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farmer A farmer had one old horse that he used for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer's neighbors heard about it, they sympathized with the old man over his bad luck. "Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?" said the farmer.

A week later, the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. "Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?" said the farmer.

Then, when the farmer's son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone agreed that this was very bad luck. Not the farmer, who replied, "Bad Luck? Good luck? Who knows?"

Some weeks later, the army marched into the village and forced every able-bodied young man to go fight in a bloody war. When they saw that the farmer's son had a broken leg, they let him stay. Everyone was very happy at the farmer's good luck.

"Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?"

Life is a lot like that. Sometimes it seems like things are going well, and at other times, things seem to be going badly. And we let those things dictate our feelings and our outlook on life. When things are going well, we're happy and we think God is with us. If they are going badly, we get discouraged and think that God must have abandoned us. We end up being tossed around by our circumstances.

But the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4 that he had learned to be content, even happy, in all circumstances. He was happy when things were bad (he was in jail at the time), and he was happy when things were going good as well. That's the great thing about being part of God's family. We really don't have to worry in our circumstances, because no matter what, we have hope in Christ. "We know that in everything, God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).

Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 9.42. Live for God, on purpose, regardless of the circumstances that surround you.

lion Satan’s Strategies for Sabotage

The word “strategy” comes from the Greek word, “strategia.” It is a military term, literally meaning “generalship” and implies maneuvering troops into position before the enemy is actually engaged. Strategy, then, means to pro-actively devise an effective plan, utilizing any and all resources, to attain the desired result.

With that in mind, know this – the enemy of your soul, satan himself, has a strategy, as old as mankind itself, designed to sabotage your life, and prevent you from a walk of victory in the Lord.

Now, here is the good news – God Himself has revealed to us in His Word exactly what the enemy’s strategies are, and desires to equip you to overcome the devil’s demonic strategy to ruin you!

If you are to overcome the enemy and have victory in your life, then you must become aware of satan’s strategy, and purposefully position yourself to avoid his pitfalls. In 1 Peter 5:8 we read these critical instructions – “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

In “stealth mode,” satan is strategically sneaking around to see who may become his next prey. Don’t let it be you! This Sunday at WFA we will expose the enemy’s strategy, and allow you to prepare to be more than a conqueror in Jesus‘ name! Don’t miss this message as we reveal “Satan’s Strategies for Sabotage!”

iam I Am...

1. A Child of God (Romans 8:16)
2. Redeemed from the Hand of the Enemy (Psalms 107:2)
3. Forgiven (Colossians 1:13-14)
4. Saved by Grace through Faith (Ephesians 2:8)
5. Justified (Romans 5:1)
6. Sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11)
7. A New Creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)
8. Partaker of His Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4)
9. Redeemed from the Curse of the law (Galatians 3:13)
10. Delivered from the Powers of Darkness (Colossians 1:13)
11. Led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)
12. A Son of God (Romans 8:14)
13. Kept in Safety Wherever I Go (Psalms 91:11)
14. Getting All My Needs Met by Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:19)
15. Casting All My cares upon Jesus (1 Peter 5:7)
16. Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might (Ephesians 6:10)
17. Doing All Thing through Christ Who Strengthens Me (Philippians 4:13)
18. An Heir with God and a Joint Heir with Jesus (Romans 8:17)
19. An Heir of Eternal Life (1 John 5:11-12)
20. Observing and Doing the Lord's Commandments (Deuteronomy 28:12)
21. Blessed Coming in and Blessed Going out (Deuteronomy 26:6)
22. An Imitator of Jesus (Ephesians 5:1)
23. The Light of the World (Matthew 5:14)
24. Blessed with All Spiritual Blessings (Ephesians 1:3)
25. Healed by His Stripes (1 Peter 2:24)
26. Exercising My Authority over the Enemy (Luke 10:19)
27. More Than a Conqueror (Romans 8:37)
28. An Overcomer by the Blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11)
29. Daily Overcoming the Devil (1 John 4:4)
30. Walking by Faith and Not by Sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)
31. Bringing Every Thought into Captivity (2 Corinthians 10:5)
32. Being Transformed by Renewing My Mind (Romans 12:1-2)
33. A Laborer Together with God (1 Corinthians 3:9)
34. The Righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)
35. Continually Praising the Lord with My Mouth (Psalms 34:1)

armor Armor for the Battle

by Marji "Mike" Kruger

"Personal spiritual warfare is anything we do as a conscious effort to live out the kingdom of God and oppose the kingdom of Satan in our particular contexts." (Scott Morreau). The basic secret for overcoming our enemy is simply knowing God in a vital and deepening relationship. Our focus as Christians should be on God, His power, His sovereignty, His holiness and His love.

Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible... the struggle between being godly and being you. The amazing truth is that God has elevated us, spiritually, to the same exalted position Christ enjoys. God "raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6). As we take our stand in the victory of Christ, Satan is powerless to defeat us.

No one who is wise goes into battle unprepared. Paul tells us: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). Immediately after beginning a relationship with Christ, a believer finds himself in a constant struggle. On earth, there are 2 kingdoms in conflict: God's Kingdom and the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:10-12). It is not a question of which Kingdom is stronger. Jesus is the stronger who has bound Satan (Luke 11:14-22).

Because of Christ's victory on the cross, our standing against the enemy is possible. So what's the struggle? Basically it's the struggle between being godly and being you. Paul says, "be strong." The word "strong" means to empower. It comes from the root word "dunamis" which is where we get our word "dynamite". So it is dynamite like power. But, you cannot be strong in yourself. The strength comes from God and His power.

Paul continues to write: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:11-12).

The verb tense of "put on" means that it is a command to begin at this very moment. Right now, not later! Put on the whole armor or God, not just bits and pieces, but the full armor of God! The phrase, "Take your stand" implies that not everyone does take a stand. Often, the very fact that you are willing to stand while everyone else is falling away, draws the attention of others and makes them seek out your secret. HINT: The secret is your relationship with Jesus Christ.

So, are you STANDING? Are you EVEN in the Battle? Whose strength are you fighting IN? Your own strength or GOD'S? Everything aims at our ability to stand... refuse to yield ground... sometimes all you can do is stand! And you will "win" if you stand! But, expect an active battle as you stand. "You can always measure the weight of your blow by the one you get back." (- from a missionary in New Guinea)

The Overcoming Spirit!

"Their weakness was turned to strength." – Hebrews 11:34 NLT

In nature, almost all animals have some form of weakness. Whether that is their size, shape, eyesight, teeth, diet or a whole load of other possibilities, there's always something that can be taken advantage of by a rival or a predator. However, as we can see from watching an animal documentary for more than five seconds, animals have an incredible way of turning these weaknesses into strengths. Being a small, slow animal may seem a disadvantage, but you can fit into holes your predators can't.

We all have weaknesses; some more than others. But as your strengths are God-given, is it not possible that some of your weaknesses may be too? You may be a stubborn so ‘n‘ so but your stubbornness might just be the thing that enables you to kick that habit once and for all. You may have some physical problem that stops you getting out much, but maybe developing and using your mind is how you're going to impact the world. You may get easily bored and frustrated but maybe this could be used as motivation to make things better and get things changed, rather than stirring up negativity?

Make a list today of your strengths and weaknesses. Go through this list and ask God, how can I use all these things for you?

pbstacles Obstacles... What Obstacles?

"Forgetting those things which are behind." – Philippians 3:13

It's impossible to reach your God-given destiny without overcoming your past. If you need inspiration to overcome your life's obstacles, look straight to Jesus. His national identity labeled him as part of a hated minority, people who faced prejudice every day. The stubborn religious leaders refused to listen to his message of love. Instead they hounded him as a heretic. One of His closest friends betrayed Him to make himself wads of cash. Ultimately He was classified as “too dangerous to live” and so was sentenced without a fair trial and died like the worst criminal. And what does He say about His suffering, and ours? “But cheer up! I have defeated the world” (John 16:33 CEV).

It seems like the only kind of party some people enjoy being at is a pity-party. And there's only ever one person on the invite list; yourself! Listen, don't waste your time and energy replaying things in the past that can't be changed. The past is over so get over it. That might sound a bit harsh, but maybe today's the day you need to hear it. Make today the day you look forward. Get up and get on! God says, “The plans I have for you... are... good” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). That means the best is yet to come!

Prevention or Rescue?

by Jim Liebelt

“Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress.” – Hebrews 12:1b (NLT)

Some years ago, news reports appeared about Aron Ralston, a young man from Colorado who had been hiking somewhere in a remote area of Utah wilderness. During what was intended to be a simple day hike, well within Ralston’s capabilities, he accidentally dislodged a massive boulder that pinned his arm and trapped him for five days. Having run out of food and water, and without any reasonable hope of rescue, Ralston amputated his own arm with a pocketknife he had with him. By cutting off his own arm, he saved his life. Various media reports hailed Ralston’s courage. Some even called him a hero.

Ralston’s courage is undeniable. I don’t think many people would have the courage to cut off their own arm. But, it’s also undeniable that this young man made a basic wilderness hiking error by not telling anyone where he was going. A simple measure of prevention could have saved him a lot of grief and quite possibly his arm.

This story provides a couple of reminders for our own spiritual journeys. The Bible is quite clear in its instruction: we are to “throw off the sin that so easily entangles us.” We are all susceptible to sin. It takes God’s transforming work in our lives to beat destructive and sinful habits. Yet, it also takes courage on our part—courage to admit our sin—and courage to repent and change our thoughts and behaviors.

Beyond this, however, we are also to take preventative measures. We are to do our best not to allow ourselves to become enslaved to sin in the first place. Simple, preventative measures like reading God’s word, prayer, fellowship with other believers and being accountable to one another are key in our pursuit of living holy lives.

I am always encouraged by stories of fellow Christ-followers who have courageously experienced victories over sin in their lives. Yet, even more heartening to me are the examples of others who take sin prevention seriously and are victorious over the many temptations they face each day.

Today, take up the challenge of using preventative measures against temptation and sin in your life. If you are struggling with a sinful habit, have the courage to act by cutting away whatever it is that holds you back from having a better relationship with Jesus.

as seen in “Today’s HomeWord,” a daily devotional with Jim Burns. Visit them online at www.homeword.com

The Last Impression

last The supply clerk at the factory was in a dither. A box had been left on the loading dock with this warning printed on it: "Danger! Do Not Touch!"

Management was called, and we were told to stay clear of the box until it could be analyzed. When the foreman arrived, he donned safety goggles and gloves, and then he carefully opened the box.

Inside were 25 signs that read: Danger! Do Not Touch!

This is a very busy time at WFA! There is activity every day with workers throughout the building, as we prepare for the complete renovation of the Sanctuary. In fact, this will be the final Sunday for worship in the Sanctuary in its present condition. Concurrently, we are in the final preparation for the “Eurasia Experience” which moves in to WFA this coming week, and will be presented on the last Sunday of October. And, to add to all the activity, our annual business meeting takes place on the last Wednesday of October.

Why all the “busy-ness”? It’s all to focus on what we are called to do – worship God, build a body of believers, and reach the lost. I am so thankful to be a part of such a dynamic expression of the body of Christ! And, I’m looking forward to worshipping together with you this Sunday!