Freedom through truth.

Many Christians struggle. Life can be difficult, Satan attacks constantly and we are often our own worst enemies. We are inclined to look at ourselves apart from Christ. That is certain to bring us down. God surely does not. He has killed us and hidden us in Christ! (Colossians 3:3)

An example may help. I am not a citizen, so I need a reentry visa. I secured a visa back in 1983. It's a small black rectangle with a number written in it. It cost a small amount of money and it never expires.

Australia changed it's visa requirements, presumably because it saw another pot of gold from the traveling public. Visas now last 3 years and cost a lot more. I've saved a considerable amount by not having to renew mine.

My last overseas trip was 5 years ago. When I got to the Border control people, they had a fit. They were not going to let me through. I could see a great deal of money from my pre booked holiday going down the drain. Now I knew that my visa was valid, so I refused to give in. The man at the control desk went and found his boss. A couple of minutes later, I was on my way.

Christian, you need to know who you are in Christ. You need to know that Satan does not rule your life. You have authority and power from the Lord Jesus. Satan will try to throw cold water on you. He will point to your deficiencies and weaknesses. You can and should reject his lies and deceptions. The border police rejected me because they were looking at a system that did not apply to me. We can reject Satan's attacks for exactly the same reason. All that Satan says is directed at the old "you". The old "you" is dead and buried. Agree with the devil! And then point him to the truth! Galatians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 5:17 for a start.

I did not get past the border control because I felt like I was in the right. I did not get through because I told them I was right. I got through because of a little stamp in an expired passport. They were not happy about it. They did not think it was right that I should get away with an old visa. The legalistic types want to make you pay. But they crumbled before the truth! When Lord Jesus was attacked by Satan, He replied, "It is written....." We must do the same when we are attacked. "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation", for example. It is not warm fuzzy feelings, spiritual experiences or even miracles that sets us free. It is knowing the truth.

We need simply to stay where God has put us. Where is that? Into Christ. We need to know that it is Christ in us who is the hope of glory. Before God, we are in Christ. On earth, it is Christ in us. Let's focus on those great truths and live in the light of them.

GOD Shines Forth! said:

Encouraging! Thank you.

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You are welcome. There is nothing like 40 years of frustration and failure to bring you to an end of yourself. I've learned these things the hard way. I hope that I can spare others the same self inflicted wounds.

SkyWriting said:

All four statements gain power and control over your mind as you claim them to be true.
Your subconscious is always listening to what you tell yourself.

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Sure. Toss out half the New Testament that warns us of exactly what I've said. We are at war. Saying that there is no war does not make it true and does not equip an individual for the battle.