Satan and his Cohorts - Itty-bitty Imps.

 

Satan, also known as Lucifer, (Lucifer: the shining one, the light bearer, the day star) comes to kill, steal and destroy. His sole power is deception. If he can talk you into believing your problem really exists, then your problem will be made manifest in your life.

If I could convince you, Satan is nothing more than a paper mâché piñata, which with one good swipe of a bat would crumble and fall apart, you’d no longer be deceived.

His cohorts (little devils) too, are nought but itty-bitty imps with big mouths, according to American evangelist Andrew Wommack, who also states; “imps are smaller than an ant.” If we but knew how insignificant they are, we would be shocked. If we could see one in the flesh, we would most likely utter: Is this it! Is this all I’ve been afraid of?

Remember FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. That’s all Satan can do, twist and lie about the evidence, causing you to think it’s real.

God’s word says in Psalm 91: He will deliver you. He will be with you in trouble. He will rescue you. He will honour you, with a long and satisfying life. If you believe that, you will come out the other side of your adversity, stronger, wiser, and with a deeper conviction of faith.  

Man (and woman) were given all authority to rule on Earth. When we choose to use that authority, to believe in and act on the word of God, we can overcome Satan’s devilish schemes.

God doesn’t control how we live. He gave us choice and free will. Yes, there’s an element of uncertainty in life, however we control what we do, when life throws us curveballs.

God gave us freedom of choice. He also gave us all authority. It’s up to us to stand, to use our authority, if we wish to see good success in our lives. It’s up to us, not to follow the wiles of the devil, but to be renewed in mind and body. To renew the mind and body, is to stand on the promises of God, apply what those promises tell us to do and to overcome all that stands in our way. Whatever negative looms big in your life, God’s word promises to defeat it.

Sometimes God allows us a season with the devil, to humble us, to wake us up and get our attention. God wants to use you and to bring you to a place of full faith. We can develop strong faith through adversity, if we put our trust in God. An easy life, brings with it, weak faith. If you’re not tested, you don’t grow. You don’t know what you’re made of, until you're tested. If you don’t quit during the battle, you will see victory at the end of the conflict.

The devil only has deceit. He can do nothing, without your coming into agreement with his lies. Once you put God in perspective, once you remind yourself how great your God is, you will see how insignificant is this little gnat of hatred that’s working against you.

God threw Satan out of Heaven and told him, on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust (Gen 3:14). And that’s all he is today, a snake in the grass. He’s nothing but a liar. All you need to do, is not believe the lies.

If you find yourself in fear, know that it’s Satan, slithering around your feet. God’s word says you will tread on the lion and the serpent, you will trample them under foot. Turn to God and stand on the promises of God’s word. Read Psalm 91 for yourself and defeat the devil in your life.

Remember God will deliver you. He will be with you in trouble. He will rescue you and honour you with a long and satisfying life. You will move past this point and you will be victorious, because God promises it and God’s word is truth.

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thrice Denied

Peter denied Jesus three times. He wept bitterly when the cock crowed and Jesus looked at him pointedly, just before being taken away for crucifixion. At some point, Peter was with John on the road to Emmaus, when he first gazed upon Jesus after Jesus was crucified. Peter, impetuous Peter, who denied Jesus during His greatest hour, saw Jesus again after the resurrection, whilst fishing on the Sea of Galilee.

Peter was so excited to set his eyes on Jesus, he jumped out of the boat and swam to the beach, where Jesus was preparing breakfast in the early morning light, for the seven disciples. After the crucifixion, seven of the disciples had gone back to what they knew…fishing. Though they’d been out all night they’d caught nothing, until Jesus called to them and told them to let their nets down on the other side of the boat and then they caught a boat load of fish. Do you know, with Jesus on board, nothing is impossible?

Peter jumped from the boat, when He heard Jesus call out. You see, Peter knew the voice of Jesus. Peter had spent three years with Jesus and knew, even from the distance of the ocean to the sands, that it was Jesus calling to them.

