But we must understand this fact: we are able to control our time on earth.
God wants you to have long life abundantly, and Satan wants you to have short life and peril. Why would God desire life for you and why would Satan desire death?
God has a plan for you. He has things He wants you to do for Him and for His kingdom. He wants you to live your life in such a way that others will be attracted to your lifestyle and desire to be like you. His desire for those who follow Him is prosperity, peace and abundance in all areas.
The devil, on the other hand, wants your life shortened. He knows that one Spirit-filled Christian, walking in the fullness of God, can deal a severe blow to his kingdom.
He knows that a believer who lives a long life of prosperity and health will attract others to the Kingdom of God. Satan hates God and will do everything possible to make the Kingdom of God look unappealing.
Satan is the king of deception. He tempts us and tricks us into missing God's blessing of long life by tempting us into disobedience.
Proverbs 3:1-2 says if we do not forget God's law and if we keep His commands, the result is that God will add length of days and long life. If we make light of the laws of God through our repeated disobedience and lack of repentance, we limit our days on this earth. If our heart is not set toward keeping His commands, we limit our days on this earth.
Ephesians 6:2-3 tells us that if we honor our parents, then our life on earth will be long. This is one of the reasons that Satan seeks to destroy the family. Rebellion, contention in the home, and the dishonoring of parents shortens our lives.
It is true that the thief comes to steal, kill and to destroy. We must understand that we are the ones who are the target of his destruction. Every day a Christian walks on this earth in the fullness of God, he witnesses to the glory of God.
The Bible says, "My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life And peace they will add to you" (Prov. 3:1-2).
Another verse to keep in mind is this one: "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with the promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth" (Eph. 6:2-3).
We should seek out God's Word, follow His commands, and do everything possible to add length to our days. By living these days in the fullness of God and His Word, we bring glory to Him.
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