Important Takeaways:
- Luke 22:31-32 reads, “And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…’”
- Notice the focus of Satan’s petition to the Lord. He doesn’t ask for forgiveness—it is not within his heart, nor for direction—he receives it from no one. Satan asked for Peter. Why? He mistakenly believed that the sifting of trials and temptations could separate believers from God.
- As the personification of what it means to be alienated from God, Satan desires the same for every Christ-follower. When Satan requests one of God’s own, he intends to ruin and ravage our whole being. But not us only, He means to wreak havoc upon the lives of all those to whom we maintain a witness of God’s manifold grace.
- The Bible warns us that the devil is like a lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Have you seen camera footage of how a lion pursues a deer or gazelle? He begins his assault upwind, hiding his scent. Then he slowly creeps forward, inch by inch, crouching close to the earth, ready to explode upon the weary and unsuspecting.
- Likewise, Satan is always on the prowl—stalking, looking, waiting. He steps back and watches you and me. Satan watches our language and attitudes. He observes which temptations provoke a response. Before he acts, he studies our home life, business dealings, and free time, looking for areas where his presence will go undetected.
- A warning to wisely be on guard? Yes. Scary? Not if we remember that in every trial and temptation Jesus is praying for us, and He who promised is faithful.
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Important Takeaways:
- The victory that Christ has won is now ours.
- There is a backstory to the Bible. Behind the scenes of Scripture, a cosmic battle is being waged between God and Satan…
- …Isaiah gives us a glimpse of what happened before time as we know it began. Lucifer, the beautiful angel of light, became the angel and prince of darkness and was removed from the heavenly hosts, along with one-third of the angelic beings, who joined him in this rebellion. This is when the war of the ages was launched (Isaiah 14:12-14).
- …The devil “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He comes to kill, steal, and destroy, and his name means slanderer or accuser. Stu Weber says, “Know it or not, like it or not, you and I are in a war, and we need to begin living as if we were in a battle for our lives, because in fact we are.”
- The New Testament is filled with scriptures that warn us of this war, not to scare us but to prepare us to fight spiritual battles. The most well known of these passages is Ephesians 6:10-12: “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 the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
- We Christians are commanded to be soldiers in God’s army, strong and courageous and victorious in spiritual battle. Our strength for the battle is not our own, but God’s mighty power at work in us.
- We’ve been given spiritual weapons for spiritual warfare and are equipped to win. We’re to put on the whole armor of God and take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
- Hebrews 4:12, which says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
- Satan’s tactics
- The word Satan means “adversary” or “oppressor.” Satan hates and attacks everything and everyone God loves. He is deceptive and dangerous, and he means to destroy you, your family, your faith, and your friends. He inflicts pain and suffering and unleashes hate and hell upon the world. He uses doubt, disappointment, and deceit, and he “disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
- As Christians, we must take this ruthless enemy and our spiritual warfare seriously.
- Never forget that the Bible is both trustworthy and authoritative. As you wield the sword of the Spirit (the Bible) in spiritual warfare, you can be sure that “no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed” (Isaiah 54:17). You have the mighty power of God’s word at your disposal. For the weapons of our warfare are not human (2 Corinthians 10:4); the word of God in connection with the Spirit of God is your superpower.
- When you share your faith in Jesus, when you share the gospel of Christ, you’re in a spiritual battle and are defeating the enemy. Revelation 12:11 says, “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Our testimony is the word of God and the power of his blood to save us, which is the message of the Bible.
- The battlefield for warfare is prayer, so take up “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17-18). There’s an inseparable connection between prayer and God’s word, which we can see in Acts 6:4 as the leaders of the early church gave themselves to the word of God and to prayer. Jesus promised, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).
- When you know the Bible, you’ll be certain of the outcome of this war that has been raging for so long. God has promised us victory and has already given it to us.
- When you know the victory is complete, you can begin living with a new perspective…
- No wonder the apostle Paul, though facing execution, was able to say he had a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which was far better: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
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Important Takeaways:
- A Woman Says That An Angel Showed Her 4 Major Things That Are Going To Happen In 2025
- According to her testimony, this woman had a very unusual supernatural experience on March 26th.
- She got home from work at about 9 PM, and she was quite exhausted.
- She decided to take a shower, and as she was getting out she fell and hit her head.
- Then she had some dinner and went to bed.
- At about 11 PM she heard a voice calling her.
- After that she was taken into a very deep sleep and that is when her experience began.
- At one point during the experience, it appears that she was standing outside of heaven.
- An angel suddenly appeared before her, and this angel told her that it was not time for her to go inside yet
- The angel told her that her work on Earth had not been completed yet, and she was given a message to take back.
- In fact, the angel clearly stated that he had been sent to deliver this message to her.
- The angel explained that in 2025 there will be “a lot more hardship” than we have experienced this year.
- This woman was told that the people of God do not want to turn away from their sins and that God has sent warnings but most have not listened.
- She was also told that God is not happy with how the leaders of the world are treating His children.
- Following that, the angel went through four major things which are going to happen in 2025.
- #1 The angel said that there will be great civil unrest in 2025.
- The woman saw two people fighting with each other.
- One was in blue and one was in red.
- #2 The angel said that there will be “economic hardship” in 2025.
- Apparently, there will be a “severe financial crisis”, and “all great nations” will be affected by it.
- And the angel also said that there will be very serious consequences.
- #3 According to this woman, the angel also said that there will be “famine” in 2025.
- The angel explained that there will be “food shortages”, and she was instructed to warn people to “store up food”.
- #4 This woman also claims that the angel showed her that great natural disasters will happen in 2025.
- The angel said that there will be floods, earthquakes and tsunamis.
- And the angel also specifically mentioned Europe, America and “some parts of Asia”.
- Interestingly, the angel told this woman that there will be signs “in the last days of 2024” which will confirm what is coming in 2025.
- On a positive note, the angel told this woman that God is looking for those with “a clean and a pure heart”.
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Important Takeaways:
- For Donald J. Trump’s most devoted supporters, the bullet that nicked his ear and came within inches of ending his life was only further proof that a higher power is looking out for him.
- “I don’t see this as luck,” said the Rev. Nathaniel Thomas, a Republican National Convention delegate and a pastor from the Washington, D.C., area. “I see this as God’s protection.”
- “Something’s got to be at play,” said Michael Thompson, the Republican chairman in Lee County, Fla., while looking toward the sky as if to invoke the heavens. “I don’t think the average person could withstand a tenth of what he has gone through. So yeah, I think he’s probably chosen at the right time in our country’s history.”
- “The most incredible thing was that I happened to not only turn but to turn at the exact right time and in just the right amount,” Mr. Trump said. “If I only half-turn, it hits the back of the brain. The other way goes right through. And because the sign was high, I’m looking up. The chances of my making a perfect turn are probably one tenth of 1 percent, so I’m not supposed to be here.”
- On his social media website, Mr. Trump said, “it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.”
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Important Takeaways:
- Thanksgiving Day provides an opportunity for Kentuckians gather around tables and celebrate our blessings with gratitude. It carries a timeless message, one rooted in the rich soil of tradition and thankfulness. As we prepare to celebrate this cherished occasion, let us reflect on the wise words found 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances.
- Thanksgiving, as we know it today, has deep historical roots dating back to the early settlers in America. These pioneers, including the frontier families who made Kentucky home, took a moment to pause and express their gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them despite the many hardships they faced. Many arrived after a back-breaking journey across hundreds of miles and marked by danger and loss. Others worked to carve out a new home here, only to face natural disasters and violent attacks. Yet they found a way to be grateful, to thank our Father for all that they had, despite what they had lost.
- In much the same way, the scriptural guidance to give thanks in all circumstances resonates with the spirit of Thanksgiving. It reminds us that, despite life’s ups and downs, there is always something to be thankful for.
- For many families, Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition filled with warmth, laughter, and the delicious food being prepared. As we gather with loved ones, we create lasting memories that become the threads weaving our own family tapestry. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone has a role in the celebration, contributing to the vibrant mosaic of joy and thankfulness.
- Beyond the delicious food and festive decorations lies the heart of Thanksgiving: gratitude. It is a time to reflect on the simple yet profound blessings that enrich our lives. We live in the greatest country on earth. And, while not perfect, we are a nation constantly striving towards better. The scriptural guidance to give thanks in all circumstances is a beacon, guiding us to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary and the extraordinary moments of life.
- As we approach this Thanksgiving, let us embrace the spirit of gratitude embedded in the scriptural wisdom in this verse. May we give thanks not only for the abundance on our tables but also for the love in our hearts and the moments that make life truly special. In doing so, we embody the essence of Thanksgiving, passing on this timeless message to future generations.
- I am reminded of three verses, and in this season of thankfulness, I would like to share them with you;
- In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
- Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; — Ephesians 5:20 KJV
- O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. – Psalms 107:1 KJV
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Important Takeaways:
- ‘God Is Good’: Prayer Saves Man from Axe-Wielding Carjacker in St. Louis
- A St. Louis man did something unexpected when he found himself in a dangerous situation on October 18.
- Police say his decision to pray and not let fear overtake him resulted in an axe-wielding suspect leaving him alone after an attempted carjacking in the city’s downtown area on North Seventh Street, KMOV reported Sunday.
- Social media users were quick to comment on the story, one person writing, “Amen God is good. ALL DAY EVERYDAY.”
- “The power of prayer, and faith!” another user exclaimed
- [The Suspect] was charged with first-degree attempted robbery and felony robbery regarding two unrelated incidents.
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Important Takeaways:
- Flashback: Soros Thinks of Himself as a God, Sees USA as a ‘Threat to the World’
- A 2004 commentary piece in the Los Angeles Times on controversial Democratic donor George Soros has reemerged lately, and it sheds light on the decision-making process and motivations behind where the billionaire businessman donates his money.
- According to the piece, Soros has previously admitted that he thought of himself as a god, once writing, “I fancied myself as some kind of god … If truth be known, I carried some rather potent messianic fantasies with me from childhood, which I felt I had to control, otherwise they might get me in trouble.
- The authors cited a U.K. Independent article from 1993 in which Soros is quoted as saying, “It is a sort of disease when you consider yourself some kind of god, the creator of everything, but I feel comfortable about it now since I began to live it out.”
- …pouring millions against the re-election of George W. Bush, writing that he has always “felt that modern society in general and America, in particular, suffer from a deficiency of values.”
- To Soros, the U.S. was a “threat to the world.”
- It’s not even a surprise that he would have many who believe in him.
- We were warned of this 2,000 years ago by Jesus, who said in Matthew 24:24: “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”
- There’s a story in the Bible — in Acts 12:20-23 — about a king who thought he was a god, too.
- “Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, ‘The voice of a god, and not of a man!’ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.”
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Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
Important Takeaways:
- Belief in Five Spiritual Entities Edges Down to New Lows
- The percentages of Americans who believe in each of five religious entities — God, angels, heaven, hell and the devil — have edged downward by three to five percentage points since 2016. Still, majorities believe in each, ranging from a high of 74% believing in God to lows of 59% for hell and 58% for the devil. About two-thirds each believe in angels (69%) and heaven (67%).
- Gallup has documented sharp declines in church attendance, confidence in organized religion and religious identification in recent years. Americans’ beliefs regarding God, angels, heaven, hell and the devil have also fallen by double digits since 2001. Still, U.S. adults’ belief in each entity remains at the majority level, and regular churchgoers, Protestants and Republicans, in particular, remain largely resolute in their beliefs.
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Genesis 9:12-13 “And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.
Important Takeaways:
- ‘I’m Going to Take the Rainbow Back for the Glory of God’ — Messianic Rabbi Says It’s a Call for All of God’s People
- “First they were in the closet, then they demanded rights, then they took away our rights. And you know what? Now we’re in the closet.” Messianic Rabbi K.A. Schneider said Christians need to “come out of the closet” and speak up against the LGBT agenda’s use of the rainbow. Schneider is the host of the television program Discovering the Jewish Jesus. He also started a campaign called Taking the Rainbow Back.
- ‘It’s God’s Rainbow’
- Christians need to understand, “Satan wants to shut us up, he wants to shut you up. I would first of all say if [LGBT activists] can claim the rainbow, why can’t we claim the rainbow? I mean, it’s God’s rainbow. It was a covenant that God gave to His people, a covenant that was symbolized and still [is] with the rainbow. So why should we not use the rainbow? When God gave it first — and He gave it to his people — it’s a manifestation of His glory. So don’t shut up. That’s the thing. Don’t shut up. Speak out and stand up.”
- Taking the Rainbow Back
- One way people can make their voice heard is to participate in the Taking the Rainbow Back campaign. Visitors to the website can purchase t-shirts with the campaign name and rainbow. They’ll also have an opportunity to purchase tracts that share the biblical significance of the rainbow, as well as the Gospel message.
- Then, on Collective Action weekend, July 28 through July 30, all who wish to participate will wear their t-shirts and pass out tracts in a collective effort to take the rainbow back from LGBT groups. He explained:
- So on the weekend of July 28th through the 30th, what’s called Collective Action Weekend … we’re asking God’s people to go together in groups to public places, whether it’s your Bible study group, your fellowship group, just your friends, your youth group, your church group to get the shirts, get the tracts, go in public places just to make a statement to gather curiosity.
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Revelations 13:14 “…by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth…”
Important Takeaways:
- Is AI a Threat to Christianity?
- While most theologians aren’t paying it much attention, some technologists are convinced that artificial intelligence is on an inevitable path toward autonomy
- In fact, AI may be the greatest threat to Christian theology since Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species.
- For decades, artificial intelligence has been advancing at breakneck speed. Today, computers can fly planes, interpret X-rays, and sift through forensic evidence; algorithms can paint masterpiece artworks and compose symphonies in the style of Bach. Google is developing “artificial moral reasoning” so that its driverless cars can make decisions about potential accidents.
- “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race,” Stephen Hawking told the BBC in 2014. “Once humans develop artificial intelligence, it would take off on its own, and redesign itself at an ever-increasing rate. Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn’t compete and would be superseded.”
- While concerns mostly center on economics, government, and ethics, there’s also “a spiritual dimension to what we’re making,” Kelly argues. “If you create other things that think for themselves, a serious theological disruption will occur.”
- If Christians accept that all creation is intended to glorify God, how would AI do such a thing? Would AI attend church, sing hymns, care for the poor? Would it pray?
- Does God receive prayers from any intelligent being—or just human intelligence?
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