Darkness Versus Light

 

Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22

The earth is pretty dark already without adding more darkness on purpose. I refer to Halloween. Many warlocks, witches, and Satanists can’t wait till this day. Spooky innocent fun for believers, is it really okay?

You can celebrate ‘fall’ and maybe have fun dressing up in funny cute outfits but putting a little child in a devil outfit may be a far stretch.Cornfield mazes, innocent non demonic  haunted houses and the like.  Everyone has to be convicted themselves. I don’t have a right or wrong answer. 

Some are intrigued by the darkness and love movies filled with sorcery and tragic dark themes. The question is if this is healthy  for your spirit man? Once again each person has to be convicted on their own. I personally don’t like glorification of all things evil. So it is up to you my friend.Not standing in judgment but giving food for thought on this often justified holiday. 

PRAYER: Oh God you are beautiful, your face is all I want to ponder on and gaze upon. Guide parents about how to handle this seemingly fun candy filled holiday to remember to do all things to the glory of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Timely Word

 

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23

Since moving a couple months ago it is easier to be still and ponder. Covid craziness still in full swing and therefore it is the harder to make friends when you can’t socialize. One plus is I have more time to ponder about how God can use me in my new location. One way is being kind and saying hi.

One of the things that has been a blessing in my life is chatting with those I meet at the local park when I go for exercise. I have met a young couple with two small children, a man who was teaching yoga, a local catching crawdads, and so on. You have the potential to impact a persons life every day either by a timely word or a smile. 

Instead of bemoaning your ‘plight’ or getting yourself into a wrong mindset think about that kind word to a stranger and how it just might impact their day. 

PRAYER: Many times I have slumped into self pity when I need to instead reach out to a friend or family member to check on them . Thank you for the opportunities each day to say a kind word. Help me not be so into self I bypass chances. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take Your Positions Soldiers!

 

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.2 Corinthians 10:4

We are at war my friends. Not a war necessarily between people but against the demonic realm trying to destroy our freedom, our Christian nation, and our heritage. All of us are soldiers in this battle being waged. Washington DC has had so much in person Holy Spirit filled intercession for over a month now going on all over Capitol Hill. It is exciting. 

Sadly some churches are just that and I mean churches. A comfy place to sing and hang out on Sunday but lack the tools for fighting warfare against the devil. Many have even bought into the devils lies that justify some types of sin. It breaks my heart because the devil has them right where he wants them. Weak and complacent and assuming they follow God because they live in America but in favor of many types of obvious sin. Just pray my friend don’t fight with people. 

Get on your knees before God because the enemy has many people tricked to believe lies. Friend you know who wins in the end. This is about keeping America a nation founded on God. Be sure to vote. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord open the eyes of those blinded by the enemy who has taken them captive causing division on social media and riots and turmoil in this great land. Help me always stand for truth and to be a guide to someone maybe who has lost their way or their moral compass is broken. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Not Of This World

 

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:15-17

How does a follower of Jesus live in this present day world without being tripped up? Do you hide yourself away and never go out into the world? The answer is no. “True holiness runs from nothing” was a quote I heard from pastor Creflo Dollar. 

Holiness is being set apart for God. The present world has embraced some unholy lifestyles and those who speak up are called mean spirited. God loves sinners and all have sinned it says in Romans 3:23

You are to be ‘in the world’ but not ‘of the world’ so keep that in mind. Deep down inside of everyone I have heard there is a God shaped hole or basically a sense of right and wrong. Stand strong no matter what culture says is right. Don’t be argumentative but let the Holy Spirit bring conviction. 

PRAYER: Father it is easy if a person immersed themselves in this world more than in God’s word. You hear things enough and maybe start thinking they are true. Help me stand strong against the rising tide of secular humanism and wrong thinking. I pray for those I know being swept under to be thrown a lifeline. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Self Conscious?

 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.Galatians 2:20

To be self conscious is to worry too much about what others think or to place ones self on a pedestal of sorts being almost in love with self. 

Scripture tells you to die to self(1 Corinthians 15:31). It is hard today with the selfie culture, snap chat, and other ways to elevate yourself. Even sometimes worrying too much about what others think could place you in danger of even narcissism.

What we should do is lift Jesus higher and seek to emulate him and represent Him and not be thinking of ourselves so much. Romans 12:3 Says For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Now go lift Jesus higher! 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made Lord and you alone are great and mighty and can do all things. Forgive me if I ever elevated myself too much without giving you the glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Foothold?

 

“In your anger do not sin”:Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27

Are you resisting the devil in your daily life or has he already gained a foothold in your life? The definition of a foothold is “a place where a person's foot can be lodged to support them securely, especially while climbing.” I am not a rock climber but my younger son and his wife are and I tried bouldering once and it is so important to have a place to secure your foot before you attempt to climb higher. Once done you can proceed. 

Satan can gain a foothold in your life in numerous ways. Feeding your mind with lies and untruths from sources trying to trick you. Being angry and bitter can also create opportunity to latch on. Deception is rampant when you start to believe sources other than God’s word. When your senses aren’t exercised unto godliness. 

You have to be on guard constantly because the enemy can latch onto you before you realize it till you can’t even tell good from evil or truth from a lie. My friend make it a point to nourish your spirit man daily with a hefty dose of scripture. If instead you feed it morning news, television shows, and the like you can’t discern because opposing views come into your head. The devil does not like truth and will do whatever it takes to grab you so beware. 

PRAYER: Father I know how important it is to first of all read the Bible regularly but also to have like minded friends who love Jesus more than anything. Help me stay grounded in the word so I can recognize lies. I pray for those I know who are blinded by secular untruths that they may be set free. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Go There...Trust God

 

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.James 5:7-8

The mind is a wonderful thing but has to have discipline to think on the right things. Otherwise you worry, fret, manipulate and say or do things you wish you would not have. 

Waiting and patience are themes throughout scripture and consequences of not being still indeed backfired. Listening to God is so important. 

What are you attempting to wait for? Don’t allow your emotions to make you do something you regret later or jump to conclusions. Talk to God when you feel the impulse to do something you might regret. Good things do come to those who wait.

PRAYER:Father each day I need to remember to commit the day to you and be still afterwards and not try to do things without you. Give me the ability to be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.