Bible Study: Knowing Our Enemy, part 5

Knowing Our Enemy:  The Take-A-Ways and the Solution (Part 5)

The enemy is Satan. Revelation 12:17:  And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The Savior is Jesus.  John 3:16:  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Satan was so bold as to try to tempt Jesus, that means that no one is exempt from Satan’s attacks/temptations.

Temptation is not the same as sin, Jesus was tempted, but did not sin.

A proven method of responding to temptation is knowing and using Scripture.

We need to be aware of Satan’s tactics, he seeks to tempt us in all things.

We need to avoid tempting situations whenever possible, choose to flee!

When temptation sneaks up on us or can’t be avoided, we need to stop, step away and remember … it’s possible to overcome this temptation because others have done it.

We need to trust God:  He won’t allow anyone or anything to tempt us beyond our ability to resist.  That’s a fact, not a feeling!

We need to look, in every temptation, for a way out.  God will provide a way out, but we must look for it. 

What happens when we fail the ‘temptation’ test?  God, in His all-knowing state, made provision for that too:  I John 1:9 … If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Does that mean that we can deliberately fail the ‘temptation’ test with the intention of asking God’s forgiveness afterwards?  Here’s what Hebrews 10:26 says about it:  For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.

I John 1:7 is reassuring:  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Will we be perfect?  Will we deflect and come out a victor over every temptation Satan tempts us with?  I think we all know that the answer to both is ‘no!’  However, when we have a heart that wants to be pleasing to God and we act on that according to His word (not always our feelings), we can rest assured that while we may lose a few battles along the way, the battle for our souls will be won, in the end, by God. 

Hang on fellow Christians, if you’re reading this the battle for your soul is not over and the best news is that God is ever ready to step in and help us.  We don’t have to fight alone; all we have to do is invite Him to the fight!

Let’s wrap this study up with one last thought, one that takes us back to where we started …

When we know the enemy, we realize how much we need to know the Savior.  We know the Savior through the study of His Word!

Part 1 can be found HERE!

Part 2 can be found HERE!

Part 3 can be found HERE!

Part 4 can be found HERE!

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This series of lessons was researched, written and taught by Patsy Norwood in a ladies' Bible class in 2022.

It is my prayer that it is beneficial to you in your walk with God.

May God be gloried in all that we do,

patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine

Bible Study: Knowing Our Enemy, part 4

Knowing Our Enemy: Do We Even Stand A Chance?   (Part 4)

There are several other accounts in God’s Word showing how Satan operated:

Job (the whole book of Job): Satan even used Job’s friends and his wife to tempt him into turning against God.

David (I and II Samuel): David was betrayed by those he loved and should have been able to trust.  Satan enticed them to turn on David and they didn’t resist … even one of his sons.

The 12 Apostles (the book of Acts):  Satan used so many people to hinder the apostle’s message that Jesus Christ was the long-awaited Messiah and the establishing of His church.

Paul (beginning in Acts 13): Paul continued the message of the earlier apostles while the Jews, early Christians, Sanhedrin, chief priests and scribes all took their turn at trying to go after him.  Satan was the instigator and source behind their actions.

Early Christians: the New Testament is full of accounts of everyday Christians attacked by Satan … through others.

Satan wouldn’t be successful in his efforts if we were not willing to be used by him.  Satan doesn’t make us choose him in our actions and deeds, he just dresses the temptations up in such a way that makes it hard to resist. 

James 3:14 – 16 … But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

Galatians 5:20 … idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage, rivalries, divisions, factions …

The lesson for us is to beware and work hard not to allow Satan to use us to tempt or influence others against God.  Make no mistake, he’s all about pitting Christian against Christian too!

With all Satan's potential for influence, do we stand a chance against his wiles?  Are we defenseless pawns in the hands of the prince of this world?  Do we really have a choice?  Are the temptations just too strong?

Yes, we have a choice!  Let me say that again, we have a choice!  Let me shout that from the rooftop:  WE HAVE A CHOICE!

God gave us the ability to have that choice when He gave us His Son!

