Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:7, 8.
There are multitudes today as truly under the power of evil spirits as was the demoniac of Capernaum. All who willfully depart from God’s commandments are placing themselves under the control of Satan. Many a man tampers with evil, thinking that he can break away at pleasure; but he is lured on and on, until he finds himself controlled by a will stronger than his own. He cannot escape its mysterious power. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum.
Satan is the god of the world; his influence is to pervert the senses, control the human mind for evil, and drive his victims to violence and crime. He sows discord and darkens the intellect. The work of Christ is to break his power over the children of men. Yet how many in every department of life, in the home, in business transactions, and in the church, turn Jesus from their doors but let the hateful monster in.
Satan’s path is the broadest and the most deceptive. It is made to appear the most attractive, while it is hard, mystifying, and full of disappointment.
He who feels his own danger is on the watch lest he shall grieve the Holy Spirit and then draw away from God because he knows that He is not pleased with his course of action. How much better and safer it is to draw nigh to God, that the pure light shining from His Word may heal the wounds that sin has made in the soul. The closer we are to God, the safer we are, for Satan hates and fears the presence of God.
The subtlety of Satan will not decrease, but the wisdom given to men through a living connection with the Source of all light and divine knowledge will be proportionate to his arts and wiles.
The Faith I Live By p. 312
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for the people in Nebraska who are dealing with serious flooding.
—-Please pray for a friend who is having a biopsy today. Pray that it is not cancer. Rose
—-Lets pray for church member who is wondering whether to go on operation of a kidney or not. N
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Dear Friends,
When I was a little girl, I lived with my grandparents. Since they had no telephone, talking on the phone was to me a special treat. Occasionally my mother or my aunt would take me to VanAvery’s Drug Store which was several blocks away from home. We would walk to the far corner of the store where the pharmacy counter was located. To the left of the counter were two telephone booths. The first time we did this, I didn’t know what to expect. I was instructed to sit in the booth and wait for a call. My mother got into the other booth. Suddenly, the phone rang. I jumped. Then I carefully picked up the receiver and listened. To my delight, I heard my mother’s voice. Back and forth we talked having a wonderful time.
How I looked forward to these little telephone conversations! How much more should we look forward to our conversation with the One Who says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jer 33:3 What a privilege is prayer! Think of it! Through prayer, we have an audience with the Great King of the Universe, the One Who Created and Upholds all things by the Word of His Power, and the Spirit Who longs to fill us and work through us. (Heb 1:1-3; John 14; 15; 16 )
Indeed, prayer is so vital that even Jesus, when He was here on earth often spent all night in prayer. (Luke 6:12) Paul tell us, “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Heb 5:7-9 If our Dear Saviour felt a great need to communicate with His Father, how much more should we.
Let us keep our heart uplifted to God and “pray without ceasing.” 1 Thes 5:17 Let us declare with David, “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised.” Ps 18:3 Let us not only tell Him all of cares (1 Peter 5:7), the longings of our heart (Ps 37:3-7), and full of praise and thanksgiving for His wonderful answers to prayer (Ps 107:8; 1 Thes 5:18), but let us be still and listen to His voice as He speaks to us through His Holy Word and that still small voice within (2 Tim 2:15; 1 Kings 19:12, 13).
Rose
Cruel Power of the Enemy