the burden and lift it to Him *Take deep breaths between each step*   The Lord was here first   Simplify your schedule by blocking   We are such a performance based society and because of that when we think about even spending time with God we put our performance lens on it

Are you a busy mom who feels like she is battling each day to balance "all the things" while simultaneously drowning in worry? Today's conversation is for you! Welcome my friend, writer, speaker and creator of the Dawn App, Angie Gibbons to the show today! Angie's ministry is dedicated to helping Christian moms trade stress and worry for peace, shift their mindset from performance to relationship and connect with God in a deeper way. Just what we all need, right? This conversation is filled with encouragement and practical steps to help you stop the crazy, silence the performance mindset, breathe deeply and connect with God today. Be encouraged as Angie and I discuss: How balance is a verb, not a noun Laying down that performance lens when we spend time with God 4 Ways to Reset When You Are Worried Making Space for What Fills Your Soul How to truly simplify Connect with Angie Gibbons at gatheratdawn.com and on Instagram To download the Dawn App, click HERE! Connect with Somer on Instagram, Facebook and get weekly updates from her in the Ahavah Community HERE! FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS: We've normalized and made busyness a big joke that we feel like this is the way it's supposed to be and there's no other way to be and we're missing out on the full embodiment of who God made us to be.    All of the busyness and all the running around makes it so that none of our relationships are as fulfilling as they are supposed to be.   We are trying to get to a place where we are balancing rather than balanced - it's a verb, not a noun.   If we see balance as a place of arrival then we are always failing    Those of us who have grown up in the church, we have this voice in our head that says: you are supposed to be selfless to a fault, you are basically supposed to kill yourself on this altar and bleed yourself dry.   When we feel like we've got to achieve a certain balance, it becomes all about us.   Shift your mindset rather than try to stop your mindset   4 Steps to Reset When You Are Worried:   Stop and name the “big worry” Invite God into the process of solving the worry Hand worry over to God Ask God to help you release the burden and lift it to Him *Take deep breaths between each step*   The Lord was here first   Simplify your schedule by blocking   We are such a performance based society and because of that when we think about even spending time with God we put our performance lens on it

This week you will be uplifted, inspired and encouraged to walk in your purpose as there are no excuses as our guest Cynthia Cottingham who has underwent 5 brain surgeries and had to learn to walk and talk again is living out her purpose in ministry and through her new business "Harnessing Your Purpose". She drops so many gems in this episode so get your pen and paper or notes app ready. This will bless your life and it is my sincere hope that you like, share and comment. In this episode: Purpose is your God given passion inside that when you want to deny it, it keeps tugging/pulling at you You don't have to move the pieces, God has ordained it already, it's about HIs plan Live an intentional, purpose driven life as our life is short and we should live it to the fullest Follow your passion and use it as motivation to propel you forward in God's will Recognize your gift early and use them for God's glory God gives you different seasons - embrace the journey You can't get around what God has planned for your life Through several illnesses that resulted in 5 brain surgeries, memory loss, comprehension difficulties and the inability to walk or talk - God provided healing - "I know God left me here for a reason, for a purpose - God has the ultimate plan" People often want to know "Do you ask God why me....no I ask Him why not me?" Find out why God has you here vs. focusing only on your personal desires There is no time to fear or worry, take the next step into your calling - if it is for you to do, no one can stop you from doing it God will make sure things turn out right when you seek His purpose for your life God uses people to show witness to HIm You can grow in the valley no matter what you're going through - be patient and allow God to walk through the valley with you In the quiet moments, take time to hear from God No matter how you feel your life has been detoured the Lord has a plan for you "My service to Him has never been about the income but always about the outcome" Our vision was meant for us - God will bless it if you lean on Him Take time to get in a quiet place to let God know your concerns - He's our Father - He cares An empty cup has nothing to pour out - step back to replenish and mediate Find out what you need to do for God, find out what He has purposed you to do because it matters - you'll live a richer and more fulfilled life It's not about you - it's all about God! To get connected to Cynthia Cottingham, check out her business "Harness Your Purpose" on all the social media platforms. If you'd like to watch this or other episodes on YT, click here: https://linktr.ee/walkingoutyourpurpose. Please also join the WOYP family on Facebook using this link. I appreciate your support and would ask that you like, comment, share and follow us on all the platforms including Facebook and YouTube. Now go conquer your day and don't let it conquer you. Be blessed! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/walkoutyourpurpose/support

1. Have a Short Memory 2. If Jesus is in your Vehicle, let Him Take the Wheel 3. It's not always a Hand out that we need, it's a Hand up 4. Have the Humility to Know you're not Invicible, but the fortitude to get up and keep going

This Father’s Day, Pastor Greg teaches on the power of a father’s voice to his children. He teaches about the three distinct times where God the Father spoke out loud from Heaven during Jesus’ ministry. Do you know when these three powerful moments were?Pastor Greg then asks us if we want to hear God the Father’s voice in our lives. How can we hear Him? Take some time to listen to today’s message. The post My Father’s Voice appeared first on Immanuel Baptist Church.

