18/08/2013 - INSTRUCTIONS OF A WINNING FATHER

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I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man.

I Kings 2:2

Do not be fooled by false promises. It is up to those who accept Jesus as their Savior to avoid being deceived by the lies of the devil. The Lord gives us the Word so that through it we manage to escape all sufferings that those who do not fear the Lord go through. In so doing, as part of the New Covenant, we have access to the blessings that Jesus has provided to us (Hebrews 10:19-20).

Over the centuries, the devil managed to convince some servants of the Lord that they were special, different from others. With this, some indulged in error, others got carried away by false hopes, and there were those who believed that it was Elijah who was to come. The truth, however, is that no one is different from the others; we are servants by divine mercy.

Being used by God is wonderful, but that does not grant us privileges that were not given to other members of the Body of Christ. Any “revelation” that sets us apart from the others originates in Hell. So even if an angel appears and tells you that you are special, rebuke him right on the spot because he is not an angel of God, but a demon posing as an angel of light. Watch out! We are earthen vessels that can be broken.

Life with Jesus is rewarding, but it should not lead us into the temptation of thinking that we have been used due to our own abilities. The Lord, in His kindness, raises us to do His work. The Word says that the angels would have liked to be elected for this service, but that our Father reserved it for us to do (I Peter 1:12). One day, the Lord will personally deliver the crown of righteousness to those whom He trusted and did His will (II Timothy 4:8).

He who wants to do God’s will successfully should strive not to turn either to the right or to the left. On the other hand, those who give themselves to idleness, or any other temptation, will achieve nothing. It is up to each person who wants to follow Jesus to take up his cross and follow the Master (Mark 8:34). Be careful! The enemy will go to any length to divert you from the path, but if you persevere to the end you shall be saved and rewarded (Revelation 2:10).

David urged Solomon, his son, by saying that he should be a brave man. The same bravery must be shown by all who the Lord adds to His family. Those who are driven by fear or by the threats the enemy makes will never fulfill the wonderful plan the Almighty has for their life. Be always firm in what the Father says.

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares