Tag Archives: scripture

1 Thessalonians 2

3) For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4) But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

5) Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7)But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8) So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
9) For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 ) You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11) as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
12) that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

There is so much here I don’t even know where to start. I want this to be my testimony in ministry. I want this to by my testimony at home, and among my peers. I ask for an End Vision for these fleeting eyes, and this insatiable heart.

Serpents and Doves Part II

“Wise as Serpents”
Gen 3:1:
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. All throughout scripture and history the serpent is a symbol of wickedness and trickery. No doubt a reputation gained from what immediately transpires in the verses following the above notation.

I have spent a lot of time observing snakes in their natural environment, which curiously enough is mostly dense, open field. I’m currently on a mission to catch a “smooth grass snake” in the northern Illinois region. They are a rarity this far north, but they are a beautiful snake with a brilliant jade to emerald green coloration. Very hard to spot in any type of grass. Snakes are masters at observation, waiting, and ambushing – all attributes shared by our enemy, Satan.
Pound for pound, snakes are masters of the hunt, and very, very, clever.

If we are wise as serpents, we are as smart as our enemy. If you are as smart as your enemy, you know all of his tactics; you know his nature and it is impossible for him to surprise you or catch you unaware. It is impossible for him to use you. John 14:30-31 Jesus says this “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in me” 31) But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, so I do . Arise, let us go from here.

Satan had no sway over the actions or mortality of Christ. Christ reigned by subjection to the Father.To be as wise as your enemy but reckoned as a sacrifice to God. After all, obedience is better than sacrifice. You now become the ultimate weapon. You become a dwelling place for the living God, called according to His purposes. The bible tells us not to ignorant of the enemies devices.And you become the image-bearer of what every person needs and wants: Jesus Christ.To take up our cross is to take up arms against the work of Satan in our lives and others. Christ in us is the hope of glory.
God, help me to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.