Who are you listening to?

Does the Devil Have Your Ear?.

If someone polled your church with the question, “Which preacher do you listen to most frequently?” how would you respond? Some would point to the pastor. Others might suggest a minister they hear on the radio or by podcast. But if we are honest, none of these wins the contest. Believe it or not, the individual who has the greatest access to our hearts, the one who preaches to us most frequently, is not who we think.

It is the Devil.

Satan preaches a sophisticated, seductive, and manipulative message. His goal is to convince you either that the Lie is true or that the Truth is a lie, and we are usually unaware that he is speaking. He is the “prince of this world” (John 12:31). God has given him influence over the media, and through this megaphone he preaches persuasively, speaking to us through newspapers, television, blogs, e-mail, radio, popular music, movies, magazines, NFL commercials, and, yes, even at times through our consciences and friends.

How do we know we have been listening to the Devil’s lies? The fruits are ominous and varied. We become discouraged when life doesn’t go as we had planned. We wallow in guilt after a careless comment hurts someone we love. We compare ourselves to others and then feel worthless. We give into hopelessness or fear as we observe cultural change. Some even yield to the despair that this life is all there is. The Devil knows how to “preach it,” and we are often the victims.

But God has provided us with a mighty spiritual weapon: the gospel. As I explain in this post the Gospel, “the gospel” is everything that God has done, and will do, to save us. The gospel stretches from eternity past to eternity future. It starts with election and ends with the new heavens and new earth. It includes the doctrines of election; Christ’s incarnation, active obedience, penal substitutionary death, resurrection, ascension, and return for final judgment; and the creation of new heavens and earth. Hidden in these wonderful doctrines are crucial truths. When applied, they shatter the Devil’s vicious deceits.

God does not want us to listen to ourselves or the Devil. Instead, he wants us to preach to ourselves. Listening is passive; preaching is active. For example, when I don’t feel loved by God, I preach the truth to myself. It transcends feelings. Before the foundation of the world God chose me and set his love upon me. He didn’t choose me because I performed, but despite the fact that I didn’t. He sent his Son to live a perfect life in my place and to bear the wrath that I deserve at Calvary. It is rare when this preaching exercise does not kindle feelings in my heart that reflect the truth that I am loved. This is what Paul has in mind when he tells us to “seek the things that are above” and “set your minds on things that are above” (Col. 3:1–2).

“Maturing believers cultivate the discipline of preaching to themselves. In fact, they turn this into an art form. They read Scripture, internalize it, and then continually preach its truths back to themselves. When fears of death and dying arise, they speak to themselves about the world to come. When guilt grips their heart, they remind themselves that they have been united with Christ and that Christ’s righteousness is theirs. They don’t listen to self. They preach to self!”

So, which preacher do you listen to most? Hopefully, you’re not listening to the Devil.

Don't fall for the games the devil plays!

At the risk of over simplifying, you need to know that God is Good and only wants to do you good; the Devil is bad and only wants to do you bad. If God tells you to stay away from something it is because it will destroy you, not because he doesn't want you to enjoy your life. Jn. 10:10 "The Thief (Satan) came to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus came to give you life and life more abundantly."

Don't fall for the games the Devil plays! An onslaught of sorcery, bewitching, enchantments, spells, Voodoo, Ouija boards, seances, crystals, tarot cards, crystal balls, astrology, Teraphim (household good luck images), has been unleashed upon our land in the name of Entertainment, Religion and especially Halloween. Part of the deception is that it is "harmless" or it is "not real." Satan and His demonic assignments are real. You may have meant it all in "good fun" but the Devil is serious and plays for keeps. He does not care if it was just something you did at some party. 1 Pet. 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary (Devil) walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom He may devour." He wants to gain entry into your life. If you give him an Inch he will be your Ruler. Do not give him a platform to operate from in your life. He specializes in Fear & Terror. He especially likes to attack little children who innocently watch cartoons and movies and play video games that are laced with fear, violence and witchcraft. It seems that witchcraft and all that it entails is in "vogue" right now. Be careful and mindful of what you and your children watch and participate in.

Deut. 18:9-11 "When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations (detestable acts) of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or daughter PASS THROUGH THE FIRE, or one who practices WITCHCRAFT, or a SOOTHSAYER or one who INTERPRETS OMENS, or a SORCERER, or one who CONJURES SPELLS, or a MEDIUM, or a SPIRITIST, or one who CALLS UP THE DEAD."

1 Sam. 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."

There is only One true God, the God of the Holy Bible. He is the One worthy of your worship and devotion. He is the God of power and might. Satan offers a counterfeit power and direction. He wants your worship and devotion. Look only to the Lord to direct you and guide you. The Holy Spirit will be your indwelling Teacher.

Some who have been lured into Satan's trap have experienced demonic manifestations and don't know what to do. Remember Isa. 61:1 declares-He came to set the captives free; Jn 8:32 -You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free; 2 Tim. 1: 7-God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind; 1 Jn. 4:4-Greater is He (God) that is in you than he (Satan) that is in the world.

Know that God loves you! Jer. 29:11 states, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Call out to the Lord Who loves you with an unfailing love. Confess your SIN (an archery term that means to miss the mark, failure, taking the wrong course). REPENT (change your mind & turn away from the sin). RENOUNCE (declare you will no longer engage in the activity) your sin.

Guard your heart, your eye gate, your ear gate and your mind. Read the Holy Bible. Fellowship with the Lord through prayer and worship. Faithfully attend a Bible believing, alive church!

Psa. 34:8 "TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!" ENJOY the presence of the Lord and your life!

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