“…For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is GOD…CHRIST, AS THE SON, is IN CHARGE OF GOD’S ENTIRE HOUSE. And WE ARE GOD’S HOUSE, IF WE KEEP OUR COURAGE AND REMAIN CONFIDENT in our hope in Christ.” (Hebrews 3:4, 6) “That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear His voice, DON’T HARDEN (skleruno: to become obstinate or stubborn) YOUR HEARTS as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness.” (Hebrews 3:7-8)
“Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts ARE NOT EVIL AND UNBELIEVING, turning you away from the living God. YOU MUST WARN EACH OTHER EVERY DAY, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will BE DECEIVED BY SIN AND HARDENED AGAINST GOD.” (Hebrews 3:12-13) The devil will try to pull us away from God’s purpose for us, “Therefore (you must) humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting ALL YOUR CARE upon Him, for HE (supernaturally) CARES FOR YOU. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, SEEKING (zēteō: make every effort) WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR. RESIST HIM (anthistēmi: forcefully declare your personal conviction), steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (1 Peter 5:6-9) When we take a stand against the devil, in Jesus name, “So, obey God. STAND UP TO THE DEVIL. He will RUN AWAY FROM YOU. And when you DRAW CLOSE TO GOD, God will DRAW CLOSE TO YOU.” (James 4:7-8)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham