This month, we’re featuring two empowering messages for men at AchieveLab.org. Be part of the CMN Brotherhood by joining AchieveLab.org TODAY!
First, Pastor Dale O’Shields details five ways the enemy discourages us, and God’s plans to defeat him.
For men to be strong men, Pastor Dale reminds us, we need God to get below the surface, into the depths of our hearts. To open up to him, we need to recognize that God is for us, not against us (Romans 8). We also need to recognize that we are fighting a battle “not against flesh and blood, but with principalities, powers, rulers of wickedness” (Eph 6).
One of the enemy’s powerful blows is discouragement, which means “lose your heart.” The Israelites had it when they couldn’t enter the Promised Land (Numbers 32). But God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you, wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Satan discourages you through disappointments, delays, disabilities (or weaknesses), difficulties, and the drain on you from little things. Strong men cannot fight well if we are discouraged.
What is your antidote to discouragement? Pastor Dale says it is God Himself. He is with us wherever we go. ”A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, Till he has brought justice through to victory” (Matthew 12). In Christ, we have our victory. Jesus knows how to breathe upon the ember of your soul until the flame rekindles.
What a great, encouraging word from our great CMN leader and friend! Be sure to sign up for AchieveLab TODAY!
Dale O’Shields and Michael Phillips provide life hacks you can use TODAY
