victory in Jesus

Victory in Jesus!
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:20) When Saint Paul closed Romans in Chapter 16, he spoke prophetically to the believers in Rome and every Christian who lives today. He boldly proclaimed, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” What powerful imagery lives within this verse. Paul refers to God as peace (shalom, prosperity, wholeness, completeness). Another translation says, “The God who gives peace...” Dear brothers and sisters, our peace is insured and Satan will be crushed, pressed, squeezed and destroyed and we will stand victorious over him.
We can all find encouragement in this verse today. Jesus’ blood on the cross settled the battle for power between God and Satan, light and darkness, good and evil. On the cross, Jesus’ blood anointed and empowered every believer to defeat Satan. The enemy has been, and will always be defeated. It’s time for every Christian to grasp the meaning of this truth and walk it out in faith. We are victors, conquerors, and winners, not losers. The biggest lie Satan can tell you is that he has power over you. He cannot make you do anything. He can talk and roar. He can try to intimidate you with an endless string of “What If” lies. Remember friends, you have the power within you to resist and defeat him. You must learn to say, case closed! Satan you lose! You lost when: (1) God threw you out of heaven into the depths of hell (2) when Jesus died and shed His blood for us on the cross (3) when Jesus was resurrected (4) when Jesus kicked open the gates of hell and ascended to the right hand of God to reign and rule as our King!  
Friends, regardless of the outcome of this week’s election or the events which may occupy the headlines in the days ahead, Jesus will still be OUR reigning and ruling King! So, give God praise and thanksgiving today for giving you power, dominion and authority over Satan. Thank Him that it is written “nothing can harm you” (Luke 10:19) so do not walk in fear anymore. Find comfort in God’s promises to US, His children and “May the peace of God which passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord…and may the Blessing of God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always.   
Grace and peace always,
Fr. Greg

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