Aug. 7, 2015

Genesis 27:8-11 (NIV)
8 Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: 9 Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. 10 Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.”
11 Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “But my brother Esau is a hairy man while I have smooth skin.
Genesis 27:15-19 (NIV)
15 Then Rebekah took the best clothes of Esau her older son, which she had in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob. 16 She also covered his hands and the smooth part of his neck with the goatskins. 17 Then she handed to her son Jacob the tasty food and the bread she had made.18 He went to his father and said, “My father.” “Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?”19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.”

Ephesians 6:12-18 (NLT)
¹² For we^[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm.¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.^[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.^[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.^[d]

John 10:9-10 (NLT)
⁹ Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved.^[a] They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. ¹⁰ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Mark 4:15 (NLT)
¹⁵ The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away.

 Don’t Let Satan Steal Your Joy

On a Sunday evening approximately thirty years ago, I made the decision to be baptized. I remember that Sunday night as though it were yesterday. The joy in my heart was undeniable that night.  As church members gave me their warm hugs and congrats, I knew that I had become a part of a huge family that was full of love and support. I truly felt at peace with my decision. To know that I would spend all of the eternity with my awesome God,  and to be blessed with these wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ was almost joyfully overwhelming!