Beware of Dog

Its a funny thing. I never realized that humans were capable of flight until I went to work the other day. I work as a driver for a local thrift store. My job is to pickup donations at customers houses for the thrift store.
I drive and Matt navigates. Matt is my coworker, and Matt doesn't like going into fenced yards with Beware of dog signs. neither do I so I usually just wait in the truck for him. Anyway the other day we drove up to a house and there was a Big German Shepherd In the Neighbors yard next door. It didn't really look like a problem, until Matthew went in the yard. The dog was in the yard, and it suddenly charged through the fence and into the yard Matt was in. I don't think I've ever seen someone move that fast. I only found out because I heard a strange sound and saw feet in my side mirror clearing the fence by about a foot. 

I thought what the heck is going on, then I realized what had happened. It was actually hilarious but In all seriousness i want to use this funny story to illustrate a Point. The dog didn't  even get close to Matthew because even though it came  through the fence, it had one small problem the dog was chained. It looked like it was going to get him but the chain limited the dogs movement.All the dog really did was scare the heck out of my friend.There is a lesson here and the Lord began to use this funny situation to teach me something important. The Dog is Like Satan and His Demons The dog is like a Territorial spirit that wants to attack you when you enter his Yard. for the Christian this means when you are being used by God and you are effective in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Entering the Dogs Yard symbolizes entering the Devils territory you are threatening him by invading it with the message of Jesus Christ.That demon Spirit is going to try to attack you he is also going to try to use fear to intimidate you. The Truth is that the Dog is on a chain spiritually speaking The Devil and his Demons do not have the power of Victory over the True Believer that is someone who has accepted the Lord as their Savior and who is Faithful to him.

 The Book of Job contains one of the best examples of Satan's Limited effect over The servant of God Job. Job had everything that a man could desire he had Great Wealth, Many Children, and he was blessed by God in all his Ways whatever he did prospered it was blessed by God. 

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. 2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. 3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Job 1:1-3 (KJV)

 Satan Came into the presence of the Lord and requested that Job be tested.  
 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. 7 And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

Job 1:6-12 (KJV)

 The Lord granted Satans request and he struck Job he took everything he had killed his children destroyed his flocks took his wealth.  
And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: 14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: 15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: 19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

Job 1:13-19 (KJV)

 Job responded by lying on his face and worshiping god. 20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshiped, 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Job 1:20-22 (KJV)

Then The Devil asked to strike his flesh and the Lord allowed him but commanded him to spare Jobs life.

 And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 6 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

Job 2:4-6 (KJV)

Read the Rest of the Book it is a fascinating study in perseverance and endurance in the face of suffering. In all of Jobs suffering God held the devils chain. He did not allow it to destroy Job but to strengthen his faith and i believe to serve as an example for all generations that God is Faithful even in the most horrible situation he is in control and he will not allow the Satan to have free reign over the Christian he will not allow him to be victorious over that person. God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. 

10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

James 5:10-11 (KJV)

God Gives you victory over the power of the enemy.

 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Luke 10:19-20 (KJV)

Notice that immediately after talking about the serpents and scorpions in verse 20 it explains that these are Spirits that are subject to you this is key this is what the devil and his demons don't want you to hear that his spirits are subject to the believer and the name of Jesus Christ.

The enemies weapons and tactics wont work if you stand on what is written according to Gods Word.

Isaiah 54:17 (KJV17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.God is Greater in you than the power of Satan. If you rely on his word and power and not your own wisdom knowledge strength of limited ability, you will be victorious.

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 4:4 (KJV)

Remember that the devil will always try to use fear on you to weaken your faith with a seed of doubt but God does not give you a spirit of fear. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.2 Tim 1:7

  The conclusion of Job is amazing but i wont spoil it for you read it yourself the point is that God is always in control and he has the dog on a chain. He is the Master, not the other way around. The next time you go through a severe testing of your faith, remember this story.God Bless you my Friends.