Deliver Us From Evil

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=90 BGCOLOR="#99CCFF" TEXT="#080000" background="009bc0d3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Freedom Rains Ministries</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Freedom Rains Ministries"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id12.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Messages"><U>Back to Messages</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Deliver Us From Evil</I></div> <div>  <html xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"> <meta name=ProgId content=Word.Document> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 9"> <meta name=Originator content="Microsoft Word 9"> <link rel=File-List href="./Deliver%20Us%20From%20Evil%5B1%5D_files/filelist.xml"> <title>Deliver Us From Evil</title>  <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Deliver Us From Evil<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>For a few weeks now, the whole theme of delivering us from evil has been rolling around in my head. I looked back over the messages the Lord has led me to give over the last few months and I saw that back in July God led me to do a message titled, “Fear No Evil, God is With Us”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then in August I did a message entitled “Strategies and Deceits of the Devil”. I’ve also been working on a message about the “Armor of God”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>As I look at this situation, I can clearly see that God is warning us that the kingdom of hell is busy and we need to be aware of the strategies, identify the deceits and be ready to stand on the rock in order to weather any storm we may find ourselves in. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span class=sup><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Matthew 7:24</span></i></b></span><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. <span class=sup>25</span> The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>The rain and the wind and the beatings come in this life. The stuff hits the fan and it flies everywhere, no doubt about it… and we had better be standing on the right ground when that happens. When we’re on the rock, come what may, when the storm is over, we’re still standing. And when it’s all said and done, even if we’re no longer present in the flesh here on this earth, then we’re standing on the streets of gold in the presence of our God….<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>and blessed be the Name of the Lord… WE’RE STILL STANDING!<span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>I do believe there are times, cycles, or whatever you want to call them in this life, when the enemy seems to put out a concerted effort against the body of Christ. As I wrote this last sentence I was made aware of what time of year it is right now. We are coming up on the end of October. This time of year is Satan’s high holiday. It is the high holiday of Satanists and witches whether they claim themselves as white or black witches. The fact is, they are all getting ready now for their big year holiday. I believe it’s New Years for them. October 31 is called Samhain. (sow-in). It is a celebration of the dead and the time in their celebration when they say that the veil separating the living from the dead is at its thinnest. They spend a lot of this time working on connecting with the world of the dead. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So here, as we come up on this high holiday, we have this pagan world in a sense of unity… just as the Christian world is in a sense of unity when it celebrates Christmas or Easter. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Is this something we should be afraid of? From my earlier message of Fear No Evil, God is With Us, I would have to say no. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Why is it again that we should not be afraid?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Psa 23:4</span></b><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for <u>you are with me<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>We know from 1 John 4:4 that greater is God in us than Satan who is in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>We know from Romans 8 that nothing in all of existence can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, that all things work together for good for those who are called according to God’s purpose and if God is for us then who….really….can be against us?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>And considering as Paul says in Philippians 1:21 that for us… to live is Christ and to die is gain, the question becomes…. whom then shall I fear, whom then shall I fear?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>What else are we taught about dealing with this evil that is in this world?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span class=sup><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Matthew 6:13</span></i></b></span><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Here in the Lord’s prayer we are asking God for the way out when we are tempted. We are asking for deliverance from the evil one, God’s enemy. And in fact the scripture reassures us of an answer to this prayer from <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='color:teal'>1Co 10:13</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>In essence then, it sounds like to me that we are praying that we’re smart enough to realize when we’re being hit by those fiery darts or flaming missiles of Ephesians 6, and we will see, and take, the way of escape offered to us by our God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This gets back to what’s our part and what’s God’s part in this faith walk. <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>God provides</b> the way of escape, <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>we choose</b> to take that way leaning in dependence upon the grace of our God as we go. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>There is a temptation for us Christians that is called pride of self. This is where we think we’re too mature, smart, educated, (fill in the blank) and surely cannot be tempted to sin in certain situations of life. We somehow think we’re totally “beyond” certain temptations. I mean, we are Christians, there are certain places where we’re untouchable right? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>However,</b> if you think that about anything in your life, beware…..<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>1Co 10:12</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Jesus tried to warn Peter<i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>:<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Mat 26:31</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then Jesus said to them, <span style='color:red'>"You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'</span> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Mat 26:32</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style='color:red'>But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee."</span> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Mat 26:33</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Peter answered him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away." <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Mat 26:34</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jesus said to him, <span style='color:red'>"Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."