Spam.
Internet junk mail.
Who doesn't get it sometimes? Who doesn't hate it?
But there's another definition of Spam.
I looked it up in Sharon's Acrostic Dictionary – (a wonderful source – everyone should have it on their shelf…)
S atan
P rying
A ngling
M eddling
Yes, that's what it said.
Here's why I believe it. I had an interesting "blog burp" last week. Something random happened on my blog that unnerved me, that made me pause for a moment (several, actually) – and wonder…
What am I doing on the Internet?
It can be a scary place out there.
In the past, I've been caught by someone who stole my credit card number. Once I got reeled in by someone out on a phishing trip. I'm always sure that something else is going to happen…
Now, don't worry – I think I took care of the problem just fine.
But my initial reaction was fear.
And that's when I realized the truth…
Satan was after me. He was prying into my business, angling for a way to disrupt things, meddling in the work that God is doing in and through me…
He was busy – shooting arrows.
And as soon as I had that thought – thank you, Holy Spirit – I regrouped.
And laughed.
Our enemy is really so predictable sometimes. He's going to come after us – that's a given. And he's going to pry into our business. He's going to angle for a way to disrupt our thoughts, our emotions, our finances, our health – whatever it takes to effectively distract us. And he's really going to meddle in the work that God is doing.
He had me going for a while the other morning. He was working that fear thing.
And it was working…
…until it didn't.
And it stopped working when I looked at him. When I recognized him. When I called him out – "I see you, and I see what you're doing. It isn't going to work."
It stopped when I looked at God.
I'm pretty convinced that the devil does not want me doing this blog. Not because I'm "all that"– but because God is.
All that – and much, much more.
Almighty.
All-knowing.
Always there.
And so, I expect that the devil will try to stop me from talking about his most hated enemy – God. I'm just not going to let his "SPAM" attempts work.
Yeah, I was a little freaked out there for a bit. But I also had a good laugh at myself. And I was amused at the enemy's rather pathetic effort to shut me up.
With the Lord's help – I will not be quiet – unless He tells me to be quiet…
…and then, well, let's just hope I obey!!
How does the enemy attempt to shut your mouth from speaking about our Lord?
(I'm linked with Wendy at Faith's Firm Foundation for "Mondays Are G.R.E.A.T." Hop on over and visit!)
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
I do think that along with his official names of accuser and slandered, MEDDLER is an accurate little add on.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to see the mastermind behind the plot to silence Sharon and bring on your big spiritual guns.
As to your question, I have actually given that much thought lately. Since most of my speech is in the teaching and not blog/writing realm, I get more of my slings and arrows there.
It's very interesting to me (and to my class) that every time our lesson is focused in the direction of recognizing the Meddler for what he is (example: a study of Judas recently), he gets extremely agitated.
Sadly, he has a great deal of success with me when he uses other people. I'm trying to learn to look beyond "them" to the real meddler behind it all.
Funny we were just talking about the different ways the meddler can take form here at home.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were able to get it taken care of and recognized the signs.
sandie♥
Sharon,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Satan truly is a roaring lion seeking whom He may devour. I, like you, sometimes succumb to fear until I recognize Satan up to his old tricks. Other tactics he tries are arrows of insecurity and covetousness: getting my eyes on me and others, instead of on God.
Like Peter, when I keep my eyes on Jesus, I walk on water, and don't sink, but as soon as I look at what "I" am doing, I start going down.
I have been realizing I must be on the offensive, not the defensive, preparing my heart to trust and be thankful to God! I think we're all like that. So, I've started a link-up today, Mondays Are G.R.E.A.T.! (Glad Rejoicing Encouraged And Thankful) to get my week off on the right foot! Hope you'll join me! What did God do to encourage you this week? This post would be a great link-up!
Lots of Love to you, Sharon!
Wendy
I always enjoy stopping by because you always remind me of the warfare we are all apart of even if we don't recognize it as that...it is. Laughter and taunting is one of the best ways to upset the enemy....reminding him of where he will live eternity and where we will live.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for always lifting up the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit.
Blessings as you continue to blog.
Just read your article over at Sanctified Together - and so loved it!
ReplyDeleteAnd, this post - it is so true. I think it oddly humourous that the spam that wordpress filters for me always tells me how my posts for high school writing assignments are so amazingly insightful. Satan kind of works that way - we just need perception to understand he tries to pull us away from our strength areas:)
Hi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteWell said. Yes the enemy has many ways of trying to stop people blogging and doing God's work in anyway at all. He must not win. He will not win.
God Bless - Nita
"It stopped when I looked at God."
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! What a battle cry of victory!
Keeping my eyes on Him...
Many blessings Sharon and WOO HOO... a battle plan
ReplyDeleteagainst SPAM!!! I'm with you and Karen's profound declaration she chose from your insights:
FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS!!!
Looking for one of those S.A.D.on my shelf so I can be wise like you and realize as you have the tricks and scams and all the titles and roles that enemy takes on as he roams and roars, trying to devour us and discourage us. I usually do not recognize him until it's too late (like after he's roared). But I definitely am not one to cower or be quiet. Fear could keep us from speaking out boldly. Or being a pleaser could keep us from confronting or speaking the Truth.
As regards blogging, getting absorbed in the popularity deal or concerned about comments or lack therein... rather than what matters, sharing Jesus and shining His light. I get discouraged easily and that can make me wonder why am I bothering; or inferiority or insecurity or comparing to others... yep, all tactics to steer us from obeying and declaring God's Word and victory in knowing Him.
Time to call out the SPAM filters and Protectors! His Name is JESUS! His name is VICTORY! His Word is our sword! His Word is the Truth!
Praise God! He already won!
Love and hugs,
Peggy
Alright now Sharon. I like this one.
ReplyDeleteLove this Sharon. Yes, Satan is the chief spammer.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to say I read your article in Sanctified Together and enjoyed it very much.
And yes, please don't stop this blog - you are an encouragement to many.
Blessings,
Joan
Glad you got whatever needed to be worked out, worked out in regard to your blog, Sharon. The Internet is definitely a place to be careful and I can easily see the enemy would use this to create fear in those who are getting the message out about Jesus. Having struggled with blogging, deleting blogs, starting new ones again, etc., I can probably think the enemy has a hand in my struggles with it. Do be careful out there, like I know you are. That's why I don't devulge a whole bunch of info about location, names of family members, etc., like I know you do the same!
ReplyDeletejust keep writing those wonderful God inspired words!
betty
Thanks, everyone, for your very encouraging words! It was really a boost to hear from you all - and I cherish the support you have offered.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ways that the enemy tries to keep us from doing the work of the Lord - so many ways that he tries to keep us from the Lord Himself! We must not let him fool us.
We are watched over by the Lord every moment - we are never out of His care. Claim His protection...
Keep on doing His work, my friends. Listen to His Voice, and follow where He leads. And always, always, tell others about His very Good News!
May God continue to bless each one of you!
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteSatan is a bounty hunter. He wants you because you are a sure threat to his dominion. He desires to devour all who serve GOD. GOD says a resounding, "NO." He rebukes the devourer for our sakes. None shall make us afraid - Zephaniah 3:13 - KJV.
JESUS is praying for you, Sharon. His Holy Bible says that He is our Intercessor. You are the victor because, from the foundation of the world, you were/are destined to walk with JESUS - forever.
Satan goes about AS a roaring lion - JESUS IS
the LION - of what tribe, Sharon? Tag on with the answer... We are, after all, in a relay race. I hand the baton to you, sister warrior. We know that at the finish line, we SON dwellers get the gold!!!
Sandra - I loved that image of Satan as a bounty hunter. And I suppose we are ALL threats to his comfy little kingdom of pride and rebellion. Thank goodness that the LORD speaks against him on our behalf - and that the Lord fights our battles with us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thought - our beloved Savior interceding for us! What a blessing and comfort.
Jesus is the LION of the Tribe of Judah!!
I've got the baton, and I will run the race set out before me.
We'll run together - and I'll cross the finish line with you!! GOLD...
GOD BLESS, Sandra - thanks for your good words.