Monday, August 10, 2015

DEJA VU - ALL OVER AGAIN!


Hello, my friends!

I've got to be honest with you.  This week has been unreal.  "The Hub" and I have worked like crazy to help my son and his wife move.  It brought back memories of our move to the mountains three years ago.

With a lot less stuff.

And not so far to travel.

And a lot less stuff…

But, it was time-consuming and exhausting!!

So, needless to say, there wasn't a lot of time to write a new blog post for this week.  And frankly, my little brain cells (and trust me, they're quite little these days!) were too tired to fire!

That's why I've decided to cheat, cave in to laziness, be creative and re-print a post from August, 2011 – (with a little 2015 revamping).  

I think the words are still timely…

So, in the words of Yogi Berra – It’s déjà vu all over again!



SOMEONE'S BEEN MISBEHAVING


If you talk to anyone, read a newspaper, watch TV, connect with social media – it doesn't take much to realize that there's a lot going on in the world these days.

And a lot of it isn't so good…

The world is a hard-scrabble place.  

And everyone has a story to tell lately – a story of struggle, suffering, trial, and hardship.

What's going on?

In my opinion, the enemy is on the loose.

He loves creating mayhem.  He loves being the master of nefarious activity(don't you love that word?  Evil, wicked, sinful, unlawful...).  He loves being mean.


I was talking about this with my mom the other day.  There's been a lot going on in our family lately – both my immediate family, and my extended family.  I was sharing with her how overwhelmed I was feeling.  She's feeling overwhelmed, too.

But then she said this to me…

"Remember when you were a little girl – how you pictured Jesus and Satan in a boxing ring?"

Yeah, I do remember that.

"And how you used to say that Jesus was bigger than Satan and He could just 'POW' Satan and win?"

I remember that, too.

However, right at that moment, I wasn't feeling too victorious.  Nor was I feeling much like that confident young girl who was so sure of her Jesus' mighty power.

I looked at her in dismay…

And she said, in her adorable "Trust me I'm a mother" voice…

"I know, he's gotten out of hand."

I paused – and then I started laughing.  Downright guffawing…

"What?" she said.

I told her how her response had made the enemy sound like an errant child. How she made him sound like a scoundrel, a cad, a ne'er-do-well.  

She might as well have said, "Tsk, tsk.  Bad boy…"

She started laughing too.


Now I'm not one to spit in the devil's face, so to speak.

I'm not taunting or challenging him.

But my mother helped me do something very important – she helped me cut him down to size.

You see, I think there are two crucial mistakes that believers can make when thinking about our enemy.

One, we can ignore him, and open ourselves up to unexpected and unrecognized attacks from him.  We can make him something less than he is. 

Or we can empower him, and open ourselves up to being constantly afraid and intimidated by him.  We can make him something more than he is.

We need to have a sober, but correct, view of him and his power.


He is not a god.

He is not good.

He is not omniscient or omnipotent.

He does not have control over our lives. 


All he can do is take his anger out on us –

And yes, the enemy of our souls is an angry enemy.  He hates God, and because we are so very dearly loved by God, he hates us too. 

But here's the truly wonderful thing – he really cannot win.


He can influence us, but he cannot overpower us.

He can tempt us, but he cannot overcome us.

He can threaten us, but he can never have our souls.


Satan might stomp his feet, and aim his arrows, and do his best to steal and kill and destroy.  But he will NEVER own us, for we are securely wrapped in salvation, with confident hope in our future – we belong to God.

He can rant and raveand he can be a scary guy – but, he isn't going to win.

And I think he knows that deep down inside.  

He knows that Christians are being awakened in their hearts to pursue God in a new way.  He knows that we are being called to become warriors.  He knows that the Holy Spirit is movingand we're listening, and responding, and arming ourselves for battle.

I think he's running scared right now…

Good.


So, I am thankful for my mom and her words of wisdom – and for how she helped me regain my perspective on things.  Yes, with all that's been going on, Satan "took” over my thoughts for a while – but he will never take me.

I am redeemed, rescued, ransomed – forever.


I think I really had it right when I was a little girl.

Jesus is bigger than Satan, and I think He just scored another knock-out in my heart…

POW!!






A crown of thorns
An offering of blood
bought us
secured us
and we will rise
victorious.



"'But you belong to God, my dear children.  You have already won a victory...because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.'" (1 John 4:4, NLT)

"For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith." (1 John 5:4, NLT)

"What then shall we say to [all] this?  If God is for us, who [can be] against us?  [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]" (Romans 8:31, AMP)

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?  Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?" (Romans 8:35, NLT)

"...in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37, NASB)

"'I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.'" (Matthew 16:18, NLT)

"'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.'" (John 16:33, NIV)

"Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.'  And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb..."(Revelation 12:10-11, ESV)

"...thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)



How is God giving you victory in your life?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAYS, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING, WORDS OF COMFORT MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, BELOVED BREWS, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, HEARTS FOR HOME, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, THEOCENTRIC THURSDAYS, TGI SATURDAYS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

35 comments:

  1. sending you love, hugs, and prayers.

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  2. Sometimes it does us well to revisit and reread those words we have written before because we need those reminders that still hold so much truth. Have a great week Sharon. Hope you get some rest.

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  3. Amen! Good Word. The Bible tells us not to be ignorant of the devil's devices. We need to be aware of what he's all about. But more than that, let's keep in mind that we have authority and power in Jesus. We are more than conquerors.

