JUST A "SMALL" LEAK??

Saga.

"A long, involved story, account, or series of incidents."

And every good story starts with a single event, a seemingly innocuous incident that starts the ball rolling.

Like a snowflake starts an avalanche.

Like a water droplet starts a flood.

I have a good story for you.


It began a couple of weeks ago when my mother said to my brother and I...

"Can I show you something?"

Those words sound harmless enough, right?

But it occurs to me that they are ominously portentous – like saying to someone:

"Can we talk about something?"

So, my brother followed my mom into her bathroom area.

A few minutes later, I wandered in, only to meet my brother halfway.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Go look," he replied, with a rather grim expression on his face.

I poked my head into her bathroom, and instantly felt like I had entered a horror movie.

There were winged bugs all over her floor, all over her toilet, all over…

As I stood there aghast, my brother returned.

My mom's bathroom has a little window with shutters in front of it.

Shut shutters.

My brother and I knew we needed to look.  So we gingerly opened the shutters…

(If this was indeed a horror movie, this is the point when the audience starts screaming, "Don't open the shutters!  Don't do it!!)

Oh my.

A literal mound of bugs was heaped behind those shutters.  A hive of winged insects.  A pile of grossness.

And if there was a *queen* inside, she would have been the size of a baseball, I'm sure about that.  (Needless to say, we did NOT go looking for her...)

"What are those?" I whispered to my brother.

"I think they're termites."

Well, we *RAIDed* that pile, and cleaned up carcasses, and called a termite company.   They came out about a week later for an inspection.  And yup, Mom's house was infested.

Treatment Day was scheduled.

Fortunately, this company uses a non-toxic way to treat termites.  No tenting, no need for anyone to leave the house (though we did arrange for Mom to be gone for the day).

Treatment Day arrived.

So, this non-toxic method entailed drilling holes every foot around the entire perimeter of the house, down to the soil, treating every square inch of the attic and fascia board around the garage, and injecting an orange oil concoction into each hole.

The noise, the dust, the inconvenience, the disruption – feet in the attic, drills and hammers pounding, cement dust flying.

Ugh.

At one point, one of the workers said that he was having trouble drilling down to the soil in the patio.  His drill bit got stuck, and they were awaiting a new, longer one to arrive.

This is the point in the story where the plot twists…


Mid-morning my brother was called outside.  And then came back inside with one of "those" faces – oh no, bad news coming.

"We've had to turn off the water.  They hit a pipe somewhere, and there's a leak."

And so began a 58-hour ordeal.

We had to have the water turned off – except for momentary moments in order to wash hands, brush teeth, and use the restroom.  However, each time we did that, a fountain of water erupted in the patio, and poured out ($$$) all over!

At the mercy of the termite company, because repair work was now in their court, it was 48 hours until their plumber came.

He proceeded to jackhammer the patio to locate and cap the broken pipe.

Except he didn't.

Turns out this guy's "regular" job was heating and air conditioning.  And he only did plumbing "on the side."

So, after an hour of futile and destructive work, he informed me that he couldn't fix it.

Multiple phone calls ensued.

Miscommunication, delays, double-bookings, faulty promises – finally, a guy arrived at our house.  And worked for hours in a valiant effort to remedy our problem.

He did.

At the cost of removing drywall from several areas inside the house in an effort to locate the source of the leak.  And cutting and capping off pipes that compromised the water supply to downstairs.

Needless to say, we were grateful to have running water, finally, at 9:00 PM that night.

This saga is not yet done – as there are more calls and negotiations for leak-plugging, piping restoration, drywall repair, concrete re-pouring, patio re-tiling, etc.

But the whole experience showed me something…


One "small" incident can lead to a whole lot of suffering.

One "small" leak can be anything but…

Have you ever fooled yourself into thinking that a "small" sin is OK?

A fib.

A minor cheat.

A harmless flirtation.

A quick look.

A snap judgment.

I know you're like me (you are, right?!) – and I have been guilty of committing "small" sins, sins that I deemed innocuous, sins that hardly seemed worth the effort of thinking about.

Sins that could hardly be called sins.

Except…

Those sins were just the beginning – the first domino tipping over and starting a chain of events that tumbled out of control.

We humans are funny creatures.

And I think it's a temptation all in itself to *rank* our sins.  

Some are not-so-bad, some are oh-that-wasn't-so-good, and others are really-and-truly-terrible.

And when we are guilty of committing "little" sins, it's easy to dismiss them, to ignore them.

Until a "small" leak turns into a flood.

We must not be fooled.

Small leaks have a way of permeating our souls.  

Every sin costs something.

Consciences can be dulled, integrity can be jeopardized, honesty can be compromised, relationships can be broken, and trust can be demolished.

And more than anything, any kind of sin diminishes and threatens our relationship with God.

You see, in God's eyes, there is no ranking of sins.

There is only SIN – a fatal condition of the human heart.

Yes, sin manifests itself in a million different ways – a million different wrongdoings.

But God's holiness is perfect.

And it doesn't matter if we fall short by an inch or a trillion miles.

WE. ALL. FALL. SHORT.


Oh, dear ones, we cannot afford to be casual about the "small" sins.

We must be ruthless in our determination to find them and eliminate them in our single-minded pursuit of God.

But let us not be like the plumber who thought he could fix the problem himself, and couldn't, because he wasn't a professional.

We are like that – only amateurs in this sin business.

Therefore, we must allow, we must invite the Holy Spirit to do the work that only He can do.

He knows our hearts intimately, better than we do, and He is the only one who can stop the leaky "small" sins before they escalate into something bigger and more damaging.

It might take some jack-hammering, some digging behind walls, some exposing of hidden leaks, some capping off of pipelines that are the source of sinful behavior.

It might take some time, and it might be expensive, costly.

For it will involve dying to self.

But in the end, it's worth it.

Let LIVING WATER flow again!!

Oh Lord,
it seems I've sprung a leak,
I am not displaying
the holiness You seek.

So please search my heart
where sin doth lurk,
And let Your Holy Spirit
do His work.

***REMEMBER to check out DAILY GRATEFUL THOUGHTS here***

  
(Updated DAILY GRATEFUL WORDS, A WORD FROM THE WORD, A "MESSAGE" FROM GOD, and FOOD FOR THOUGHT can be found on the sidebar.  Thank you!)



(A lot of Scripture today, but let it have a *domino* effect in your heart!)


"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." (Romans 3:23, NLT)

"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." (James 2:10, NASB)

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)

"I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3, Berean Bible)

"You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God." (Hebrews 3:13, NLT)

"For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness – my sinful capacity].  For the willingness [to do good] is present in me, but the doing of good is not.  For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want…For I joyfully delight in the law of God in my inner self [with my new nature], but I see a different law and rule of action in the members of my body [in its appetites and desires], waging war against the law of my mind and subduing me and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is within my members.  Wretched and miserable man that I am!  Who will [rescue me and] set me free from this body of death [this corrupt, mortal existence]?  Thanks be to God [for my deliverance] through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:18-19, 22-25, AMP)

"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.  But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." (1 John 1:8-9, NLT)

"'The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?  But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives.'" (Jeremiah 17:9-10, NLT)

"Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10, AMP)

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God…Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry…In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.  But now you must put them all away…" (Colossians 3:2-3, 5, 7-8, ESV)                                   

"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." (James 1:21, NLT)

"We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives.  We are no longer slaves to sin." (Romans 6:6, NLT)

"I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)



Have you sprung a "small" sin leak?



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

PLEASE STOP TESTING ME

"Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3…"

I don't know about you, but to me one of the most annoying things is people testing audio systems.  It seems like they repeat this little mantra over and over again.

After the umpteenth time, I'm ready to shout, "Enough already!!  It's working!"

Another annoying phrase?

"Can you hear me now?"

OK, yes, I'll admit that this made for a pretty clever catchphrase for one particular wireless company.  But honestly, sometimes I feel like shouting back:

"YES!  I HEAR YOU!"

Now, if I've got to be perfectly honest, I sometimes feel like God is doing the same thing.  Sometimes it feels like God is saying to me, "Testing, testing, 85, 86, 87…Can you hear Me now?"

And I am sorely tempted to reply:

"Enough already!!  It's working!  I HEAR YOU!"

Sometimes I just get tired of feeling like my life is a series of spiritual tests.  Meted-out situations that try my faith, and make me feel like I'm constantly being evaluated.

Sometimes the tests are pop quizzes – and sometimes, they're hand-written, lengthy essay, this-will-determine-your-whole-grade final exams.

Can I get an amen?!

And sometimes I just get weary.  Overwhelmed.  Discouraged.

And honestly, maybe just a tad resentful at times??


So, this is what's on my mind today.

I'm in contact with a lot of you out there in Blog Land – some personally, and others through your writing.  And, I've got to admit, there's an awful lot of testing going on.  I have often found myself turning to the Lord and saying, "Lord, why?  This person has certainly had enough."

OK, now I’m remembering another irritating little phrase:

"Things come in threes."

Well, truthfully, in my life and in many of your lives, it seems like things come in batches of 103!