Chapter 30—Enmity Between Man and Satan“I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15. The divine sentence pronounced against Satan after the fall of man was also a prophecy, embracing all the ages to the close of time and foreshadowing the great conflict to engage all the races of men who should live upon the earth.God declares: “I will put enmity.” This enmity is not naturally entertained. When man transgressed the divine law, his nature became evil, and he was in harmony, and not at variance, with Satan. There exists naturally no enmity between sinful man and the originator of sin. Both became evil through apostasy. The apostate is never at rest, except as he obtains sympathy and support by inducing others to follow his example. For this reason fallen angels and wicked men unite in desperate companionship. Had not God specially interposed, Satan and man would have entered into an alliance against Heaven; and instead of cherishing enmity against Satan, the whole human family would have been united in opposition to God.Satan tempted man to sin, as he had caused angels to rebel, that he might thus secure co-operation in his warfare against Heaven. There was no dissension between himself and the fallen angels as regards their hatred of Christ; while on allother points there was discord, they were firmly united in opposing the authority of the Ruler of the universe. But when Satan heard the declaration that enmity should exist between himself and the woman, and between his seed and her seed, he knew that his efforts to deprave human nature would be interrupted; that by some means man was to be enabled to resist his power.Satan’s enmity against the human race is kindled because, through Christ, they are the objects of God’s love and mercy. He desires to thwart the divine plan for man’s redemption, to cast dishonor upon God, by defacing and defiling His handiwork; he would cause grief in heaven and fill the earth with woe and desolation. And he points to all this evil as the result of God’s work in creating man.It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in man enmity against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man would continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding. But the new principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto had been peace. The power which Christ imparts enables man to resist the tyrant and usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it, whoever resists and conquers those passions that have held sway within, displays the operation of a principle wholly from above.The antagonism that exists between the spirit of Christ and the spirit of Satan was most strikingly displayed in the world’s reception of Jesus. It was not so much because He appeared without worldly wealth, pomp, or grandeur that the Jews were led to reject Him. They saw that He possessed power which would more than compensate for the lack of these outward advantages. But the purity and holiness of Christ called forth against Him the hatred of the ungodly. His life of self-denial and sinless devotion was a perpetual reproof to a proud, sensual people. It was this that evoked enmity against the Son of God. Satan and evil angels joined with evil men. All the energies of apostasy conspired against the Champion of truth.The same enmity is manifested toward Christ’s followers as was manifested toward their Master. Whoever sees the repulsive character of sin, and in strength from above resists temptation, will assuredly arouse the wrath of Satan and his subjects. Hatred of the pure principles of truth, and reproach and persecution of its advocates, will exist as long as sin and sinners remain. The followers of Christ and the servants of Satan cannot harmonize. The offense of the cross has not ceased. “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12.Satan’s agents are constantly working under his direction to establish his authority and build up his kingdom in opposition to the government of God. To this end they seek to deceive Christ’s followers and allure them from their allegiance. Like their leader, they misconstrue and pervert the Scriptures to accomplish their object. As Satan endeavored to cast reproach upon God, so do his agents seek to malign God’s people. The spirit which put Christ to death moves the wicked to destroy His followers. All this is foreshadowed in that first prophecy: “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed.” And this will continue to the close of time.Satan summons all his forces and throws his whole power into the combat. Why is it that he meets with no greater resistance? Why are the soldiers of Christ so sleepy and indifferent? Because