This skit is unfortunately what so many people believe God is like.... because it is what we are like at times.
So sit back, have a good laugh, and praise Him for His compassion, grace, and love!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
One Question
Do not answer this for at least 10 minutes- hopefully longer. Take time to search deeply and hear the answer. Be honest.
Who does your life reveal you really trust more: Jesus Christ or yourself?
Who does your life reveal you really trust more: Jesus Christ or yourself?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Remember This
Today I'm just going to post a verse which is on my heart... May God speak to you as He will.
6 Remember this: the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not out of regret or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. *Emphasis mine
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6 Remember this: the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not out of regret or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. *Emphasis mine
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Monday, August 30, 2010
Messed Up
Do you have it all together?
If you said "No", don't worry: You're not alone.
If you said "Yes", well, you might want to reconsider. Having it all together usually entails a little too much self pride and not so much leaning on God. The only time I can truly say "I've got it all together" is when I'm bundling it up to hand over to Him!
Here is the encouragement I feel I need to pass along today:
I am messed up. And guess what? So is everyone else around you.
No, the church is not perfect- it's still here on this sinful earth full of sinful people whose only hope is to rely on the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse and save them. We all struggle. We all have vices. We all make it one day, and sometimes even just one hour, at a time.
You are not alone.
And God didn't leave you alone down here either. He gave you brothers and sisters in Christ to walk with you. Be open and honest with one another. You may each be struggling with the same thing and can encourage and keep one another accountable. Be real. Do not try and hide- even from yourself.
Be encouraged, as I have, by Paul:
9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. 10 So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
If you said "No", don't worry: You're not alone.
If you said "Yes", well, you might want to reconsider. Having it all together usually entails a little too much self pride and not so much leaning on God. The only time I can truly say "I've got it all together" is when I'm bundling it up to hand over to Him!
Here is the encouragement I feel I need to pass along today:
I am messed up. And guess what? So is everyone else around you.
No, the church is not perfect- it's still here on this sinful earth full of sinful people whose only hope is to rely on the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse and save them. We all struggle. We all have vices. We all make it one day, and sometimes even just one hour, at a time.
You are not alone.
And God didn't leave you alone down here either. He gave you brothers and sisters in Christ to walk with you. Be open and honest with one another. You may each be struggling with the same thing and can encourage and keep one another accountable. Be real. Do not try and hide- even from yourself.
Be encouraged, as I have, by Paul:
9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. 10 So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Revealed
Seldom do we share what God has revealed to us with one another. How unfortunate. For today I have discovered its importance...
This has been a difficult day for me both physically and emotionally. Many different factors are at play which have all cumulated in an overall icky day. I'm so grateful that it is Sunday and I have a church family and a worship service to lean upon!
As I was preparing to leave, one of the ladies from my weekday Bible study came up to me with the most excited look on her face. One of the things we were asked to do this week was pay attention to what God reveals to us- how He is speaking to us in every aspect of our lives. God had spoken to her revealing the answer to a question of her heart during the service today, and she wanted to share it with me.
Even though He had been working greatly in me all morning soothing and loving on me, I desperately needed to hear a word of encouragement in this way. If she had kept it to herself, I wouldn't have been as blessed and comforted. Sometimes we just need to know how He is working in others lives. Not only does it bring us closer together, but it reassures that we are all in this together.
Another aspect is that she was not the first person to come up to me sharing that God was working in them through this Bible study. Knowing that one person is growing in the Lord is wonderful- knowing that there are several who are excited enough to share outside of the routine is exhilarating!
Praise You Lord God for the way you work in each of our hearts and lives. And I can never thank You enough for those You have allowed to walk with me!
This has been a difficult day for me both physically and emotionally. Many different factors are at play which have all cumulated in an overall icky day. I'm so grateful that it is Sunday and I have a church family and a worship service to lean upon!
As I was preparing to leave, one of the ladies from my weekday Bible study came up to me with the most excited look on her face. One of the things we were asked to do this week was pay attention to what God reveals to us- how He is speaking to us in every aspect of our lives. God had spoken to her revealing the answer to a question of her heart during the service today, and she wanted to share it with me.
Even though He had been working greatly in me all morning soothing and loving on me, I desperately needed to hear a word of encouragement in this way. If she had kept it to herself, I wouldn't have been as blessed and comforted. Sometimes we just need to know how He is working in others lives. Not only does it bring us closer together, but it reassures that we are all in this together.
Another aspect is that she was not the first person to come up to me sharing that God was working in them through this Bible study. Knowing that one person is growing in the Lord is wonderful- knowing that there are several who are excited enough to share outside of the routine is exhilarating!
Praise You Lord God for the way you work in each of our hearts and lives. And I can never thank You enough for those You have allowed to walk with me!
Friday, August 27, 2010
What No Dream Could Conceive
I'm a dreamer.
And it's not that I plan big and have lofty goals for life: I seldom get a good nights sleep without vivid dreams. At times they are so real I've almost told someone what happened "the other day" only to realize it was actually just a dream. The majority of them however are truly epic and exhausting. Often I wake up even more tired than when I went to bed. Last night, for example I escaped a flood with my children only to be stranded on a snowy, volcanic island which was about to erupt. Few of us survived the avalanche before the major eruption though...
The human mind amazes me. God made us so complex with the ability to imagine and dream such wondrous things. We compose soul stirring symphonies and great works of life-like sculpture and art. Our inventions build on one another till it seems we could accomplish anything. Yet God is incomprehensible. The mere presence of His angels drop us to our knees with awe, and no man could live who beheld His face.
My God is amazing.
That's why I like the daytime. I can control daydreams a lot better. It's also why I love to read Job 38:1 - 41:34. God describes Himself with the best terms we could understand - and even those are a bit confusing. I can't wait to ask Him which animals really are the Behemoth and Leviathan!
Take some time today to dream about God. I believe He created us this way for this purpose. For when I am daydreaming about Him, I discover I've begun to worship Him for who He is in His majesty and glory and not just for what He's done for me.
And it's not that I plan big and have lofty goals for life: I seldom get a good nights sleep without vivid dreams. At times they are so real I've almost told someone what happened "the other day" only to realize it was actually just a dream. The majority of them however are truly epic and exhausting. Often I wake up even more tired than when I went to bed. Last night, for example I escaped a flood with my children only to be stranded on a snowy, volcanic island which was about to erupt. Few of us survived the avalanche before the major eruption though...
The human mind amazes me. God made us so complex with the ability to imagine and dream such wondrous things. We compose soul stirring symphonies and great works of life-like sculpture and art. Our inventions build on one another till it seems we could accomplish anything. Yet God is incomprehensible. The mere presence of His angels drop us to our knees with awe, and no man could live who beheld His face.
My God is amazing.
That's why I like the daytime. I can control daydreams a lot better. It's also why I love to read Job 38:1 - 41:34. God describes Himself with the best terms we could understand - and even those are a bit confusing. I can't wait to ask Him which animals really are the Behemoth and Leviathan!
Take some time today to dream about God. I believe He created us this way for this purpose. For when I am daydreaming about Him, I discover I've begun to worship Him for who He is in His majesty and glory and not just for what He's done for me.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A Small Group
Are you studying your Bible with a small group that has discussion somewhere?
If not, you need to.
Why?
The Bible: Need I say more if you plan to model your life after Jesus Christ who is the Word made flesh?
A small group: In a group of fifty people, how likely is it that you will stand up and tell them of your daily struggles and ask them to keep you accountable while you do the same for them? Remember, that means there are another 49 people you are going to keep up with and keep tabs on. Everyone needs a small group they can bond closely with who will help keep them from going astray.
Discussion: We were created to communicate. That mean talking back and forth- not just listening or just talking. I've discovered that the most profound things learned about myself and other issues have been while discussion/debating something. Some times I play the devils advocate in order to have a person stand up for and defend their beliefs. Other times, giving different views and opinions have sharpened or cut cut away previous assumptions and knowledge. Either way, the ability to "hash it out" solidifies our stance while helping to purify it as well.
Wherever you are in life and at whatever stage of Christian growth, you need to have a small group who you can lean upon in your walk with Jesus Christ. No, they won't be perfect, but they are needed. Even Jesus had the 12 He walked and talked with. Why would we think we could do it on our own if He didn't?
If not, you need to.
Why?
The Bible: Need I say more if you plan to model your life after Jesus Christ who is the Word made flesh?
A small group: In a group of fifty people, how likely is it that you will stand up and tell them of your daily struggles and ask them to keep you accountable while you do the same for them? Remember, that means there are another 49 people you are going to keep up with and keep tabs on. Everyone needs a small group they can bond closely with who will help keep them from going astray.
