" VICTORY "

Well here we are again, another week has come and gone which means a new message is upon my heart. This week we are looking into " VICTORY. " Those who honor God can be Victorious regardless of the odds. Now, when I think of Victory I'm reminded of Gideon. Victory depends upon obedience and commitment. Gideon's army simply watched as the army of Midian fell into Panic, Confusion, and Disordered Retreat. Not one man had to draw a sword to defeat the enemy. Gideon's small army could never have brought such a Victory in their own strength. God wanted to demonstrate to Israel that Victory depends not on strength or numbers, but on obedience and commitment to him. Temptation often comes after Victory. The devil, who tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, also tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Satan is a real being, a created but Rebellious Fallen Angel, and not a symbol or an idea. He constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey God. Jesus was a prime target for the devil's temptations. Satan succeed with Adam and Eve, and he hoped to succeed with Jesus too. We are very susceptible to sin after great Victories. It is then that we feel Confident, Relaxed, and Ready to Celebrate. If in that excitement, we let our defenses down, Satan can attack with all sorts of temptations. When you win, watch out. After the mountain peaks come the valleys. LAST THOUGHT: Victory can be looked at differently by God Almighty. Now, Saul thought he had won a great Victory over the Amalekites, but God saw it was a great failure because Saul had disobeyed him and then lied to Samuel about the results of the battle. Saul may have thought his lie wouldn't be detected. Saul was deceiving himself. Dishonest people soon begin to believe the lies they construct around themselves. Then they lose the ability to tell the difference between truth and lies. By believing your own lies you deceive yourself, you will alienate yourself from God, and will lose Credibility in all your Relationships. In the long run, honesty wins out. Until Next Time...