RELAX, SATAN IS IN CONTROL?

Hey, I know you’re probably as shocked as I am at the title. Give me a few minutes and maybe you’ll not be so shocked. It’s common to hear good Christians say “relax, God is in control”, we even have stickers that say exactly those words. It’s generally accepted that since God is sovereign, King of kings & Lord of lords, He is in control of the whole world, everything happens according to His will & nothing happens if it’s not His will. There are even scriptures that seem to support this belief and can be used to argue that it is so.

For the sake of argument, let’s say that it really is so. Then how do you explain all the terrible things that happen in the world? How do you explain it when the wicked prosper and the righteous perish? How do you explain it when things don’t go according to the will of God clearly shown in scriptures? How do you explain it when Jesus says we should pray “thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven”? If it is His will, why must I pray for it to happen?

A few weeks ago, two beloved Jehovah’s witnesses gave me a pamphlet and asked me a question: who is in charge of the world, God, man or someone else? With all the seriousness I could muster, I told them “Satan”. They said my answer was strange to them because almost everyone they had met had said it was God. That’s when I really began to wonder. What do we have to say in response to 2 Corinthians 4:4 that refers to Satan as the god of this world? Or what about 1 John 5:19 that says the entire world lies in the laps/grip/control (under the sway) of the wicked one? What about Jesus who called Satan “the prince of this world” in John 12, 14 & 16? Ephesians 2:2 calls him the prince of the power of the air. If all those witnesses are not enough, consider what happened in Genesis: God made Adam in His image & likeness, legally gave the earth to Adam to be in charge of it; Adam disobeyed God & obeyed Satan, Adam lost his divine nature and took on Satan’s nature. Who walked away with the title deed to the earth? God, Adam or Satan? Satan did! Satan owns Adam, Adam owns the earth (Psalm 115:16); legally, Satan owns the earth (Romans 5:14&17).

That is why the natural course of things is decay. That is why the natural state of things, right now, is evil. In the beginning it was not so, and, halleluyah, at the end it will not be so!!! One day, after the rapture, Jesus is going to come back to the earth, slay the wicked with the breath of His mouth, bind Satan in the bottomless pit and reign on the earth for 1000 years (2 Thessalonians 2:8, Revelations 5:10 & 20:2-4). That day is not yet here, but over 2000 years ago, Jesus bought us with His blood, and by extension, bought the earth fair and square. The fullness of this redemption is not yet in expression, that’s why the whole creation groans & waits for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19-23). However, RIGHT NOW, we are Jesus’ representatives in the earth realm. Satan is the god of this world, but he doesn’t have the legal right to rule us or control us anymore.

Remember, though, Satan is no gentleman, he’s a thief. Though he has no legal right to afflict, rule or oppress the Christian, he will kick, slap & punch us around if we let him. It is left to us to stand firm against his antics & destroy his works ANYWHERE we find them. It is up to us to spread the influence of the blessing far as the curse is found. It is up to us to carry the kingdom of heaven and subdue the earth and the systems thereof under it. We are an occupation force like the world has never seen: the army of the Lord. And make no mistake about it, we are in enemy territory! But wherever we plant the flag of the kingdom, we can tell the devil: this room, house, street, town, city, state or nation no longer belongs to you, be gone!

If God’s will is to be done in this earth, it is up to us to pray it out and/or call it forth. When we come into agreement with God’s will this way, He is able & powerful to move in the earth realm, move in those circumstances, move in that life according to that same will. But when we fail to pray, when we fail to take authority, when we neglect our watchtower in the Spirit, terrible things happen and the world calls them “acts of God” and the Yorubas call it “amuwa Olorun” (something that God brought) and the French say “c’est la vie” (that is life). Come on, we are more intelligent than that! 

Even when we pray and declare God’s will and we still don’t get the desired result, we don’t take the easy way out and say “it must (not) have been the will of God”. If the Word makes provision for it, it IS the will of God! We don’t know why that loved one still died, why that sick one didn’t get healed, why that plane crash wasn’t averted, but we still know that it wasn’t God’s will, it was the devil that did that! We may not get to know some details, even by study or by revelation, but what we do not know on this side of eternity, we will know on the other side (1 Corinthians 13:9&12).

What we DO know right now, we can bank on & we can have confidence in is the Word of life,  it is a sure anchor. Let us not let go of the sure Word of God, let’s hold on to it, let’s stand on it, let’s believe it with everything in us. When it seems not to be working, let’s find out what is missing and add it, but be sure the Word always works. Heaven and earth may pass away, but not one jot, not one tittle, not one bit of God’s eternal Word will go unfulfilled. Embrace it. The old testament folks were not so aware of this, but there IS a devil who hates man, and right now he is the one running things in this age, but we are heavenly ambassadors with diplomatic immunity and a sovereign but simple mandate: DOMINATE!

 

This post was written by:

Jesutola Adewumi - who has written 29 posts on Simple & Absolute Truths.

Jesutola Adewumi is a son of God called to teach and to preach God's Word clearly and accurately, with strong emphasis on the oneness and purpose of the body of Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He is a medical doctor committed to excellence in ministry and career.

http://tolaadewumi.com/blog/2015/06/25/relax-satan-is-in-control/

Peaceful Pieces by Tomi Colors

Broken promises.. hidden visions

Dark days.. bright nights

A feeling .. a shock

Pains that reverberate

The hurt of words said in silence

Hate that comes easy

Love to lost to be found

Call it a void that pours into space

Hold unto it.. don't let go

Unto.. let go of what I ask.

My light heart burden with dark memoirs

Shake me on.. rub me off

Sanity a thing of luxury

Confusion our worlds trend

Some way he is too far out

But I only took one step 

Tell my story

Tell them I lived in the times

Times when living was insanity

Tell them my words where brief

Cause the apocalypse came

And the people rejoiced

Tell them refreshing was the tears 

That fell from the skies

Tight the gods held the spinning sphere

To their faces as the pain ripped through

Fallen .. pressed and crushed

Light seen only in eyes at night 

Yet we trail the gaints footprint

Peaceful pieces it all would end...

Seven ways to increase your value as an employee

By Craig Boyle

In a job market that’s teeming with fierce competition from all angles, how can the average employee make themselves more appealing to current and future employers?

The UK and many other global job markets are strengthening, meaning there are more jobs and people in work than ever before – so it’s vital as a jobseeker or employee that you utilise all of your skills to stand out from the crowd. Here are seven ways to do just that.

1. Go beyond a degree

While this is more applicable to job-seekers than those already in careers, it can apply to both. A degree is not the bridge to employment it once was. Now, taking your education further than bachelor’s level differentiates you between the good and the great.

An MA, or equivalent makes, you stand out and shows that you’re keen to specialise. For those dedicated and fortunate enough to afford one, a PHD is a real head-turner. If you’re already in a job, studying an Open University course or putting yourself forward for any qualifications or team development programmes available will show you’re keen to excel.

2. Understand company goals

A job isn’t just a wage. If you’re employed you need to be committed to the overall goals of the company. Talk to your employer in every review and make sure you’re up to date with the direction and desire of the business. If you’re on the same page, you can help make suggestions and give relevant advice that your employer will appreciate.

3. Master digital

Almost any role benefits from the use of social media and digital marketing skills. Any employee can learn some basic online skills and help boost their company profile. Any awards? Share them on your social media. Any new news or staff acquisitions? Shout about them on LinkedIn and endorse your fellow employees. Play an active role in the online presence of your company and you’ll be noticed.

Another great way to show off your willingness to learn and expand is starting a personal blog or website. While this might not directly affect your employer or company, you’ll be learning and showing off your digital skills. You’ll also learn a basic level of marketing and self-promotion as you try and promote your site. Use these new skills to help your employer and also make your CV stand out.

4. Master communication

Depending on the size of your office and the working environment, you’ll quickly ascertain which style of communication is preferable. If your boss sends you a lot of emails, respond in kind. If they’re more of an in-person talker, ensure you also approach him/her for a talk whenever you have an issue. Mirroring their style ensures you’ll keep them comfortable. A relaxed and communicative boss is a good one.

5. Enjoy yourself!

An under-rated aspect of a good employee is positivity. If you’re happy at work you’ll be bringing energy and excitement to your fellow employees and the job. If you’re negative and miserable it will be noticed.

Obviously, nobody can be happy all of the time. Ensure you’re on good terms with your boss by communicating frequently so that you can address any issues that are upsetting you.

