SPIRITUAL AWARENESS OR BEWARE OF THE SPIRITS!

[BroTan]

Let's lake a look at this battle...

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:7-9)

No matter how powerful the devil is, the Lord has someone stronger. Now you see Satan and all the other evil spirits or unclean spirits are running around on the earth.

Take a look at what the other angels said after this battle.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (Revelation 12:10-12)

Notice how happy the angels were when Satan was cast out. But look how they gave us a warning. “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Woe is right. We have enemies running around and we can't even see them. ...a 3rd part of an innumerable amount of angels. These are spirit beings they never sleep or get tired, and they were here before the dinosaurs.

The Lord will save His people the same way as He did before in Egypt, just on a larger scale. This time He will save them from all over the world. They came out from Egypt with Pharaoh's army on their heels. Note the similarity below.

And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood (Revelation 12:13-15)

The man-child is of course Jesus. The woman represents the nation of Israel physically and spiritually. When the Lord brought Israel out before He stated, “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself "(Exodus 19:4).

In Revelation, we have the same statement. “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle.” This is symbolism; we know Israel walked into the wilderness.

This time when the sign comes to pass stated in Matthew the 24th chapter verse 15 through 16 you must find your own means of transportation. Whatever it may be, plane or boat it will be at no cost to you. The same place the Lord took Israel before is where you must be at the time appointed: not before or after. And when those of us that keep the Law get there you don't have to worry about food or water it will be provided for us. This is why the verse states, “that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. This is the great tribulation, which will last 3 ½ years (time one year, times plural two years and a half of time ½ year). The flood represents an army; this is none other than EU’s army. But it will be to no avail. This is when the statement used by the so-called Christians today will come into affect, “no weapon formed against me shall prosper.” The angels will have charge over us that make it. If you don't make it into the wilderness, what ever you do, do not accept the mark of the beast.

 

[BroTan]

Now, let's take a look at how Satan’s city will be defeated.

That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon and say, "How hath the oppressor ceased!" the golden city ceased! (Isaiah 14:4)

The golden city is Rome; this is the seat of Satan (Vatican City). Satan has used the Papacy to deceive the whole world. Everything that people call holy has come out of Rome not the Bible. Notice how it says the oppressor has ceased? Who is this oppressor that weakens the nations? Take a look.

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Lucifer means light bringer or bringer of knowledge. The angel Gabriel has this job now. But, notice what the Lord says, “how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations.” Have any of us seen Satan or Lucifer, as he is called here? No! This spirit works through men. Satan and his army are everywhere. They see everything you do and hear everything you say. If you do not serve the true and living God, you are simply a servant of Satan. There is no in-between. The Lord says if you love Him, keep his commandments. If you don't keep them you become a servant of Satan.

Notice what the Lord says to His apostle in the book of Luke. This backs-up what we just read in Isaiah.

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. (Luke 10:1)

The Lord sent seventy disciples out to each city, before He went into them. If you have on the Lord's armor you will be able to do the same thing these Israelites did. If you want to get rid of an evil spirit, read the book on them. But keep your eye on them so they won't run away until you are finished. There are evil spirits all around us. They manipulate the minds of those that wear the armor in some cases. But, if you don't wear it at all, you are free game for these spirits. Try this little test and watch how their feathers get ruffled. People that call themselves Christians, tell them “we must keep the law.” Watch what happens, you have a serious battle on your hands. Remember that we don't war against flesh and blood. Our war is with those evil spirits behind the scenes. Another thing, make sure you have a Bible handy to show them, talk is cheap if you can't back it up in the book. Now, notice what the disciples say to the Lord.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. (Luke 10:17)

Did you notice something very important? They said, “The devils are subject unto us through thy name. In Jesus name devils are subject to us, not in our own. Remember Ephesians chapter 6 and verse 10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” It is the Lord's power not our own. Now what was the Lord's response to their statement?

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:18-20)

Remember what the Lord said by the mouth of Isaiah, “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” He says the same thing here; “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” He also says He gives us power over serpents and scorpions. He is talking about evil spirits not actual snakes and scorpions. Pick one up and watch what happens, you will get bit.

The Lord broke the covenant with the animals after Noah came off the ark. He will not reinstate it until He is back on earth. What must you have on to have power over these spirits? Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. And if you continue to wear this armor your name will be written in heaven.

 

[Rhema]

Lucifer means light bringer or bringer of knowledge.

Should it be mentioned that Peter calls Jesus "Lucifer"?

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and (the day star) Lucifer arise in your hearts:​

(2 Peter 1:19 KJV)​

​

et habemus firmiorem propheticum sermonem cui bene facitis adtendentes quasi lucernae lucenti in caliginoso loco donec dies inlucescat et lucifer oriatur in cordibus vestris​

(2 Peter 1:19 Latin)​

Same word as in Isaiah 14:12.
Thoughts?

Rhema
Sometimes I think a lot of people have a lot of things confused.

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings all,

I recall that dividing and destroying are attributes given to/about the devil?

Let us remember that we are to be ambassadors for Christ.

We love Him because He first loved us.
God is patient and longsuffering towards us.

Reciprocity.

Jesus Christ is the Lord


Bless you ....><>

 

[Rhema]

I recall that dividing and destroying are attributes given to/about the devil?

I recall that division is an attribute that Jesus gave to himself:

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:​

(Luke 12:51 KJV)​

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.​

(Matthew 10:34-36 KJV)​

So the Jews were right??

There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?​

(John 10:19-20 KJV)​

Your friendly neighborhood heretic,
Rhema

 

[BroTan]

Should it be mentioned that Peter calls Jesus "Lucifer"?

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and (the day star) Lucifer arise in your hearts:​

(2 Peter 1:19 KJV)​

​

et habemus firmiorem propheticum sermonem cui bene facitis adtendentes quasi lucernae lucenti in caliginoso loco donec dies inlucescat et lucifer oriatur in cordibus vestris​

(2 Peter 1:19 Latin)​

Those days of Lucifer is over, even before man was created. Gabriel is the light bringer now. Let's go into Luke 1: 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

Same word as in Isaiah 14:12.
Thoughts?

Rhema
Sometimes I think a lot of people have a lot of things confused.

I don't know

 

[Rhema]

Those days of Lucifer is over,

Thank you for confirming that you reject the scripture in 2 Peter 1:19, since there is NOTHING in the text that implies in ANY manner that such is "over."

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and Lucifer arise in your hearts: (2 Peter 1:19 KJV+)​

"Arise" is written ανατειλη, which is conjugated as aorist active subjunctive. It is not written in the past tense.

Those who abuse what is written cannot be trusted in what they themselves write.

Gabriel is the light bringer now. Let's go into Luke 1: 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

Again, to take two verses (there are two in the New Testament texts) where Gabriel brings a message, and expand that to create a fictional office of "Light Bringer," and then assign that angel to such office, when the scripture never says that, is to go well beyond that which is written into the vain imaginings of religious fantasy. Rather like the Book of Enoch. I would encourage you to review some of your assumptions within your belief system.

I don't know

You have said well.

God bless,
Rhema

An often stated principle is Speak to that which the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible remains silent.

 

[BroTan]

Let's recap what we have learned before we continue. We've learned at the beginning of this lesson how to defend ourselves against evil spirits. We also found out how Satan and his minions operate through men and how they were kicked out of heaven and landed right here on earth. We have found out what Satan looks like and what type of angel he is. He is also used symbolically in the book of Revelation as the entire Gentile dynasty. Now, let's see the fix the Lord put on Satan and his angels so man could not see them.

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (II Peter 2:4)

Most people will read this and say, “See I told you the evil angels were in hell.” Look at the last part of the verse. It states, “To be reserved unto judgment,” so, if they are waiting for the judgment how can they be in hell? In this case hell represents the earth. We have already read in several places that Satan and his angels were cast out into the earth.

Now, notice what Peter says, “delivered them into chains of darkness,” this simply means they are invisible. If a being popped in front of you shining like the sun and able to tell you what's on your mind, what would you do? You would fall on your face and say, “God just spoke to me.” Luckily they can only appear with permission, if they could appear when they got ready we would not have a chance at salvation.

Let's go to 1st Peter and take a look at a verse where it is said, “When Jesus died, he went and preached to the dead people.” Well, let see if that's true.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (I Peter 3:18)

The spirit that quickened Him or made alive was the Father. Now pay close attention to the next verse!

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; (I Peter 3:19)

What prison? We just read what prison the Lord went to preach to the spirits in. Let's read it again.

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; (II Peter 2:4)

This is not the type or prison we perceive with bars and gates. This prison is the realm of invisibility, can’t go back back to the third heaven, or in other words chains of darkness. Now, take a look at the time when the Lord did this preaching to the spirits in prison.

By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. (I Peter 3:19-20)

This took place in the days of Noah when He and the Father were equal. Let's see if angels are spirits to clarify this, and also see what their jobs are.

And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, and let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (Hebrews 1:6-7)

So, you see that the angels are spirits. Now, what is there purpose?

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:13-14)

All the angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. The Holy angels will see that you receive the Lord's word and will protect you in time of trouble. The evil angels are here to try you, and take the word that you have learned or in other words destroy you. If you don't have the word of God you have nothing. Everything in this world will perish, but the next world is for an eternity.

 

[Rhema]

Most people will read this and say, “See I told you the evil angels were in hell.” Look at the last part of the verse. It states, “To be reserved unto judgment,” so, if they are waiting for the judgment how can they be in hell?

Because that's not what is written. A bad translation cannot help but produce bad theology. Take a look at the Young's Literal Translation...

For if God messengers who sinned did not spare, but with chains of thick gloom, having cast them down to Tartarus, did deliver them to judgment, having been reserved,​

(2 Peter 2:4 YLT)​

So just what is "Tartarus"? Young did not provide an English word, because his goal was to provide a Literal Translation. But James Strong provided this definition:

From Τάρταρος Tartaros̄ (the deepest abyss of Hades); to incarcerate in eternal torment: - cast down to hell.​

​

And Apollodorus, describes Tartarus as "a gloomy place in Hades as far distant from earth as earth is distant from the sky."

Apollodorus, Library, book 1, chapter 1, section 2

So we then arrive at a better rendition:

For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of deepest darkness to be kept until the judgment;​

(2 Peter 2:4 NRSV)​

But it's not perfect, in that, as written, we see:

παρεδωκεν (GIVEN) εις (INTO) κρισιν (JUDGMENT) τετηρημενους (DETAINED).​

One might say that "Judgment" isn't hell, but rather the lake of fire into which hell itself is cast.

Again, it is best to use what is actually written and go find out for yourself what Tartarus is by reading the above link. But I get the feeling that you just don't want to do that.

Kindly,
Rhema

 

[BroTan]

Let's go to the Psalm and pay close attention to what David is saying, and see how you can defeat your enemy.

A Psalm of David. Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. (Psalms 35:1)

Let the Lord do your fighting. We are no match for what takes place behind the scenes. The spirits are all around us, and if we do not have the protection the Lord gives, we are free game. Note what David says next.

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them. Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them. (Psalms 35:4-6)

Let the angel of the Lord chase them. This is the protection the Lord gives us. A holy angel that is just as powerful as the evil spirit that is trying to do you hurt through evil men. Remember that the angles are ministering spirits sent forth to aid those who are heirs of salvation. Now, let's go to the book of Judges, see a reward of a wicked man.

And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying, Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother. And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him. And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem. And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you. (Judges 9:1-7)

Notice one thing above, “he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone.” He killed seventy of his brother’s one at a time upon the same stone. Now take a look at what his brother told him.

(For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian: And ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren. (Judges 9:17-24)

For committing this terrible act what did the Lord do? God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech. The Lord sent the evil spirit; this spirit did not just show up on his own. The evil spirit was given an order and he followed it. Now, let's see the reward of an evil man.

And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire. And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to break his skull. Then he called hastily unto the young man his armour bearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, a woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died. And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place. Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren: And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. (Judges 9:52-57)

Notice what's being said, “Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren. Did the Lord kill Abimelech? Or, did the evil spirit kill Abimelech? The scripture states, “A woman broke his skull with a mill stone and his armour bearer thrust him through. Did you see the evil angel do the killing? No! This is what Peter meant by chains of darkness. This evil spirit that was sent by the Lord carried out the order that destroyed Abemelech for killing his brethren by the hand of men. Nowhere do you see were the angel killed Abimelech. In this case you see the evil spirit use the men to carry out the Lord's order.

