Walking Thru The Mine Field - Satan's Tactics

2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Good morning dear friends, what a joy it is first today to proclaim that God is in control! As much as our finite minds might falter, He is still on the throne, and is worthy to receive praise, honor and glory. Well we at Calvary Baptist Church have entered into our next nine week session of our Wednesday night program called "Explorers". I encourage you to go to our website and go to our ministries page and check out the link. Last night started off a great session as we have some new group leaders, and some new faces praise the Lord. Well teenagers if you missed out on the first meeting then I encourage you to sacrifice a candy bar, a coke, or the next video game that your about to buy and get in. I really wanted to encourage those that were there last night with what the Lord had on my heart when I see teenagers struggling as they walk through this world. If you missed out dear teen then here are the points!
1. Satan wants to damage our personal relationship with God!
Satan will try to get you to not have personal prayer time, not read your Bible, and not have time for God- period.
2. Satan wants to distract us from God!
Satan will try all he can to distract you through false doctrine, money, friends, sports, and a variety of other issues to keep you from serving God.
3. Satan wants to discourage us!
Satan will fill your ears, hearts, and minds with all sorts of lies trying to tell you that what your doing for God won't matter, that what God wants to do with you and through you can't happen because your not perfect enough.
4. Satan wants to instill fear and doubt in you!
Satan wants you to be so fearful that you won't take any steps out in faith, he wants you to doubt that way he can deceive you into believing his lies, vs. Gods truth! If he can get you to fear and doubt then you become ineffective in serving a holy God!
So with all those landmines scattered out before you how do you overcome? Remember
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
If you are saved then here is the answer to avoiding these landmines.
1. Surrender your life to the Lord!
I'm talking about 100% committed consecration, (Rom 12:1 ....which is your reasonable service)
give yourself over to Gods will and diligently seek it that He may be glorified.
2. Ask God to teach you His truth!
We know that the Bible says that if a man desires wisdom all he has to do is ask Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
3. Be committed to following God, even through times of difficulty!
We will be persecuted, we will have trials and temptations, all these can be overcome because of Christ. If we will just keep our eyes on the author and finisher of our Faith, then there is nothing that is too difficult. If God be for us, who can be against us??
Dear Christian, I pray that this will encourage you today to stand fast and hold forth the Word of Life, the gospel message that Jesus saves!