Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” Genesis 3:1
The Scriptures call the serpent Satan crafty. The word used here also means to be subtle, shrewd, sly, and sensible. The devil tries to appeal to our sense of reason. He asked Eve, “Did God really say...?” Satan wants us to question the integrity of God's word, and he desires for us to question God's character. Make no mistake about it the devil is real. He and his emissaries are busy trying to speak into the lives of believers and unbelievers alike. He strives to blind the unbeliever from the light of the gospel, and he diligently aims his arrows of unbelief, discord, pride, lust, and rebellion toward the hearts of those that name the name of Christ.
When we submit to God and resist the devil, the devil must flee (James 4:7). We are to cloth ourselves with God's armor (Ephesians 6:10-19) and courageously do battle through prayer against the enemy of our souls. Our offensive weapon – the sword of the Spirit – is the spoken word of God. When we speak God's word in the face of temptation or in prayer for another, Satan and his army must run. The Bible says that greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Those that have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Savior have been given power over the devil and his demons. Luke 10:18-19 says,” I (Jesus) have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” We have been given victory over the enemy.
In addition to the spoken word of God, we have the name of Jesus as part of our arsenal against enemy forces. We can command Satan to leave us in the name of Jesus and he must obey. Spiritual warfare is part of the Christian experience and it is something we must engage in for the souls of men. When we pray for others we must stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. At times, He will lead us into spiritual warfare to deliver those in darkness or to those who are bound to a particular sin.
Our joy is not found in the fact that we have authority over the devil. Our delight is in the reality that spiritual warfare can help in bringing souls to Christ. Our joy is also found in the wonderful truth that Jesus has delivered us from Satan's kingdom and has translated us into the kingdom of God. Those of us that have embraced Christ have found delight in a loving relationship with God.
It is important for us to remember, however, that we are in a battle. The next time you are tempted by the crafty serpent, remember that you have authority over the evil one. Once you recognize his voice, take sides with the King of Kings and go to war.
If you have not accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Please pray the pray below and mean it with all your heart.
Dear Lord,
Please forgive me for all my sins. I believe that you went to the cross so that I could be forgiven, and I believe that you rose from the dead. I ask you to deliver me from the power of Satan. I give my life to you. I surrender all to you. I thank you for making me victorious over sin and the devil. I acknowledge that it is only by your free gift of grace that I can be forgiven, and I thank you that because of your grace, I will one day go to heaven. I choose to follow you all of my days. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Preferring One Another
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2: 3-4
In our relationships, we represent Christ well when we seek to prefer one another in love. This should be our aim - to love others. We stoke the fires of God’s Spirit when we learn to practice God’s kindness.
This means we will have to be flexible. We will have to say sorry at times. We may even need to sacrifice our own desires to benefit another. God wants to prosper our marriages and our relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. He wants to make our lives attractive to unbelievers so that they will look to Jesus for fulfillment.
Jesus said, “My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay his life down for his friends (John 15:13).” As we serve others, God will make sure that our own needs are met, and that we experience the joy of Spirit-filled relations.
Dear Father God,
Show me how to prefer others in love. Help me to love my neighbor as myself, and teach me to practically look out for other people's needs above my own. In the name of my example, Jesus, I pray, Amen.
In our relationships, we represent Christ well when we seek to prefer one another in love. This should be our aim - to love others. We stoke the fires of God’s Spirit when we learn to practice God’s kindness.
This means we will have to be flexible. We will have to say sorry at times. We may even need to sacrifice our own desires to benefit another. God wants to prosper our marriages and our relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. He wants to make our lives attractive to unbelievers so that they will look to Jesus for fulfillment.
Jesus said, “My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay his life down for his friends (John 15:13).” As we serve others, God will make sure that our own needs are met, and that we experience the joy of Spirit-filled relations.