Now, let's see another case where Jesus gives the order and the evil angels do exactly what they are told to do. But, this time it will not be by the hand of men. Let's go to the 78th Psalm and take a look how this evil spirits use the forces of nature. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink. He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them. He gave also their increase unto the caterpillar, and their labour unto the locust. He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycamore trees with frost. He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. (Psalms 78:42-49) In this case you see the evil spirit use the men to carry out the Lord's order.

Those verses should have you shaking in your boots. This is one of the reasons we should fear the Lord. He gives the orders to these angels and they carry them out to the letter. These evil spirits are even capable of using the forces of nature. Sisters and brothers, we should not worry about why the Lord does certain things. We should worry about how we must stay on His good side. Remember we are His creation. He can do whatever He wants whenever He wants. Even though Jesus is extremely dangerous He is a loving God. He gives us an operations manual, which is the Bible. It is printed in every language under the sun. There is no excuse for any of us to be ignorant of His word. It gives us instruction how to be members of the God family. Many people do not realize the Godhead is recreating itself. All we need to do is follow the plan He has outlined for us and we will stay in His grace. Nothing is easy sisters and brothers, but we must continue on a day to day basis to walk with the Lord. Sure you we will stumble and fall sometimes, because this flesh is tough. When you do fall get back up and continue the race.

 

[BroTan]

Now, let's continue. Pay close attention to the next verse, John is giving us a warning.

If any man should see his brother sin; a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (I John 5:16)

If you see a brother or sister transgressing the Lord's Law you should correct them and even pray for them asking forgiveness. But, if he or she continues to break the law after they have been informed of the truth and feel comfortable in committing sin, they will sin unto death even the lake of fire. He or she has been given the truth and continue to disobey.

Now, let's see an example of a sin unto death. We will take a look at King Saul, the first king of Israel. God gave him several orders through the prophet Samuel. Saul continued doing what he felt was right instead of doing what the Lord said to do. This sin brought about a physical death. Notice what the Lord says to Samuel.

And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. (I Samuel 16:1)

Note what the Lord says, “How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel.” Saul has simply crossed the line and the Lord has cast him away from Him. But, Samuel loved Saul and tried to get Saul back into the graces of God. This is what Peter is talking about when he says, “There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” Samuel should have no longer prayed for Saul, he knew Saul wasn't following the commandments of God. This happens today also. We all have someone we care for dearly. We do the same thing Samuel did. We mourn for them, but if they continue after they have been told several times, we should be very careful because the Lord might turn on us.

Remember that we plant the seed and the Lord gives the increase. Take a look what happens if you cross that line.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. (Samuel I 16:13-17)

Note what took place after Saul continued to transgress the Lord's commandments, “the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” The Lord put an evil spirit on Saul and this spirit rode Saul until he was killed in battle. Let's hope sisters and brothers that this never happens to us. So here is a little advice from the Lord's chief apostle, Peter. Take heed to these verses.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (I Peter 5:6-7)

So, when trouble strikes cast your care upon the Lord. He is the only one that can protect you, and you have seen He is the only one that can hurt you. You have no choice but to obey. Remember that the Lord has the lake of fire for those who transgress His law. What must we be while we walk in this flesh?

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (Peter I 5:8)

Be alert, and the only way to be alert is keep the Lord's commandments in your face at all times. Each decision you make, weigh it with the Lord's Law. If we start feeling stupid and want to do something contrary to the Lord's Law, resist steadfastly in the faith, because the same afflictions are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world. If you do this, the Lord will not have to put His watchdog on you for breaking His law. But, when we turn to the Lord in truth and in righteousness we will be tried. It is better for us that the Lord beat us up now, instead of later. If He collects from us later, we may be in the lake of fire. When things begin to go wrong, hang on, and take a look back and remember some of the crazy things that we have done in the past, and you will say to yourselves, “I deserve chastisement for my past sins.” Remember, stay in the Lord's law, and the trouble will past. If we endure after the Lord has roughed us up a little bit, He will consider us as sons and daughters. Take a look at this verse and we will move to the prophet Job and get a prime example of a person being chastened by the Lord through Satan. Notice what Paul says.

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (Hebrews 12:6-8)

With that being said, let us take a look at the prophet Job. The Lord called him a perfect and an upright man. Why did the Lord allow Satan to destroy his house? Remember the verses in Hebrews sisters and brothers.