By the time Peter had swum to shore, Jesus was working over a coal fire, cooking life giving fish and bread. Where did Jesus get the fish and the bread? The bible doesn’t tell us. What the bible does say is Jesus was cooking over coals. Why a coal fire and not a fire of sticks, or even dried camel dung (for no matter how insignificant something is, it all has a purpose in God’s creation.)?

Burning coal is mentioned several times in scripture: It symbolises judgement and spiritual purification. It allows righteousness and justice, in the hope of bringing repentance. Coal is represented in the bible as cleansing, as in the burning of the lips by coal, to take away iniquity and purge of sin (Isaiah 6:6-7).

Peter had denied Jesus thrice and thrice Jesus asked Peter; “Do you love me?” Jesus not only asked that, but He reverted back to using Peter’s original name of Simon. Jesus had changed Simon’s name to “Peter” saying, “and on this rock I will build My church…” (Matt 16:18), when Peter decided to join the disciples early on in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus knew Peter would deny him, right from the start, but Jesus accepted Peter into the fold just the same, as He does with all of us.

In reverting back to the name Simon, Jesus was subtly bringing up the denials Peter used when the Roman soldiers came to capture Jesus in the dark of night. Three denials in the subsequent hours, followed later by the three questions of do you love me.  

In using the name Simon, while working over the hot coals, Jesus was cleansing the sin of each denial from Peter. He was asking Peter, do you love me, so Peter would acknowledge Jesus and turn back to Him.

After Peter confirmed he loved Jesus, Jesus never again called Peter Simon. Peter’s repentance was used by God to show us, it doesn’t matter how far we fall, Jesus can meet us there and bring us back and He will never again bring up the sin, which caused us to pull away.

When the Israelites left Egypt, not one of them were sick. There would have been elderly, frail, maimed, blind and poor amongst the Israelites, but when they left, there were none. All were in good health. All left in financial abundance.

At the time of Passover, God told the Israelites to kill a spotless lamb, cook and eat it, then with hyssop, apply the blood of the lamb to the door posts and to be ready with unleavened bread. Blood over the door, was to distinguish between the Israelites and the Egyptians. The eating of the lamb represented the strength and power of the Lord, the strength and power needed to bring the frail and unwell into fullness of health. The unleavened bread, which Jesus also cooked over the coals, are to separate a person; to cut them off from Israel (from carnality). The blood also represented the authority given, as well as the salvation offered.

Today we take of the body and drink of the blood, for salvation and authority, in remembrance of Him. We ingest the power and the authority, bringing upon ourselves the healing, the strength, the wholeness, the prosperity, and the salvation; all the promises of God. Just as Peter had to go through the hot coals of the fire, under the questioning of Jesus and turn back and repent, we too at this time can turn back and repent, accept the body and the blood and be forgiven.

If you’re living in a place of brokenness, turn to Jesus. Don’t go into condemnation, for this denies His work on the cross as being good enough. Condemnation tells Jesus, dying on the cross wasn’t enough; all that pain and suffering wasn’t enough, the darkness of separation from the Father wasn’t enough. We have all been through places of trial and brokenness and we will move forward from this, as long as we don’t go to condemnation, but turn to Jesus for forgiveness and repentance, by taking the bread and wine often, in remembrance of Him, as stated in 1 Cor 11:23-25.

 

A Silver Lining

I was listening to a sermon on the internet and the minister spoke of a roller coaster. He asked the question: “Do you really like roller coasters? Up one minute, down the next. Fearful and low one day, exalted and high the next day.” I opened my daily bible study and the reading for today also spoke of roller coasters.  Life is a roller coaster. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; there’s no straight line from A to Z in life. It’s zig-zag all the way (although God can make straight your path).

In life there’s laughter and there’s hurt, joy and pain. With pain though, comes wisdom. With wisdom comes a knowledge of how to manage situations. When we understand ourselves, we can get a handle on our issues. When we understand our emotions, we can put them in their place. Instead of letting your emotions take you on the ‘roller coaster’ ride, let God lead.