John 3:16 … For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)

Let’s break this verse down …

For God so loved … a great love

The world … you and me

That He gave … sacrificed

His only begotten Son … the one most precious to Him

That whoever believes … we’ll take a closer look at this below

In Him … Jesus

Should not perish … spiritually speaking

But have eternal life …. A home in heaven

The phrase ‘that whoever believes’ needs a closer look.  What does it mean?  Does it mean that all one has to do is believe that Jesus is the Son of God?

It is my belief that while this certainly does indicate that belief in Jesus Christ in God’s son is essential, I also believe that it means more and here’s why …

When we look at Acts 2, at the account of the day of Pentecost when the Church was first created and established, we see the following:

In Peter’s sermon, starting in verse 14, he was really letting his audience have it in trying to make them understand that their choices had just crucified the Son of God.

Upon realizing what they had done deep remorse set in and repentance began in their hearts (verse 37). 

They next asked, “what are we to do?”  Peter’s answer was ‘repent’ and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

According to Peter, what were the requirements:

(1)       Belief had to be first, they had to believe, be convinced that Jesus was the Son of God

(2)       They had to be convicted of what they had done; they had to feel remorse, they had to wish with all their heart that they had never done it.  This in essence was the beginning of true repentance.

(3)       They had to turn from their sins, ‘what must we do?’

(4)       Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sin.  Did you notice the reason they were told to be baptized?  Wasn’t it for the forgiveness of their sins?

(5)       Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  In other words, then you will be saved.

This is how people were added to the Church on the day the Church was established according to Acts 2:41: So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

Notice what verse 42 says they did after they were added to the Church:  They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of break and to prayer.

In other words, they dedicated their lives to living for God and growing the Church.

The phrase, ‘whoever believes’ means so much more than just saying, “I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” but it is absolutely where we all have to start … and yes, we do have a choice!

(For further study on when our sins are washed away, and examples of baptism look at Paul in Acts 22:16; the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:26-34 and Cornelius in Acts 10. Then look at what Jesus said in Mark 16:15-16 …  And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.  NASB)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This series of lessons was researched, written and taught by Patsy Norwood in a ladies' Bible class in 2022.

It is my prayer that it is beneficial to you in your walk with God.

In part 5, we're going to wrap up this study by looking at some take-a-ways and the Solution.  I hope you'll come back for that.  Part 5 can be found HERE!

May God be gloried in all that we do,

patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine

Bible Study: Knowing Our Enemy, part 3

Knowing Our Enemy:  Satan Tempts Jesus (Part 3)

Eve might have been the first person Satan went after, but she wasn’t the last.  Satan, in his arrogance, even tried tempting Jesus.

One of the places we read about the Temptation of Christ is in Matthew 4:1-11  (More of this account can be found in Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 4:1-13).

Temptation is never as great as when one makes a spiritual declaration like Jesus did when He was baptized in the Jordan.

Matthew 4:1-2: (1) Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  (2)  And after He had fasted for forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.

The stage is set:  After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptizer, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.  In His human form, Jesus was at a weak point, vulnerable, alone, fasting, and ready to begin His ministry; that was the perfect opportunity for Satan to make his strategic attacks.

The instinct of self-preservation had to have kicked in which made Jesus’ response even more remarkable.  Satan looks for opportunities to tempt us too especially when we’re preparing to make choices or do something of a spiritual nature.

Matthew 4: 3-4: (3) And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (4) But He answered and said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”

Satan appealed to the physical side of Jesus by offering Him a way to fill the hunger He was surely experiencing but Jesus responded with Scripture.  This points out the importance of knowing and even committing Scripture to memory.

Had Jesus given into His hunger, He would have been placing more emphasis on his personal desires than on God’s will.  We too should question decisions that place more emphasis on our personal desires than on doing God’s will. 

Matthew 4:5-7: (5) Then the devil took Him along into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, (6) and he said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written:  ‘He will give His angels orders concerning You’;  and  ‘On their hands they will lift You up, So that You do not strike Your foot against a stone.’” (7). Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Satan tried to taunt Jesus into proving He was Who He claimed He was.  Satan tried to get Jesus to rise to the occasion and go ahead of God’s plan instead of submitting to God’s timetable.  Satan misused Scripture but Jesus responded with the correct use of Scripture, He didn’t let him get by with it!