Like the incessant waves of the ocean, one thing after another seems to crash upon the already storm-churned shores of our lives.  And we are left breathless and gasping for air.

Another amen?!

So, today I want to probe this subject a bit.  I want to start by dissecting another phrase that bothers me.  It really bugs me when you're in the middle of some trial (or twenty) and people say something to the effect:

"Don't worry.  God won't give you more than you can handle."

Yes, sometimes people mean it sincerely, and it is a genuine way of expressing heartfelt sympathy.  But sometimes, hearing that makes me feel dismissed, invalidated, belittled.  Like I've received a very "nice" spiritual pat on the head and kick in the you-know-where.

"OK, I've done my duty…buh bye."

And more often than not, if I'm feeling like I am NOT handling the *it* – then I get to pile on a bunch of internal judgments.  Now I'm a crummy Christian, I have no faith, I'm caving in to the enemy, I'm weak…

Ya know???

So, first of all, I'd like to point out that this phrase is not an accurate quote.  Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God won't give us more than we can handle.  I believe this thought comes from a misinterpretation of this verse:

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)


You see, this verse is not talking about overwhelming circumstances or daunting situations.  It is talking about temptation.  And the promise is that God will not allow temptation to overtake us without Him providing a way to escape it.  Certainly our free will comes into play.  We can choose to fall into temptation.  But if we turn to Him, He will always give us an *escape route.*

The danger of believing the misquote is that if we are faced with trials that severely test us, and if we feel that we honestly cannot handle them – well, it's not a big leap to then think that God has somehow let us down by allowing this to happen.

"But Lord, You promised not to give me more than I can handle…and I can't handle this!"

Well, actually, the Lord did not promise that in Scripture.

But, He did promise something else.  

He promised to be with us in the testing, to give us His grace, strength, and faith to endure.

These verses:

"For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.  Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death.  But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.  He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.  On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again." (2 Corinthians 1:8-10, ESV)


I think God allows things in our lives that we can't handle all the time.

ALL. THE. TIME.

Think about it.  Moses' speech impediment was never cured.  Jacob's hip was never repaired.  Paul's "thorn" was never relieved.  Over and over God allows His people to experience situations that are humanly impossible so that He receives the glory.  

Life brings *stuff* that is much more than we can handle and that is the whole point! 

God's power shows up to see us through.  And, in every moment that we are tested, we are promised Someone who cares.

Now, yes, sometimes God allows tempting to come into our lives.  He even allowed Jesus to be tempted by Satan himself.  But, God is never the tempter.

"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one." 
(James 1:13, ESV)

So, testing can involve temptation, but more often than not, it's just the trials and travails of living that become crushing.


Here's my second train of thought.

Sometimes I am sorely tempted (!) to ask the Lord to stop testing me.  To maybe just cut me some slack.  To perhaps just leave me alone for a while so I can catch my spiritual breath.

Sometimes I can identify with Jonah.  Buy me a ticket on the next boat to Tarshish so I can run away from it all for a *life vacation.*  

"…hoping to escape from the LORD..." (Jonah 1:3, NLT)

I remember years ago when I returned to the Lord after a period of not following Him very closely.  I remember the great sense of forgiveness and redemption.  I remember the precious sense of renewed intimacy.

And I remember the underlying fear.

I felt like I had a target on my back.  For, when we desire to follow Jesus closely, we will find ourselves on the enemy's radar.  We become a threat, and he comes after us.

I knew that my renewed commitment to discipleship was going to come at a cost.  There would be testing.

Jesus knew this:

"'And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.  But don't begin until you count the cost.'" (Luke 14:27-28, NLT)

And though I feared the testing, I desired to follow Him more.


One thing that I have found greatly encouraging in the middle of everything is that testing is not without purpose.  God is not malicious, frivolous, or mean.  He does not derive vicarious enjoyment from our suffering.  He is not a bully.  Quite the opposite, in fact.

I believe that He grieves with our grief, cries at our tears, suffers our suffering, feels our pain, and empathizes with every weary bone in our bodies, every exhausting thought in our minds, and every sigh of discouragement in our souls.

He knows what we feel – for He listened to the cries of His Son.

Take this cup.

I thirst.

Why have You forsaken me?

And yet, there was something greater that God had in mind.


So, what are some things that testing accomplishes – what is its purpose in our lives?

This:

To develop perseverance and spiritual endurance.

To increase the virtue of patience.

To prove our character.

To teach us trusting obedience.

To demonstrate His power.

To infuse us with His strength.

To impart His peace.

To transform us into the image of His Son.

To teach us, instruct us, guide us.