Discussion: We were created to communicate. That mean talking back and forth- not just listening or just talking. I've discovered that the most profound things learned about myself and other issues have been while discussion/debating something. Some times I play the devils advocate in order to have a person stand up for and defend their beliefs. Other times, giving different views and opinions have sharpened or cut cut away previous assumptions and knowledge. Either way, the ability to "hash it out" solidifies our stance while helping to purify it as well.
Wherever you are in life and at whatever stage of Christian growth, you need to have a small group who you can lean upon in your walk with Jesus Christ. No, they won't be perfect, but they are needed. Even Jesus had the 12 He walked and talked with. Why would we think we could do it on our own if He didn't?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
It's Finally Here!
Today is the day I start a Bible study group I have been waiting 3 years for!
Well, not for this particular study, but for the time frame. I've been blessed to have a Wednesday morning Bible study group for the last three years and I love those ladies with all my heart! However, because it's during the day, there are many who can not come because they work, and I've not been able to offer a class in the evenings since that's when my husband works and I have the kids at home. God has decided it's finally time!
Please pray for our very diverse and amazing group of ladies we will have both tonight and in the morning. I'm thinking we may have a total of 40-50 ladies in both groups combined! Pray for our amazing baby sitter who will be coming over to my house every Tuesday. The kids love her, so that shouldn't be a problem, but any time I leave them it's hard. I guess pray they don't drive her nuts and will listen!
What a blessing to see a prayer come to fruition! Thank You God for Your amazing mercy and perfect timing. Thank You for letting me be a part!
Well, not for this particular study, but for the time frame. I've been blessed to have a Wednesday morning Bible study group for the last three years and I love those ladies with all my heart! However, because it's during the day, there are many who can not come because they work, and I've not been able to offer a class in the evenings since that's when my husband works and I have the kids at home. God has decided it's finally time!
Please pray for our very diverse and amazing group of ladies we will have both tonight and in the morning. I'm thinking we may have a total of 40-50 ladies in both groups combined! Pray for our amazing baby sitter who will be coming over to my house every Tuesday. The kids love her, so that shouldn't be a problem, but any time I leave them it's hard. I guess pray they don't drive her nuts and will listen!
What a blessing to see a prayer come to fruition! Thank You God for Your amazing mercy and perfect timing. Thank You for letting me be a part!
Monday, August 23, 2010
I Quit!
Do you ever have days you just want to quit? I do. To be quite honest, often I'm not even sure what it is I want to quit! All I want to do is yell, "I QUIT!", find a nice hole to crawl into and have a mute Hatian wipe my memory. (It's a Heroes thing. Sci-fi can be interesting.)
I've come to realize these are beneficial times for us. How? For one thing, we are forced to be honest with ourselves. If I run to God first and am candid with Him, I know that my heart has been in the right place recently. That, in and of itself, is a comfort. If I discover however, that I sit there bemoaning my situation while trying to cover it with food, television, a good book, or any number of other things, I begin to realize that a large part of the problem is I have fallen away from Him. That gives me something to do in order to fix the problem. No matter what it may be, I can draw closer to Him.
Another positive aspect of wanting to give up is realizing that we are not as all-powerful as we like to think we are. We can't control the world around us, we can't save ourselves nor the ones we love, and we couldn't take another breath without God. It causes us to call on Him.
I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.
Psalm 18:6
For You, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abundant in faithful love to all who call on You.
Psalm 86:5
The LORD is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity.
Psalm 145:18
There are 22 verses in the Psalms alone which speak to calling out to the Lord. We are created to lean upon Him, and to be quite honest with ourselves, how often do we do that when everything is going great?
So next time you want to quit, go right ahead.... that way you might let Him take control again.
I've come to realize these are beneficial times for us. How? For one thing, we are forced to be honest with ourselves. If I run to God first and am candid with Him, I know that my heart has been in the right place recently. That, in and of itself, is a comfort. If I discover however, that I sit there bemoaning my situation while trying to cover it with food, television, a good book, or any number of other things, I begin to realize that a large part of the problem is I have fallen away from Him. That gives me something to do in order to fix the problem. No matter what it may be, I can draw closer to Him.
Another positive aspect of wanting to give up is realizing that we are not as all-powerful as we like to think we are. We can't control the world around us, we can't save ourselves nor the ones we love, and we couldn't take another breath without God. It causes us to call on Him.
I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.
Psalm 18:6
For You, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive, abundant in faithful love to all who call on You.
Psalm 86:5
The LORD is near all who call out to Him, all who call out to Him with integrity.
Psalm 145:18
There are 22 verses in the Psalms alone which speak to calling out to the Lord. We are created to lean upon Him, and to be quite honest with ourselves, how often do we do that when everything is going great?
So next time you want to quit, go right ahead.... that way you might let Him take control again.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Dare To Hope
Have you dared to hope in Jesus Christ for your lifetime here?
I'm not talking about the hope of your salvation- it seems not to be too much to ask that we expect His great work at our death concerning our eternal state. What I'm talking about is do you dare to place your hope in Him for His miracles and blessings now.
I am certain that I will see the Lord's goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be courageous and let your heart be strong.
Wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27: 13-14
I'm not talking about the hope of your salvation- it seems not to be too much to ask that we expect His great work at our death concerning our eternal state. What I'm talking about is do you dare to place your hope in Him for His miracles and blessings now.
I am certain that I will see the Lord's goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be courageous and let your heart be strong.
Wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27: 13-14
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Up or Down
Sometimes the only thing you can do is praise God.
That is today for me.
Then I will come to the altar of God,
to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You
with the lyre,
God, my God.
Why am I so depressed?
Why this turmoil within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will still praise Him.
my Savior and my God.
Psalm 43:4-5
That is today for me.
Then I will come to the altar of God,
to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You
with the lyre,
God, my God.
Why am I so depressed?
Why this turmoil within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will still praise Him.
my Savior and my God.
Psalm 43:4-5
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Alaska, India, Adventure, and the Persecuted Church
Passions.
These are my passions. Aren't they random? I've always wondered why I have such a desire and pull for certain things, have you? As I have grown spiritually as a slave to Christ Jesus, these passions of mine have not diminished as I thought some would, but have increased. How uniquely made we all are!
Alaska is my home. No, I was not born there but it's where my heart resides. The funny thing is that growing up in Florida I always wanted to go to Alaska. Everyone told me that I just thought I'd like it, but when I experienced the cold it would change my mind. They were wrong. I lived there for 3 years in my 20's and loved every bit of it. My first year was a record for cold and lack of snow, they almost had to canceled the Fur Rondy Fesitval, and still I love it. Just as much and even more than the beauty, I love the people of Alaska and pray for them. They are a hearty breed all to themselves!
I have never been to India, but for some God has laid the people of that country on my heart. Particularly the women/girls. We have prayed for several years that perhaps one day we might be able to adopt a daughter from there, and I believe from the bottom of my heart that my daughter is over there. Whether I ever get to meet her in this life or not, I pray for her all the time. It may be that's all the connection I will have with her, but I hope not. We also have sponsored children over there through Compassion International, and a pastor and his family through a Pastor Sponsorship Program.
Adventure! I love wild, daring things, but am very cautious and safe. I love hiking, traveling, skiing, kayaking, bungee jumping, white water rafting, scuba diving and anything of the like. My next goal is sky diving and eventually base jumping with what I call a squirrel suit (wingsuit). I remember as a child one of the first things I ever wanted to be was a truck driver, because I thought they saw the world! I love adventure. It calls to me...
The persecuted church: This is more than a command to remember my brothers and sisters who endure trails for our faith around the world (Hebrews 13:3). I think and pray for them often. We keep a constant reminder of their love and sacrifice on our kitchen wall through a number of pictures we cut out from a free monthly publication from The Voice of the Martyrs. If you have never heard of them take a few moments to click on the link and check them out. It is good for us to be aware not only of what goes on in other countries, but of how blessed we are here and how we take the freedom of religion for granted.
So why such a hodgepodge of things? I have no idea. That's just they way God made me. I realize my work here on this earth is not done and perhaps someday I will see how all these things will work together. Until then, I'll just have to trust Him that He knows what He's doing!
What are some of your passions? How can you see them being used to glorify God?
Remember, if He made you that way, there is a way in which to bring Him glory through it!
These are my passions. Aren't they random? I've always wondered why I have such a desire and pull for certain things, have you? As I have grown spiritually as a slave to Christ Jesus, these passions of mine have not diminished as I thought some would, but have increased. How uniquely made we all are!
Alaska is my home. No, I was not born there but it's where my heart resides. The funny thing is that growing up in Florida I always wanted to go to Alaska. Everyone told me that I just thought I'd like it, but when I experienced the cold it would change my mind. They were wrong. I lived there for 3 years in my 20's and loved every bit of it. My first year was a record for cold and lack of snow, they almost had to canceled the Fur Rondy Fesitval, and still I love it. Just as much and even more than the beauty, I love the people of Alaska and pray for them. They are a hearty breed all to themselves!
I have never been to India, but for some God has laid the people of that country on my heart. Particularly the women/girls. We have prayed for several years that perhaps one day we might be able to adopt a daughter from there, and I believe from the bottom of my heart that my daughter is over there. Whether I ever get to meet her in this life or not, I pray for her all the time. It may be that's all the connection I will have with her, but I hope not. We also have sponsored children over there through Compassion International, and a pastor and his family through a Pastor Sponsorship Program.
Adventure! I love wild, daring things, but am very cautious and safe. I love hiking, traveling, skiing, kayaking, bungee jumping, white water rafting, scuba diving and anything of the like. My next goal is sky diving and eventually base jumping with what I call a squirrel suit (wingsuit). I remember as a child one of the first things I ever wanted to be was a truck driver, because I thought they saw the world! I love adventure. It calls to me...
The persecuted church: This is more than a command to remember my brothers and sisters who endure trails for our faith around the world (Hebrews 13:3). I think and pray for them often. We keep a constant reminder of their love and sacrifice on our kitchen wall through a number of pictures we cut out from a free monthly publication from The Voice of the Martyrs. If you have never heard of them take a few moments to click on the link and check them out. It is good for us to be aware not only of what goes on in other countries, but of how blessed we are here and how we take the freedom of religion for granted.
So why such a hodgepodge of things? I have no idea. That's just they way God made me. I realize my work here on this earth is not done and perhaps someday I will see how all these things will work together. Until then, I'll just have to trust Him that He knows what He's doing!
What are some of your passions? How can you see them being used to glorify God?
Remember, if He made you that way, there is a way in which to bring Him glory through it!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
How Do We Love?
How do you show the love of Christ to the lost?
Think about what Jesus did. He ate with, walked with, and had extreme patience in dealing with the sinners of His time. Christ knew how to love them where they were while never sacrificing the message of the Gospel: We are all sinners deserving of death and condemnation, but placing our lives and faith in Jesus Christ who endured God's wrath as a substitute for us, will cleanse us for eternity.
How do we communicate that?
We have all heard the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..." But do you know what the very next thing Jesus said to the disciples who had asked him to teach them how to pray? "For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don't forgive people, Your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing." Matthew 6:14-15 (Mark 11:25-26)
We must remember sin is sin; wrong is wrong; and truth is truth. It doesn't matter what we have done or what has been done to us- God can forgive all, and we are called to do the same. Please hear me that forgiving someone does not mean placing yourself in harms way. Even Jesus told his disciples, "Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
So the question I ask of you today is how do you be shrewd, harmless, bearers of the love of Jesus Christ?
Think about what Jesus did. He ate with, walked with, and had extreme patience in dealing with the sinners of His time. Christ knew how to love them where they were while never sacrificing the message of the Gospel: We are all sinners deserving of death and condemnation, but placing our lives and faith in Jesus Christ who endured God's wrath as a substitute for us, will cleanse us for eternity.
How do we communicate that?
We have all heard the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..." But do you know what the very next thing Jesus said to the disciples who had asked him to teach them how to pray? "For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don't forgive people, Your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing." Matthew 6:14-15 (Mark 11:25-26)
We must remember sin is sin; wrong is wrong; and truth is truth. It doesn't matter what we have done or what has been done to us- God can forgive all, and we are called to do the same. Please hear me that forgiving someone does not mean placing yourself in harms way. Even Jesus told his disciples, "Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
So the question I ask of you today is how do you be shrewd, harmless, bearers of the love of Jesus Christ?
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Devil, Demons, and Deception
When the Lord brings a particular topic up several times from different sources in a single day, it is wise to take heed. Especially one like this: Satan, demons, and temptation. My Pastor preached an amazing and informative sermon entitled We Believe... God Wars; I received a text from someone in another state about Satan, demons, and temptation; my devotional just happened to be on that subject that afternoon; and the X-Files I watched dealt with it too.
OK, God. I'm listening.
