No Greater Evil

"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence camest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." 

Job 1:6,7

Unlike the other worlds which God created, Satan was able to deceive this one. He took it upon himself to declare himself "ruler of this world."

In turn, Earth is the center of evil in our universe. Then what must be the greatest of all evil?

"So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but the sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not." Romans 7:17,18

Verses 19-21 continues to reinforce that the greatest evil we will struggle over is self. 

Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray, that ye not enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

From movies and books, we may accept the perception that there is greater evil out of this world that could destroy us, but this is not what God says. Our father implores us to turn our eyes towards him so that no weapon formed against you shall prosper--even if that weapon is our own sinful nature.

How is Christ trying to redirect you toward Him from sin?

~Shana

Am I Being Left Behind??

Ever feel like everyone around you to growing in the Lord and you are being left behind?

You just can't seem to get the right footing going? But then Jill and Kevin are learning and experiencing life in deep ways that reveal the handiwork of Christ.

STOP! STOP and take a pause.

What is the root of these thought? Is it self pity because you are not willing to put into action some of the things God has asked of you? Or is the the Holy Spirit speaking to you and desiring for you to reconnect with your Savior?

Basically, is self or God at the heart of your thoughts?

"For God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid, but of power and love and self-control." 2 Tim. 1:7

So sitting in fear like a deer watching others exercise their faith does not seem like accepting God's strength is occurring!

As the hard times roll on in my life, I realize that I must put my motives in check daily. Otherwise the lurking lion will seize any moment to pull me down. And when I go down, it can feel impossible to get up. I can even stare at my Bible as if I am confused as to how it could give me any sort of assistance.

David says it right in Psalm 119:133-135.

Join me in this prayer:

Father, 

You see my heart. It is hurting and afraid. I feel stuck. It is intimidating at times to see fellow Christ followers around me thriving when I know that I am capable of doing so as well. So, help me not to get lost in what I think that I am not doing, but instead to get lost in your uplifting words. I do not know all the answers to all of my questions. Despite that I will trust you and get to know you better. For I know that in getting to know you more, I will be comforted by what I learn.

I pray all this in your son's name, 

Amen.

Share with me the ways you keep your motives in check. :-)

7 Days

What if you were given seven days to address a particular weakness? Seven intensive days of honing into that aspect of your character.

What if you knew that God would really come through at the end of the week?

There would be no turning back. 

No matter if the sin is lying, you would be confronted as soon as you lie. In response to that constant awareness, you would have to confront the root of your addiction to lying. Leading you to confront those demons and begin to seek healthier habit.

If lying is not your Achilles heel, then insert what is your downfall.

Would you agree to such a week? Would you be willing to feel pain and hurt in order to receive deliverance?

Honestly, not everyone is up to the challenge. Honestly I am not sure if I am up to the challenge for some of the sins I am struggling. For I know that there will be a lot of tears and I will have to put feelings into words that I may not know how to or be disposed to.

"Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20

What a loving Savior!! When you are ready to dive into the depths of your character and confront the sins of your life, you don't have to look far for Jesus to carry you through. As a result, you may have a hard week, month, year, or two years, but, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalms 23:1

"And my God shall meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; 'he will lead them to springs of living water.' 'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'" Revelation 7:17

Are you ready to take the leap of faith with your loving Savior??

~Shana