To discipline us with love.

To deepen our faith.

To increase intimacy with us.

To open new channels of communication.

To experience His presence.

To comfort others in their suffering.

To allow us to identify with the suffering of Jesus.

To make us long for our eternal home.


So sure, sometimes I want to tell God, "Please stop testing me."

And yes, sometimes I turn to the skies and cry out from the depths of my heart:

"Enough already!!  It's working!  I HEAR YOU!"

And sometimes I think I desperately want God to leave me alone.

But at the same moment that my wearily-tested soul mutters, "Leave me be" – it is quickly followed by the deeper truth, "Please don't leave me."

And I realize once again that when I am tempted to tell God to leave me alone, I hear His unmistakable response:

"No, I love you too much."

In the fire,
I am refined...

And when He tests me,
I will come out
as pure as gold.

(LOTS OF SCRIPTURE THIS WEEK!  But it's all soooo good!  Be sure to check out the quote at the end):


"Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands." (Deuteronomy 8:2, NLT)

"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart." (Proverbs 17:3, NIV)

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts…and lead me along the path of everlasting life." 
(Psalm 139:23-24, NLT)

"Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness." (Psalm 26:2-3, NIV)

"'I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'" (Jeremiah 17:10, ESV)

"'Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.'" (Isaiah 48:10, NASB)

"'I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" (Zechariah 13:9, NLT)

"…he knows where I am going.  And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.  For I have stayed on God's paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.  I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food." (Job 23:10-12, NLT)

"But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.  For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps…" (1 Peter 2:20-21, NASB)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ." 
(2 Corinthians 1:3-5, NASB)

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us..." (Romans 5:3-5, NLT)

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, NASB)

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine.  It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.  So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:7, NLT)

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong." 
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ESV)



"We tend to interpret God's love by looking at our circumstances...Instead, we must allow the strong and secure love of God to become the lens through which we interpret everything that happens in our lives.  When we see our suffering through the lens of God's love, we see that our suffering has meaning and purpose.  And while we may never label the suffering as good, we have the consoling confidence that God is going to use it for our good and his glory.  The love of God supports us and sustains us."

-- Nancy Guthrie, The One Year Book of HOPE




Are you being severely tested?  What truths are you holding on to?



Linked with:

PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE MONDAYS, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, UNITE, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, TELL HIS STORY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SO MUCH AT HOME, BELOVED BREWS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAYS, EVERYDAY JESUS, HEARTS FOR HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, SHINE, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAYS, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, A GROUP LOOK, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, GRACE & TRUTH, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND BREW, RECOMMENDATION SATURDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Ready

"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: ready

What does the word ready mean to you?

How can we make ourselves ready to face the enemy?

What must we do to be ready for the Lord's coming?

Why is it so important to be ready for all circumstances in the Christian walk of faith?


Let me know what you think!!


"Stay alert!  [Be ready!]  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 
(1 Peter 5:8, NLT)

"And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see." 
(1 Peter 1:5, NLT)

"You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." (Matthew 24:44, NLT)

"They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good." (Titus 3:1, NLT)

"...you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.  And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it." (1 Peter 3:15, NLT)

"Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die...for the name of the Lord Jesus.'" (Acts 21:13, NIV)




DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


Many people brood over the unknown.  In their uncertainty they fall prey to anxiety and tension.  For the Christian believer there is a glorious truth...We know that [Jesus] is with us right now, leading us through life.  He also went to prepare a place for us in God's heavenly Kingdom...We will be with the Lord forever...hold on to the promises of Jesus...


*Through faith I know that You live and that I too will live eternally with you.


"For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the living and the dead."  (Romans 14:9, NIV)


(Devotional from: "Grace for Each Moment" Compiled by Kylie Munger from devotionals by Solly Ozrovech, c. 2008, Christian Art Gifts, RSA)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Resist

"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: resist

What does the word resist mean to you?

What are some things you resist doing for other people and/or the Lord?

Why do you think we resist God's leading and His ways?

What are some very practical ways we can resist the enemy?

*(Even though the verses about putting on the armor of God are AWESOME, I want to know what that armor looks like - for YOU!!)


Let me know what you think!!


"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." (Ephesians 6:13, NLT)

"Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 
(1 Peter 5:9, NLT)

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, ESV)



DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


Jesus and the Father are united as one, and those who believe are united with them.  The Resurrection is confirmation of these things...Life is new...Few Christians feel Resurrection power coursing through them, but according to the Word, we are one with the risen Lord...[That means] we walk through trials and tribulations with an ability to overcome them.  Today's troubles are tomorrow's trophies for those who are filled with God's Presence.  Recognize the power at work in you and choose to live in it.


