His Heart, My Home

YOU’RE NOT ALONE!

Recently , I was praying for the people of our home church. From all outward appearances, we are a healthy, church family, well-cared for, happy, and full of love.

So I was surprised when I began to sense that something wasn’t quite right. As I prayed, Holy Spirit began to show me that many of our members were struggling.

I saw that many of them were just trying to cope with unrelenting, savage attacks from the enemy; attacks against their marriages, their families, their health, their minds, their emotions, and their financial well- being.

As I continued to pray it seemed like Holy Spirit zoomed His camera out so I could see that it wasn’t just our church fellowship that was struggling, but many others as well. I said, “Lord, what’s happening?”

And He led me to this scripture:

“Beloved friends, if life gets extremely difficult, with many tests, don’t be bewildered as though something strange were overwhelming you.”
(1 Peter 4:12, TPT)

And then He reminded me of the following scripture which I had first studied several years ago…

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come…” (2 Timothy 3:1)

The Greek word for “perilous” in this verse is “chalepos” which means, “dangerous, harsh, difficult, savage, and violent.”

This word only appears twice in the entire New Testament. Once, in the verse above, and a second usage in Matthew 8:28, where it describes a demon-possessed man, whom Jesus encountered and delivered, as “extremely violent.”

These two verses, taken together, tell us that in the last days, the devil is bringing out his “elite troops”, extremely violent, savage demon-spirits, which he has held in reserve until now.

He thinks that by going on offense he can delay, or perhaps even stop the tsunami-like outpouring of Gods Spirit that is coming prior to the Lord’s return.

TIME TO RISE AND SHINE!

¹ “Arise, shine; for your light has come!
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
² For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2)

NOTICE:
● God’s presence breaks through in glorious splendor, transforming and empowering the Church! (Verse 1)
● The enemy counter-attacks with deep darkness, hoping to prevent his impending defeat. (Verse 2a)
● The Church, united and victorious, defeats and subdues our enemies beneath our feet.
(Verse 2b)

The devil will have no more success in holding back the glory of God that is about to be revealed in and through the Church,  than he did in preventing the resurrection of Jesus.

The devil cannot overcome you, no matter how many of his minions he arrays against you, and no matter how many flaming missles he launches toward you, aiming for your destruction.

That’s because YOU plus the HOLY SPIRIT are always a MAJORITY!

When your back is against the wall… when it seems like all hope is gone… when the cold clammy hand of fear grips your throat… remember your Deliverer… remember your Savior… remember your Victorious King!

NOT! NOT! NOT!

“He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (Hebrews 13:5, Amplified Classic)

This verse is my personal favorite. And it may have the most unique construction of any verse in the New Testament.

There are instances in the Bible where a word is repeated for emphasis. But the Greek text of this verse actually uses the negative word translated as “not”… not once, not twice, but three times!

I asked the Lord one time, “Lord, why did you repeat this over and over again? Why did you say three times that you would never leave us, nor forsake us?”

And I still remember His response, spoken so clearly, so patiently, and so powerfully to my heart that day.

He said, “It was because I wanted you to know, beyond all doubt, that I, your Father, will never leave you nor forsake you! Jesus, your Savior, will never leave you nor forsake you! And Holy Spirit, your Helper, will never leave you nor forsake you!”

If you would like to join Holy Spirit for a much deeper exploration of Hebrews 13:5, please see these serial posts:

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER ALONE!
(7/15/24)

I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU!
(7/19/24)

NEVER FORSAKEN AND FOREVER FAVORED!
(7/21/24)

I believe it was T.D. Jakes whom I first heard say, “If you’re going through hell, don’t stop! Keep on going!”

The revelation of God’s ever-faithful love and presence revives our hope, and flips our faith-switch to the “ON” position.

“But wait! Don’t stop there! There’s more!”

NOT ONLY WITH ME, BUT HE IS WORKING

When I’m “going through it”, I want the blessed assurance that God is not only with me in the fiery furnace, but that He’s working His miraculous power to get me out!

Jesus said, “I will not leave you helpless.”

So we have a Helper… Holy Spirit… the same One who “helped” Jesus overcome death, the grave, and hell!

“…the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses…”
(Romans 8:26)

The Greek word translated as “helps” says it all. It is “sunantilambanomai“. It’s a complex  word used to describe a simple concept. It means, “to take hold together with against“.

WINNING THE TUG-OF-WAR

Ever engaged in a Tug-Of-War? Even if you haven’t, you probably know how it works.
The only equipment needed is a rope. Two teams line up on opposite ends of the rope, pulling in opposite directions. The goal is to pull the opposing team to your side. It really gets interesting when there is a stream, or better yet, a muddy place between the teams, that you can drag your opponents through as you win.

Let’s imagine our field of battle is not a picnic, or a family reunion cookout, but the field of life. You have a real enemy lined up against you and he wants to drag you, not just through a muddy spot, but through a hellish experience, one designed to steal, kill, and destroy anything and everything… your health, your reputation, your family, or even your life.

On one side of the rope, the enemy lines up his team… fear, worry, strife, depression, guilt, sickness, jealousy, debt…and on and on. In this contest there are no rules. He can line up as many adversaries as he wants against you. He’s got a deep bench… plenty of reserves.

Your team? There may be times when it’s just you and Holy Spirit, your Helper…

But always remember Holy Spirit is the One who “takes hold together with you against” your limitations, your lack, and your liabilities.

Outnumbered? LOL! Never! You and Holy Spirit are a solid majority! After all, if God be for you, who can be against you?

JUST HOLD ON!

HOLD ON to God’s Word! HOLD ON to His faithfulness! HOLD ON to His mercy!

Even when the final drop of your strength has been drained… HOLD ON!

Even when your muscles are cramping, your lungs filled with fire… HOLD ON!

Even when the rope is slipping, and ripping the flesh of your hands… HOLD ON!

Holy Spirit is your “Anchor-Man”! He’s at the end of your rope! He’s your Rock, your Fortress, your Deliverer, your Strong Tower!

He will never let you go! He will never give up on you! As long as you hold on, He will hold on! He will never let you be defeated, as long as you are willing to HOLD ON!

PRAYER:

Lord, as I cling to you, I realize that it is your strength that holds me, your arms that keep me from falling. Thank you for always being there for me, in the raging seas, in the fiery furnace, and in the times of trouble.

You, and you alone, are my help, ever-present, ever-ready, ever-faithful, ever-loving, and ever-true.

You are my Savior, my Lord, my King, and my God, and I will forever worship you!

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My wife, Grace, and I are very proud to be in partnership with Student Life Organization, Inc. We believe in the great work they are doing in Cebu City, and throughout the central part of the Philippines.

SLOI provides educational opportunities to
many physically disabled and financially disadvantaged children, helping them reach their God-given potentials.

Your generous giving will help co-founders Ian Rustia and Anne Ruiz, as they faithfully declare and demonstrate God’s love to these precious children and their families.

“I mention this not because I’m requesting a gift, but so that the fruit of your generosity may bring you an abundant reward.”
(Philippians 4:17, TPT)

Would you please give today? If so, please use this link: paypal.me/anaferuiz

Thank you! We pray that you will experience God’s richest blessings as you give freely and cheerfully in Jesus’ name!