Life will be much more peaceful if you get off the roller coaster and give God charge over your life. Don’t let every emotion dictate the direction of your life. Your thinking produces your feelings, that’s why we need to ‘capture every thought,’ as it says in the bible. (2 Cor 10:5 …bringing every thought into captivity…) We need to replace our negative thoughts, our [can’t do] mindset, with one thought: What would Jesus do in this situation?

When you’re in the storms of life, call out to Jesus. He will walk on water to get to you, if He has to. When the storm arose in the Sea of Galilea, the disciples were on a roller coaster of fear, as the waves rolled and swelled, tossing the little boat to and fro. Peter saw Jesus coming towards them, walking on the water. In Matthew 14:28-29 Peter called out: “Lord, if it is You, command me come on the water.” So He said “Come.” Peter knew the voice of Jesus (we too need to know the voice of our Lord and we do that by studying the bible). Knowing it was Jesus gave Peter the courage to step out of the boat and walk on the water himself. Yes, Peter sank a short time later (and cried out for Jesus to help him), but that he had the courage to give it a try, is a great credit to Peter.

You see, we don’t always succeed on our first attempt and when we don’t, we try again and we keep trying, until we see the success, or the desired result we’re after. Sometimes the desired result takes days to manifest, sometimes it takes years. But success will require that you dig deep and go beyond what is comfortable, reaching towards a strength you didn’t know you had, which will in turn, bring about a grit that will surprise you and fortify you for the future. 

One of the devices the devil uses is circumstance, to cause you to quit. A rubber band stretched far enough will snap. Life can be tough. We can be stretched beyond what we ever thought possible, stretched beyond what we ever thought we could ever come back from.  We need strength, power and endurance and we only get that, when we stick it out, when we stay with Jesus and keep on keeping on.

Don’t worry about how you’re going to get there, just trust that you will and in time, you’ll see it happen. Jesus is your source of power, strength and endurance and you won’t make it to the end without Him. Trust in Him. He won’t let you down.

One day you will see beauty for ashes. Rumour has it that there will be a silver lining in the clouds. You will see, one day there will be a silver lining, breaking through your storm clouds. Just keep on keeping on. Stick with Jesus and you will see it.

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

Bulldog Faith

 

Bulldog Faith, Taking You From The Bottom To The Top.

 

The ark rose in the flood. It was sitting on bottom ground; the bottom of the valley where it never rained. At the end of the trial, it rested on the top of a mountain. This is what God wants to do in your life. He wants to take you safely from the bottom to the top; from despair to joy, from poverty to riches, from loneliness to fullness, from brokenness to health.

God uses water a lot in His Word. In fact (although I haven’t counted it myself) water is said to be mentioned 722 times in the bible: God swept over the face of the waters. Let anyone who is thirsty come and drink the living water. Baptism in water. Water of life. Rivers of water. Shower of blessings. Rain in its season.

Water flows throughout the Word of God. Water is rich in usefulness. It cleanses and purifies. It can destroy enemies, has the power to heal and provides deliverance.

Storms bring a lot of water. The storms of God, cause growth in His people. We may not like or want the storm, but if we remain close to God, the storm will bring a deeper revelation, a closer walk with the Father. The Father wants that close relationship between you and Him. He had a close relationship with Noah and Noah’s family were the only family spared during the great flood of the bible.

Noah was told to build an ark, to prepare for a flood; an ark in a desert country, a country that never saw rain. Noah and his family were cocooned in the ark, during the storm. The bible doesn’t say how Noah and his family felt, while they went through the storm. It doesn’t say how they felt, when they heard the knocking, scratching and screaming of those desperate to enter the ark, as the flood waters arose. It doesn’t mention how busy Noah and his family were, as they tendered the animals.

However, when the ground had dried God spoke to Noah, saying; “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your son’s wives with you.” (Genesis 8:15-16) And they left the cocoon of the ark.

Attitude is developed during cocoon time. As is leadership, character, patience, and integrity. These will all be worked on, during your closet time, during your time in your cocoon.

Stay with it. One day the door will open and God will say; “come out,” if we don’t quit. God brings greatness and beauty, out of a cocoon. The cocoon is there for protection. God protects you, even though your uncomfortable and tight, even if you’re stressed and anxious. He cocoons you and keeps you safe and sheltered.

