Greetings, Dear Friends,
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So share a story or insight, bless lots of people, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend.
NEW RELEASE!!!
I am very excited to announce the release of my newest book, "Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience in God's Heart for Justice."
Make my day and pick up a copy today! I believe the message of this book is an important word for women in our day. Follow the Amazon link below to get a look at my book:
Now on to my post...
Today I want to chat with you about the idea of walking around the traps the enemy sets for us. You know that scene in the movies when an unsuspecting person gets tricked into putting his fingerprints on a weapon? Recently I pondered the idea of how the enemy often does the same thing to us. He baits us to:
- Take the credit
- Take offense
- Grab for ourselves
- Grab hold of anger
- Open the door to gossip
- Open the door to discouragement
- Open the door to fear, doubt, and worry
He wants us to put our hands on things God never intended us to touch. Picture it. Something happens that knocks you off balance, and the enemy is right there, holding out a weapon of revenge or a choice word of reaction. Do you grab it and start swinging? Or maybe you've recently achieved a few great accomplishments and people are singing your praises. You are grateful that God would use you in such a way. And just when you least expect it, that enemy of yours holds out a license of pride and subtle arrogance. He tempts you to believe that life is good because you are good. Do you step into that trap? Or maybe you've endured one hardship after another and you wonder what else could go wrong. At just the right (or wrong) moment, there's a knock at your soul's door, and you know it's hopelessness. But you're tempted to answer because you feel hopeless.
Now imagine those same encounters where you step back, put your hands up, and declare, "I'm not touching that thing! You won't find my fingerprints on that bait! I'm not falling for the trap and I won't give in to defeat. I am made for better things!"
God is always stronger, always makes provision for our victory, and always provides a way out so we can stand in the battle.
First Corinthians 10:13 promises us that, no temptation has seized us except for what is common to man, and when we are tempted, He will provide a WAY OUT so we can stand up under it.
We never have to fall for the enemy's traps.
Isaiah 59:19 reminds us that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord shall raise up a standard against him.
Let's take it a step further. When faced with the temptation to grab hold of fear, may we put our hands on faith instead. When we are baited to take the credit or to think we are something when we're not, may our hands and our faces find the ground as we bow lower still and honor the God who saves us and lifts us up. When we are tempted to retaliate or hang on to un-forgiveness, may we cling to the Cross and remember once again all we've been forgiven. May our God see our fingerprints all over His promises!
The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah (Psalm 24:1-6).
Until next week~
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