What's the point? First, we need to neither give them too much, nor too little, thought. Here is a great passage from C.S. Lewis' book The Joyful Christian:
"The commonest question [I am asked about The Screwtape Letters] is whether I really "believe in the Devil".
The proper question is whether I believe in devils. I do. That is to say, I believe in angels, and I believe that some of these, by the abuse of their free will, have become enemies to God and, as a corollary, to us. These we may call devils. They do not differ in nature from good angels, but their nature is depraved. Devil is the opposite of angel only as Bad Man is the opposite of Good Man. Satan, the leader or dictator or devils, is the opposite, not of God, but of Michael." (Emphasis mine)
I love the reminder that Satan is not the opposite of God, but of Michael, the arch angel. God created both and has full power and authority over both. Satan is just really ticked off about his final end and is taking as many as he can with him- both angel and human.
What is our role in this already won war? To win some battles through the power of Jesus Christ. There is a war going on. Ephesians 6:10-20 gives us a great synopsis of this. However, there is one other seldom used passage I love on this topic.
When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, "Oh, my master, what are we to do?"
Elisha said, "Don't be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them."
Then Elisha prayed, "LORD, please open his eyes and let him see." So the LORD opened the servant's eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6:15-17
There is a constant battle around us, and the way in which Elisha handled is a great example. He knew it was there, he gave it thought and credit, but he did not dwell on it. You didn't hear him always talking about the unseen realm. He focused on doing God's will.
As for Christians being tempted by demons/ the Devil we must remember that Satan- the accuser - is not omnipresent. He can not be everywhere at once like God. Thus most people have to deal with his demons. Honestly though, what difference does it make? Temptation is temptation, and the blood of Christ covers them all no matter who incited it.
As for the "strength" of the temptation, we need only to remember His Word to us in 1 Corinthians 10:13. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it."
He will always prove a way of escape- if we are willing to look to Him for it.
There really is nothing else to this. Yes, it is here. Yes, we need to know about it. And NO, we shouldn't let it consume our thoughts. We should let only Christ and Him crucified have that honor.
OK, God. I'm listening.
What's the point? First, we need to neither give them too much, nor too little, thought. Here is a great passage from C.S. Lewis' book The Joyful Christian:
"The commonest question [I am asked about The Screwtape Letters] is whether I really "believe in the Devil".
Now, if by "the Devil" you mean a power opposite to God and, like God, self-existent from all eternity, the answer is No. There is no uncreated being except God. God has no opposite. No being could attain a "perfect badness" opposite to the perfect goodness of God; for when you have every kind of good thing (intelligence, will, memory, energy, and existence itself), there would be none left of him.
The proper question is whether I believe in devils. I do. That is to say, I believe in angels, and I believe that some of these, by the abuse of their free will, have become enemies to God and, as a corollary, to us. These we may call devils. They do not differ in nature from good angels, but their nature is depraved. Devil is the opposite of angel only as Bad Man is the opposite of Good Man. Satan, the leader or dictator or devils, is the opposite, not of God, but of Michael." (Emphasis mine)
I love the reminder that Satan is not the opposite of God, but of Michael, the arch angel. God created both and has full power and authority over both. Satan is just really ticked off about his final end and is taking as many as he can with him- both angel and human.
What is our role in this already won war? To win some battles through the power of Jesus Christ. There is a war going on. Ephesians 6:10-20 gives us a great synopsis of this. However, there is one other seldom used passage I love on this topic.
When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, "Oh, my master, what are we to do?"
Elisha said, "Don't be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them."
Then Elisha prayed, "LORD, please open his eyes and let him see." So the LORD opened the servant's eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6:15-17
There is a constant battle around us, and the way in which Elisha handled is a great example. He knew it was there, he gave it thought and credit, but he did not dwell on it. You didn't hear him always talking about the unseen realm. He focused on doing God's will.
As for Christians being tempted by demons/ the Devil we must remember that Satan- the accuser - is not omnipresent. He can not be everywhere at once like God. Thus most people have to deal with his demons. Honestly though, what difference does it make? Temptation is temptation, and the blood of Christ covers them all no matter who incited it.
As for the "strength" of the temptation, we need only to remember His Word to us in 1 Corinthians 10:13. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it."
He will always prove a way of escape- if we are willing to look to Him for it.
There really is nothing else to this. Yes, it is here. Yes, we need to know about it. And NO, we shouldn't let it consume our thoughts. We should let only Christ and Him crucified have that honor.
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