Even if you’re wondering ‘how long.’ How long until I receive…? How long until it happens? How long do I need to have patience? All the while, He’s protecting you in the cocoon.

You aren’t in the cocoon for comfort. In the fullness of time, you will see your reward. In the meantime, wait. Wait patiently, wait with joy for what’s coming. You will see it, if you don’t quit. If it takes 20 years, just wait. Wait with ‘bulldog’ faith in your heart and you will see a new thing arise in your life.

Have you ever seen a bulldog? They march along and don’t let anything veer them off course. A yappy dog might come along and harass the bulldog, but the bulldog marches along as if it’s not there. The bulldog doesn’t even mis-step. He ploughs along, completely undeterred by what’s going on around him. He has a one-track mind, to get where he’s going. That’s what you need to do; plough along with a one-track mind, undeterred, until you see your breakthrough.

You grow in affliction. You grow through the storms of life. You think because you’re a Christian, you won’t have any more problems in life. That’s not what the bible states. The bible says; “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

God will talk to you, throughout the process of both the storm and the cocoon. God encourages you, during your difficult moments, as well as your quiet moments. He will give you direction, if you spend time with Him.

We wear the crown of victory, given to us by Jesus, given to us by He who sacrificed himself that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

There’s no such thing as luck, or fate. Everything is done by faith and the Word of the Lord. Your faith needs to be directed towards the right area, pointed in the right direction, the right way. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) There is no other way!

Faith in the Lord isn’t about air-fairy light, strange rituals, or magical formulas. It’s not about a belief in mother earth, or contact with the ‘other side.’ Faith in God is an awe filled faith, a power filled faith. A faith which heals, provides, protects and loves and that’s just for starters.

Follow your faith journey to the end and see how far it takes you. You will be amazed. His Word is Truth, all truth, but you won’t see it, if you’re on the wrong path.

Take your bulldog faith and use it in the belief of God and His Word, for that is where your answers lie, the answers you are searching for in life.

 

N.B.: Biblical quotes taken from NJKV

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

 

Let The Glory Of Heaven Reflect On The Earth.

Let The Glory Of Heaven Reflect On The Earth.

Right now, there's an intention by the enemy to break the spirit of the people. They even tried to shut the church’s however, we're not bowing down, nor giving in, yielding, surrendering, or conceding. We call for our nation to rise, to come back, to leave the powers of darkness behind and move forward into a new day.

Let us not be deceived. Don’t you see: You might think you can silence us, however - You can't kill God!

This is a spiritual battle, whether you believe it or not. As it states in the bible:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:20)

The enemy wants to break the people and the church and neither the people, nor the church, are going quietly. I declare: If my God be for us, no one can be against us!

Right now, we need God to do what He said He'd do and this is to fulfil the word of the Lord. And we can only do that by prayer. As Christians we can talk to God and tell God: “You said... and we need You to come through for us.”

“You said You would keep us and bless us.”

“You said You would prosper us.”

“You said You would give us the desire of our heart.”

“You said You would protect us.”

“You said You would light our path.”

“You said You would not give us more than we could bear.”

“You said we would have life and have it more abundantly.”

“You said we would be the head, not the tail.”

“You said we would only go up and not down.”

“You said we would loan to many nations and not borrow.”

“You said we would heal the sick.”

“And we need you to come through for us now, Almighty Lord.”

“Halleluiah, Halleluiah, Halleluiah! Praise Jesus! Praise His precious and wonderful name!”

There's an assault on God's people. The arrows keep flying, trying to take the joy from the people. Our enemy is fully committed. The devil and his schemes are well in play and we've stood silent as a church. It’s time to rise up, raise your voice, be heard and be counted.

Only the righteous will be heard by God. To be counted as righteous, you need to be spending time in God's word, for he's removing the lukewarm out of the house. He’s tearing down and rooting out the church who aren’t serious about Him and His word. Get serious!

Right now, strongholds are being broken down. The strongmen are being broken.