*Enable me to live my life in Resurrection power.


(Devotional from: "The One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional" by Chris Tiegreen, c. 2011, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


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"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Alert

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: alert

What is the difference between being aware of something and being on the alert for it?

What things should a Christian be on the alert for?

Why do you think God calls us to be alert - why is it so important?


"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, NLT)

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." 
(1 Peter 1:13, NIV)

"Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." (Ephesians 6:18, NLT)


Let me know what you think!!            


DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:

"A miracle may make someone sit up and take notice, but it surely does not guarantee long-term change...A phrase has come down from this story (in Daniel) - "the handwriting on the wall" - to signify a final warning just before the end.  The prophets of Israel and Judah tried to interpret God's "handwriting" for their countrymen, with little success, and God used Babylon to punish them...They have ignored handwriting on the wall."


*God may use "handwriting on the wall" in a person's life to get their attention.


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


(Devotional: From "Meet the Bible" by Philip Yancey and Brenda Quinn, c. 2000, Zondervan Publishers)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SYLVIA, THE HOUSE ALARM

Our new home came with an alarm system.

Complete with a speaking voice.

I have named her Sylvia.

Yes, I have a curious need to name things.  Like my car, Eddie the Ford Explorer.

Most everything in my house is named.  The cigar store Indians are named.
All of the wooden bears in our collection are named.  And my stuffed animals?  Puh-leeze!  Of course they are all named!!

(A sampling?  I know you're curious...

Cigar Store Indian – Chief Standing Bull
Carved Bears – Woody Buzzcut
Stuffed Animals – Spidey the Adventurer)

So, one day as "The Hub" and I were leaving out the front door after arming the alarm, and listening to the disembodied alarm voice say:

"Armed away.  Exit now."

I answered:

"OK, OK.  We're leaving.  Wow, Sylvia is so strict."

Voila.

I have no idea how I came up with that name.  I'm thinking that "she" somehow conveyed it to me telepathically.

Sylvia is a lifesaver.

She alerts us if anyone tries to break in.  She lets us know if a window gets shattered.  She warns us of smoke, or open doors and windows.  She provides us safety and protection.

I got to thinking one day – wouldn't it be great if I had a *Sylvia* in my own life?

One of those little alarm systems that would alert me to the dangers in my life.


"Warning – Temptation approaching.  Walk away."

"Warning – Life struggle ahead.  Have faith."

"Warning – Sin lurking.  Steer clear."

"Warning – Incoming fear.  Stop, drop, and pray."


I'd like to have a little internal *beep* that alerted me to those times when I'm about to depart from the narrow way.

Actually, I do.

So do you.

As a believer, we have the BEST warning system available.

And it's not a disembodied, mechanical voice.

It's the Voice of a Person – the Advocate – the Helper – the Comforter – the Counselor – the Holy Spirit.

The challenge is to tune ourselves in to hearing His Voice.

This is my prayer.


Remember that old song "Day by Day" by Godspell??  (I'm severely dating myself here, I know):

Day by day, day by day
Oh, dear Lord, three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly, day by day.


Such good words.

Yes, He is always speaking to us.  Mostly in His still, small voice.  An inner prompting.  A gentle nudge.  A quiet word of advice.  

Discernment – that's what we need.  The spiritual "ears" to hear Him.

After all, He has a way of alerting us when the enemy tries to break in.  He lets us know if our faith is about to get shattered.  He warns us of sinful smoke, or when the doors and windows of our hearts are open to temptation.  

He provides us with safety and protection.

I'm gonna start listening more.  I want to hear Him.

Unmistakably.

He is the One who will keep me alert and armed.

Speak, O Holy Spirit, speak to me.

Armed and Dangerous

"Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you."  (2 Timothy 1:14)


How does the Holy Spirit speak to you?  How does He protect you?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

MARTY GETS GROUNDED

It's not what you think.

Marty did not get put in *time out* for being a bad beagle.  He is an adorable beagle…but he is a beagle.

Which means that he loves to smell, and he eats like a garbage disposer.

That accounts for the little *drama* that happened a couple of weeks ago.

Youngest son fell asleep one night, sound asleep – and evidently when the human's away, the beagle will play.

Marty found his way into a wastebasket and indulged himself in some used coffee grounds.

I'm sure he loved the taste of them, but they did not love him.

Son woke up to find Marty asleep next to…well, let's just say "recycled" coffee grounds and some dinner.

One quick call to the veterinary emergency room – and they were on their way.

***A piece of advice to all you dog owners out there:  Coffee and coffee grounds are very dangerous for dogs.  Just like chocolate.  And ingesting them should be treated like an emergency situation.***

So, guess who got the call at 10:45 PM – and guess who woke up out of a dead sleep to pray for one precious granddog…

Fortunately, the vet said Marty should be OK – after another round of induced "recycling" – and a dose of charcoal to soak up any remnants.

My son said that Marty returned home with a black snout.  And around 3 AM, he had another "recycling" episode, which he stepped in, and there were little charcoal Marty footprints all over the blankets on the couch.

Just like a toddler, huh?!

The next day, I called early in the morning to check on little Mr. Folger's.  My son said he didn't think it was possible for a beagle to look disheveled – but that was the best word to describe Marty.

A bit dazed, and disheveled.

I'm not sure what Marty was thinking – though I know what he was smelling.

Mmm, good to the last drop.

Maybe he was pondering the idea of starting a Pawbuck's – and wanted to sample the wares.  Or maybe he thought Canine Café au Lait sounded like a good idea at midnight.  (Furry frappuccino, perhaps?) 

Or maybe he wasn't thinking – he was just smelling.  A dog impelled by instinct to do something potentially dangerous.

Hmmm.

I'm wondering about the things that impel me to act in certain ways.

Like having to have the last word in arguments.  Or putting someone down because I'm secretly envious of them.  Or buying that something that I don't really need.  Or fibbing just a little to save face.

This list could go on and on – but then I'd be way too embarrassed.

The plain fact of the matter is that I am often compelled by my sin nature to do certain things.  And often, those things are not good for me.  Downright dangerous sometimes.

Paul understood:

"The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.  I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate.  But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.  So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  I want to do what is right, but I can't.  I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.  But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I love God's law with all my heart.  But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.  Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?" 
(from Romans 7)


I don't think I'm far off in saying that sin is my natural instinct – the thing that seems to impel me toward sinning.

I am attracted to the coffee grounds of life – even when they're not good for me – even when I know they're harmful.  I just can't help myself…

What a horrible dilemma!

Is there no hope?

Of course not!

"Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord." (from Romans 7) 


Yes, there is Someone who took me to the emergency room.

Someone who shed His blood so I could "recycle" all the bad stuff out – and then gave me a dose of Holy Spirit to deal with all the remnants.

Yeah, I might make some little black footprints here and there – but the threat has been taken care of.

The poison has been removed.  My life is no longer in danger.  

I have been surely rescued.

Now, if I could just learn to keep my snout out of the garbage!


Do you ever feel like a spiritual "split personality"?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

SOMETHING STINKS

On Monday, I talked about the little two-bedroom place that I lived in many years ago.

Lots of stories from the four years that I was there.

Including this one.

The house had no air conditioning, and I doubt very much if it was insulated. It was a very old little house.

And one summer, there was an oppressively hot heat wave. (Yes, I know – hot heat wave…but it was especially VERY hot!)

Inside the house, even with every window thrown wide open, it was probably about 85 or 90. We were slow-roasting.

Sleep wasn't easy to come by. Fits and starts, tossing and turning. Sweaty bodies, and feverish brows.

I had finally managed to doze off, when all of a sudden I heard the most horrific sounds right outside the bedroom window.

Unearthly sounds.

It took me a second to comprehend what was going on. It had to be a huge fight between two undetermined creatures from the animal kingdom.

A random "woof" identified one as a neighborhood dog. A second later, a random "whiff" identified the other one…

SKUNK!

Well, I sprung up to close those windows just as fast as I could – but it was too late. The smell had permeated every pore of my skin, and every chip of paint, and every loop of carpet…almost instantly.

The whole place stunk.

And was about 10 degrees hotter with everything shut up.

Let me tell you, you haven't lived until you've spent an entire night awake, slow-roasting in a bed of skunk odor marinade.

Stick a fork in me, I was done.

Next day we had to deal with the *carcass* – I was somewhat consoled when I realized that someone else was dealing with one very smelly dog.

Good lesson here.

Stinky sin stuff happens in our lives.

And it can happen very quickly.

Its disgusting odor can invade every part of our lives before we even know it.

No wonder the Bible encourages us, implores us, warns us to be on the alert for the devouring enemy. He's always looking for a fight.

Are we always looking to fight back?

I know I get a little complacent sometimes. I'm a little too clueless sometimes to the subtle ways he works his wiles.

But he is one stinky fellow.

And I have NO desire to let my white-as-snow (thank you, Lord) Robe of Righteousness get all smelly.

So, I'm putting on some armor today – suiting up for battle.

No skunky Satan for me.