</span> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Mat 26:35</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!" And all the disciples said the same. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Well we all know what happened. Peter got put in the position Christ foretold and he denied Jesus three times, just like Jesus said he would. ….. and Peter had been so sure of himself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>So what does this tell us? <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>We don’t need to fear evil because God is with us. <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>But</b> we need to have a good healthy respect for this one who is lurking around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>1 Peter 5:8</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Enemy is after us. Don’t be foolish about your enemy. Sin will open a door in our lives that let’s the enemy get a foothold. To let a sin in our life go un-addressed, leaves a gap in the armor of God that protects us and you can be sure, that fiery dart or flaming missile is going to be targeted right for that vulnerable spot. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>We cannot allow ourselves to think we are impenetrable or untouchable in any area. If we act like we’re untouchable and nothing can get us, or if we think we’re above temptation and we get all judgmental and condemning about other people’s sins or weaknesses, we open ourselves up to take a hit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Pro 16:18</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>I had a mentor in the early part of my Christianity who God told me that if I learned from this person’s mistakes, I wouldn’t have to make those mistakes for myself. I’ll never forget one big mistake that she readily admitted to me was one of the biggest mistakes she’d made in her life. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Back in the 80s some Christians had the idea that we ought to go about all puffed up and haughty against the devil. You know, greater is He that is in us right? The teachings that came about were showing spiritual warfare in such a way that people were making some pretty brash and taunting proclamations to the enemy. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>This lady was going somewhere to minister Christ. On her way she was doing the spiritual warfare thing we were all being taught to do. She was railing against the devil and she was proclaiming how strong she was in the Lord and the kingdom of hell could not prevail against her or something to that effect, and she reports saying to the devil, “go ahead, take your best shot”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>On that very trip to minister, she was in a car accident that damaged her spine. If I remember correctly she had a fracture of some degree. It didn’t paralyze her or anything like that, but it caused her pain for years to come. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>What’s the lesson here? <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>We do not voluntarily open ourselves up for the enemy to take his best shot at us</b>. Don’t worry, he’s doing that anyway. Even in scripture it says:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Jud 1:9</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>We need to be very careful about a prideful and haughty attitude. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Pro 11:2</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Our job is to hide in the shadow of the wing of almighty God. We need to be humble servants before the Lord. Does that mean we cannot be fierce warriors also? No, or course we are to be fierce warriors, but there’s a way to fight and we’re going to talk more when we talk about the armor of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Let’s look at another temptation. There are times when our actions are appropriate but our attitudes aren’t. When evil comes against us and we win, there is sometimes a temptation to be a little too happy during the process about someone who gets what we think they deserve.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>First of all, if we all got what we truly deserved, we’d be in bad shape. God’s grace extended to us, saves us from what we deserve. God grieves over his creation that is decimated and imprisoned by His enemy. God cautions us about having the wrong attitude in our vindication and victories also. So… are we supposed to be happy when we are given victory by God? Of course!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><sup>PS 35:26</sup> May all who gloat over my distress<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>be put to shame and confusion;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>may all who exalt themselves over me<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>be clothed with shame and disgrace.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><sup>PS 35:27</sup> May those who delight in my vindication<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>shout for joy and gladness;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>may they always say, "The LORD be exalted,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>who delights in the well-being of his servant."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><sup>PS 35:28</sup> My tongue will speak of your righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:black'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and of your praises all day long.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>However the flip side of that coin is:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Proverbs 17:</span></i></b><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>5 says he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>The TNIV says whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Do you see a subtle difference here between being happy and glad in the salvation or vindication of the Lord vs. being happy and glad someone got the destruction you think they deserved?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Let me give you an example: Exodus 15 The Song of Moses and Miriam<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <h4><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-weight:normal'>Miriam picked up a tambourine and started singing and leading the congregation.<o:p></o:p></span></h4> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> <span class=sup>1</span> Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: <br>        "I will sing to the LORD, <br>        for he is highly exalted. <br>        Both horse and driver <br>        he has hurled into the sea. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>2</span> "The LORD is my strength and my defense; <br>        he has become my <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'>salvation</b>. <br>        He is my God, and <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'>I will praise him, <br> </b>       my father's God, <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'>and I will exalt him. <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>3</span> The LORD is a warrior; <br>        the LORD is his name. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>4</span> Pharaoh's chariots and his army <br>        he has hurled into the sea. <br>        The best of Pharaoh's officers <br>        are drowned in the Red Sea. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>5</span> The deep waters have covered them; <br>        they sank to the depths like a stone. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>6</span> Your right hand, LORD, <br>        was majestic in power. <br>        Your right hand, LORD, <br>        shattered the enemy. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>7</span> "In the greatness of your majesty <br>        you threw down <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'>those who opposed you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></b>You unleashed your burning anger; <br>        it consumed them like stubble. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>8</span> By the blast of your nostrils <br>        the waters piled up. <br>        The surging waters stood up like a wall; <br>        the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>9</span> The enemy <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>boasted,</b> <br>        'I will pursue, I will overtake them. <br>        I will divide the spoils; <br>        I will gorge myself on them. <br>        I will draw my sword <br>        and my hand will destroy them.' <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>10</span> But you blew with your breath, <br>        and the sea covered them. <br>        They sank like lead <br>        in the mighty waters. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>11</span> Who among the gods <br>        is like you, LORD? <br>        Who is like you— <br>        majestic in holiness, <br>        awesome in glory, <br>        working wonders? <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>12</span> "You stretch out your right hand, <br>        and the earth swallows your enemies. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>13</span> <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>In your unfailing love you will lead <br>        the people you have redeemed. <br>        In your strength you will guide them <br>        to your holy dwelling. <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>14</span> The nations will hear and tremble; <br>        anguish will grip the people of Philistia. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>15</span> The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, <br>        the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, <br>        the people of Canaan will melt away; <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>16</span> terror and dread will fall on them. <br>        By the power of your arm <br>        they will be as still as a stone— <br>        until your people pass by, LORD, <br>        until the people you bought pass by. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>17</span> You will bring them in and plant them <br>        on the mountain of your inheritance— <br>        the place, LORD, you made for your dwelling, <br>        the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>    <span class=sup>18</span> "The LORD reigns <br>        for ever and ever." <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>There are describing words here about what happen to the enemy. This is a song about victory that God brings and the greatness of His majesty over the enemy who opposes Him. It is about God’s ability to protect and lead His people. Do you see the focus?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>A few years back someone put the first verse to a contemporary song and I’m going to sing it to you, then I’m going to sing a version I wrote. I only changed a few words but you see if you can get the attitude difference I’m talking about here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>The Word’s Version:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>I will sing unto the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously the horse and rider thrown into the sea.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>The Alternate Attitude:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ha ha ha and ho ho ho, you got yours and down you go the horse and rider thrown into the sea.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Did you catch that subtle difference in attitude?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Wingdings;mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings'><span style='mso-char-type:symbol;mso-symbol-font-family:Wingdings'>J</span></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Deliver us from evil. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>1-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>     </span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>we fear no evil for God is with us<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops:list .5in'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>2-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'>     </span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>we pray to God that we not be led into temptation but that He deliver us from the evil presenting itself to us, by making us wise to see the way of escape that God says He gives, and to help us make the choice to take it. In the future we’ll talk about this some more. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>The prayer of Jabez in 1<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Chronicles 4:10 </b>he asks that God keep him from evil that he would not cause pain. The idea is that Jabez wants to act in a way that does not allow evil to hurt himself or anyone else. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Evil causes pain when it comes at us with those fiery darts or flaming missiles and we allow ungodliness to come forth from us in unscriptural attitudes or in hidden or open sin. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Psa 139:23</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>Psa 139:24</span></i><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>When we pray for the Lord to deliver us from evil, we need to be willing to open ourselves up before God and let him examine the attitudes of our hearts. Then we need to be brave enough to agree with God when He shows us things, and we need to repent of them. God loves us. He’s not out to condemn us and beat us with our sin, He’s out to free us from it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>John 3:<span class=sup>16</span>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> <span class=sup>17</span>For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Yes God wants to save us to be with Him for eternity, but that salvation starts the moment we accept Jesus here on this earth. He wants to save us from the things that torment us here and now. He wants to free us, He wants to deliver us from evil.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>2Co 3:17</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>1 John 3:8</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt'> concludes by saying “the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Let’s take time to seek the Lord personally so that He may uncover places in our lives that He wants to touch in order to deliver us from evil and make us free to be everything He created us to be. When He shows us those places, let us agree to do our part as we follow him in growth from glory to glory into the likeness of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>2Co 3:17</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:teal'>2Co 3:18</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt'><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt'><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> </body> </html>  </div> </td> </tr></table></body>