they have so little real connection with Christ; because they are so destitute of His Spirit. Sin is not to them repulsive and abhorrent, as it was to their Master. They do not meet it, as did Christ, with decisive and determined resistance. They do not realize the exceeding evil and malignity of sin, and they are blinded both to the character and the power of the prince of darkness. There is little enmity against Satan and his works, because there is so great ignorance concerning his power and malice, and the vast extent of his warfare against Christ and His church. Multitudes are deluded here. They do not know that their enemy is a mighty general who controls the minds of evil angels, and that with well-matured plans and skillful movements he is warring against Christ to prevent the salvation of souls. Among professed Christians, and even among ministers of the gospel, there is heard scarcely a reference to Satan, except perhaps an incidental mention in the pulpit. They overlook the evidences of his continual activity and success; they neglect the many warnings of his subtlety; they seem to ignore his very existence.While men are ignorant of his devices, this vigilant foe is upon their track every moment. He is intruding his presence in every department of the household, in every street of our cities, in the churches, in the national councils, in the courts of justice, perplexing, deceiving, seducing, everywhere ruining the souls and bodies of men, women, and children, breaking up families, sowing hatred, emulation, strife, sedition, murder. And the Christian world seem to regard these things as though God had appointed them and they must exist.Satan is continually seeking to overcome the people of God by breaking down the barriers which separate them from the world. Ancient Israel were enticed into sin when they ventured into forbidden association with the heathen. In a similar manner are modern Israel led astray. “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:4. All who are not decided followers of Christ are servants of Satan. In the unregenerate heart there is love of sin and a disposition to cherish and excuse it. In the renewed heart there is hatred of sin and determined resistance against it. When Christians choose the society of the ungodly and unbelieving, they expose themselves to temptation. Satan conceals himself from view and stealthily draws his deceptive covering over their eyes. They cannot see that such company is calculated to do them harm; and while all the time assimilating to the world in character, words, and actions, they are becoming more and more blinded.Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world; it never converts the world to Christ. Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause it to appear less repulsive. He who chooses to associate with the servants of Satan will soon cease to fear their master. When in the way of duty we are brought into trial, as was Daniel in the king’s court, we may be sure that God will protect us; but if we place ourselves under temptation we shall fall sooner or later.The tempter often works most successfully through those who are least suspected of being under his control. The possessors of talent and education are admired and honored, as if these qualities could atone for the absence of the fear of God or entitle men to His favor. Talent and culture, considered in themselves, are gifts of God; but when these are made to supply the place of piety, when, instead of bringing the soul nearer to God, they lead away from Him, then they become a curse and a snare. The opinion prevails with many that all which appears like courtesy or refinement must, in some sense, pertain to Christ. Never was there a greater mistake. These qualities should grace the character of every Christian, for they would exert a powerful influence in favor of true religion; but they must be consecrated to God, or they also are a power for evil. Many a man of cultured intellect and pleasant manners, who would not stoop to what is commonly regarded as an immoral act, is but a polished instrument in the hands of Satan. The insidious, deceptive character of his influence and example renders him a more dangerous enemy to the cause of Christ than are those who are ignorant and uncultured.By earnest prayer and dependence upon God, Solomon obtained the wisdom which excited the wonder and admiration of the world. But when he turned from the Source of his strength, and went forward relying upon himself, he fell a prey to temptation. Then the marvelous powers bestowed on this wisest of kings only rendered him a more effective agent of the adversary of souls.While Satan is constantly seeking