Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

In life, we’re often faced with learning and doing something we haven’t done before. Whether it be school, work, relationships, marriage, children, or life in general, we are faced and forced to learn new things. When we learn something new and do something we haven’t done before, we do them without instincts. It takes time until, after the repetition of doing, that instincts, experience, and wisdom come. It’s a great feeling to eventually gain confidence in knowing what you are doing and have the instincts to do it well.

There’s an instinct that every Christian should develop. What instinct is that? The ability to discern a demonic assault that has attacked your life so that you can instinctively fight back! 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) says, “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.” Peter is warning us not to become the devil’s lunch. He says, “Watch out for attacks from the devil…” If you don’t, then Hosea 4:6 (NLT) which says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge because they don’t know me…” may come to describe you.

The enemy will not only attack your life, but he’ll deceive you by getting you to play the blame game instead of resisting him.

I’ve made an observation over my 38 years of ministry that really seems to hold true. I have noticed that when Christians experience extended hardship of any kind, they often forget that it’s an attack of the enemy resulting in them not fighting back. When an attack continues for an extended period of time and they don’t resist the attacks of the enemy, discouragement begins to take hold and the blame game begins. The thoughts come, God, what is happening? I have done all I know to do. Why is this happening? Why don’t you do something? The blame begins with God. Those questions are aimed at Him. I have too often have we heard someone say, God’s never done a thing for me! I prayed and nothing happened. The blame then moves to those that represent God in their life. Their Pastor, their church, and then other Christians start to become the object of their blame and disappointment. As I said, this is a strategy of the devil to deceive Christians into abandoning their faith in God and the very people who God had used to help them become established in their walk with Him.

It’s not long before they suddenly stop being involved in coming to or serving at their church. At first they visit other churches because they’ve made their Pastor and church the problem through their blame. That doesn’t help so they eventually just quit going anywhere. Then they either stop fellowshipping with other Christians or begin to hang out with disgruntled ones continuously rehearsing their offenses. Their Bible reading and praying often declines. A critical side to them becomes amplified. A return to some past carnal behaviors surface and when this happens, the devil is succeeding in his goal to knock them off course.

The Apostle Paul teaches us that we fight against Satan and his demonic forces—not people! Ephesians 6:10-13 (NLT) says, “A final word: Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” He then says, “Therefore take unto you the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

God instructs us not to go backwards or backslide when hardship comes against us. Hebrews 10:38-39 NIV says, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” God instructs us to fight back. Press into Him. Have faith in the fact that He loves you and promises to help you! Quit looking for someone to blame other than Satan, the enemy of your soul. Love God. Love your Pastor. Love your friends. Run to them all—not from them. In your prayer time and throughout your day, get in the enemy’s face and proclaim God’s victory in your life. Take authority over, resist, and bind the demonic forces coming against your life. 

I want you to know today, that I am standing with you in prayer for God’s best in every area of your life. Win the fight in the spirit. Don’t play the blame game. Don’t get double minded. Have faith. Be honest with God about feelings of discouragement, but then learn to instinctively resist the enemy and discouragement. Rebuke Satan like Jesus did! Get behind thee Satan! Can you say that? Instead begin to proclaim God’s promises over your life and move forward! Find others to pray in faith with you! If you do, you’ll be able so see God instructing and leading you step-by-step in how to walk out your victory in Him. In time, the waters will calm when you walk in your authority as a believer! Don’t shrink back. Draw closer to God as we are instructed to in James 4:8 (NKJV) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” God has not forsaken you. Don’t you forsake Him!

In closing, lift your head and proclaim in faith: “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:9-10 NIV)

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

If Fresh Manna is a blessing to you, I’d love to know. Click here: FreshMannaFeedback@gmail.com 

If your heart has been touched by God’s love through Fresh Manna, would you like to help Pastor Tim reach others also? Please prayerfully consider donating. No gift is too small. 

How Your Donations Are Used? click here 

Published by Pastor Tim Burt
Copyright© 2019 All rights reserved
https://TimBurt.org