The enemy wants to change his name

* Luis Alberto Alves

The enemy wants to change your name, wants you to be known as troubled, bankrupt, in debt, bad guy, dishonest, etc. You know what? A difficult situation does not define who you are. Jesus came to give us a new name. The name of Jesus overcomes death. You will not settle in this situation, the fact that you see no solution does not mean that God is not by your side, that you do not have a people, or that you do not have a place to dwell.

* Luis Alberto Alves is a pastor

Never lose faith

* Luis Alberto Alves

In times of difficulty we become discouraged. The desire is to sleep all day, stay locked in the room and if possible never wake up again.
But at this time we need to redouble our prayers, fast and cry for the help of Jesus Christ. It is putting our faith into practice and continuing to fight the good fight.

* Luis Alberto Alves is a pastor

Jesus' warning and Satan's praise

* Luis Alberto Alves

No one likes to be corrected, given an ear tug to get back on track and do the right thing. This is human nature. We are similar to children. They ignore the danger and when parents call their attention, they start crying or making fun.

The Christian has this kind of behavior. When attacked by the devil, he is not pleased to receive the correction of Jesus Christ. He catches our attention and pulls our ears because he knows what will happen to us bad if we continue on the bad path.

It is hard, but the "warning of God will lead us to Heaven, and the praise of Satan, in the form of sweetness, is right for hell."
Meditate on these two examples: 1) The Lord, through the Word, warns that it is not advisable to cultivate certain friendships or attend certain places. Both, from our point of view, look good and we retort saying that "it has nothing to do".

Take example 2: At school or college or work, the devil puts someone looking good to be your friend. It starts taking you to drug, drink and prostitution parties. Satan says that you are antisocial in refusing this friendship and that none of this will harm you. After all, God will command the angels to support you.

Did you pay attention to these two illustrations? In the first, the Lord warns, which in our view seems bad, as it may mean isolation or even leave us alone. We look on the downside, leaving behind the benefits that will bring us in the future. That is, the guarantee of entering Glory.

In the second, the devil sells the proposition that we need to be in environments where he encourages various kinds of addictions. It seems that he would be right in his convictions. However, the outcome will be tragic. The enemy will never show the consequences of choosing to accept his compliments, filled with false beauty, which is the right route to hell. So we better stick with the warnings of Jesus who will take us to eternity

* Luis Alberto Alves is a pastor

Be vigilant

* Luis Alberto Alves

In 1 Peter 5: 8, Jesus warns us:"Be sober, be vigilant, for the devil your adversary walks about, roaring like a lion, seeking whom he may swallow."

* Luis Alberto Alves is a pastor

I will heal your land

* Luis Alberto Alves

Meditate on what is written in 2 Chronicles 7:14.
14 "And if my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal. your land ".

* Luis Alberto Alves is a pastor

Powerful to do all things

* Luis Alberto Alves

As it is written in Ephesians 3:20. "Now to him who is able to do much more abundantly than what we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21. To this glory in the church, through Jesus Christ, throughout the generations, for ever and ever. Amen".

* Luis Alberto Alves is a pastor

Our refuge and fortress

* Luis Alberto Alves

In Psalm 46, verse 1 it is written, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." We all face difficulties. They just change their names. For some it is poor health, rebellious children, unemployment, unfair competition in the business world, persecution at work, family wars etc.

After all we have not yet reached heaven. Satan knows that a rock-solid Christian will enjoy eternity. Just as the athlete who, with firm steps, already tired, is close to finishing the race, in the final kilometers begins to feel cramps and pain in the feet. But will complete the test.

Jesus is by our side. The Holy Spirit abides within our hearts. It is He who will calm us down when we think of throwing everything up and giving up the fight, even thinking of returning to the mud where we were once rescued. It's not easy. The darkness will insist on bringing it down. They'll plant lies in your ear, saying it's all over.

But my brother and sister stand firm in the Lord's promises. Do not look back. Stay focused on Jesus. Even if the mighty pains of anguish hurt your spirit and soul, know that the Lord will be your present help at all times. Later you will know that the choke you went through was to exalt the Name of Jesus Christ in your life. Great September for you and your family.

* Luis Alberto Alves is a pastor