A Nugget from New Life Network
(excerpts from Dr. Larry Ollison)
Scripture for the Day – September 18, 2019
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
At 3 p.m. on a cold afternoon, I received a call that a friend whom I hadn’t seen in nearly a year had taken his life. This wasn’t the first time that I had received such a call.
Years ago, one of my friends in the ministry took his life also. He was married with children and had a wonderful wife. He had great accomplishments. He was a scholar and an author and public speaker. However, he believed the lie of Satan for just a moment. Because he had the opportunity and the means, in that moment, he took his life.
One of these men seemingly had nothing to live for and the other one had everything to live for; yet, in a moment of weakness, they chose death over life. God said, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
For many years I wondered why God would say to choose life. Of course, anyone in his or her right mind would choose life. Yet, many are not in their right mind. The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). If he can steal your prosperity, you have poverty. If he can steal your joy, you have depression. If he can steal your belief in Jesus, you have hopelessness. Poverty, depression, and hopelessness are the key ingredients for suicide.
However, hopelessness is not God’s plan for His children. For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, Amplified Bible)
Some people would never take their physical lives. However, many commit emotional suicide by “checking out” of society. If you live your life in a state of emotional dullness without friends, without relatives, and without God, you will accomplish no more than the person who takes their life. Satan wins either way.
We see the same thing happening today to people that profess that they know God. We must break this cycle of suicide and it can be done by daily renewing our minds with the Word of God. We must decide that nothing will separate us from the love of God and we must train our children accordingly. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31,32).
Renew your mind daily with the Word of God and cast down the words of the enemy. Know who you are in Christ, know your authority, and know the ways of your enemy. Accept the teachings of health, prosperity, and joy, and reject the teachings of false humility through poverty, sickness, and solemnness.
Know the truth, be set free, and choose life!!!
