What Are You Wrestling With?

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,  against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. -Eph. 6:12

It’s a spiritual battle…

As we begin to recognize that we’re not actually fighting people, but rather the ugly spirit that is at work in them, we gain a better perspective on how to deal with our situations. Only as we choose to remain alert in the spirit realm can we see many of our situations for what they really are–the enemy at work.  As busy as he is, we must be busy as well–fasting, praying, and seeking the Lord for wisdom and direction.    It is a spiritual battle.  Therefore, we cannot simply resort to physical weapons.  We must fight it in the spirit.   If we fight it in the flesh, we lose automatically and we’ve handed over the victory to the enemy.   We must speak the Word of God over our situations and watch Him work in our behalf.  “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Matt. 16:18).”  Indeed, we must take back everything that the devil stole…our joy, our peace, our hope, our love, and more. Yes, he comes to steal, to kill and to destroy but thank God for His Son, Jesus, who came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10 paraphrased).  As Christians, we have a mighty arsenal of spiritual ammunition.  We have defensive and offensive gear and weaponry to keep us on track in the spirit realm. Utilize it.  Take care and be blessed.

Get Suited

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. -Eph. 6:10

Just as we wouldn’t attend a wedding without the ‘wedding garment’ or wedding attire, neither should we do battle without battle attire.  In the Spirit, it is critical and crucial that we come fully dressed for battle because only then can we stand against the tricks, schemes and strategies of the enemy.  No soldier in his right mind would intentionally go out to battle without full battle fatigue and weaponry.  Without the full armour of God, we are lured, enticed, manipulated, persuaded, and beguiled by the cunning trickery of the devil.  And with no offensive weapon, we are defeated!  Because our enemy is constantly on the prowl, the Word cautions us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (I Peter 5:8).” Because we’re in a war, we are to lay aside the usual foolishness and be on the alert, watchful, subdued in tone, yet keenly aware of our surroundings so as not to become easy prey for the enemy.  Rise up, army of God, put on your holy armor and fight the good fight of faith.  Don’t let the enemy trip you up.  Get in your Word, spend time in prayer and in the company of like-minded believers.  It’s time to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Eph. 6).  Take care & be blessed.

Let’s Do This

As we reflect upon 2015 and anticipate 2016, let us be grateful for at least making it through 2015 and into the new year.  In spite of everything that may have gone well or wrong, God was faithful to bring us into the new year.  In all things we give thanks for this is the will of God concerning us (Eph. 5:20 ~ paraphrased).  Thank you, Lord.   And now, we say, Lord, take control in 2016 and let your perfect will be done in our lives…and nothing but your perfect will, please.  We release all past hurts and failures, habits and disappointments and ask that you would take over and be the Captain of our Ship!  Navigate as you see fit.  Steer this vessel toward your purpose and plans.  For  know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jer. 29:11 ~NIV).  Help us to keep in step with your stride–to not get ahead of You nor to linger far behind.  Help us to be responsive to your commands and surrender with total obedience to your instructions that we might enjoy success.  Order every step.  “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Jos. 1:8).”  Take care & be blessed.

Get Out of My Way!

Worth rehearsing this thought…

Not Happenin' On My Watch | Blog

No time for hindrances and obstacles… and yes, I understand that this is an obstacle course.  However, it is time that every obstacle recognize that it must get out of my way!  No longer will I be encumbered by the harnesses that society has attempted to place on me.  No longer will I look at the things which are seen but I will focus exclusively on the unseen things.  “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are]temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal (II Cor. 4:18).”

Yes, going forward I will focus on “what will be” as a result of the creative power of the words I speak as they align themselves with the Word and will of God for my life.  “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast…

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New Every Morning

A little compassion goes a long way…

Not Happenin' On My Watch | Blog

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  [It is of] the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness (Lam. 3:21-23).  I sothank God for this hope.  He is truly rich in mercy and grace, patient and understanding–not wanting any to be lost.  Just think… each morning we awaken to fresh, new mercy and another opportunity to get it right.  Verizon says, “new every two.”  But God says, “new every morning!”  This is good news because, let’s face it, sometimes we fail miserably.  People tire of us.  Friends go the other way and relatives won’t answer our call–after dealing with us for so long on the same issues.  But there is a God who knows us and still loves us… unconditionally.  If we could show a fraction of that type of compassion and care toward…

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Poison!

Poison …not the perfume…

Not Happenin' On My Watch | Blog

We know poison to be a substance that tends to destroy life or impair our health, or that which interrupts our well-being and has the unfortunate capacity to cause death as well. Indeed, we’ve been warned throughout our lives, no doubt, to stay away from poison. Yet, for some, the intrigue of the forbidden is the magnet that draws. Throwing caution to the wind, we can’t we wait to touch, taste, smell or otherwise handle the mysterious poisonous package.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).” We must step away from the grip of sin and its ability to destroy our lives. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness (Romans 6:16)?” Opt…

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If Jesus Came to Your House

What if…

Not Happenin' On My Watch | Blog

I remember a poem from when I was much younger–one of many that I used to recite in church.  I’ll give you a few phrases so that you get the point; and I apologize for not remembering who wrote it.  Should I find the author, I’ll update the post.

“If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two, if He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do, oh I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honored guest, and all the food you’d serve to Him would be your very best, and you would keep assuring Him you’re glad to have Him there, and that serving Him in your home was joy beyond compare…”

 What if?  What if Jesus came to your house?  How would He be greeted and how welcome would He feel?  I’m afraid that many of us would hang our heads before answering this…

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Don’t Get It Twisted!

Worth revisiting…

Not Happenin' On My Watch | Blog

“Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Heb. 12:14).”

So… you’re a shoo-in (sure-win) for heaven?  Oh… so your name is on the ‘church roll?’  So… that qualifies you for heaven?  I see…  Unfortunately, you’re not alone in your thinking.  Let me say this as gently as I can…  No one’s going to heaven on auto-pilot.  We must make a conscious decision to accept Christ (he that believes shall have an everlasting life – John 3:16).  We then make a conscious and daily decision to follow Christ/to die daily to our fleshly nature (eliminate those things not pleasing to God) and walk in the Spirit–and show forth fruit signifying this change.

I’m not suggesting that we will never make mistakes after accepting Christ in our lives.  However, we will not practice sin nor will we joyfully engage in it.  Our godly sorrow produces repentance (II Cor. 7:10)…

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Excerpts from “Keeping the Commandments…”

Can’t Dull My Shine

It occurred to me (though this isn’t the first time) that not everyone walking with you is with you for the right reasons.  Not everyone in your circle is your friend.  Judas Iscariot followed Jesus…but wasn’t his true friend (or disciple).  Some are commissioned by the enemy to keep us from being all that we were meant to be in Christ. Simply put, their purpose is to dull our shine, to dim our light.  “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house (Matt. 5:14-15).”  Yes, their sole assignment is to get us off track.  But I encourage you to be the light that you were meant to be…and not allow the dust and dirt of the world to dull your shine.  We are not ignorant of the enemy’s devices (II Cor. 2:11).  Rather, we must remain on tactical alert–watching and praying without ceasing.

We must continue to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Gal. 5:1).  If we’ve truly been delivered, then we find no pleasure in the old ways.  We’ve put off the old man (Eph. 4:22) and are now content to walk in the newness of life.  No, we will not return to sin’s grip…not even for a moment.  We are no longer conformed to this world but we are transformed by the renewing of our mind that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2).  Don’t let dusty and dirty folk dull your shine.  Thank you for visiting, following, subscribing.  Take care and be blessed.