If Satan tried to twist scripture with Jesus, don’t think for a minute he won’t try it with us too.  The better we know Scripture, the less likely we’ll be deceived. 

It also seems that Satan was attacking Jesus emotionally, could he have been trying to get Jesus to question God’s love for Him by taunting Him to test God?  Would he do that to us?  I think all of us who are serious about our relationship with God know that he not only would but does!

Matthew 4:8-10: (8) Again, the devil took Him along to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; (9) and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me (10) Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” 

Satan wanted control in heaven and now it seems that he’s introducing the ‘control’ issue to Jesus.  Could he be trying to entice Jesus with the idea of having complete control as he seemly wanted. 

Satan tried to entice Jesus to make selfish choices instead of submitting to God.  Satan might have been trying to feed Jesus’ ego as well, the temptation was to entice Jesus to exalt Himself.  Satan knows no limits when he strikes his blows!

And finally, Satan knew that if he could get Jesus to fall down and worship him, then he would have won the battle that he began in heaven.  Aren’t we glad Jesus stood firmly on God’s Plan and Word!

Matthew 4:11:  Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to serve Him.

Luke 4:13 adds additional info to the account … “When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.”

When Satan saw that he wasn’t going to successfully manipulate Jesus into doing what he wanted Him to do, he left Him until an opportune time.  Satan conceded to losing this battle, but he didn’t concede the war.  'An opportune time’ lets us know that he was already looking for his next opportunity. 

If Satan continually tried to tempt Jesus, he’ll continually try to tempt us as well!

Jesus left us the example of how to overcome!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ 

This series of lessons was researched, written and taught by Patsy Norwood in a ladies' Bible class in 2022.

It is my prayer that it is beneficial to you in your walk with God.

In part 4, we're going to find the answer to the question of, 'Do we even stand a chance?'  I hope you'll come back for that.  Part 4 can be found HERE!

May God be gloried in all that we do,

patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine

Bible Study: Knowing Our Enemy, part 2

Knowing Our Enemy:  Strategies Satan Used on Eve!  (part 2)

by Patsy Norwood  (c) All Rights Reserved  (See Permission page for exception)

Our first look at Satan is found in the account of Eve in the book of Genesis.  Having been cast out of heaven, Satan was looking for a way to get back at God and what better way to do it than to go after that which God created and loved.

Let’s look at the facts:

Satan approached Eve and set about appealing to that which he obviously thought would be a temptation to her.  He went straight for what she had been forbidden by God to have.

(1)“Now the serpent was more cunning than any animal of the field which the Lord God had made.  And he said to the woman, ‘Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?”  (2) The Woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; (Genesis 3:1-2 (NASB)

From Genesis 3: 3-4, we see Satan contradicting God’s Word.

But from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.” (4) The serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die!  For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.

Satan told Eve she wouldn’t die if she ate the fruit which is in direct contradiction to what God said.  Satan wants us to believe that doing the wrong thing won’t hurt us, either!

From Genesis 3:5, we see that Satan promises Eve self-enhancement.

For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.

Satan told Eve the forbidden fruit would make her like God.  He wants us to believe that sin will make us smarter, happier, or more popular and that it’s okay just this once.

In Genesis 3:6 we see where Eve’s thoughts took her after listening to what Satan had to say …

(6) When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband with her, and he ate.  (Genesis 3: 6 NASB)

For Eve the temptation was the forbidden fruit; for us, it can be anything we shouldn’t have/do.  Satan caused Eve to look at the forbidden fruit in a different way, he planted the first seed of temptation that would grow into full blown disobedience to God.  Satan started out small with a simple question and then continued to build on it.  As Genesis 3:1 says, “… the serpent was more cunning than any animal of the field which the Lord God had made …” and he used his cunning ability on Eve.  He uses it on us today too!

Satan is constantly looking for ways to steal, kill and destroy and he started with Eve!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 NASB

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  I Peter 5:8 NASB

‘Being of sober spirit’ means to be level-headed, steady, even-tempered, rational, free from intoxicating influences.  ‘Be on the alert’ means to be watchful! 

The devil wants to destroy souls!  This is not a game; Satan doesn’t play fair and will use whatever tactics available to him to pull us away or keep us from having a relationship with God. 

We are not powerless though; awareness of Satan’s tactics is just one tool in our weapons of battle.  Others include:

Consistent prayer to God

Consistent personal Bible study

Consistent fellowship with true Christians

I Corinthians 10:13 tells us that God is faithful and will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.  This verse also tells us that He will provide a way out so that we can endure it.  (The context of this verse, along with verses 1 – 12, centers on the message of avoiding Israel’s mistakes.)

No temptation has overtaken you but such as it common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)

Is looking for and choosing the way out easy, a thousand times, NO!  The heart wants what it wants even when what it wants goes against God’s word.  Just ask Eve!

(For further study on ‘the heart,’ look at these verses:  Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21; Proverbs 10:20; Proverbs 28:26; Ecclesiastes 9:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21,23;)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This series of lessons was researched, written and taught by Patsy Norwood in a ladies' Bible class in 2022.

It is my prayer that it is beneficial to you in your walk with God.

In part 3, we're going to take a look at the ways Satan tempted Jesus, yes, Satan even went after Jesus!  I hope you'll come back for that.  Part 3 can be found HERE!

May God be gloried in all that we do,

patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine

Bible Study: Knowing Our Enemy, part 1

Knowing Our Enemy: Where Did the Devil Come From?  (Part 1)

by Patsy Norwood  (c) 2022  All Rights Reserved.  (See permission page for exceptions)

When we know the enemy, we realize how much we need to know the Savior.  Let that statement sink in, it’s profound, isn’t it?

In spiritual matters, who exactly is our enemy?  I hope by the time you’ve completed this study, that you know with certainty who our enemy is and how he operates.

When we want to know something, we go straight to the authoritative source, don’t we?  We go to the one who we know has the answers and, in this instance, that authoritative source is God.  We can find His answers in His Word, so that’s where we’re going.

The first question we’re going to address is where did the devil/Satan come from?  We’ll turn to Genesis 1:31 and start there.

“And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good’ (Genesis 1:31 NASB)

This Scripture tells us that all things, as they were originally created, were good.  Does that include the devil?  Since Scripture tells us that God created everything, it does indeed include the devil.  The devil was created good, but then turned evil.  Our inquiring minds want to know what happened!

I John 3:8 tells us that the devil sinned “the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.”  This is our first record of sin and it occurred in heaven by the devil.  Note that the devil’s sin began from the beginning.

What did the devil do? Here’s what Revelation 12: 7-9 (NASB) says happened …

(7) And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, (8) and they did not prevail, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven.  (9) And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Was this a real physical conflict or was it symbolic of a spiritual battle between God and Satan?  There are arguments for both positions.

Let’s pause and look at the different names the enemy is known as in this passage of Scriptures before we move on, they include ‘the dragon, serpent of old, the devil and Satan.’   These names give us additional information about our adversary.  (Definitions are taken from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

‘the dragon’ … a huge, fabulous kind of serpent; the devil 

‘serpent of old’ … a snake; figuratively an artful malicious person, Satan 

‘devil’ … accuser, slanderer, deceiver, a false witness, malicious accuser, Satan 

‘Satan’ … the devil, accuser 

It’s also important to notice what else these verses say about the devil, verse 9 says he ‘deceives the whole world.’  

Here’s another one, look at John 8:44.  The context of this verse is one of Jesus reprimanding some Jews for their unbelief, but notice what it says about Satan, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father.  He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him.  Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”  

Both of these verses are straightforward and to the point aren’t they!

What was the war in heaven about?   Ezekial 28:11-17 (NASB) alludes to the devil’s position in heaven as being exalted, possibly the highest-ranking angel as well as gives a detailed description of him before the fall.  It seems he was a creation of beauty.  Verse 17 gives the reason behind the devil’s choice to rebel, which was pride.

