Spiritual Warfare

But the fruit of the spirit is love, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and SELF-CONTROL. Against these there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Often times I have the love, the peace and all these things under control … except … the very last command … self-control. It comes in a form of discipline because of my ADD. I have to work really hard to keep my mind from going a million places. And because it’s hard … I am tempted to take the easy route and give up at times.

Do you struggle with self control? Disciplines issues?

If we have no self-control … our desires for pleasure and comfort will quickly become our master. This is a very dangerous place – for then this “unholy master of self” will lead us to sin and hinder our spiritual walk.

If our SPIRITUAL Self does not govern our physical self … Satan will move in and make strongholds in our life because of our lack of self-control.

The flesh wants what the flesh wants … so does the enemy.

We must constantly be on guard for areas in our life that can get out of balance. Too much or not enough of anything … can ruin us … just like a vine that can drown or starve from water.

Remember today … The enemy is at work to distract and discourage us. His methods of madness include condemnation and obstacles of the mind and flesh. He knows our weaknesses and will capitalize on the vulnerable places that render us weak.

The last thing the Devil wants us to do is become all that the Lord has created us to be. The last thing the Devil wants to happen is for us to walk in our destiny and fulfill all the kingdom initiatives the Father has for us to accomplish.

So today – be on guard – but pray for self-control in order to keep all areas of life in balance …. and put your mind on the Father.

HE has given us the HOLY SPIRIT to help us in all things. HE is the key to overcoming the flesh and living the life HE has called us to live.

“This I say then, WALK in the SPIRIT, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

We were just looking for a fun girl’s night out. Some lighthearted merriment and laughs to escape the winter blues; however, a misunderstanding quickly escalated into a night of embarrassment and humiliation for the four of us.

We misconstrued an invitation, thinking we were all invited to an event when that was not the case. Though we tried in every way to cooperate and diffuse the situation, Satan did everything in his power to heighten it. When I asked if they wanted us to leave, I was reassured no; but from there we were privy to a round of rules and regulations cited for our benefit.

I get rules are a necessity to life and maintaining order, but when rules, passions, ideals, and money get in the way of how people are treated, well….I have to wonder if the man-made rules are pleasing to God?

And then it happened….when I tried to explain we were there just for fun and had no intentions of stealing ideas….the church card was pulled out.

You know the card….the statement made insinuating you’ve done something wrong, and how could you because you go to church? It’s the churchy kind of statement laced with accusation and reeking with judgment?

It’s funny now that we sit back and have the whole picture, but it wasn’t funny the moment the offender threw the proverbial church card on the table.

I was new to this unjust trick from the pit, but one of my friends, a pastor’s wife, knew it well. On more than one occasion, she and her family have been slapped with this method of demeaning a person’s faith.

So how do we handle those who want to pull the “church card” whenever they feel threatened or offended?

First we recognize…..

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. Ephesian 6:12

The chaos of the moment was orchestrated by Satan, not man. I am grateful for this truth because I can walk away realizing “the blindsiding” was definitely a move by the dark side.

Second….

We choose to love and show grace in spite of all things. It doesn’t matter what was said or done, I can love regardless. And the reason I can is because I have a Father in heaven giving me the same grace and love.

Third….

Anytime you are known as a person of faith, you are going to be held to a higher standard so be on guard……don’t let the Lord down.

I sat there and prayed, “Lord, what would you have me do? You know our intentions were not evil, what should I do?”

Above the clatter of the moment HE whispered, take the blame, apologize, and show love.

Even when the church card is used by the world, going the extra mile in the kingdom of GOD is always worth the effort.

My friends and I did everything we could to remedy and handle the situation in a Christ like way. In fact we went out of our way to do the right thing.

So let me encourage you friends, don’t walk away and let the Devil have the victory….step up to the plate and take a slug at the accuser of your faith….knock him out for the kingdom and stand tall.

Leave the world no reason to doubt that you are….what you say you are.

And always remember this…….

Satan is in the confusion, the chaos, the presumptions, the miscommunication, the misunderstanding, the intensity, the bewilderment, the disappointment and the failed expectations.

But JESUS is always in the regret, the humility, the sincerity, the love, the forgiveness and the restoration.

Don’t let someone else’s bad response keep you from doing good. #livefreeThursday http://tinyurl.com/q5hodkd @suzanneeller

So honored to be linking up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday.