Commentary Exposing Lies, Telling the Truth

Do you know the enemy behind your enemy? Commentary & Bible Study about Satan

So You Had to Bring that Up...

What is in darkness surely comes to light, but you don't have to kick someone's butt because of what you learned either.

God Will Permit the Debate, Screaming Match Use it for His Glory

As much as we try to avoid a confrontation, argument or some other unpleasant event to occur with someone who we genuinely care about, sometimes it is unavoidable.  Someone is going to say something that causes much upset, so what do you do when this happens?  Focus on the positive.

God could have stopped the angry dispute, but he didn't.  Sometimes he permits negative events to happen so that his perfect will is made manifest.  Know that what you pray for is a part of God's will.  If you wanted peace, the enemy is going to cause chaos.  If you wanted freedom, the enemy is going to try to find a way to mentally bind you.  If you wanted love, the enemy will rise up and create hate.  Whatever is honest, true, righteous and the like, your foe has an opposite ready to kill, steal or destroy your happiness.

Now sometimes we simply do the wrong things in life and then we think that the devil has something to do with making us miserable.  I think of a time when I spoke to someone about a concern and before long the individual was falsely assuming that I was doing nothing more than causing trouble; therefore deeming me a trouble-maker or working on the side of the enemy.  Rather than face his issue, address the complaints, and put to rest his accusations, he preferred to keep an imaginary war going by speaking wrongly of me.  This sort of distraction technique only added fuel to the fire between us and ignited my temple like a can of explosives!  But when the smoke cleared and I made some time for myself, I realized that everything I ever wanted to say was out in the open and I felt better.  I also could see the light at the end of the tunnel too!  Answer to prayer is powerful and it isn't always going to come in the way that you think.  God is going to put trials before us to see what we are made of.  Can you stand the heat in the kitchen?  Is there an escape plan, a fire extinguisher in all that madness?  Someone or something just might come in and put those fires out--you never know--especially if they were never meant to be in the first place.

So when people pity you or talk about you because you blew your top defending yourself or someone else, don't worry over what they think; rather sit back and let God use the challenging situation to perform his perfect will.

Nicholl McGuire

Your Friend Thinks You Don't Know He/She is Still Your Foe

Always stay one step ahead of those you suspect don't like, respect, or appreciate you.  Sure, she smiles in your face and he says flattering things to others about you, but once a foe, most likely always a foe especially when you have a history of cursing and fighting your enemies whether verbally or nonverbally and this person feels he or she has no accountability to the Creator.

Don't be surprised when someone warns, "I wouldn't trust him if I were you."  But for some of you, you respond to cautionary statements with, "Oh, I don't worry about that...I don't think he is like that...Well we squashed that a long time ago."  Really?  Maybe you thought you did, but your foe still has some unresolved issues particularly when others notice that something just isn't right with that person.  Your foe might periodically see scenes in his or her head of you saying or doing something that simply is unforgiveable in his or her eyes.  Tread cautiously around people like this and don't shoot your messengers down when they keep you updated.  Pray about the information you have received and ask God to reveal truth to you and reasons as to why you are being notified now about this person.

Enemies may put on a great act in front of others and they might wishfully think that you don't suspect that they still don't like you.  They wouldn't want to blow their own cover when they know they are scheming to rid themselves of you.  So out comes, "I don't have a problem with her." When confronted.  "I don't know what you are talking about, I never said..." 

It doesn't matter how many times you reasoned the battle was over, apologized to your enemy, bought him or her gifts, or how much you praised this person, they still "Remember when you..."

If you should suspect that your enemy is still harboring resentment and wishing you ill will, know that you have a God who will fight your battles if you give your concerns over to him.  He speaks to men and women while they sleep and provides them with insight to deal with foes.  There is a battle that those, who lack spritiual discernment, cannot see or feel and this is why many end up being blind-sided by Satan's assistants.

Consider all that God did for David, who was running from a so-called friend who wanted to kill him, and others in the Bible.  Keep in mind, there is a God who watches your back even when you can't see or refuse to admit that there is a knife coming toward it!

God bless.

Nicholl McGuire

After the Storm: Here Comes the Blessing

The enemy sets us up for much pain and sorrow.  He wants us to suffer.  This is why the unexpected argument has the tendency to be more effective than any other tactic he uses.  He knows that when we are in a good mood, we don't see him coming.  Our defenses are weak--that is until we get caught up to speed!  But why does he bother influencing those we love to suddenly attack us?  Because he knows that there are blessings around the corner for us, that's why.