(11) Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, (12) “Son of man, take up a song of mourning over the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘this is what the Lord God says: “You had the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. (13)  You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: the ruby, the topaz and the diamond; the beryl, the onyx and the jasper; the lapis lazuli, the turquoise and the emerald; and the gold, the workmanship of your settings and sockets, was in you. On the day that you were created they were prepared. (14) You were the anointed cherub who covers, and I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked in the midst of the stones of fire.  (15) You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until unrighteousness was found in you.  (16) By the abundance of your trade you were internally filled with violence, and you sinned; therefore I have cast you as profane from the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, you covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. (17) Your heart was haughty because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I threw you to the ground; I put you before kings, that they may see you.

Note:  The Tyrian Kings were prideful and the example of what happened to the devil is being used in these Scriptures as a warning to these proud kings.  What we’re focusing on for the purpose of this study is the insight of ‘what happened to the devil.’  In a nutshell, I believe God is saying to the King of Tyre, ‘this is what happened to the devil, don’t let it happen to you.

Did the devil’s pride lead to a power struggle, what we would call today, a coup?  Did he make an attempt at a heavenly take-over?  Did he attempt to usurp God’s authority and position?  Here are two more passages that allude to such a rebellion,

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment (II Peter 2:4) Let’s look at some key points in this verse: (1) Angels sinned (I believe this is referring back to the devil’s rebellion in heaven) (2) They were cast into hell and (3) They were committed to pits of darkness.

And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day (Jude 6) Key points in this verse are: (1) Angels stepped out of line (Again, I believe this is referring back to the devil’s rebellion in heaven) and (2) They left their God appointed job/position/role.  It seems that disobedience, pride and not being content with his role were the devil’s downfall.

James 1:14 tells us,” But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.”  Evil comes from giving in to ungodly desires.

Here’s what we can conclude from what we’ve learned so far …

Satan was created good, but turned evil

Satan was full of himself and let pride rule his heart

Satan tried to usurp God’s position and authority

Satan introduced a rebellion in heaven

Satan was the first sinner

Satan is a slanderer and accuser of God and His people

Satan deceives the whole world

Satan is a liar

And finally, Satan’s choices set in motion the battle between good and evil that we are all a part of today.

When the devil and his angels were cast out of heaven down to earth, it set the scene for his future operations.  He would continue his battle with God in the hearts and minds of the very people God loves and created to be His own.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This series of lessons was researched, written and taught by Patsy Norwood in a ladies' Bible class in 2022.

It is my prayer that it is beneficial to you in your walk with God.

In part 2, we're going to take a look at the ways Satan tempted Eve, I hope you'll check back for that tomorrow.  Part 2 can be found HERE!

May God be gloried in all that we do,

patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine

Memorizing Scripture: Isaiah 41:13

One of my ongoing spiritual goals is to memorize as much scripture as I can.  Being of an older age this is not as easy as it once was and it takes me longer than it once did, but nevertheless I am determined to try.

(One method I'm using is to write the scripture on an index card and place it on my refrigerator door.  Since I go by the refrigerator and or have cause to open the door several times a day, it gives me several opportunities to pause and read it.  This simple act gets me off to a good start!)

The next scripture on my list to commit to memory is Isaiah 41:13 ... 

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."  (ESV)

The mental image that comes to mind when I read and meditate on this verse is one of my sharing the latest challenge in my life with God.  As He listens, He reaches for my hand and gently reminds me that He doesn't want me to be afraid, that He will help me.

What a comfort it is to be a child of God!

patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine

Permission Page

Permission is granted to use articles and Bible studies for personal study and in women's Bible classes as long as no changes are made and there is no monetary gain.  Also, a link back to this site is required.

Thanks,

patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine

Devotional Thoughts: Romans 8:28

Sometimes sweet words of inspiration float into my mind. Such was the case one morning this week. 

Maybe someone else needs to hear these words also ...

You've been done wrong,
You've been deeply hurt,
Give it to Me,
Stay faithful,
I'll make something good come from it.

Romans 8:28:  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (NKJV)

patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine

About the Author

From This Heart Of Mine …

I have set at the feet of many faithful preachers and Bible class teachers and pray to be able to sit at many more.