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  4. Oh Sharon ... a timely message bears repeating! This one is great and so worthwhile. Love endearing stories between you and your mom with her wisdom. All of your blog posts are worth repeating ... so in case you need more rest ... deja vu with you is always welcome. Your words are treasures and poignant at just the right time. I do pray that you find strength and some moments to catch up on your rest. {I came online early to come visit you and it took me until now to clear my head and leave a comment with all my busy details to tend to ...} So glad that you delivered a TKO --- POW to our enemy! Great Word and verses to do just that. Thanks.

    Love, prayers and hugs,
    Peggy
    oh and answer to your question ... knowing Him and His Word (daily) gives me victory and power plus the book FERVENT that I reviewed today is really helping.

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  5. Thanks for sharing this encouragement today! Visiting from the Monday's Musings Blog Link Up. Blessings!

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  6. Moving can be so stressful! So kind of you and hubby to help son/wife in their moving adventures :) I can't believe its been 3 years since you moved, how time flies!

    I love that scripture that says "greater is He than is in us than he that is in the world" loosely paraphrased this morning (1 John 4:4???) I remember that when I'm being beaten down by the enemy. No one can snatch me out of the loving arms of Jesus :)

    betty

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  7. What wonderful thoughts, my friend! YES, praise God, greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world! We are more than conquerors through Him that loves us! I am so thankful to be on the Lord's side and in His army, for He has never lost a battle!! So thankful for you and your dear encouragement, too, and trusting God to bless you in a special way. Sending you big hugs from across the miles. :)

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  8. Hope you are finding some rest after your busy week, moving IS exhausting! Thank you for your words today...God is bigger than the boogeyman! Blessings to you Sharon ♥

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  9. Stopping by as your neighbor on the #RaRaLinkup. Thanks for sharing this post- good to remember.

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  10. Your mama is one smart cookie...and the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. Hmmm...cookies, apples...now I'm hungry! Seriously, old post, new post...who cares? It a good one and the best part is it's new to me!! Now, I hope you are getting some rest, sweet friend :)

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  11. Awesome! Love this post. I too can sometimes get discouraged by things, especially the condition of the world we live in-but Jesus has already won and we are on the winning side. I needed this reminder this morning.

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  12. Hi Sharon! "Out of the mouths of babes" right? As children we understand the strength of our fathers, and our Lord. As adults, we don't see it so clearly. I include myself in that. But I think you're really on to something when you say, it's up to us to make that decision to pay attention to evil, or to dismiss it with a prayer to Jesus, who already has the victory.

    Best of blessings on the move you're helping with. I TOTALLY gets harder as we age to do all that toting and carrying etc. Take care, and don't overdo!
    Thinking of you,
    Ceil

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  13. "We need to have a sober but, correct view of him and his power." I have been know to give him more power in my life than I should He loves to play mind games with me. Good stuff here.~~visiting from Intentional Tuesday

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  14. Nothing wrong with revamping a post and this one is a good one. Sometimes I think the enemy is too big when my circumstances are too scary. Then it's time to reflect on these awesome verses you include!

    I hope you get some much needed rest!
    Love,
    Mary

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  15. From the mouths of babes... And thank God, literally, for moms...

    Our enemy uses this flesh to steal souls. In this world we have troubles, but thanks to our Savior, He has overcome this world. And He's more powerful than the very sun itself and the cosmos that is sustained by Him.

    Excellent reminder. Glad you reposted this. I'm right there with you this week, sister.

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  16. This is such a good, and important, post! I totally agree with your two points. You are spot on, Sharon!

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  17. See? PERFECT! I never miss out when I come here--even if I'm late to the party. The timing of reading your posts and hearing the encouraging word I need in the moment is God's gift to me through you! Really needed to cut that fellow down just of late. Too much warfare as God is opening some exciting doors for us. Looking for that definitive POW--after God has strengthened us through the battle.
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  18. It's so hard to refocus our thoughts onto God, but I have found that making a list of blessings can help get my mind out of self-pity mode and back onto the truth.

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  19. I have had to put a lot of faith in God lately and He is faithful!! Thanks for the encouraging words! #JoyHopeLive

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  20. Thanks for faithfully linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday. You always encourage well!

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  21. This was an excellent post to revive and remind us that Jesus is greater, bigger, stronger, more powerful and HE is IN me. (and you.) Hope your son and daughter--in-love are getting settled in their new place and that you and hubby are getting some rest. Thank for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story..

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  22. Yeah! Story over overcoming the enemy. I love it. Your mom is wonderful.

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  23. I'm glad you reposted this, Sharon. Many of us missed it the first go-round anyway. POW against evil. Love it. :)

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  24. I want my superpower to be POWing Satan. Oh wait...Jesus is my superpower and his is the ultimate POW. Loved this, loved your mother's wisdom. Thankful I was your close neighbor at Everyday Jesus.

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  25. So glad you shared this again, Sharon! It was right on time for me. Hugs

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  26. As I read this I envisioned Satan as a two year old child, throwing a tantrum, kicking and screaming every time he doesn't get his way. Thank you for this reflection! Wishing you well!

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  27. I always say the best part of moving (which is a very stressful thing) is the packing and getting rid of stuff phase. That's when we get to see what we have (we often forget what we have) and decide if we really need it. Thanks for helping your family and I hope you can unwind now! Be blessed!

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  28. Spot on and encouraging as always Sharon

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  29. It's all about perspective, isn't it? Great reminder and story, Sharon. Thanks so much!

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  30. Love this, Sharon! I so agree with you, when we step back from the fray, and get a wider angle God-lens on things, it helps me keep my eyes on Jesus, and things of earth start to fade away...many blessings to you ❤️

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  31. I needed to read this today. Thank you for reposting and sharing it at Weekend Whispers.

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  32. Thanks for sharing with us at #JoyHopeLive!

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  33. Thanks for sharing your encouragement at Women With Intention Wednesdays! :)

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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