Dear Father God,
Show me how to prefer others in love. Help me to love my neighbor as myself, and teach me to practically look out for other people's needs above my own. In the name of my example, Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Generous Hands
We cast our bread upon the waters
Abundance returns on white-foamed waves
Sowing leads to reaping
We give, we receive
Only to give again
Our God arises in the time of famine
He is the Lord our Provider
He meets the needs of those who trust
In His unfailing love and abundant provision
The Savior's generous hands
Multiplied the loaves and fishes
He fed the multitudes
Jesus still works miracles
To those who see with childlike faith
To those who extend generous hands
For His purposes
Only to receive again
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Abundance returns on white-foamed waves
Sowing leads to reaping
We give, we receive
Only to give again
Our God arises in the time of famine
He is the Lord our Provider
He meets the needs of those who trust
In His unfailing love and abundant provision
The Savior's generous hands
Multiplied the loaves and fishes
He fed the multitudes
Jesus still works miracles
To those who see with childlike faith
To those who extend generous hands
For His purposes
Only to receive again
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Call to Serve
“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” Luke 22:26
It is wonderful to bask in the blessings of God. The Lord longs to fill us with the richness of his word and he desires to immerse us in the waters of his Holy Spirit. He also wants to meet our material needs and heal our bodies. But we cannot live only to receive; we must give what God has given us to others.
If we are to grow in grace, we have to learn to serve. Christ washed His disciple’s soiled and smelly feet as an example for us. We can serve by ministering to those in our sphere of influence. Pray and ask God where and how he would like to use you. Perhaps your talents would shine in the children’s ministry at your church. You may have a gift of administration or evangelism. Serve where you are planted.
As you are faithful, God will promote you in the kingdom, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your labor changes people’s lives. Your humble service will bring joy to the heart of God. And as you develop a habit of serving others, your fellowship with the Father will wax sweet and strong.
Dear Lord,
It is my desire to serve others faithfully. Teach me to offer myself to others in your service. Use me in your kingdom to be a blessing to believers and nonbelievers alike. Let me shine for you Lord with your love, faith, and humility. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
It is wonderful to bask in the blessings of God. The Lord longs to fill us with the richness of his word and he desires to immerse us in the waters of his Holy Spirit. He also wants to meet our material needs and heal our bodies. But we cannot live only to receive; we must give what God has given us to others.
If we are to grow in grace, we have to learn to serve. Christ washed His disciple’s soiled and smelly feet as an example for us. We can serve by ministering to those in our sphere of influence. Pray and ask God where and how he would like to use you. Perhaps your talents would shine in the children’s ministry at your church. You may have a gift of administration or evangelism. Serve where you are planted.
As you are faithful, God will promote you in the kingdom, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your labor changes people’s lives. Your humble service will bring joy to the heart of God. And as you develop a habit of serving others, your fellowship with the Father will wax sweet and strong.
Dear Lord,
It is my desire to serve others faithfully. Teach me to offer myself to others in your service. Use me in your kingdom to be a blessing to believers and nonbelievers alike. Let me shine for you Lord with your love, faith, and humility. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Aim High
Now Joseph had a dream... Genesis 37:5
It began as a dream. Many thought it. They viewed its light in the darkness, mirroring the sun's rays. Its strange luminescence intrigued them. Could a man walk on the moon? President John F. Kennedy believed it was possible. On May 25, 1961 he gave his famous speech where he declared that a man would one day set foot on the moon and return safely to earth. He believed this would be accomplished before the end of the 1960s.
The United States Government backed NASA financially, and the scientists and technicians labored feverishly to reach the goal set by their leader. On July 20, 1969 - roughly 8 years since Kennedy's speech - Neil Armstrong became the first man to stand on the surface of the moon. Then the Apollo 11 spacecraft brought Neil and the rest of the crew safely back to earth.
All would agree that this was a significant accomplishment. The accomplishment, like every achievement, began with the seed of a dream. A dream that required faith, cooperation, and hard work to bring to pass. What dreams do we have that lay dormant? What ambitions has God placed in your heart and mine? The Lord wants us to succeed. He wants us to pursue our God-given goals. I confess that a times I have fallen short in achieving the goals God has for me. But I desire to see all that God has for me become a reality. I desire to reach higher.
What are your dreams for your family? What are your dreams for the advancement of the kingdom of God? What are your personal aspirations? Let's set goals for our lives and let's apply ourselves to reach them. With God all things are possible. With His help we can achieve great things as long as the dreams we go after come from Him. Let's aim high!
Dear Lord,
I thank you for the dreams you've placed in me, and I ask you to help me bring them to pass. Forgive me for doubting and for standing on the sidelines. Help me to courageously go after the aspirations You've given me. In all I do Lord, help me to always seek first your kingdom. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
It began as a dream. Many thought it. They viewed its light in the darkness, mirroring the sun's rays. Its strange luminescence intrigued them. Could a man walk on the moon? President John F. Kennedy believed it was possible. On May 25, 1961 he gave his famous speech where he declared that a man would one day set foot on the moon and return safely to earth. He believed this would be accomplished before the end of the 1960s.