Men and women who cannot be bought are holding their ground. The house of the Lord will be cleansed of its corruption and fault and only those found without spot, will come forth in victory.

Now is the time: that which has been dead for decades, will now rise. The rebellious will be removed along with the lukewarm. Justice will return to this nation.

You, the believer, can curse the devourer and declare Satan return what you've lost - 7 times over.

There's a resurrection anointing in the atmosphere.

The righteous will produce blessings.

The devil will try to side-track you, but you declare the hand of the Lord be upon you. Curse the demonic spirit of racism and segregation that's been let loose on this nation and release the anointing power of God.

Halleluiah, Halleluiah, Halleluiah! Praise Jesus! Praise His precious and wonderful name!

Declare a resurrection anointing for the rest of the year. Declare a shaking take place, that will cause a change to flow.

Remember, many of the biblical characters looked to be outnumbered. The Israelites felt outnumbered, as they left for the promised land. Gideon’s soldiers went from 32,000 to 300. David felt there were more people pursuing him than aiding him. Jonathan’s faith was rewarded when he and his armour bearer defeated twenty Philistine soldiers. Elisha prayed after his servant saw the opposing army and panicked, and then the servant saw the mountain was full of horses and chariots. When God shows up, wars are won.

Hezekiah spoke words of encouragement when he said; “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed…with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8.)

Don’t just take my word for it. Let the Holy Spirit show you that this word is truth. Read your bible and learn that truth for yourself.

Declare the Word of the Lord!

 

N.B.: Biblical quotes taken from NJKV

Look At Me!

Look at Me!

I Am Not A Robot.

Who can see me?

I might be old, I might be overweight, I might be too skinny, I might be young and noisy. I might have worn clothing and a defeated look. I might carry scars, seen and unseen, or even too many tattoos and piercings, which scare some. I might be of a different colour to you, or look different to you in some way, but I am someone. And I am ignored.

Who sees me?

Youthful beauty is only skin deep. Once our youth and beauty diminish, we become invisible. At least that’s what it feels like to some.

Beauty is seen. Beauty opens doors. Beauty is worshipped. Are all the rest of us forgotten? As our youthful beauty fades, we need to look at beauty in a different light and see the beauty of a smile, of gentleness in an aged face, the sprightly twinkle in the eye.

So many lonely people in the world today. Please remember the lonely need love too. A hand to hold. A gentle word, a hug and a kiss.

Speak kindly and share a smile. Tell someone they look attractive, even dapper, today. Take a posy of flowers from your garden and give them to your neighbour, who’s just lost their partner. Buy a meal for the homeless person, standing on the corner. Tell that obnoxious young rebel; Jesus loves him/her, just the way they are. Watch the smiles you get in return, for they are priceless.

Who can see me? Show the world – you can see me. Show the world - you care enough. Be that light in someone else’s life. The blessings which return to you, far outweigh the cost. For you see: it’s a double-edged sword. When you give, you get back in return.

See me, I beseech you. See me, where other’s might not. See me, because the Lord says: I am worthy.

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com

 

 

 

Life Gives and Life Takes.

Life gives and life takes.

 

We have moments of victory and moments failure,

Moments of laughter and moments of tears.

 

People remember the one wrong moment,

Though right moments stockpile over the years.

 

Don’t focus on that one wrong moment,

But savour the moments ‘right’ appears.

 

Because sometimes life gives and sometimes life takes,

Life’s moments are precious, whatever life makes.

 

For when making a life in which we create,

We become more what we wish to replicate.

 

Our children grow and imitate,

And you can be sure they’ll duplicate.

 

Life goes on and it gives and it takes,

Be sure to let go all past mistakes.

 

Learn from them, do, but dwell on them not,

For life’s mistakes are not our lot.

 

Mistakes not forgot will cause us to frown,

And that’s not what we want, to be brought down.

 

So cheer up my friend and wear a smile,

Make everyone happy all the while.

 

As life gives and life takes and we all celebrate,

Let’s love our life and make it great.

 

 

Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.

 

 

#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all things.

I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.

If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an excuse.

 

alexandragrose@amazon.com