Think of all the times you have had to deal with confrontation and then soon afterward something good happened to you and those you love.  You couldn't believe that only yesterday, last week or last month, you felt like you were going to die with all the stress.  Yet, a great and mighty God still blesses you!  Give thanks today for all your heavenly Creator is doing or about to do in your life.

Refer to 2 Samuel 16:5-13  David didn't see his cursing coming.  He could have hurt the one offending him.  Read what he did or should I say didn't do.  Also, see video below.

Critics, Challenges and Spiritual Issues

The Unanticipated Argument

You didn't expect someone to come to you with an explosive outburst!  You lost your cool.  "Who did this person think he or she was talking to?  Why I never...?", you thought.

But it happens to those with or without a faith, the person with a chip on his or her shoulder is going to rant.  He or she may be a fellow believer or not.  Sometimes we falsely assume that because someone attends church, reads the Bible and does other spiritual things that he or she should act this way and that way.  However, we forget that God tells us in his word about man's deceitful heart.  He shares with us the many sins of men and women and provides numerous examples.  So why act shocked when you or they act out of character?

When we get into arguments with others, we have to remind ourselves to pray more and stay out of other people's quarrels when we can.  God never wanted us to put ourselves in positions where we are people's punching bags.  However, he didn't want us to act like fools right along with them either.

Find the time to apologize when you can.  Do prepare yourself for any future confrontations by paying closer attention to mannerisms of others when they are in your presence.  Remove yourself from the scene when you see the conversation is starting to heat up and there seems to be no resolve on a matter.  And most of all, remember to pray throughout the day whenever you have a moment.

I recall a young woman who often awoke on the wrong side of the bed show up to work each day in a department that I worked.  She found it amusing to talk about all of us from what we did to our hair to how we dressed.  In time, reports were circulated that this young woman was known for causing all sorts of problems and that she was at risk of being fired.  As much as I wanted to confront her on her wrongs, the Lord permitted me to say nothing, not even a "Hello."  I realized that silence kept the trouble-maker at bay.  Had I opened the door for small talk, eventually I would have said something that I would have later regretted.  God is good! (Update: the trouble making woman ended up being dealt with by her superior).

Peace be with you and those you love!

Nicholl

Nicholl Shares Daily Prayer Card to Help with Your Prayer Life

Seeking to draw nearer to the Lord?  Do you find yourself forgetting what to pray or worse you don't know what to say to the Lord?  Maybe this might help.

Lover of Self

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...

2 Timothy 3:2

Whether she chooses to calm her sexual urges with an object or he watches himself naked with various women, these people love themselves more than you know. If you have been on a social networking site for any length of time you may have noticed the many photographs in your news feed of people who post image after image of themselves. This business of loving one’s self goes beyond love, it becomes an obsession for many! It’s almost as if the social networking sites have made mini-stars of ordinary people. “Look at what your friend eats, drinks, buys, and drives!” The advertisements scream. In the Bible, 2 Timothy 3:1-2 is very relevant to men and women of today, “…lovers of their own selves…”

It is very easy to see the wrong in obsessing over one’s self. How can someone love anyone else when he or she is too busy looking at one’s reflection in a mirror every chance he or she gets?  How about those who never deny one’s self a meal, an outfit, or a pricey event that he or she knows isn’t in the budget? Would this be considered acting selfishly? Would Jesus carry on this way? The enemy uses our selfishness and obsessions with ourselves as portals to literally enter in the body. Many people place things inside their bodies to feel good, look good, smell good, taste good, or whatever else they consider good.

With all this feeling good business, some people have actually experienced unseen forces attempt to enter them with moans, sobs, cries, or other noises because of all of their experimenting with occult activities. Others have felt strange sensations that left them feeling miserable, depressed, or even worse suicidal! The enemy knows that if he can get you to focus on self, you won’t be thinking about anyone or anything else.

He will say things like, “When was the last time you treated yourself…why don’t you do that for yourself, forget about everyone else…Say, “I love you self…” have sex with yourself, you don’t need him…you can do-it-yourself.”

Nothing wrong with spending a little time alone, but what usually happens when most people are left alone? They aren’t thinking about God or doing any godly activities now are they? Having some alone time is a perfect opportunity to share all your burdens with the Lord and wait for him to provide you with some wisdom regarding each.