The United States Government backed NASA financially, and the scientists and technicians labored feverishly to reach the goal set by their leader. On July 20, 1969 - roughly 8 years since Kennedy's speech - Neil Armstrong became the first man to stand on the surface of the moon. Then the Apollo 11 spacecraft brought Neil and the rest of the crew safely back to earth.
All would agree that this was a significant accomplishment. The accomplishment, like every achievement, began with the seed of a dream. A dream that required faith, cooperation, and hard work to bring to pass. What dreams do we have that lay dormant? What ambitions has God placed in your heart and mine? The Lord wants us to succeed. He wants us to pursue our God-given goals. I confess that a times I have fallen short in achieving the goals God has for me. But I desire to see all that God has for me become a reality. I desire to reach higher.
What are your dreams for your family? What are your dreams for the advancement of the kingdom of God? What are your personal aspirations? Let's set goals for our lives and let's apply ourselves to reach them. With God all things are possible. With His help we can achieve great things as long as the dreams we go after come from Him. Let's aim high!
Dear Lord,
I thank you for the dreams you've placed in me, and I ask you to help me bring them to pass. Forgive me for doubting and for standing on the sidelines. Help me to courageously go after the aspirations You've given me. In all I do Lord, help me to always seek first your kingdom. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Servant Leadership
“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Luke 22: 27
Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords taught us how to lead others. On one occasion he knelt to wash his disciple’s soiled feet. Christ modeled His greatness by stooping to serve. He was, and is, a servant leader.
All those who hope to influence others must take the same approach. As we lead others, we must practice serving those we guide. This means that we are willing to“get dirty” with the problems and difficulties of others. When we minister to their needs it often inconveniences our lives. Washing people's feet is not glamorous. It was a lowly job reserved for servants, but Christ took up a towel and began the work.
On the cross, Christ showed us the full extent of his love. Jesus the Good Shepherd laid His life down for His sheep. Those who point the way in the body of Christ must be willing to serve with the same heart.
Dear Lord,
I worship you and thank you for your sacrificial love, which you demonstrated on the cross. Lord help me to “get dirty” with the problems and idiosyncrasies of people. Help me to serve others in love – washing their feet. Enable me to be a servant leader. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords taught us how to lead others. On one occasion he knelt to wash his disciple’s soiled feet. Christ modeled His greatness by stooping to serve. He was, and is, a servant leader.
All those who hope to influence others must take the same approach. As we lead others, we must practice serving those we guide. This means that we are willing to“get dirty” with the problems and difficulties of others. When we minister to their needs it often inconveniences our lives. Washing people's feet is not glamorous. It was a lowly job reserved for servants, but Christ took up a towel and began the work.
On the cross, Christ showed us the full extent of his love. Jesus the Good Shepherd laid His life down for His sheep. Those who point the way in the body of Christ must be willing to serve with the same heart.
Dear Lord,
I worship you and thank you for your sacrificial love, which you demonstrated on the cross. Lord help me to “get dirty” with the problems and idiosyncrasies of people. Help me to serve others in love – washing their feet. Enable me to be a servant leader. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
© Copyright 2008 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Monday, June 1, 2009
In the Beginning
In the beginning
He spoke the word
And spun the universe into existence
The earth and galaxies
Created by the Master - Three in One
In six days His masterpiece completed
Light and matter
Beast and water
Man and Woman
It was very good
Man knew God - intimately
But man and woman
Plummeted to the depths
Tricked by the father of deception
Yet God prepared a way
For fellowship restored
Now man and women can walk with God again
As in the beginning, through Christ's sacrifice
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
He spoke the word
And spun the universe into existence
The earth and galaxies
Created by the Master - Three in One
In six days His masterpiece completed
Light and matter
Beast and water
Man and Woman
It was very good
Man knew God - intimately
But man and woman
Plummeted to the depths
Tricked by the father of deception
Yet God prepared a way
For fellowship restored
Now man and women can walk with God again
As in the beginning, through Christ's sacrifice
© Copyright 2009 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
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