How you doin? I heard
something very disturbing this morning. A Christian who is very
involved in worship, missions, and evangelism said, "Satan's in
control". I was nearly floored when I heard this. I just pray that he's
able to receive the truth, authority, and power that makes it impossible
to say, think, or believe that "Satan's in control". God is clearly in
control. Anything else is a lie. Acts 16 makes this more then clear.
"Paul
and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and
Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in
the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the
border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus
would not allow them to." (Acts 16:6-7) I love how the great men of the
Bible like Paul and Silas followed Jesus and/or the Holy Ghost. I also
love this display of God's control. Another example of God's control is
in verse 14... "One of those listening was a woman from the
city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a
worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s
message." Not only did "The Lord open her heart", but He opened it so
she could respond to Paul's message. AWESOME!!!!!!!
After
reading Acts 16 this morning I yelled out "WOW". I usually don't do
that, but verses 16-40 blew me away. God's timing is perfect. After
hearing a statement like "Satan's in control" we read the story of "Paul
and Silas in Prison". WAY too much to get into this in this email... it
would be a book, not an email. But I will say what an incredible story
of signs & wonders, response, faith, obedience, perseverance, grace,
compassion, and love. It answers so many questions and debates we tend
to have as Christians. Questions and debates that I believe we shouldn't
be involved in as followers of Jesus. After reading this story I can't
see how I could possibly think or say "Satan's in control". I can't even
see how I could believe the lies Satan tells. I hope you take the time
to read at least Acts 16:16-40 if not the entire chapter. Allow God to be in control today.
PS I have to share these 2 verses... "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose." (Acts 16:25-26)
COME ON!!!!!!! Paul and Silas' worship as a response to being flogged
and imprisoned, provoked God's response. AWESOME!!!!!!! We are called
and made to reign on this earth... not Satan.
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