I have many notes in the margins of my Bibles and plan to continue studying and making more.

I have written a few Bible studies for women along with devotionals.

I am not a Bible scholar; I am a student of God’s Word.

I love studying God's Word, I mean I really love it. 

I pray for a continual hunger for God's Word.

I strive to teach the things that Jesus and the apostles taught when the Church was first established in the book of Acts and all throughout the New Testament. 

I have taught ladies Bible classes, spoken at ladies' events, taught teen girl's Bible classes, children's Bible classes and am currently teaching a 'tween/teen' Bible class and a young wives and mother's Bible class.

I believe that the Bible is God's inspired Word and that Jesus Christ is God's Son.  I believe that Jesus Christ willingly died on a cruel cross so that I would/could have the opportunity to choose Him.

I believe that love grounded in the truth of God's Word is the vehicle by which we reach and teach others.   Love cannot be grounded in false teaching and be pleasing to God.

I love the Lord; I mean I really love the Lord and I ask Him continually to help me love Him more.

I trust the Lord and I continually ask him to strengthen my weak faith.

I strive to memorize Scripture.

I pray for protection from Satan and his evil deeds.  I ask you to pray for me too! 

I get discouraged.

I am an introvert who strives to find ways to serve the Lord that fit being an ‘introvert.'

I pray for a gentle, meek, quiet, humble heart and spirit, I pray for wisdom, guidance, and discernment and at the same time I also pray for courage to lovingly stand firm on the truth of God’s Word regardless of what it costs me.

Does all this mean that I am something special, that I think I am perfect, absolutely not!  Don’t put me on a pedestal, you will be disappointed!  I am very much aware that I am a sinner, a sinner saved by the grace of God, a sinner that strives to be pleasing to God.  In my striving I acknowledge that I cannot earn my salvation, my love for Him compels me to do everything I can to be pleasing to Him though.   When we truly love someone, we want to be pleasing to them, don’t we?  We know how to be pleasing to God through the study of His Word.   I am also aware that I can be nothing or do nothing for Him without His help and guidance.  I cannot get to heaven without going through Jesus either!

Why am I starting this site?  With all the advancing evil in this world, I need to be doing what I can to show others that all is not lost, that there is hope in God, the God of creation that stands with outstretched hands pleading for us to open our eyes and choose His path.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”  Isaiah 6:8

What can you expect from my writings? Devotionals, Bible studies and Bible lessons written for women and children by me.  Excerpts from the notes in the margins of my Bibles, thoughts from my heart and words of encouragement.  Occasionally, I’ll share links to devotionals, Bible studies, Bible lessons and words of encouragement from other faithful Christian women.  You can expect and be assured that everything I have written or will write will be and has been prayed over and scrutinized through God Word’s before it's sent out.  There is a terrifying warning in Revelation for those who would dare to tamper with God’s Word, whether through false teaching or twisting it to change its meaning.

Revelation 22:18-19  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

One of the first few things I’ll be sharing is the Bible study I’m in the final stages of writing titled, ‘Knowing Our Enemy.’

After that I want to share how I use and have set up a prayer journal and then after that I want to give you a peek at my faith journal.  I am getting older, yes, I am in the fall/winter season of life and am slowly realizing that I can’t continue to serve the Lord in some of the more physical ways that I have in the past, but I am not ready to retire from God’s Work.  When I get really discouraged and allow the retirement attitude to creep in, I pray that God reminds me of the urgency of keeping on keeping on.  A quote from Carol-Dodd Smith, whom I was privileged to hear and be in the audience of in the fall of 2021, sums up what I want the rest of my life to be, “Lord, use me until I’m all used up and then take me home.”  Mrs. Carol-Dodd Smith was called home to her reward in 2022.  She worked tirelessly doing what she could for the Lord even as she battled the cancer that would end her life sending her to her heavenly home, what a legacy she left!

As evil ramps up, I need to do more for the Lord.  I need to continue working for Him in this fall/winter season of life!  I too want the Lord to use me until I’m all used up and then take me home.

Patsy @ From This Heart Of Mine