6. Manage yourself

Even in the most laid-back roles, you should be able to keep yourself both organised and punctual. Ensure you arrive at work at or before the agreed time and don’t just rush away when it’s time to leave. Get your work for the day finished, even if it means staying a little bit late. No good boss expects you to stay all night, but an extra fifteen or thirty minutes to get stuff completed will be noticed.

If you turn up late, apologise and stay behind to make up for it. If you’re a naturally untidy person, endeavour to keep your work organised. Few employers will care what your workspace looks like as long as it’s not an eyesore, but you’ll benefit personally from good organisation.

7. Never settle

A good working environment is a positive and determined one, where employees are working together to contribute to a company they enjoy working at. Make yourself stand out by being a driven, motivated, punctual and skilful worker who never settles and always strives to improve. Put yourself forward for challenges and do your best to impress in meetings. Do not get lazy in your role, no matter how comfortable you are. Make your employer take notice of you by going above and beyond!

http://www.virgin.com/entrepreneur/seven-ways-to-increase-your-value-as-an-employee

Meet Lizzie Velaquez, the 'world's ugliest woman'! She will inspire you!

Lizzie Velásquez

 Elizabeth Ann Velásquez suffers from a disease that is so rare, that it is believed only two other persons in the world suffer from the disease. The disease prevents her from accumulating fat because she was born with no adipose tissue. She has zero percent body fat and has never weighed more than 29 kg (64 pounds). She can’t gain weight and has to eat small meals throughout the day, up to as much as sixty times. She has to eat food containing high calorie every fifteen to twenty minutes to keep her energy level high. Her condition also causes her to have an aging skin. She is totally blind in her right eye and her left vision is impaired.

 

She was so small at birth that her parents had to by dolls clothes for her because baby clothes were too big for her. She doesn't take medication but she relies on vitamin supplements and iron to stay healthy.  Medical experts think she will be able to conceive naturally and won’t transfer the condition to her children.

Lizzie’s story is such a huge inspiration. Despite her condition, she has chosen to carry on with life. Though doctors never gave her a chance; her parents were told at birth that she would never be able to talk, walk or live a normal life but she has defied such predictions and is going strong. She chose to live!

An object of bully, both physical and cyber (In fact, she came to international attention when someone posted a video of hers on YouTube with the caption “The World’s Ugliest Woman”), she has chosen to ignore negative comments and reactions to her. She has chosen to live a beautiful life and she is inspiring many today. The wicked video led her to start her own YouTube channel. She wanted to make a change. She wanted people to know who she really was and also teach others to be confident in their skin. What a brave woman! Her channel has about 240,000 subscribers.

Lizzie's family

Lizzie Velaquez refused to give up on life. She went to school and is now a university graduate. She has written two books. She is now into advocacy and motivational speaking. In her first book, Be Beautiful, Be You, she advises on how to deal with negativity and how to maintain one’s uniqueness. Choosing Happiness is her second book and in it, she shares her life story, especially the difficulties she has faced in life. She also talks about the importance of choosing to be happy no matter the odds against one. Lizzie has accomplished in her short years living what many will never achieve in a lifetime. She has refused to be deterred by her circumstances. She chose to rise above her unpalatable circumstances and she is living her life to the fullest. Her story has been produced into a documentary, through which she teaches how to triumph over adversity. She has refused to be a victim. She is determined to make a change. What a beautiful woman through and through! Lots of love Lizzie!

Read the inspirational story of Lacey Merrifield, a four-year old girl born without arms

Lacey Merrifield is a popular, happy, well adjusted average 4 year old little girl. That is with one exception, Lacey was born without arms. As hard as doctors searched for a reason, or diagnosis for her condition they could not find one. Lacey’s condition remains a mystery. However that does not stop this little girl from being a wonderful gift from God. She is a true inspiration to anyone struggling in life. Lacey struggles to learn, and do everyday things that most of us take for granted. The way she just takes everything as it comes, and does her best until she conquers it, is truly a valuable lesson for many of us able bodied people. She is proof life is what you make it. She is a great example for others to see that no matter what happens in life persevere, and never give up.

Source: http://faithreel.com/little-girl-without-arms-is-living-everyday-to-the-fullest-shes-proof-life-is-what-you-make-it/