to blind their minds to the fact, let Christians never forget that they “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places.” Ephesians 6:12, margin. The inspired warning is sounding down the centuries to our time: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11.From the days of Adam to our own time, our great enemy has been exercising his power to oppress and destroy. He is now preparing for his last campaign against the church. All who seek to follow Jesus will be brought into conflict with this relentless foe. The more nearly the Christian imitates the divine Pattern, the more surely will he make himself a mark for the attacks of Satan. All who are actively engaged in the cause of God, seeking to unveil the deceptions of the evil one and to present Christ before the people, will be able to join in the testimony of Paul, in which he speaks of serving the Lord with all humility of mind, with many tears and temptations.Satan assailed Christ with his fiercest and most subtle temptations, but he was repulsed in every conflict. Those battles were fought in our behalf; those victories make it possible for us to conquer. Christ will give strength to all who seek it. No man without his own consent can be overcome by Satan. The tempter has no power to control the will or to force the soul to sin. He may distress, but he cannot contaminate. He can cause agony, but not defilement. The fact that Christ has conquered should inspire His followers with courage to fight manfully the battle against sin and Satan.Chapter 31—Agency of Evil SpiritsThe connection of the visible with the invisible world, the ministration of angels of God, and the agency of evil spirits, are plainly revealed in the Scriptures, and inseparably interwoven with human history. There is a growing tendency to disbelief in the existence of evil spirits, while the holy angels that “minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14) are regarded by many as spirits of the dead. But the Scriptures not only teach the existence of angels, both good and evil, but present unquestionable proof that these are not disembodied spirits of dead men.Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the foundations of the earth were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of life, and this before a human being had died. Angels are in nature superior to men, for the psalmist says that man was made “a little lower than the angels.” Psalm 8:5.We are informed in Scripture as to the number, and the power and glory, of the heavenly beings, of their connection with the government of God, and also of their relation to the work of redemption. “The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all.” And, says the prophet, “I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne.” In the presence chamber of the King of kings they wait—“angels, that excel in strength,” “ministers of His, that do His pleasure,” “hearkening unto the voice of His word.” Psalm 103:19-21; Revelation 5:11. Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, were the heavenly messengers beheld by the prophet Daniel. The apostle Paul declared them “an innumerable company.” Daniel 7:10; Hebrews 12:22. As God’s messengers they go forth, like “the appearance of a flash of lightning,” (Ezekiel 1:14), so dazzling their glory, and so swift their flight. The angel that appeared at the Saviour’s tomb, his countenance “like lightning, and his raiment white as snow,” caused the keepers for fear of him to quake, and they “became as dead men.” Matthew 28:3, 4. When Sennacherib, the haughty Assyrian, reproached and blasphemed God, and threatened Israel with destruction, “it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand.” There were “cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains,” from the army of Sennacherib. “So he returned with shame of face to his own land.” 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 32:21.Angels are sent on missions of mercy to the children of God. To Abraham, with promises of blessing; to the gates of Sodom, to rescue righteous Lot from its fiery doom; to Elijah, as he was about to perish from weariness and hunger in the desert; to Elisha, with chariots and horses of fire surrounding the little town where he was shut in by his foes; to Daniel, while seeking divine wisdom in the court of a heathen king, or abandoned to become the lions’ prey; to Peter, doomed to death in Herod’s dungeon; to the prisoners at Philippi; to Paul and his companions in the night of tempest on the sea; to open the mind of Cornelius to receive the gospel; to dispatch Peter with the message of salvation to the Gentile stranger—thus holy angels have, in all ages, ministered to God’s people.A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked one. This Satan himself recognized when he said: “Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?” Job 1:9, 10. The agency by which God protects His people is presented in the words of the psalmist: “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7. Said the Saviour, speaking of those that believe in Him: “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father.” Matthew 18:10. The angels appointed to minister to the children of God have at all times access to His presence.Thus God’s people, exposed to the deceptive power and unsleeping malice of the prince of darkness, and in conflict with all the forces of evil, are assured of the unceasing guardianship of heavenly angels. Nor is such assurance given without need. If God has granted to His children promise of grace and protection, it is because there are mighty agencies of evil to be met—agencies numerous, determined, and untiring, of whose malignity and power none can safely be ignorant or unheeding.Evil spirits, in the beginning created sinless, were equal in nature, power, and glory with the holy beings that are now God’s messengers. But fallen through sin, they are leagued together for the dishonor of God and the destruction of men. United with Satan in his rebellion, and with him cast out from heaven, they have, through all succeeding ages, co-operated with him in his warfare against the divine authority. We are told in Scripture of their confederacy and government, of their various orders, of their intelligence and subtlety, and of their malicious designs against the peace and happiness of men.Old Testament history presents occasional mention of their existence and agency; but it was during the time when Christ was upon the earth that evil spirits manifested their power in the most striking manner. Christ had come to enter upon the plan devised for man’s redemption, and Satan determined to assert his right to control the world. He had succeeded in establishing idolatry in every part of the earth except the land of Palestine. To the only land that had not fully yielded to the tempter’s sway, Christ came to shed upon the people the light of heaven. Here two rival powers claimed supremacy. Jesus was stretching out His arms of love, inviting all who would to find pardon and peace in Him. The hosts of darkness saw that they did not possess unlimited control, and they understood that if Christ’s mission should be successful, their rule was soon to end. Satan raged like a chained lion and defiantly exhibited his power over the bodies as well as the souls of men.The fact that men have been possessed with demons, is clearly stated in the New Testament. The persons thus afflicted were not merely suffering with disease from natural causes. Christ had perfect understanding of that with which He was dealing, and He recognized the direct presence and agency of evil spirits.A striking example of their number, power, and malignity, and also of the power and mercy of Christ, is given in the Scripture account of the healing of the demoniacs at Gadara. Those wretched maniacs, spurning all restraint, writhing, foaming, raging, were filling the air with their cries, doing violence to themselves, and endangering all who should approach them. Their bleeding and disfigured bodies and distracted minds presented a spectacle well pleasing to the prince of darkness. One of the demons controlling the sufferers declared: “My name is Legion: for we are many.” Mark 5:9. In the Roman army a legion consisted of from three to five thousand men. Satan’s hosts also are marshaled in companies, and the single company to which these demons belonged numbered no less than a legion.At the command of Jesus the evil spirits departed from their victims, leaving them calmly sitting at the Saviour’s feet, subdued, intelligent, and gentle. But the demons were permitted to sweep a herd of swine into the sea; and to the dwellers of Gadara the loss of these outweighed the blessings which Christ had bestowed, and the divine Healer was entreated to depart. This was the result which Satan designed to secure. By casting the blame of their loss upon Jesus, he aroused the selfish fears of the people and prevented them from listening to His words. Satan is constantly accusing Christians as the cause of loss, misfortune, and suffering, instead of allowing the reproach to fall where it belongs—upon himself and his agents.But the purposes of Christ were not thwarted. He allowed the evil spirits to destroy the herd of swine as a rebuke to those Jews who were raising these unclean beasts for the sake of gain. Had not Christ restrained the demons, they would have plunged into the sea, not only the swine, but also their keepers and owners. The preservation of both the keepers and the owners was due alone to His power, mercifully exercised for their deliverance. Furthermore, this event was permitted to take place that the disciples might witness the cruel power of Satan upon both man and beast. The Saviour desired His followers to have a knowledge of the foe whom they were to meet, that they might not be deceived and overcome by his devices. It was also His will that the people of that region should behold His power to break the bondage of Satan and release his captives. And though Jesus Himself departed, the men so marvelously delivered, remained to declare the mercy of their Benefactor.Other instances of a similar nature are recorded in the Scriptures. The daughter of the Syrophoenician woman was grievously vexed with a devil, whom Jesus cast out by His word. (Mark 7:26-30). “One possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb” (Matthew 12:22); a youth who had a dumb spirit, that ofttimes “cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him” (Mark 9:17-27); the maniac who, tormented by “a spirit of an unclean devil” (Luke 4:33-36), disturbed the Sabbath quiet of the synagogue at Capernaum—all were healed by the compassionate Saviour. In nearly every instance, Christ addressed the demon as an intelligent entity, commanding him to come out of his victim and to torment him no more. The worshipers at Capernaum, beholding His mighty power, “were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.” Luke 4:36.Those possessed with devils are usually represented as being in a condition of great suffering; yet there were exceptions to this rule. For the sake of obtaining supernatural power, some welcomed the satanic influence. These of course had no conflict with the demons. Of this class were those who possessed the spirit of divination,—Simon Magus, Elymas the sorcerer, and the damsel who followed Paul and Silas at Philippi.None are in greater danger from the influence of evil spirits than those who, notwithstanding the direct and ample testimony of the Scriptures, deny the existence and agency of the devil and his angels. So long as we are ignorant of their wiles, they have almost inconceivable advantage; many give heed to their suggestions while they suppose themselves to be following the dictates of their own wisdom. This is why, as we approach the close of time, when Satan is to work with greatest power to deceive and destroy, he spreads everywhere the belief that he does not exist. It is his policy to conceal himself and his manner of working.There is nothing that the great deceiver fears so much as that we shall become acquainted with his devices. The better to disguise his real character and purposes, he has caused himself to be so represented as to excite no stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt. He is well pleased to be painted as a ludicrous or loathsome object, misshapen, half animal and half human. He is pleased to hear his name used in sport and mockery by those who think themselves intelligent and well informed.It is because he has masked himself with consummate skill that the question is so widely asked: “Does such a being really exist?” It is an evidence of his success that theories giving the lie to the plainest testimony of the Scriptures are so generally received in the religious world. And it is because Satan can most readily control the minds of those who are unconscious of his influence, that the word of God gives us so many examples of his malignant work, unveiling before us his secret forces, and thus placing us on our guard against his assaults.The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our Redeemer. We carefully secure our houses with bolts and locks to protect our property and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil angels who are constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks we have, in our own strength, no method of defense. If permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder and torment our bodies, destroy our possessions and our lives. Their only delight is in misery and destruction. Fearful is the condition of those who resist the divine claims and yield to Satan’s temptations, until God gives them up to the control of evil spirits. But those who follow Christ are ever safe under His watchcare. Angels that excel in strength are sent from heaven to protect them. The wicked one cannot break through the guard which God has stationed about His people.

We sing His praise, we say we love HIM. Do we really? Do our actions reflect the love we proclaim for Him? Take a listen.