We have all been victims of a self-absorbed society that claims independence while subliminally advertising dependence on things like: government, parents, religious establishments, and more. 

For some of us, we quit being mothers and fathers so that we could be independent.  An act that was selfish sometimes for all the wrong reasons.  Some people simply refused to be mothers and fathers anymore, because one’s love for self was far more greater than an intimate relationship with someone else and parenting a child. Others protested, marched, fought, and lied for independence and now look back on those youthful years with regret.

We have all fallen into traps of thinking that no one or nothing will tell us how to better ourselves. Many of you reading this believe that you aren’t broken and don’t need to be fixed, that is until you open your mouth. Witnesses see a few cavities, hear a few curse words, listen for some lies, and might even smell some bad breath. Well-meaning critics try to help with an admonition and a breath mint while Satan’s critics prepare for battle. “Weren’t you that one talking about how much you love the Lord? Well these days it looks like you love yourself more with all that money you spent? I thought you said you were a Christian, you could have fooled me!”

Everyone can see the dysfunction dripping off our lips. Then we wonder why some won’t be bothered with us. How can you argue with the tuth? Why give a critic something to crack our heads with? But we do. Just like the one criticizing us, we too love our big mouths. Some of us won’t take an insult, a snide remark or an eye-roll before we are ready to curse someone. “Don’t make me put this Bible down!” says the Holy-Roller. Uh oh.

“Give yourself a great big hug,” some guru on self-love says. “Tell yourself just how much you love you.” What is happening? Gradually the enemy is placing you on the throne of God while kicking yourself off. Love on yourself too much and you just might not need God anymore. It’s like the woman who says, “I don’t need a man.” But look at her face when she is around couples. Do you still believe her?

When we allow people and things to penetrate us in our most private places such as our hearts and bodies in ways that God never meant, we are allowing the enemy to get a foothold in our lives. Take for instance, sex. No matter the form of sex, it is intimate. One of the most significant ways a man or woman shows love for him or herself is by doing things that provide him or her pleasure intimately.

God forbids sexual immorality including homosexuality. Yet, man, being in love with himself, will sleep with someone who looks like himself. Woman will allow another woman to caress her, because she has found someone who looks like her. If this isn’t the best example of people who wholeheartedly are in love with self, then what is!? Not only does one like what he or she sees in the mirror, but this person has to find someone who has similar looks and/or body parts—WOW!

An unholy man or woman doesn’t care how perverted his or her thought or action is just so long as he or she is pleasing self. One who is in love with that person looking back at the mirror at him or her doesn’t care about doing things that make others feel uncomfortable. Rather than showing people respect who are trying to live righteously, backsliders and unbelievers will force their sinful ways on others. When they don’t go along, they are often called names, insulted or ridiculed for their moral beliefs.

Foes, who aren’t accountable to God, are lovers of themselves.

Look at the many people around you that will not help someone unless they get an answer for the following question, “Well, what’s in it for me?”  Many people don’t think about God and how to please him, rather they think about how to please themselves. So with this kind of mentality, is it any wonder why someone who is in love with self and his or her lifestyle would be called, “selfish”?

Someone once told me, there isn’t anything wrong with acting selfish. He said, “If you don’t look out for you, who will?” It’s one thing protecting yourself from harmful situations and wanting what’s best for you, but it is a totally different thing when one is purposefully engaging in behaviors that self-destruct and will eventually affect those around him or her in negative ways. Think of a person who spends far too much time combing his or her hair in the morning, applying fragrances, and decorating his or her body. If you are relying on this person for a ride to work, he or she will negatively impact your getting there on time. How about someone who spends far too much time seated in front of the television eating? Years of self-indulgment will take away from time that could have been well-spent teaching a child, maintaining one’s home, building a relationship, and more. Acting selfishly has its place, like when one is on vacation and just wants to sit back and relax after months of working over-time. That wouldn't be the time to play babysitter or balance a spreadsheet from work--of course you would be acting selfishly.

Many of us were influenced by selfish individuals. We grew up with these people. They moved us to get all that we can in life, but they thought that through the process of  our “getting,” some of us would remember them.  The selfish rarely helps the selfish. 

When one has spent years trying to satisfy the needs of the flesh, do you really think they are going to reach back and do all they can for others? Sure, some will. But the majority of those who have much, do not give much. The Lord says, “To much is given much is required.” This principle doesn’t exist when dealing with someone filled with selfish ambition.  Selfish people are concerned about more ways to get more!