How do fight against the stink of sin in your life? Are you winning?

Linked today with Joan at the GRACE CAFE

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

I was having lunch with a good friend the other day.

We were talking about the many ways that we're alike (poor thing – I don't envy any resemblance to some of my foibles…just sayin')

Especially in our thought life.

We talked about how we're always having this "running dialogue" in our heads – (another good friend calls it "the committee in her head") – and we're always analyzing things.

Oooo – some of my old English professors would be so proud. Remember way back in the good old days when they actually taught grammar? C’mon, it ain't that long ago…

Remember how we had to diagram sentences? Draw that line – place the subject on the line, and then put a slash, and then put the predicate (look it up if you don't remember!!). Then, there were all these little *offshoots* for adverbs and adjectives and the like.

Well, that's what I seem to do with my life.

I parse it.

OK, I'll give you a definition for that one (this is the general, not just grammar, definition):

Parse - To examine closely or subject to detailed analysis, especially by breaking up into components; To make sense of; comprehend

Yup, sounds just like what I do.

So, OK, a little self-analysis isn't entirely a bad thing. Other people run through their lives without thinking about anything they do or why they do it. That can be a trap, too!

But, here's the deal.

It's the danger of over-thinking.

Because, you see, I think the enemy is a real pro in that whole Battlefield of the Mind.

He has a lot of good tactics.

Yes, in my case, a full frontal attack is often effective. But not for long. You know why? Because I recognize it for what it is. An attack.

No, he's a (whole) lot more effective in the area of subtle subterfuge. He's very, very sneaky. And that's where he does his best (infernal) work in my life.

I'm always thinking (parsing). And I always think that what I think is coming from me. Does that make sense? My thoughts must be my thoughts because I think them, right?

However, I happen to think that there's a real Scriptural basis for the fact that Satan can wield some influence in our thought life. He can manipulate and twist and hint and turn and suggest thoughts. He can fan the flame of an errant notion, he can encourage a wayward inkling. He can lead an idea down the pathway to sin.

And, all too often, I let him.

Because I'm not on the alert.

When he comes to the door of my mind and knocks, I not only open the door – I very often invite him for a cup of coffee.

Sometimes he even gets a meal.

How ridiculous.

I don't open the real door of my house to many people. Few ever cross the threshold. So why am I so cavalier with my mind? Since when am I a full-service inn?

My friend and I had an interesting discussion about this.

And I determined that I need to be much more suspicious of my own thoughts. I need to be more diligent in what I allow myself to think. I must be aware of and vigilant over the enemy's wily ways.

Because, after all, there's really only one person knocking on my door that I care about. There's only one person that I desire to invite in. Only one person that I really want to move in, and dwell in my mind.

The Lord.

May He help me hold my errant thoughts captive – and stop them at the threshold before they sit down and make themselves at home.

I need to turn that "Open for Business" sign over…

Sorry.

"CLOSED TODAY"

How do you grapple with the errant thoughts in your mind?

Linked today with Joan at the GRACE CAFE

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"In the temptation of our Lord there was of course no question of morality. The devil's aim was to draw Him away from the path of dependence upon God, and specially to divert Him from the path which led to the Cross.

It was this also which brought such a terrible rebuke upon Peter when the Lord addressed him as "Satan". And when Satan asked to have Peter (as he had asked to have Job) it was his faith he sought to destroy.

...And with the memory of this before him no doubt it was that the apostle wrote the words, "Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom withstand stedfast in your faith" (1 Peter:8-9).

...he is called "the deceiver of the whole world"...he is represented as the leader in the great coming struggle between faith and unfaith, between the acknowledgement of God and the denial of Him...In his "devices" upon men the Satan of Scripture is the enemy, not of morals, but of faith.

...with the strongest and holiest of men "the whole armour of God" is the only sure defence against the attacks of Satan."

(From "The Silence of God" by Sir Robert Anderson, c. 1897)

"'Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail.'" (Luke 22:31-32, NLT)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"The true Christian is called to be a soldier and must behave as such from the day of his conversion to the day of his death. He is not meant to live a life of religious ease, indolence and security. He must never imagine for a moment that he can sleep and doze along the way to heaven, like one traveling in an easy carriage...

If the Bible is the rule of his faith and practice, he will find his course laid down very plainly in this matter. He must "fight."

With whom is the Christian soldier meant to fight?

...The principal fight of the Christian is with the world, the flesh and the devil. These are his never-dying foes. These are the three chief enemies against whom he must wage war. Unless he gets the victory over these three, all other victories are useless and vain.

...with a corrupted heart, a busy devil and an ensnaring world, he must either "fight" or be lost."

