Sunday, January 29, 2012

THE OBJECT OF GOD'S AFFECTIONS


“When was His ear deaf to your cries or His hand short from supplying your needs?
He who keeps you does not slumber. The psalmist assures us, "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, Psalm 34:15 . He has fixed His gaze forever and with definite delight pleases Himself in the object of His affection. When was His ear ever deaf to your cries or His hand short from supplying your needs? Does not your welfare occupy the thoughts of God, and are there any other than thoughts of peace which He entertains? A few drops of this oil will keep the wheels of your faith in motion.
To better understand the nature of our enemy let us note the term Paul uses here: wiles, or methods. The word in the Greek connotes "that art and order one observes in handing an argument." Now because it implies extraordinary skill and a sharp wit to compose that kind of discourse, wiles is used to express the subtlety of Satan in planning his strategy against the Christian. The expert soldier is keenly aware of this order, as well as the scholar. He understands there is method in forming an army, as well as in framing an argument.
Because the devil is a very subtle enemy, the saint must always be on his guard. Satan is called the old serpent. The serpent is subtle above the other creatures; and an old serpent, above other serpents.”
Although we in our own wisdom and strength are no match for the enemy, God empowers us and gives us the wisdom we need to overcome the enemy at the right time by His Spirit. So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. Zach 4:6.
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S. Bell http://www.moodypublishers.com/

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