In our mind's eye, there is so much in the world that is unseen. We think and ponder and wonder about a vast variety of situations / circumstances, not knowing what is true or what is real, but imagining we know. Our imagination becomes real and we only see that tiny realm.
We live in a darkened world.
Even as believers in Christ, we struggle to comprehend the Lord's presence with us.
Where do we think He is? Why do we fail to remember His guiding light is with us? Why do we let our minds overrule our hearts? Why do we forget God is only a word away - Help me Lord - and instead render His power useless?
We give in to the thoughts Satan imposes upon us.
We are aware of the Lord, but we fail to respond to Him. We respond instead to the evilness around us and settle our thinking on that.
Have we forgotten Jesus overcame the world of sin and death? (John 16:33) He brings us peace and we can have it too, but not by focusing on ourselves, our mindless thinking. We are like the disciples before Jesus' death when He proclaimed they would be scattered (John 16:32)
Fear moves us away. But Satan does not bring peace. There is no peace to be found in negative responses or thoughts.
Peace is found only through the One who truly cares, whose compassion and mercy is showered on His own. He prays for His children and He is glorified through them.
What glory will He obtain when His children turn away and scatter ...
Giving Up
qualities of God's character that should be reflected in us -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
Giving In
to qualities of Satan's character that should not be reflected in us -- jealousy, anger, dissension, backbiting, complaints, worry, envy, hatred and more (Galatians 5:19-21)?
We are given the commandment as believers:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6:5)
for "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." (John 10:10a)
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" Jesus tells us. (John 10:10b)
It is our choosing -- Abundant Living or Destructive Living
Peace and Life through Jesus
-- Staying close to Him at all times, even when most difficult, when thoughts carry us down blind alleys.
or Fear and Death through Satan
If we choose fear and destructive living, you needn't do anything. The path, ever widening, is before you.
If we choose peace and abundant living, then we must keep our every thought in check, ever mindful of the Lord's presence, seeking Him every time, in every situation, and be obedient to His call. (He) "will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy." (Psalm 16:11)
We live in a darkened world.
Even as believers in Christ, we struggle to comprehend the Lord's presence with us.
Where do we think He is? Why do we fail to remember His guiding light is with us? Why do we let our minds overrule our hearts? Why do we forget God is only a word away - Help me Lord - and instead render His power useless?
We give in to the thoughts Satan imposes upon us.
We are aware of the Lord, but we fail to respond to Him. We respond instead to the evilness around us and settle our thinking on that.
Have we forgotten Jesus overcame the world of sin and death? (John 16:33) He brings us peace and we can have it too, but not by focusing on ourselves, our mindless thinking. We are like the disciples before Jesus' death when He proclaimed they would be scattered (John 16:32)
Fear moves us away. But Satan does not bring peace. There is no peace to be found in negative responses or thoughts.
Peace is found only through the One who truly cares, whose compassion and mercy is showered on His own. He prays for His children and He is glorified through them.
What glory will He obtain when His children turn away and scatter ...
Giving Up
qualities of God's character that should be reflected in us -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
Giving In
to qualities of Satan's character that should not be reflected in us -- jealousy, anger, dissension, backbiting, complaints, worry, envy, hatred and more (Galatians 5:19-21)?
We are given the commandment as believers:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6:5)
for "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." (John 10:10a)
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" Jesus tells us. (John 10:10b)
It is our choosing -- Abundant Living or Destructive Living
Peace and Life through Jesus
-- Staying close to Him at all times, even when most difficult, when thoughts carry us down blind alleys.
or Fear and Death through Satan
If we choose fear and destructive living, you needn't do anything. The path, ever widening, is before you.
If we choose peace and abundant living, then we must keep our every thought in check, ever mindful of the Lord's presence, seeking Him every time, in every situation, and be obedient to His call. (He) "will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy." (Psalm 16:11)
(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
December 7, 2015
December 7, 2015
