14th July 2006- Your Deadly Enemy

Your Deadly Enemy
By Kenneth Copeland

Many of us, even though we're believers, have seen grief and sorrow as such a natural part of life that we haven't even questioned them. In fact, if we're honest, we'd have to admit there are times when we actually want to feel sad and sorry for ourselves.

Why would we choose to feel sorrow? Because sorrow has an emotional kick to it. It offers a surge of feeling that, in the beginning stages, is almost intoxicating.

But grief and sorrow are dangerous things. Several years ago God showed me that they're not the innocent emotions we've thought they were. The force behind these emotions are actually spirit beings sent by the devil himself to kill, steal and destroy.

They are a part of the devastating, satanic barrage Jesus took on Himself when He died on the Cross (Is. 53). He bore grief and sorrow, so we wouldn't have to. If they come knocking on your door, remember, they are not innocent emotions. They are deadly enemies that Jesus already carried away at Calvary.

Don't live as those who have no hope. You're a believer. You know that Jesus Christ died for you and rose again. That not only gives you hope where physical death is concerned, it gives you hope in every situation. Sorrow not!

• Point to Ponder: The force behind grief and sorrow are actually spirit beings sent by the devil himself to kill, steal and destroy. They are not innocent emotions.

• Scripture Reading: Isaiah 51:11-16

• Verse: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

• What we can do about it: Don't live as those who have no hope. You're a believer. You know that Jesus Christ died for you and rose again. Hence, we should not be feeling grief and sorrow, but a life of hope and joy!

_____________________________________________

Scripture Reading (Isaiah 51:11-16):

51:11
The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
51:12
"I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass,
51:13
that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor?
51:14
The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread.
51:15
For I am the Lord your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar-- the Lord Almighty is his name.
51:16
I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand-- I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.'"
New International Version

_____________________________________________