" HE'S IN CONTROL "

Welcome, this week we are looking into " Control." If we're honest with ourselves we all want Control, especially over everything in our sphere of influence at times. What we all must understand is that nothing happens without God allowing it. Now, regarding Control here are some Biblical thoughts. Although God the Father permits Satan to work in our world, God is still in control. Jesus, because he is God, has power over Satan; Jesus is able to drive out demons and their terrible work in people's lives. One day Satan will be bound forever (Revelation 20:10). Now at this time, I wish to address Satan's temporary control of earth. When Satan tempted Jesus while in the wilderness, Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights ( Matthew 4:1-11). Did the devil have the power to give Jesus the kingdom of the world? Didn't God, The Creator of the world, have control over these kingdoms? The devil may have been lying about his implied power, or he may have based his offer on his temporary control and free rein over the earth because of humanity's sinfulness. Jesus' temptation was to take the world as a political ruler right then, without carrying out his plan to save the world from sin. Satan was trying to distort Jesus' perspective by making him focus on worldly power and not on God's plans. "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God " (Matthew 6:33). As Christians, we should submit to Christ's control. Jesus started his ministry with the very word people had heard John The Baptist say: REPENT. The message is the same today as when Jesus and John gave it. Becoming a follower of Christ means turning away from our self-centeredness and " Self " control and turning our lives over to Christ's direction and control. Until Next Time... Jim,