"Joy is prayer; joy is strength: joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls" (Mother Teresa of Calcutta). Welcome Ginny, Grace, Jo, Allyson, and Jade, Bible Study Evangelista's newest friends of the show! Some are first-time supporters, and some have added to their support. In both cases, I thank you deeply for loving and lifting me! LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Listen (Receive the Word.) Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Augustinian - Proclaim Nehemiah 8:10 aloud, emphasizing each word in turn, like this, until you have emphasized them all: The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength. What comes to mind? Franciscan - This week, sing your favorite praise song every day, especially when you feel sad or down. Ask your guardian angel to remind you. Ignatian - I wonder how it felt, sitting on the grass with the wildflowers nodding in the breeze, watching the ripples glinting on the lake in the distance, the human race hearing such radical things for the first time. “Go the extra mile. . . . Love your enemy. . . . Don’t worry. . . . Stockpile treasure . . . in heaven. . . . Blessed are the poor, the depressed, those who let others go first, the hungry and thirsty, the martyred and persecuted. . . .  Adultery is also a matter of the heart. We are judged in the measure we ourselves judge.” What would it have been like, to be part of that crowd? Did the grass sing? Did the earth pound with the new truths, the new order he unleashed with every word? Thomistic - Write down and memorize the eight Beatitudes from Matthew 5.     Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 3)     Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. (Verse 4)     Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Verse 5)     Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. (Verse 6)     Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Verse 7)     Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Verse 8)     Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)     Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10) Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) In your journal or on your journal page (get a free page and user guide to the right), write down the most significant idea or scripture from the show. What are your thoughts and feelings regarding your Observe step (above), this verse, the video, and the Word you heard and observed in this episode? What have you learned or remembered about joy? What do you sense God wants you to do this week about what you've heard and observed with Him? Take some time to talk to Him about that. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Holy Spirit, this week, help me to remember and celebrate the joy of my salvation, and to express in my life the love I celebrate. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, + Amen. . *LOVE the Word™ exercises are offered according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Episode Resources What brings you joy? Tell us how you practice joy in our Facebook discussion community, where you can also post or chat with others about your daily #LOVEtheWordtakeaway. What Christ Means by Purity of Heart article

Jesus said they will know us by our fruit. Is the Holy Spirit producing fruit in me, or am I putting forth the rotten fruit of self-indulgence and self-reliance? Here's how to take a spiritual inventory with St. Paul in Galatians 5. Welcome Judith, Susan J., Coletta, Alice, Robert, Kelli, Janet, and Mavis, Bible Study Evangelista's newest friends of the show! LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. Listen (Receive the Word.) Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.) Augustinian -  Where has the Holy Spirit pointed out the rotten fruit of self-indulgence in your life? What about self-reliance? Remembering that you are in His presence, take a spiritual inventory of the "good fruit": love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. What comes to mind? Franciscan - Take a field trip this week to a vineyard, orchard, or vegetable or flower garden; what do you notice about growth? What will happen to the fruit you see? If there is no fruit, what happened to the fruit that was once present? What would you do with a plant that did not and would never bear fruit? Ignatian - Imagine you are walking with Jesus through the vineyard when He says, " You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Matthew 7:16-20). As you walk with Him through the rows of grapes, what is Jesus doing with His hands? Can you smell the sun on the dirt and leaves? Do you hear the wind, or birds? How do the grapes taste on your tongue? How do they feel in your hand? What's in your heart right now? Thomistic - Memorize the nine fruits of the spirit listed in the Augustinian exercise, above, along with the reference (Galatians 5:22). Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.) In your journal or on your journal page (get a free page and user guide to the right), write down your thoughts and feelings regarding the Word you heard and observed in this episode. Has He spoken to you about a particular "pet" sin or habit? What do you sense God wants you to do this week about what you've heard and observed with Him? Take some time to talk to Him about that. Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!) Holy Spirit, this week, please help me abide more and more fully in Jesus, the Vine. Bring to my mind, in those important moments of choice, to turn to You and lean on You for the fruit-bearing that reveals me as a true child of God. In You, I will be a sound tree that bears good fruit. Amen. . *LOVE the Word™ exercises are offered according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types. Episode Resources How is the Holy Spirit also using the daily readings this week to speak to you about your fruit? Here's our Facebook community where you can post or chat with others about your daily #LOVEtheWordtakeaway. References Mat 7:15-20  "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits. Gal 5:22-25  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

When God told Moses to approach Pharaoh about letting the Israelites go free from their lives as slaves in Egypt, Pharaoh refused. The Bible said he had "a hard heart" and he's a picture of many people who have become stubborn toward God. What will it take to break us? What will we have to go through before our stubborn, hard hearts are finally surrendered to Him? Take your Bible and join us for today's study in Exodus 5-6.

When God told Moses to approach Pharaoh about letting the Israelites go free from their lives as slaves in Egypt, Pharaoh refused. The Bible said he had "a hard heart" and he's a picture of many people who have become stubborn toward God. What will it take to break us? What will we have to go through before our stubborn, hard hearts are finally surrendered to Him? Take your Bible and join us for today's study in Exodus 5-6.