What does the Lord inspire James, Jesus’ brother, to say about this? “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:13-16, NIV).

Solution:

 

When people love themselves more than anyone or anything else in this world, you will find its often challenging to get them to hear anyone else’s viewpoint including matters pertaining to God. “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's” (Philippians 2:21).  You can try to express your thoughts in such a way that he or she benefits.  Maybe he or she needs a spiritual uplift.  Share examples in the Bible.  Show the person that you are not acting unselfishly when you request this person be less selfish.  Give the selfish individual something to consider and why it is important to be generous toward others. 

A look back…

Before the word of God came into your life, you were more interested in your own thoughts and feelings. Be mindful of what might still need to occur in your selfish relative or friend's life for he or she to change the way they think and live.  Don't be too hard on him or her for acting selfishly.
 

Scripture Reference

 

Matthew 22:37-40

Ephesians 5:29

Luke 9:23-25

Proverbs 15:25

James 3:16

Pray

Lord, I thank you for teaching me how to love others use me how you see fit to share your gospel about love and being generous to those I come in contact with. I ask that you will give me the courage to speak lovingly to my relative/child/friend about his/her selfishness. Please change his/her heart in Jesus name.

Tempter

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

James 1:13

 

 

Challenge God’s people on their beliefs, criticize their actions, and then sit back and see what happens. That’s what the devil’s workers will do to you if you aren’t too careful, tempt you to sin. Before long, you are wondering why do you believe what you believe?

When Eve was tempted in the garden by the serpent one of the first things he did was put doubt in her mind about what God had forewarned about eating the forbidden fruit. The critic will tempt you to sin by first making you doubt what you believe. “Are you sure? That’s not what she meant. Maybe you misunderstood...Go on, try it. It won’t hurt. I got your back.” The critic comes up with many so-called comforting statements to get you to go along with whatever plan that leads you away from righteousness.

I had my share of tempting situations some I passed while others I didn’t. In every situation, there was always someone who would give me a long list of reasons as to why something would be good for me. If it wasn’t a man tempting me to go out with him or a woman trying to sell me something, this business of what was good for me always came up.

Relatives typically use “the good for you” speeches. “Try doing that, it might be good for you. I only want what’s best for you.” Of course, many of those individuals closest to you do want what is best for you. Some more than others, because they hope to benefit from your blessings.

As we all know tempting situations can destroy a man or woman trying to live right for the Lord. Jesus was tempted by Satan in the dessert (Matthew 4:1). Notice when you read this passage of Scripture he is led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan. So does God, at times, lead us into situations where we can be tempted by the devil? Some believers disagree. You decide.

Have you ever made up in your mind you were going to do something for God, family, an employer, or someone else and then along comes all sorts of distractions? You get tempted by this opportunity. You get drawn into this event. You find yourself frequently thinking about something that you shouldn’t. Sometimes we refuse the trappings of the tempter that keep us from meeting our goals. But other times, we fall right into them!

Tempting situations don’t always come in those popular scenes we see on TV or read in a book like the damsel in distress or the handsome man who comes to the rescue in those scenarios. But sometimes temptation comes in subtle ways such as: money left sitting on a countertop, an opportunity to tell someone off, or a situation that makes one feel guilty afterward. Tempting circumstances can bring out the worst in people. Some people beat themselves up because they didn’t do certain things not realizing that God kept them out of the fire. Others blame loved ones for not encouraging them to do some things that could have very well caused all sorts of havoc in the family. However, those who do act on temptation they are faced with all sorts of consequences as a result of a few minutes of pleasure, fast money, or something else that causes much havoc on one's personal or professional life.

People who tempt you away from the Lord are not of God. People who tempt you to draw near to the Lord are God’s children. Sure, there are those tempting offers that are about building people up. From job offers to relationships, there are different people, places and things that God puts in our path that help us out. But we must trust in the Lord to ensure that these blessings are really just that blessings and not counterfeit ones that are really created to hurt believers while building Satan and his demons up.

Many tempting offers cross the doorsteps of churches all across our nations. Ministers get persuaded to open the doors of their congregation to people who are not about helping God’s people as much as they are about making money off of God’s people.  These deceiving speakers, teachers, and other guests are presented in front of the church congregation as experts, reputable, honest, and true.

