May 28, 2014

When Satan Attacks

1 Peter 5:8- "Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him."

James 4:7- "Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

Ephesians 6:12- "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  

1 John 4:4- "The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

John 10:10- "The thief comes to kill and destroy..."

Isaiah 54:17- "No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper."

Ephesians 6:13- "Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground."

This week, and in particular today, I am definitely feeling the spiritual attack of the roaring lion, Satan, on my life.  He's trying to separate a dear friend and I through whispering wrong thoughts.  He's attacking Travis and Lucas as they both have health issues occurring (Travis' wisdom tooth is bothering him and Lucas was diagnosed today with Scarlet Fever).  He's trying to bring doubt and fear into my thoughts, in order to keep me from moving forward.  The ways he's attacking my life right now just go on and on...

1 Peter 5:8 talks about how we must remain alert and self-controlled because the Devil prowls around like a lion looking to devour his prey.  I know it to be true that when I'm at my strongest, Satan's attacks are more intense.  He doesn't want the message of Christ to spread, so he will try stopping me anyway he knows how.  Basically, when I'm kicking butt in Jesus' name, Satan tries even harder to shut me up.  You know what, though?  1 John 4:4 says the One who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world.  It makes me want to say "Na na na na boo boo" to the devil himself!  The Spirit in me, God himself, is more powerful than any attack Satan can throw my way.

Satan is a thief who comes to steal and destroy us, but God's Word tells us in Isaiah 54:17 that "no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper."  God is more powerful and awesome than satan.  He has already won the battle.  The victory is ours!  I claim the victory and authority of Christ on my life tonight!

May 14, 2014

Look In the Mirror

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 ASV

How many times each day do we take a simple glance into the mirrors that surround us?  As women, we check to make sure our hair is in the right face, our lipstick isn't all over our teeth, and mascara isn't smudged.  How often, though, do we look into the mirror to see how others see our insides, our Christian walk in this life?

I’ve often wondered, as I stared into the reflection, if others saw in me what I saw in the mirror. Did they see the face of Christ?  I have often wondered if my face glowed with the glory of Christ. Through both my joys and trials God has transformed my soul to be more like His. I can see it in my mirror…but can others?  Am I a visible reminder of Christ to others?  Do I not only talk the talk, but also walk the Christian Walk?  Do others see me as the joyful, compassionate, loving woman I see in the mirror?

And the important question is: because of how people see me living, does it point them to deeper desire to walk with Christ in their own life?

I challenge each of us to take a long look in the mirror and ask if the glory of God shines through. If the answer is no, then go to Him. Seek Him. Ladies, let's seek for His glory to clearly been seen through us!