(From "Holiness" by J. C. Ryle, (1816-1900)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

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THE BIGGEST LIE

Satan.

Our adversary – our enemy.

He is the Father of Lies.

But I've been thinking – of all his lies, which one is the worst?

I used to think it was this one – There is no God.

I remember in college hearing the onslaught of scientific, philosophical, sociological arguments against the existence of God. I didn't buy into any of it.

However, there were moments in the secret places of my heart, when a small doubt would niggle its way in. Human, I think – I'm pretty sure that we've all had that thought cross our minds at some point…

It bothered me more when I was younger – maybe I hadn't yet amassed years of experience that told me otherwise.

So, I don't think that’s the enemy's worst lie.

I think the worst one is this.

God exists. But He isn't good, and He doesn't care.

That one is THE WORST.

Because that is the one that can fool us into moving away from God.

Satan lives in the shadows of doubt. He does his best work taking potshots from the dark. He's the worm in the apple that nibbles its way into the core of our hearts, and eats away at our trust, and begins to rot our faith.

If we listen.

That's the challenge – turning a deaf ear to his incessant lies.

Last year I posted something about his rambling.

I've re-tooled that post a little bit, and I'm going to re-share it with you today!

POLLY WANTS A CRACKER

I'm not exactly a bird lover...but I love a good bird story!

I was lucky enough to know four of my great-grandparents! My mom's dad's parents (did you follow along with that?!) were the sweetest people around. I loved visiting with them. Except for one thing...

They had a very mean parrot!!

Her name was Polly. Ordinarily, the image I think of when I hear the name Polly is, well...that wonderful old Hayley Mills movie "Pollyanna." Pollyanna was such a sweet, lovely young girl. I even looked up "Pollyanna" in the dictionary. Know what it said? A person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything. Yup, that's what I thought. So, this parrot, Polly, should have been a nice bird!

No way...

Think of the scary witch in "Snow White" - enough said!

My best recollections of Polly are how big she was, how pretty her colors were, and the words I inevitably heard the minute I walked in the front door: "Don't get near the cage!" I also remember my grandfather pulling me aside one time, and telling me his deepest secret - "It's OK. She doesn't like me, and I don't like her either!"

Then he winked at me...

I once asked my mom about the story behind this remark. Evidently, my grandfather and this parrot had a loooooong history. My grandfather was one of only two children in his family - the oldest of two brothers.

The parrot played favorites.

She LOVED Walter, the younger brother, and hated my grandfather. He told my mom that he couldn't understand it - he had never done anything to warrant such malice. Never teased her, never poked things at her, never said, "I really wanted a parakeet." It was just one of those things.

But, my grandfather had a VERY good reason for not liking Polly.

She was really a *stool pigeon* in disguise.

Growing up, that parrot would tattle on my grandfather. When he would try to sneak home late (which, knowing him, wasn't very often), Polly would squawk at the top of her little avian lungs, "Donald's home...Donald's home!" Yeah, you get the picture! Polly was an annoying, accusing, threatening, mean old parrot.

ON and ON and ON...

But, she was caged!

You know, the devil does the same thing. Rattling on and on those insidious messages – those cruel accusations – those self-defeating thoughts. He whispers, finagles, twists, pokes, and tangles. He never shuts up…

One night, when I couldn't fall asleep, God gave me a tremendous insight – and a picture came to my mind (Thank you, Holy Spirit!) - Satan is nothing more than a parrot squawking away on my shoulder!

What a glorious revelation!

It completely freed my spirit. The three mistakes we can make about the devil are these:

1) think he doesn't exist

2) underestimate him

3) give him more power than he has.

I have always been sort of afraid of Satan. But now, God has brought him *down to size.* He's just an annoying parrot on my shoulder - always accusing, threatening, and mean.

But, he is CAGED!

How did Jesus resist the devil?

He used Scripture!

• "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil...Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." (Ephesians 6:11, 13)

• "...hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil."

(Ephesians 6:16)

• "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

• "We capture [all] rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ."

(2 Corinthians 10:5)

• "Stand firm against [the devil], and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:9)

• "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." (Romans 16:20)

• "Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, 'It has come at last - salvation and power and the Kingdom of God, and the authority of his Christ...[Satan] the one who accuses them before our God day and night...[has been defeated] by the blood of the Lamb...'" (Revelation 12:10-11)

So when that mean old parrot, Satan, sits squawking on my shoulder, "Polly wants a cracker!" - I'm going to give him a little *bread of life!*

Take that, and BE QUIET!!!

How do you resist the devil and stop his squawking?

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"