Not long after emotional speeches, a few disturbing images, and prayers for certain members in the audience, a guest speaker is taking up an offering while promising that church members will be blessed for their generosity. Now I’m not saying that every visiting speaker is up to no good at one’s church, but what I am saying is that before you are tempted to share your money, consider who is this person and why has he or she appeared out of no where to minister in the place of your shepherd.

Sometimes there are deals behind the scenes that leaders create with guest speakers that if the congregation only knew, they would never consider sharing their money. Ask God to reveal to you the truth and trust that he will bless you whether you give to a certain man or woman or not. Sometimes our blessings come not because we act or don't act on a temptation to give to someone, but when we sit quietly and just listen to what the Holy Spirit tells us.

It is very tempting to want to argue with others about why we believe what we believe. Our faith is important to us, but we need not prove it to those who are mockers of God (Jude 1:18). We must be confident in who we are in Christ and know that when our lives come to an end, all that really matters is Jesus saying, “…Well done my good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:21).

God, to some critics, is like an automobile that some want to test drive. It looks nice, someone has said it drives well, and someone else has talked about the reaction he or she has received when buying one. So now the critic wants to see for his or her self. Knowing full well, it is a great car, he or she will bad mouth it simply because he or she can’t afford the sticker price.

Those that choose not to believe in God can’t afford the sacrifice that comes with serving him. They don’t want their comfortable worlds shaken up with truth. These are the same people who talk about how they “wish that would happen…wish they could go here…wish that some would do this or that for them…” but they aren’t willing to give up comfort for a periodic discomfort.

So they may take God and his people for a test ride, but when it comes to actually sitting down and doing something, “No thanks, God is for you, but not for me.” Meanwhile, they will tempt the one who is sold out for God, because the unbeliever isn’t convinced of the believer’s commitment to the Lord. However, the Holy Bible warns us to, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” according to James 4:7.

Jesus was tempted by the devil after fasting for 40 days in the Book of Luke 4:2. Had Jesus been the type of person who simply took God for a test ride, he might not have stood strong against the devil’s tests. After the devil tempted Jesus unsuccessfully the Bible says he left him until an opportune time.

Free-spirited critics try out God like trying on a pair of clothes.

The tempter, who makes a career out of tempting others to do things whether they want to or not, is usually in a crisis or in some kind of situation he or she can’t see any way out. From bills that need to be paid to potential jail time, the free-spirited critic reluctantly asks others to pray for him or her.  Then this person will possibly start attending church during a crisis. However, once the tempted one has no need for God or his people, the individual stops attending church and listening to believers like he or she once did when they were feeling down.

Christian biblical teachings and church attendance is nothing but a good idea for the tempter who believes in God, a god or many gods, but doesn’t want to do much else. Church attendance is a thing to pass the time away for critics, distract them from issues, or a “pick me up” for some, but nowadays with so many of the biblical Scriptures disappearing out of pastoral speeches, people aren’t experiencing life-long changes. The tempter isn’t interested in making biblical teachings a way of life for the rest of his or her years. A Christ follower should refrain from being disappointed when the critic’s interest in your church and God’s teachings plummets before you can even ask if he or she has a middle name.

When dealing with one who is tempting you to be rebellious toward God or do something out of character, stand up for your beliefs.  Reieterate your point.  If he or she insists you do what he or she asks, don't.  Walk away, find some help, pray, but don't fall for anything that you know God would not be pleased about.  Your anointing costs far too much to lose!

Solution:

Just because a tempter will go to church with you this week doesn’t mean that they will continue to do so. To avoid feelings of disappointment, don’t assume that you have impacted them so much that they will keep coming rather pray for them and let God move on their spirit.

A look back…

Do you recall the times when you experienced low points in your life before you took God at his word? You may have been open to hear what a parent, relative, friend or even a stranger had to say about changes you needed to make in your life to find the peace and joy you so desperately desired. Then after you felt better again, you didn’t want to allow anyone anymore access to your private life.

Scripture Reference

Matthew 23:14

Romans 3: 6-8

James 4:4

Romans 12: 1-2

Isaiah 26:3

Colossians 3: 2-5

1 Peter 2:2

2 Peter 3:18

2 Peter 1:4

Prayer

Dear Lord be with _____________ may he/she believe once again in the power of your word. May he/she be led by someone or something that will bring him/her into a true relationship with you. Bind the enemy who distracts this person’s mind from you and cause he/she to experience your presence again in Jesus name, amen.

Are You in Bed with an Abuser? Do You Belong to an Abusive Group?